Saying Goodbye To My Best Friend
I held his paw, and stroked behind his ear and told him he was a good dog as he took his last breath.
Anyone who has known me for a while, knows that I am in LOVE with my dog Baron.
He and I came together nearly 7 years ago on a lovely spring day, when a friend called and asked me to come up and see a litter of golden retriever puppies she had.
The mom had stopped nursing them and the family was going to Italy on vacation and had to find homes for all the puppies before they left. I already had two dogs and hesitated. She sent me photos and my friend Wayne said, "Do it, you'll never regret it."
So I went up to Bethany to check them out. They were all cute, but this one brut caught my eye. He followed me around and pulled on my shoelaces and he was fearless. His name was "Jackson." I thought about the other two dogs I had at home, then shrugged, and thought "always room for one more."
I picked up the little fuzzy puppy and put him on a blanket on the front passenger seat and he crawled over the console and put his head on my lap.
I fell in love with him right then and there.
When we got home Melissa, an Akita, and Remmy, a Pitlab, both looked at him like he would make a nice snack. My daughter said I could keep him if she could name him. I said, "Okay, go ahead."
She called him Baron von Saberwolfe, and that is who he became.
All the dogs soon settled in, often three on a couch while I worked.
The first time I brought him to the vet they asked for his birth date. I called my friend and when she said, "March 1," I knew that he and I were meant to be together. March 1 is my birthday too.
A couple of months later Melissa became ill. My daughter and Remmy stayed with her all night and she died of a heart attack (or something) in the morning.
And then there were two. Remmy wasn't socialized very well. He was afraid of people and would bark at everyone, so I couldn't take him with me when I went to Town Hall or anything, so Baron became my constant companion.
Remmy would stay home with my daughter, and Baron and I would take off in the car to make the rounds, delivering newspapers, visiting the fire marshal's office, going for walks. Everyone knew Baron.
Whenever we went to the Woodbridge Town Hall to see his buddy Lynne, he would get so excited, jump out of the car and run to the front doors then bound up the stairs and run into her office.
Jamie Vincent would always go into the closet and bring him a milk bone or two, or three during our visits and Sally at Town Hall kept a treat bag for him in her desk drawer.
Baron was awesome in so many ways, he potty trained himself on his first day home and never made a mess in the house in nearly 7 years. I could trust him to stay in the yard and walk without a leash.
The one thing Baron loved more than anything was playing with his large plastic play balls. Whenever he could get anyone to throw it for him, he was in his glory.
On Tuesday, I played with him a lot, tossing the ball, and watching him splash through the mud and ornamental grass trying to find it. ... but he always found it.
I gave him some dinner, let him out, tossed him a snack and went to Amity High for a meeting around 6:30 p.m.
When I got home at 9:45 p.m. I unlocked the door and was surprised that he wasn't barking or jumping up to see me.
I called his name, but he didn't come. I thought, did I leave him outside? No, I know I didn't.
I looked everywhere for him bathroom, bedrooms, livingroom on the couch, in the tub and I finally found him hiding under a desk in the dining room.
He was panting, and his stomach was as hard as a rock and distended. He looked pregnant. I called the emergency vet hospital and described his condition.
They told me that it sounded like bloat and it could kill him, bring him in immediately.
My best friend who usually ran out the door and jumped into the car could hardly walk. I couldn't pick him up by myself, the only way would have been to grab him around the stomach and that would have hurt him.
I called my brother, who just got off a 12 hour shift and said, Please come here NOW. The wait wasn't that long, but it seemed forever as Baron collapsed and lay down on the wet leaves.
Ron and I rolled him onto a blanket and lifted him into the car placing him on the back seat and I drove as fast as I could up to New Haven. Baron has always been stoic. If he's hurt, he doesn't complaint, but he let out a couple of yelps on the ride in. I knew my baby was in pain.
They brought a gurney out to get him inside the building, and he looked at me with those big brown eyes as if to say, "What's happening?"
I stayed with him as long as I could, but they asked me to stay in the waiting room while they worked on him.
The vet came upstairs a few times to update me. First to ask if I wanted them to do CPR because he looked like he was failing.
Then she said they had relieved some of the pressure and he was looking much better.
Then she had me come into an office where she put me on the phone with Kim McClure Brinton, a Bethany vet and trusted friend, who was on surgical call.
Kim talked me through what happened, and told me that his heart was irregular at that point the other vet said that blood was coming from the catheter tube they had in him.
Kim and I both cried over the phone and I said, "I have to let him go."
The vet brought me to him and the two techs left the room so we could be alone. He was under anesthesia, but I held his paw and told him what a good dog he was. I stroked behind his ears and kissed his head.
Then, when it was time the vet came in and gave him the needle. I held his paw, told him I loved him and stroked his head until he took his last breath.
After that I spent forever hugging him and saying goodbye.
My house is so empty now. His bed... the couch ... the back yard and all those plastic play balls that he loved so much. Nothing will ever be the same without him.
