I've read so many of these posts with tear-filled eyes, hugging my babies tight and dreading this moment. On Thursday, May 10th we unexpectedly lost our Rags after 10 years. He began not finishing his meals and seeming a little lethargic. The vet said he was anemic, but all blood work was fine. A scan revealed rumors on his spleen and surgery was scheduled for the 11th. Because he kept throwing up and began refusing to eat (except ham!) the vet said to do the surgery Thursday afternoon. So we dropped him off and they whisked him away, we did not do a thorough goodbye as we were assured he was a good candidate for surgery with strong heart and lungs. Just two hours later the vet called to say he didn't make it. I panicked and didn't know what to do. He said the tumors were on his liver as well and as he was about to call us Rags' heart stopped. 25 minutes of compressions and direct injections couldn't get it going. I don't know how this happened. My husband and I had to go see his little body to say good-bye. My heart is broken. It took absolutely everything for my husband to leave his body. We spent the entire night on the couch numb, crying.
Our house feels so empty we don't know what to do. At every turn there is a reminder of him, his bowl, leash, toys. He was such a noisy, active guy and his little sister is so quiet the house feels empty. Rosie is heartbroken as well and looks for him every time we come home. The first day we left her alone the neighbors said she cried and barked all day, something they never heard before. We love Rosie very much and are so grateful to still have her, but something felt different with him. Rags seemed to have a deeper connection and understand more. Maybe this is due to my husband getting him at 8 weeks as opposed to 1 year old with Rosie.
We are so sad and angry because he was taken too soon. He was still active and jumping up on his lawn chair to sunbathe that very morning. My mind will not believe that he is gone. I can't even stand to look at a picture of him as it is too painful. It seems as though no one quite understands the magnitude of this loss and I knew those here would. He was truly the love of our life and our baby. I still can't imagine not being able to cuddle him, smell him, kiss his floppy face or hear all his wonderful noises. Thanks so much for reading. He was truly a special pug and I don't think my heart will ever fully heal.
Replies
kenv (about 1 year ago)
I am truly sorry for your loss. These little guys are just as much a part of our families as any human member, & it hurts just as much to lose one. I will say a prayer for you & your dear departed baby.
Ken
JanandSass (about 1 year ago)
I am so sorry for the loss of your precious baby. We had this exact same experience a few years ago - a beautiful little girl - she was a shi-tzu/bichon cross, lively and smart! She too began being a bit lethargic on the mornings, and suddenly one morning could not keep down even her water - took her in and they found a tumour on her liver. It is so hard to go through - especially when it is so unexpected, and she was only 10 years old too. The grieving process is so hard, and still hurts to think about it after five years. It is so bizarre the similarities in the situation! We are sending you hugs and prayers at this difficult time. I also pray that you will eventually find another fur baby to love, although they are all unique and you can never replace your heart baby.
docand (about 1 year ago)
We are so very, very, sorry. Most of us "Pug People", know what it's like to have our pugs pass over the rainbow bridge. Like being human, along with life comes death and we can do nothing about it. My Gretta, passed at the age of nine. This is way to young for a pug, but she was suffering and I know that now she isn't, and it's o.k. We all feel for you and your loss and some of us will also shed a tear, remembering what we went through when our Pug Babies passed. We can only pray for you and Rags, and for joy to replace the sorrow when you think of the memories that you have of Rags. God Bless You, for the love and care that you gave him.............Doc and Lexi
Rita (about 1 year ago)
I am so sorry for our loss, it is hard to lose one of our babies and that is what they are is our babies. Sending prayers to you. Rita and Zena
Rita (about 1 year ago)
I am so sorry for our loss, it is hard to lose one of our babies and that is what they are is our babies. Sending prayers to you. Rita and Zena
elgor (about 1 year ago)
I am so sorry for your loss ... RIP Rags!
I lost my beloved cat, Bailey, in 2007, to cancer. I still miss him - he was amazing!
We got Zoe in 2008 - 5 months after we lost Bailey. I never knew I could love a dog so much. I guess that is why we have four pugs in such a short time!
