There we were, thought everything was going swimmingly, I'd been up to Scotland, collected my 88 year old father and my younger son from Edinburgh University and brought them home to Cornwall, the Eriba had been issued with new wheel chocks to save the hand brake, all presents purchased and wrapped, all festive food loaded into the fridge ready for the big day then.....at 11.15 pm on Xmas eve one of our two German Shepherd dogs, Bella, died! Until about 9pm she had been fine, she came into the living room and plonked herself down in front of the wood burner, she then had some difficulty getting up as she followed SWMBO into the kitchen, where she collapsed, her breathing was laboured but she didn't seem to be in any pain, she was old, 12, which is a good age for a large dog, and we thought that she would probably be ok in the morning, but it quickly became obvious that she was dying, and she left us at 11.15 pm with all the family beside her.
So first thing tomorrow we will bury her in our top field where she loved to play. A sad start to Xmas but she didn't suffer and it was quick with all her loving family with her, I hope I go the same way!
Sorry if this has upset anyone but I needed to share, please all have a very merry Xmas and a very happy new year, looking forward to seeing you all at the Spring meet.

Chris

Oh Chris how very sad, one of the really hard things of living with and loving animals is loosing them. Bella will take some getting over - that's completely natural and real but when the pain and upset subsides (which it will do in time) then you will be left with lovely happy memories of the time you shared together.

Very best wishes to you and your family,

Steve and Angie.

How very sad, The consolation is she went that way not at the vet in that utterly heartbreaking moment we dog lovers all dread.

Really sorry for you all

Al

So sad Chris. We know how it feels.
Deep sympathy to you all.
Tony & Frances

Chris

So sorry to hear about Bella.

Sounds as if she had a good, happy life with fields to run in and a caring owner, but it always hits very hard, particularly at Christmas.

Charlie

It's so sad.But, she had a loving home with you so she was very lucky. So were you for knowing her.
Hugs to you and your wife.

Hi Chris, very sad to hear your news, hope you can still have a good Christmas and have happy memories. Some say it heals with time, I'm 63, we had a golden retreiver when I was very young and had her when we first moved into a house (as I lived in a caravan until I was 13) she passed away just after that, and I can still cry openly when I think of her, some 50 years later!

sorry to hear the sad news

Chris, Really sorry to hear your sad news.All us dog lovers will know and dread that moment.Our dogs give us everything and expect very little in return.Unlike humans, they are always pleased to see us- what you see and get from them is real. Your happy memories of her will be with you forever.

So very sorry to hear of your sad loss, our pals are so missed when they leave us. Xxxx

Very sad for you especially at Christmas.

Take care



Anne and Ian

Sorry to hear this sad news and how nice a way to go, never easy no matter what age, out heads say one thing and out heart another, all dog owners can understand the range of emotion as they are part of our family. Thoughts with you all.

Peaceful journey over rainbow bridge Bella.

Know how you feel. We lost our Wolf at the end of October. And your dog was clearly well loved and well cared for.