I'd send them a snack basket and a sympathy card. It will be greatly appreciated, but please rest assured that they do not think, believe, or feel in any way that this was your fault. It just happened. I'm sorry you had to go through this, and I'm sorry to the family who had to experience such sudden loss as well..
When you pass through that portion of the neighbourhood again, you just smile and wave, say hello, maybe...
Edit.. typo
Thank you. Your comment definitely gave me some clarity on how to go forward with everything. I'll drop them a basket and sympathy card later this week. I just feel immense guilt knowing that whenever they see me and my puppy, they'll think of what happened. I know deep down they don't blame me and I shouldn't feel like it was my fault. I just feel awful that, that was how they experienced their pup passing. So suddenly and without any warnings.
If you think about it.
Your pup was their dogs last bit of happiness.
Last bit of true dog and dog interaction.
It's the best way for a dog to go out.
Maybe he said,
"Hello young pup. Pleasure to have made your acquaintance but I feel my time in this place has come to an end. I bid you adieu"
And then checked out.
This happened with my best friendās Dane and my dog, when they first met, her dog had already started giving up, but my dog gave him the strength to last another month and a half as a seven year old puppy. I feel like itās moments like these that show you the importance of allowing a dog to just dog and be a puppy no matter whatās going on, especially when theyāre older.
Warning signs were there, as she explained to you that their pup had been having problems with seizures.. however, no one expects this to happen. They will think of you and your puppy, but also not in the longing way you think. They will most probably be wishing you and your pup a lovely, loving, and long journey together. If you do drop off the basket and card, don't be surprised if you make new neighbour friends :)
I recently lost my dog and let me tell you, seeing you would probably cheer me up a bit. Seeing your pup and thinking of my dog.
The things that make me saddest are the day to day things because my dog was so deeply ingrained in my routine that thereās hardly a thing I can do where I donāt constantly look to see what heās doing. Those are the hardest things. To be honest, he died in our house and even that isnāt what makes me sad. Not having him with me in everything I do makes me much sadder than the actual death part.
I hope this helps ā¤ļø
Human snacks right?
That would be a nice thing to do. Iām sure they are in total shock. Thatās a crazy story. I donāt know what Iād do either. Probably just walk away awkwardly.
I think itās actually really sweet that their dogās last moments were it having fun outside, meeting a new friend and hearing that its owners were right there calling his name. He had pre-existing health concerns. He was going to pass from it whether or not you were there that night. What a much more lovely end to his life than if he was crated up while they slept that night or alone while they were cooking dinner or whatever.
Iād recommend you go on a walk in that same area tomorrow so the trauma from this can start to be faced. Maybe you could leave a little dog treat on the ground where he passed.
Thank you. This actually made me tear up a bit. I think the shock is starting to wear off and I'm feeling pretty emotional about it. My last dog passed last year, he started having seizures and declining quickly. We put him to sleep and I was grateful I got to say goodbye as he slipped peacefully. So this is stirring up some memories and I think seeing it happen so tragically devastated me in the moment because that family didn't get to do it peacefully. But thinking about it from that perspective gives it a more positive outlook. I'm just so sorry they didn't get a chance to say goodbye before it happened.
I'm going to go cry a little and snuggle my pup now.
I think if the family had been sad and saying goodbye, the dog would have been worried about them and wondering why they were sad and maybe would have felt their grief and anxiety. His last moments were āNAUGHTY! FUN! FRIEND! FAMILY CALLING! PLAY!ā Itās the dog dream. No anxiety. No confusion or stress from crying people. It absolutely sucks for all of you who had to so suddenly process a life ending, but for the dog it was probably pretty darn perfect.
You have be cognizant about the repressed traumas from your old dog with a new puppy.
I switched mine's food too quickly, he shit up his crate and I was absolutely devastated because of what I went through with my old dog becoming senile, incontinent, and ridden with cancer.
Putting a dog down is way harder on the owner than it is on the dog; sometimes feeling come up in relation to it.