Prayers and Hugs ~ Ellen, Zoe, Peyton, Webster & Liberty
three_cute (about 1 year ago)
I am so sorry for you loss! My heart hurt when I was reading your story and made me want to run home and give our three piggies a hug and kiss. Pugs have such a way of getting inside our hearts and lives. They are the most special little dogs. I know it is hard for you cos we also lost a little minpin 3 years ago to the same ailment. Thats when we got our first rescue pug...and of course now have three who actually rescued us!! Sending a heartfelt hug your way...deb and kids
KatB (about 1 year ago)
Oh Colemattson, I am so sorry to hear about Rags. I understand your grief. Poor little man. I am just so sorry. I know it's hard right now. But know that Rags will always be with you. He's in your heart always. Sending prayer to you.
fiko15 (about 1 year ago)
Rest in peace to your little puggy ;( i am so sorry for your lost, hope you folks stay strong... now he's your little guardian dog
vinknee (about 1 year ago)
Sorry for your loss. You did the best you could as a parent! You have a right to grief and ask why? We pray for you and Rags, may the memories live on...Vinknee, Luigi and Lucia
Sylvia (about 1 year ago)
Heartfelt condolences to you on your loss of your little mate. No words quite express what i wish to say, but please know that we here at Pugspot know your loss and are thinking of you at this time. Many of us have also lost our fur babies, it really hurts when it comes so quickly and unexpected. Hoping each day will get a little better. R.I.P. Rags.xxxx
Frankie2009 (about 1 year ago)
Oh no....I really really hate reading things like this. I wish no one had to deal with it. I am sorry for what happened. Frankie and his humans staff, are sending our love and support.
Mom2Pugs (about 1 year ago)
Colemattson, I am so very sorry for your loss. I know losing a pet is the same as losing a family member. I will send a prayer of comfort for you and your family at this time. Hang on to the memories of the good times to get you through this tuff time. Sending you and your family big pug hugs Marti.
rumccormick (about 1 year ago)
I am so very sorry and I am thinking of you.
KatrionaSolas (about 1 year ago)
I have to say this to you! I've lost a few very best friends of my own. I am going to say this from experience and please don't think I'm telling you to forget about Rags. I'm not and in fact I'm telling you something that's far from that. From my experience when I lose a friend the only thing that ever helps heal my heartache is a new friend. I lost my best buddy that I'd had for 19 years! I cried every single day without him until my husband loaded me into our van and took me to a surprise place where puppies were running around on the floor and one of them chose me! It's so hard to cry when there's a little puppy running around pulling their little antics! I also believe that those who sit and cry and stay depressed about the loss of a friend are in a way being selfish! There are so many dogs and cats that need a loving home! To keep that love stowed away in your heart when it should be shared with them is awful. Please share that love with a baby who needs you! and PLEASE don't take this post wrong. I AM trying to help.
Keith@Kathy (about 1 year ago)
Dear Colemattson, Kathy and I share the grief of your loss because 6 months ago, we lost our sweet Abby when she suddenly died at the age of five. Oh how our hearts ached and even now, we just don't go there to that place of grief. Strength for us was in knowing that the Creator loves Hi turin miracle photograph s creation and although not Bibical, we have hope of a heavenly reunion
someday. Thoughts and prayers heading your way, Rags was certainly blessed to be in such loving and caring family as yours.
Keith@Kathy (about 1 year ago)
Edit: was supposed to say " knowing that the Creator loves His creation and although" My finger slipped on my tablet.