Anne Davis
6:53 am on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Oh my God, My heart breaks for you! I can't believe this, I'm crying for him and you right now. I'm so sorry for your loss, dear, dear Friend. I loved Baron, as you know. Everyone who met that wonderful big red pup, fell instantly in love with him. Pet Heaven has a new Angel, and it's Baron. You were the best MOM he could ask for. Let us remember all the fun with Baron, even the times he got sprayed in the mouth by the skunk, that loveable Baron! Take care my friend, and Take Care Terri.
Terri Miles
7:31 am on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Thank you Anne, he loved you too. and posing for your fire apparatus pictures.
Lisa Kaplan
6:59 am on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Dear Terri,
I am shocked and very sad about Baron!!!!! He was an wonderful dog!! Anyone who met him fell in love with him! HE had a GREAT life because of you, his mom!! My heart goes out to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There are no words to say that can make you feel better, this I am well aware!! But I do feel and understand your pain!
Much Love,
Lisa
Terri Miles
7:32 am on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Thanks Lisa, You were his favorite firegirl.
Jennifer
7:51 am on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
I dont know you or Baron but I feel your pain. It is so hard to lose a beloved dog! Stay strong and know that he was well loved and will be with you forever. I BELIEVE that as should you! Remember that you were meant to have him even for a short while and keep your heart open to give another beautiful animal a safe and happy home. God bless you and your family!
Alice D.
8:17 am on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
so sorry Terri...so sad! you were lucky to have had him in your life, and he was lucky to have had you too!
Jeanne
8:26 am on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Terri, I am so sad to hear that you have lost such a great and loyal friend! Jeanne
Diane
10:05 am on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Terri
So very sorry to hear about Baron. I know this is a difficult time but remember all the wonderful memories you have shared with him. You gave him a wonderful life and in return he gave you unconditional love. You were blessed, some people never get to experience that.
He is at the rainbow bridge will all our other beloved furry friends.
Hold on to the wonderful memories.
Be well
Diane
Terri Miles
10:31 am on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Thank you all. It's just not the same without him. Visiting Town Hall without him sliding on the floor behind me with Pat O'Sullivan encouraging him to take one more step til he gets to the clerk's office where his footing was steadier. ... it's going to take a long time to get used to being alone.
Sandra Duda Dunnigan
1:01 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Terri, Your story brought tears to my eyes. You have 7 years of wonderful memories to cherish for the rest of your life. My thoughts are with you. God Bless
James M. Zeoli
1:43 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Terri, the loss of Baron is a devastating shock and so very sad to lose your favorite companion. His visits to my office were always a pleasure. Just remember, when one door closes......another opens.
Terri Miles
2:11 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
He loved the Town Hall, except for the scary slippery floors, and everyone there. Thanks for always welcoming him.
Jenn McCulloch
2:09 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Thinking of you Terri! He sounds like a wonderful dog!
Nicole Ball
2:25 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
So sorry Terri... my heart is with you. What a sad and terrible experience. We are so lucky for the limited time we have with our pets. RIP Baron.
Miss Criss
2:34 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Sorry to hear this Terri! xoxo
Stan Ó Sandair
2:41 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
So sorry to hear this story, I know it must be heartbreaking. My dog is such a huge part of our family, I know we would be grief-stricken as well.
Kevin Stagg
3:45 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Terri,
I am so sorry about Baron! I only met him once, but I can tell he was a very special dog! So handsome, so sweet, and so loyal! I am sending you a book written by a friend of mine..."Clarice & Friends....How the Helped Mend the Hole in My Heart."
http://www.clariceandfriends.com I hope it will bring you some comfort and hope.
Kevin
Bridget Albert
5:30 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Terri
So sorry to learn of Barons passing. I too, have had to deal with bloat. Sometimes you can do everything right and it still happens. It is a very scary time and you cannot drive fast enough to get them help.
Know you had the very best in doctors and that Kim McClure Brinton would never steer you wrong.
Bev Hurteau
5:31 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Terri,
I'm also crying with you. It takes a long time to the emptyness, but you are so strong. Don't forget, when you're ready, there are alot of "lonely" dogs who await a loving mother. (And you both will be comforted). Call me and we'll talk, anytime.
Pam Landry
8:21 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Terri:
Those of us lucky enough to have "furry" best friends in our lives also know the agony of having to let them go. They give us so much joy and then, in the end, they break our hearts. What we share with them is so incredibly special. I know your pain all too well and am so sorry.
Terri Miles
8:21 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Thank you everyone. It's been a tough day, especially driving through all the familiar places without my buddy by my side. Stan and Kevin thank you. Bridget and Bev, I've known you both for so long and know you both treasure your dogs like I did Baron. Bridget, Kim was a huge comfort to me and so helpful when I had to make a decision. Bev, my house is so empty, there's no reason to come home anymore, but when I find him or her, I will welcome another dog into my home. I just hope that he or she is at least half as amazing as Baron. And will be as loved by the community as he was.
Larissa Watt
10:34 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
I am so sorry about your dog:-(
I included a link to an article about bloat to educate other dog owners:
http://www.critterchatter.com/health/142-bloat.html
Terri Miles
11:30 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Thanks Larissa,
I never knew, so I wasn't prepared for this. I hope that in some way my story will help prevent another family from suffering the same kind of loss.