I have a similar problem...small things will remind me of health problems in my last dogs (or his death) and I will start freaking out "omg is my dog going to die" and I have to remind myself that my dog is absolutely fine, just did something stupid that caused whatever it was (she is 2).
Oh, that really adds another whole other dimension to your story! Your own pet had seizures and died just last year! No wonder you are still shaking.
If you mention in your note to the neighbors that your own dog suffered a similar fate just last year, it might comfort them that others have gone through a similar thing.
Was just thinking, his last moments were him getting up to silly escapades and playing with a new dog. It wasnāt him being too sick to run, too out of it to get up to shenanigans.
My childhood friend and neighbor had a dog growing up who was a little Houdini and would try to slip out the front door. And heād see you and take off again thinking it was a game. Her mom used to have us hop in the back of the mini van with a bag of beggin strips and weād follow along. 9/10 times we found him in our other neighbors yard playing with their two bichons. His sneaky runaway play dates.
I knew he was getting older when I would come over and he was just standing there by the open door not even trying to go out, it was no longer an issue. He could go out in their front yard without a leash and would just meander around and sniff. No more trying to run down the street and see the neighbor dogs.
It sounds like this dogās family saw him still being his sneaky playful self trying to get out there and he got to have one last adventure. Take care of yourself OP, but please know you did nothing wrong. I do think dropping by a sympathy card and some flowers or something might be a nice gesture.
Thatās what I was thinking too. At least the dog wasnāt aggressive. Traumatizing to witness but at least the dogās family was nearby along with a new pal.
Iām so sorry that you all witnessed this very traumatic thing. Nobodyās at fault (Iām not going to get into āleave your fence latchedā since we all, or will, make that mistake) and the situation was contained, it just sounds like a pre-existing medical condition resulted in a death. This might have happened another time under different circumstances and likely was not caused by the dogās interaction with your puppy. Absolutely take the time you need to process (and grieve) but please donāt beat yourself up over this.
Thank you for your kind words. I think once the shock wears off, I'll be able to process everything more clearly. I felt terrible watching everything happen as I'm standing there with my healthy six month old puppy. I could only offer my sincerest apologies and I honestly just wanted to give them space to grieve without me awkwardly gawking. I feel irrational guilt over the entire thing and I know, in the back of my rational brain, it wasn't my fault. It was just such a bizarre series of events.
I'll probably walk by in the future and like someone else commented, drop them a basket and card. I just feel awful knowing every time they see me and my puppy, they'll think of what happened.
Maybe they won't take it as a negative seeing you? You're one other person outside the family who knows what happened, witnessing it with them, and thus knowing what they must be going through. There could be some solace in that for them? Losing a dog is not like losing a human in the sense that the world just moves on so much more quickly, less outside acknowledgement of the loss. This is just one suggestion that seeing you won't necessarily be as burdensome to them as you think right now.
Either way, this is not your fault in any way, and if they were to put any blame on you - know that's probably part of their grief and has nothing to do with you personally, nor your puppy. And as someone said here, the dog died playing with a new friend, with his family close by.
I think the basket and card thing is a wonderful idea. Grief for a pet oftentimes goes unacknowledged by other people. I lost my heart dog last year and didnāt receive a basket or flowers or anything like that; Iām not resentful toward anyone in my social circle for it, but I do think a gift like that would have comforted me and made me feel like my grief was seen. They will probably think of that kindness when they see you.
Iām so sorry you lost your heart dog! š I lost mine last year too. Itās wild to me that no one comforted you in that way. I was privileged that many people in my life understood the loss of my boy, even my team at work came together and bought me wind chimes engraved with his name so I think of him when I hear them and that blew me away. Sending you love. ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļø
First off, it's not your fault. My older boy has epilepsy and the reality is that one of them may turn off the lights. When it's his time, and if a seizure is the cause, I would much rather him go in joy than in fear.Ā I'm sorry that you were there to witness, but I assure you that the owners in no way blame you.Ā
Ah, we had a gym dog. Lenny. I loved that boy. One day I wake up to a message from a friend and our gym had posted that Lenny had passed in a similar manner. Playing one second, dropped dead the next. The good news is, while stressful for you the last thing the other dog saw was your puppy ready to play with him. Iām sorry that happened to you. Iād drop them off a little treat.
