Guest HeatherDemps Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 We unexpectedly had to let Dempsey go Thursday night around 1:00am. When I came home from work, he couldn't stand well on his own. It quickly deteriorated to the point where he could not stand or move his back legs. An x-ray of the spine as well as the back legs did not show any obvious problems. Any treatment we would have tried would have involved him staying in ICU at least a couple of days at the bare minimum. He was so, so scared there and had already been through so much with the osteo, amputation, chemo, etc. He made it through ICU then but hated it. Knowing that it was in his best interests then got me through that. I knew the other night that if I tried to have him treated further it would be about me and not about him. When Dempsey was diagnosed with osteo, I promised him that I would always make decisions based on his best interests and his needs, never out of my own selfish wants. No matter how much I'd want him to stay with me, I had told him that I would make the decision to let him go when the time came and let him die with dignity. I kept my promised. When I made the decision, a very serene and peaceful feeling came over my body. I stayed so calm until I knew the first shot was taking effect and then I just sobbed and sobbed. I saw the life leave my sweet boy's eyes and I couldn't stand it. It's so unnatural to let someone end my Dempsey's life, even when I know it was best for him. Like most people in this situation, I'm second guessing myself and wondering "what if". I know that no matter what the cause was of his medical problems, there would not have been a quick, easy solution. And there wouldn't have been a guarantee that he would have gone right back to his normal capabilities. With not having both front legs and being 12 1/2, I don't think he could have managed any loss of strength in the remaining legs. I try to remind myself that I have always known in my heart what was best for Dempsey and done that. I should know that this time was no different either, except I no longer have him with me and my heart feels like it is shattered into a million little pieces. I can't stand to be here in my house with all the reminders, yet I can't stand to be where there are none. We were so blessed to have Dempsey in our lives for 9 1/2 years and so blessed to have had him with us 8 months after his osteo diagnosis. I wish I had the words to honor him now the way he deserved. Dempsey was the first pet I got as an adult and my relationship with him lasted longer than any relationship I've had with a human. He was with me through graduate school, losses and other heartaches, starting my first job, buying our first house, getting married- and he was an important part of each and every day of my life. Dempsey I love you so much. It kills me not to have you here with me but I know you are in a better place, waiting for me. You are whole again, in no pain, and you have no fear. I know you don't blame me for letting you go and I know I'll see you again someday. In the meantime, run free sweet baby, play hard, and hog the couch all to yourself like you did here at home. I love you forever Dempsey. Heather Dempsey (Dewey Fine Line) March 6, 1996 - August 28, 2008 Never forgotten, always loved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest loveagrey Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 I'm so terribly sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greyhound1 Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tornadosgirl Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 My sympathies got out to you. Goodbye Dempsey... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greyt2love Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 I'm so very sorry. Be at peace, Dempsey, whole andd pain-free, sweetheart ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gazehund Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 There are no words. I am so very sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aerosmom Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 I'm so sorry to read about Dempsey. It's so very hard to lose them. :grouphug Quote Aero: http://www.greyhound-data.com/d?d=kees+uncatchable; our bridge angel (1/04/02-8/2/07) Snickers; our bridge angel (1/04/02-2/29/08) Cricket; Kanga Roo: oops girl 5/26/07; Doctor Thunder http://www.greyhound-data.com/d?z=P_31Oj&a...&birthland= Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fsugrad Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 I am so sorry for the loss of your precious Dempsey. He was a handsome and courageous boy. Quote Rita, mom to Dakota (Dakotas Dream) & Wish (Kiowa Wish Wish) and my angels Toby (Sol Marcus) and Robin (Greys Robin Hood) Forever missing our beloved Robin and Toby "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." Anatole France Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grey14me Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet, brave boy Quote Michelle...forever missing her girls, Holly 5/22/99-9/13/10 and Bailey 8/1/93-7/11/05 Religion is the smile on a dog...Edie Brickell Wag more, bark less :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies_Dad Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 I am very sorry for your loss, Dempsey was a beauty and a fighter. To have gone through all he did and come back to you the first time shows his spirit and courage. You were there with him until the end and you had his interests at heart, that is all he would have asked of you...run free Dempsey. Quote Kyle with Stewie ('Super C Ledoux, Super C Sampson x Sing It Blondie) and forever missing my three angels, Jack ('Roy Jack', Greys Flambeau x Miss Cobblepot) and Charlie ('CTR Midas Touch', Leo's Midas x Hallo Argentina) and Shelby ('Shari's Hooty', Flying Viper x Shari Carusi) running free across the bridge. Gus an coinnich sinn a'rithist my boys and little girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest redreed Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 I'm so very sorry for your loss!!!! It's so hard to lose such a good friend, even when we know it's time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Pipi5 Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 Oh this hurts my heart. I am so sorry..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PattyE Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 I'm so sorry. Quote Patty, Mom to Jaxson 5/12/2017 Forever in my heart: Joey 11/01/2007 to 12/06/2018, Scout 11/19/2005 to 07/15/15 and Jack 01/03/2004 to 06/11/2011 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaliforniaGreys Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 I am so so sorry. In the short time I've been on here, I always felt your love for Dempsey. You are in my prayers and God speed Dempsey Quote Missing my little Misty who took a huge piece of my heart with her on 5/2/09, and Ekko, on 6/28/12 For the sick, the lost, and the homeless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZoomDoggy Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 What a beautiful boy. I am very sorry for your loss. Quote ~Aimee, with Flower, Alan, Queenie, & Spodee Odee! And forever in my heart: Tipper, Sissy, Chancy, Marla, Dazzle, Alimony, and Boo. This list is too damned long. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Spiff Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 (edited) :f_white :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug Edited August 29, 2008 by Spiff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PiagetsMom Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 I'm so sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jerrybird Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 God reached out and touched him with his hand. Dempsey was always a favorite of mine and we were all pulling for him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweetdogs Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 I'm so sorry for your loss of Dempsey. He was so fortunate to be so loved. Godspeed! Quote Deirdre with Conor (Daring Pocobueno), Keeva (Kiowa Mimi Mona), & kittehs Gemma & robthomas. Our beloved angels Faolin & Liath, & kittehs Mona & Caesar. Remembering Bobby, Doc McCoy, & Chip McGrath. "He feeds you, pets you, adores you, collects your poop in a bag. There's only one explanation: you are a hairy little god." Nick Galifinakis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Naty Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 I'm so sorry, Heather. He's in the company of all the bridge angels. I wish you comfort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PeteysMom Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest boondog Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 I'm so sorry. You did what was best for him and he passed on knowing how much he was loved. Run free, Dempsey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nyGreys Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 I am so very sorry for your loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BradyzMommy Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 I am so very sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tenderhearts Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 He will always be in your heart. I am so sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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