Shelby Zold
11:53 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
I'm so sorry to hear about Baron, Terri. It's heartbreaking to lose a furry family member. Be well.
Greg
12:15 am on Thursday, January 26, 2012
My daughter and I met Baron at the High Plains Track last summer all she did was talk about him for weeks because he was a very nice dog. We cried when we read your story. We're sorry that you had to go through this. A lot of people will miss seeing him.
April Sundry
12:19 am on Thursday, January 26, 2012
I am happy that you stayed with Baron until the end. I know he could hear you and it made crossing over easier for him. What a beautiful boy he was. I'm praying for you and him. Your beautiful tribute made me cry.
Alex
7:27 am on Thursday, January 26, 2012
Nice tribute. I know all too well how heartbreaking it is. Life may never be the same but how lucky we (& pets) are for the time we have together. Sorry to you & Remmy for your loss & only time will help you both to heal.
Linda Sheehan
8:09 am on Thursday, January 26, 2012
Terri...so sorry for your loss. I still miss our Blackie who died last January. Hopefully, they are resting more peacefully now. Healing hugs. Linda
Erika Oliphant
2:49 pm on Thursday, January 26, 2012
Terri...so sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you. xo
Melissa Nicefaro
9:15 pm on Thursday, January 26, 2012
I'm so sorry, Terri.
Priscilla Lynn, owner PrisCo Consulting
9:17 am on Friday, January 27, 2012
Terri, I'm bawling my eyes out right now after just reading your Goodbye Baron story. So sorry to hear of your loss. I myself had a doggy emergency just this past Sunday, so reading the comments and the link provided by one person was helpful to me. I'll bet Baron is wagging his tag in doggy-heaven after seeing your beautiful eulogy and the heartfelt comments.
Terri Miles
9:25 am on Friday, January 27, 2012
Thank you Priscilla. He was everything to me. But, you said you also had an emergency... how's your dog?
Priscilla Lynn, owner PrisCo Consulting
10:54 am on Friday, January 27, 2012
Oh thanks for asking Terri. He seems OK now. I finally Googled 'seizures in Dachshunds' and found an amazing amount of helpful information and guidance for what to do in the event of another seizure.
Ryan
9:56 am on Saturday, January 28, 2012
Hi Terri,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. A few years ago, we went through a similarly devastating experience with our dachshund, Annie, who died after ingesting yeast, which can be fatal to dogs. My mom posted a tip sheet in various vets' offices to warn about the possible dangers of various foods that dogs can eat, such as chocolate, grapes, yeast, etc. It is absolutely horrible to watch a member of your family suffer like that. I am so sorry.
Terri Miles
2:54 pm on Saturday, January 28, 2012
Thank you Ryan,
It is amazing how many things you have to watch out for when you have a cat or dog. Things that cause seizures, or innocently tossing them a grape or sharing a snack that you're eating and wondering if you killed your dog. I've had many sleepless nights since I lost Baron, wondering "if I had wet his food down" "If I had skipped the meeting" would he still be with me? I'll never know, but one thing is for certain, I've lost my best friend and I don't know how long it will take for me to be myself again. I am trying to find a way to raise awareness of these problems that different breeds have and to help others in my situation to pay for a portion of the emergency vet bill which would hopefully take a little of the sting out of their tragedy.
Tom Kelly
12:13 pm on Friday, February 24, 2012
Terri -
I just read your touching story, and wanted to extend my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. One of the difficulties of having a pet is knowing that we will likely out live it, and, one day, be faced with it's loss. We all know that when we accept a pet into our lives. The thing to remember is that you provided the best life for Baron while he was alive. At least Baron died reasonable peacefully and didn't suffer much, and, you were able to be there with him when he passed - providing you with closure and piece of mind. The alternative, losing a pet or witnessing it suffer from a life-threatening injury would be devastating. Take some time to grieve your loss, and, when the time is right, go out and get another dog. It is what Baron would want. There is no other dog that can replace Baron. Baron will remain in your memory as Baron. Any new dog you bring into your home will be a completely new experience. Good luck!
Terri Miles
2:40 pm on Friday, February 24, 2012
Hi Tom
Thank you so much for taking the time to write. I still miss Baron terribly, but feel him everywhere I go. I have been scattering his ashes in his favorite places, and the other night he gave me the most beautiful sunset as I watched his ashed float away on the rocks where we always sat. I know it sounds crazy, but he insisted that I find a "black female dog" (just a strong gut feeling and a nudge on my face while I was driving or working.) He so wanted to take care of me, it was his job. that he found me the perfect companion for me. I was looking for an older dog, but I now have a 9 week old puppy, who has the personality that is perfect for a visiting/therapy dog.
I am preparing her for her job already and she is doing splendidly.
Funny how things work out. Come to my office hours at the High Plains Pavilion sometime and meet her.
Again, thank you so much for your kind words.
She will never Replace Baron, but she does fill the void.