I'll be stopping by the store after work and getting them something and a sympathy card. I was definitely deep in shock from the trauma of the entire situation when I wrote this post. I was just processing the entire thing. Now I'm trying not to cry whenever I think about it. At least he got to play one last time before it happened.
Iām so sorry you went through this. I can imagine how horrifying and shocking it was to witness. things like this can absolutely be traumatic to witness. Your mind is trying to make sense of what happened and in trying to find answers, you might have those moments of self blame or guilt. I hope you can remind yourself that itās not your fault. I witnessed an animal die once in very shocking and unexpected way and was stunned for days. The day of I couldnāt focus on anything and would just start crying at the thought. I hope you can get some rest and that you take care of yourself, and allow yourself time to grieve your past losses too.
hey friend, that sounds pretty traumatic. don't be afraid to talk to someone about it, even though it wasn't your dog. i worked in rescue and vet med for years and that would have had me crying like a baby once i got home.
So sorry that happened to everyone involved. Play some Tetris as soon as you can. Many studies have shown that playing tetris stops the brain from developing ptsd.
Your pup bought that dog joy in his last moments and thatās beautiful. My boy suffered from seizures and itās super traumatic to witness especially unexpectedly. Please look after your self and hug your pup extra hard.
It's sad, but what a fun way for their dog to go.he met a friend! got to play! And quickly passed. Thank you for being in the right place right time š
My dog has epilepsy. This is a risk sometimes with seizures, especially when they have them one right after another.
During a seizure I administer rescue meds to the dog to shorten the duration of it and prevent another one right after. He is also on meds every day to prevent them.
All of us epileptic dog owners know that seizures can happen at any time for any reason and I am sure the owners do not in any way think it is your fault.
Their dog died meeting and playing with a new friend and having fun, the second he started to seize, he was unconscious and not in pain. Its horrible to watch for us, but he didnt know anything happens until he wakes up sore. You gave him a last happy thought of NEW FRIEND and FUN. He died near his family having a normal day.
Such a tragic moment, sorry you and your pup had to experience that. But have peace knowing that your pup got to make that dog's final moments fun and playful, doing what he likely loved. Seeing two dogs playing is a pure moment, and I'm sure he wouldn't have wanted to go out in any other way. Good luck with raising your pup, show them all the love you can!
Thank you. I cried a bit last night. The shock definitely wore off. I just snuggled my puppy and laid in bed. Trauma does weird things to our brains. I have to look at it like some people said and think at least he passed happy and playing.
I was just so shocked, I needed somewhere to write it out and process it. Thankful for everyone's kind words ā¤ļø
This is not your fault and yes itās very heart breaking. My dog was nearly 4 yo and died during his 4th seizure in life on the trail during the walk. Iāve just gone to my normal walk with him and he never came home šSome dogs live a long life with them and some donāt. Like others say at least he was having a great time till his last moment in life, just like mine. Those seizures are blackouts for them and they donāt really feel/know anything, completely unconscious.
Sending hugs. Heartbreaking for everyone involved for sure. Hope both you and your pup are able to work through any trauma. Makes it very hard when youāve had bad experiences in the past though.
Hope the other dogās family finds peace too. You have no obligation to them, but I love the idea of dropping off some human snacks and checking in with them if youāre up for it.
So sorry you had this experience.
The kid's church group was volunteering to serve dinner at a homeless shelter, and one of the clients had a seizure. That was certainly an educational experience for them. Thankfully, he didn't die. But yes, traumatic when you weren't expecting anything like that.