KatrionaSolas (about 1 year ago)
I am also hurting for your loss. I lost a best-friend a few years ago. He was a wolf-hybrid that I'd gotten when he was only 8 weeks old. He was with me for 19 blessed years! His name is Cujo! We chose to let him pass away at home rather than have him put to sleep. His kidneys gave out on him. Our vet gave us pain med to take care of him at home with. So he was not in any pain. I slept on the couch and he slept on the floor beside me. I sensed when it was his time to go. I had also been feeding and watering him with a turkey baster. He wasn't hungry or thirsty. I got on the floor with him and I kissed him all over his face and I told him that he could let go because it was his time to go. I would be alright and I would see him soon. He was looking into my eyes and he took a deep breath in. When he let out his breath he was gone. It was that quick when he left. I had him cremated and I have a beautiful floral box that he is in and he is right here with me on my desk. His photos are still all over the home and we refer to him as Grandpa Cujo. We still love him very much. Two months after he passed I got my service dog, Vermin. But I cried every day until then because I missed Cujo so much! When Vermin came to me he healed a huge hole in my heart! It's so hard to be unhappy when there is a little puppy running around performing it's crazy cute little antics! My husband had loaded me into our van and wouldn't tell me where we were going. I got to an apartment where there were all these little puppies running around and playing with each other! Vermin chose ME! Not the other way around. LOL We also had our little pug, Tankster at the time. Unfortunately this is another sad story I'll share about him . He got into a fight with my service dog when my husband was laid off thanks to the slow economy. His eye was damaged and had to be removed or infection would have set in. It was a $600 surgery and we didn't have it at the time. The Colorado Pug Rescue was recommended to me for help. I spoke with a lady there who told me that he would get his surgery, be taken to a foster home until someone wanted to adopt him and they would check out the future owner and home very carefully. She said that we could call to check on him anytime we wanted to. After they came to pick him up we called twice and after that she wouldn't take my calls or answer my emails! I even tried their facebook group. She put her email addie in there (probably just to save face) and I wrote over and over again and still received no answer. I posted to ask if she'd made a mistake in the email addie and I received no return comment! Then I spoke with the gentleman who schedules many of their events. He said that he thought he remembered a pug named Tankster who had one eye missing and if it was the same dog he'd been sold at an even called Pugs In The Park!!! That is NOT our idea of checking out the future homes carefully!!! I got myself booted from their facebook page when I posted that I would NEVER trust that woman with another pet again! They felt like I had bashed their whole organization when I said that! I have NOTHING AT ALL against their organization. It was the woman in charge who lied to us! Not the whole organization. At Tankster's age they were able to sell him for $300!!! Their vets. do things for them for free most of the time! Because it's a charity organization. So for them Tankster was $300 in the bank! We are searching and searching for him because we are still crying because we miss him SO much! If we knew he was in a good home it would help us so much. But we want to let whomever has him know that if they EVER can't keep him to bring him home to us and not take him back to that shelter! We were his only home for five years! He was a daddy's boy too. When Lonnie (my husband) went to bed Tankster went with him and Tankster slept on Lonnie's chest. He'd also stay in my hubby's lap all night and they'd watch TV together. I could put a YouTube video on with puppy's playing on it and Tankster would sit with HEADPHONES on his head and watch that video. He'd never turn his eyes away and when the video stopped he'd cry for me to restart it!!! He was so funny and so much fun! Every morning he'd give his little good morning howl! He turned his lips into a perfectly shaped little 'O' and howl his good morning. He also knew how to say "I love you"! I feel like that woman really took advantage of us. She also said she had to offer us a dollar for him. I told her I couldn't accept it and I put it back into her hand. Someone in their group said that I was lying because no rescue org would offer anybody money for a pet! But as God is my witness that IS what she did! When I handed it back to her I told her to consider it a donation! So that's actually how and why I've joined this group!!! All of this took place last 4th of July weekend and we've been actively searching for Tankster ever since then! He's just one little guy in a whole big city area of Denver Colorado! He was picked up by the Arvada Colorado branch! I've tried facebook an everything to find him. In the final phone call that she accepted from me she told me that in a few days Tankster's photo would be up on their site and he would be up for adoption and she told me to watch for his pic!!! I have checked, checked and rechecked and his photo has never been there!!! I know there are a LOT of good rescue people and good organizations. I just feel like this woman was not one of those. I know this might be sensitive information and someone here may have gotten a pug from that place. Please try to read this and look at the situation from our side of it. Please don't just dive down our throats. We are not the type of people who turn our backs on a family member because they become an inconvenience! It seems to me that people would be glad to know that we are not that type of peoples'. We had no choice with Tankster! He would have died without that surgery! But selling him in the park was NOT checking out his future owners and home! I don't even know if he's still in Colorado anymore! But I will NOT give up looking for him! That's just not going to happen with us! We'll search our whole lives if we have to. We LOVE him! He IS our baby! I have four photos of him uploaded to this site as Tankster Headley. That's his name. It may have been changed but after five years I KNOW he'll still answer to Tankster and I KNOW he'll know the sound of mine and my husband's (especially daddy's) voice!
KatrionaSolas (about 1 year ago)
I know that was a long story I just posted. I didn't see anyplace to post it that would be any better than 'HeartBroken'. That is us without Tankster! or without knowing how Tankster is doing!
Sofezmom (about 1 year ago)
It always hurts my heart to hear one of us has lost a baby. No matter how old or how long they always are our babies. As they get older every little thing worries us but we never expect the worse. Praying for you at the loss of your sweet Rags....
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