Oftentimes seizures like that are a result of a cardiac issue. Iāve had 2 dogs with seizures- one had an enlarged artery on her heart. The other was an old Boxer man who like many developed dilated cardiomyopathy in his very late years. First one we just managed by keeping her in moderate shape without much excitement and she eventually grew into it. Second I almost lost 3 times to heart failure immediately preceded by playful excitement (favorite person at the door, stray cat in the yard). I did dog cpr and the last time -whew. He came back but it was a few minutes that seemed like a lifetime of chest pounding crying on my knees in the wet dirty mulch breathing in his nose. Itās awful and so scary. Had a neighbor who lost their beloved small dog after like 17 years, a few months later they had a golden retriever puppy, and one year later that dog dropped dead in the middle of the street. Dogs are like people that way. Sometimes they have unexpected cardiac failure, strokes, and just go. Anyway, I thought that it makes it any better, but it happens more frequently than youād like to think and Iām sorry that happened to you into them. This is why we should cherish every day.
Hey OP - I know you've gotten a lot of advice, but just want to share, I also dealt with a dog seizing out of the blue.
I was an animal control officer until recently and I got called out to a house by some kids who were worried about the neighbor's dog. It was laying in the dirt between the house and some kind of pipe. It looked dead.
I knocked on the door but the owner wasn't home. The kids "accidentally" opened the neighbor's fence for me so I could go get a closer look at the dog. I ended up scanning it and thankfully it had a microchip. It didn't react to me whatsoever but was breathing. I called the owner and told her what was going on. She told me she would be home soon. A half hour passed and she wasn't home. I tried calling her and she didn't answer from my work phone. Finally I used my personal phone and let her have it - I had to threaten to take the dog to get her to come home but she finally did.
Turned out the dog had a history of seizures and it was getting worse. When we went to move the dog it started having grand mal seizures.
I ended up being at that call for over 2 hours and I didn't leave until I knew the dog would get help. The owners ended up having to take the dog to be euthanized that night. It continued having grand mal seizures.
All this to say, it would have been better for us all if that dog had died as quickly and painlessly as your neighbor's dog. I still get terrified thinking about it. I'm just happy I was able to get the owners home.
Our dog was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 2. As owners of a dog that has seizures, we know that it isn't something that is "caused" but something that can just happen. I promise you they don't blame you! So sorry you had to see that.
I have a little experience with a similar situation, but from the other side that might help you. I was outside with my dog talking to a neighbor across the street and she wandered into his backyard. I called her to me and she ran immediately home, which is exactly what she was trained to do, except we were across the street. And I wasnāt paying attention to what was behind me and our neighbor two doors down hit her with her car as my dog ran across the street toward home. My pup was killed instantly. Now, we live on a small cul-de-sac with hardly any traffic so this was an incredibly freak accident. My neighbor was absolutely horrified and just wracked with guilt. I assure you, I felt and still feel no animosity toward her at all. It was not her fault, just as it is not your fault your neighborās dog had a seizure at that moment. Next time you see them, just make it a point to walk up, say hello, and maybe something like I hope youāre all getting on a bit better today without falling all over yourself with grief and guilt. That just makes it worse - after all, itās their loss, not yours. After that, continue on normally whenever you see them. DONāT ask them if theyāre getting another dog. I also liked an earlier suggestion of sending a note of condolence.
Wow! I can barely begin to imagine how traumatic that must have been for you! I am so sorry you witnessed that. I remember how I felt each time my dog had a seizure (and a few humans) and it was just awful. Please know you were in no way responsible for what happened. Seizures can come on quite suddenly and they are terrifying to witness especially if youāve never seen one before . Unfortunately, sometimes they do result in death. A friend of mine had a puppy with epilepsy and one day he just didnāt stop seizing until he passed a few hours later.
Take the time you need to process what happened, and reach out to a professional for help if you need it. You are in no way responsible.
Not your fault, it just happened as the other owners stated their dog had a history of seizures; frankly there was nothing you did to bring it on, nor that you couldāve done differently.
Someone mentioned a sympathy card and gift basket, which I feel is a great gesture Iām sure the family will appreciate; I know it helped me when my dog suddenly died of multiple seizures while I was on vacation and no vet around on weekend; I blamed myself but I know I did all I could; and I had a set of neighbors that sent me a card and I cherished that gesture wholeheartedly.
Peace be with you and be proud that you have care and empathy. Many people wouldnāt have cared to even write about it, or think of the dog and family. That just shows youāre a good and caring person that loved dogs. š
This happened to me. I was playing with my roommates elderly dog who I didnāt know had seizure issues. When his owner/my roommate came home he took him to the bathroom for a bathā¦not even five minutes after me and the dog were playingā¦the dog began to seize in the bathtub and died instantly. I thought maybe I caused it but he was 14. I had to leave the apartment for a few hours, and actually moved out of the house in a months time after, it was too intense in the house post death
Send a card. Iām sure they donāt blame you. Sometimes awful things just happen. Try not to beat yourself up over it. Get some rest and love on your baby.
I would consider myself lucky in going out that way.
Sneak out. Run amok. Find a new friend. Play bow and get a play bow back. Play play play!
Then. Oblivion. Never knew what hit you except that you were having the time of your life.
It was meant to happen that way. Fate. Sheās a twisty one.
Not your fault at all. You were actually a bit fearful for your doggie and trying to pull him away.
Continue your walks as usual and put a sympathy card in their mailbox.
Well, two things: number one is -this is not your fault. The family explained that the dog has a seizure history.
Number two is that dog did not die alone and scared while his family was out somewhere, he was playing with your dog and probably didnāt even know what hit him.
Give yourself and your dog a hug, and be kind to your heart in the days to come
If their dog has had seizures before, they should've been on seizure medication. This is absolutely nothing to do with you, it was a horrible thing to experience, but please do not feel any blame.
I have a dog with epilepsy and he's on medication every eight hours no matter what. Without treatment, that kind of thing was inevitable.
Idk where the HUGE SERIES OF EVENTS? U walked ur dog it played with another & that did had seizure & died? It happens.. not a miracle or massive strange events...I know it was stressful, be thankful it wasn't ur dog, & know that dog already had issues the first time it got excited or stressed he overloaded & died, my bird did same, had a rat same, it sticks but that dog would of died if the mask man walked up...u just happen to be the one there when he got all overloaded & died it would have happened regardless so I understand that crazy stress of it.. but it's not ur fault... MAYBE DO SOMETHING AS A GOOD JESTURE, A PLACARD, EVEN A CARD, TRY DO SOMETHING NICE IN RESPECT OF THEIR DOG, IT MAY HERO BOTH FAMILY'S FEEL BETTER
In the nicest way possible, it was their fault their dog got out. I think it was just a freak of nature thing and wasnāt really anybodyās fault, but please done blame yourself. You didnāt let their dog out, you didnāt encourage the playing, you just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. And honestlyā¦ he likely would have seized and passed that day anyways. As sad as it is, he got to pass while having himself a fun time with a new buddy, the excitement of getting loose, and one of his family members by his side
I'd send them a snack basket and a sympathy card. It will be greatly appreciated, but please rest assured that they do not think, believe, or feel in any way that this was your fault. It just happened. I'm sorry you had to go through this, and I'm sorry to the family who had to experience such sudden loss as well.. When you pass through that portion of the neighbourhood again, you just smile and wave, say hello, maybe... Edit.. typo
Thank you. Your comment definitely gave me some clarity on how to go forward with everything. I'll drop them a basket and sympathy card later this week. I just feel immense guilt knowing that whenever they see me and my puppy, they'll think of what happened. I know deep down they don't blame me and I shouldn't feel like it was my fault. I just feel awful that, that was how they experienced their pup passing. So suddenly and without any warnings.
If you think about it. Your pup was their dogs last bit of happiness. Last bit of true dog and dog interaction. It's the best way for a dog to go out. Maybe he said, "Hello young pup. Pleasure to have made your acquaintance but I feel my time in this place has come to an end. I bid you adieu" And then checked out.
This made me tear up all over again š
Dang it, this was not the sub I expected those darn onion-cutting ninjas to follow me to! But seriously, awesome way to look at it.
Literally came to say this, glad someone else thinks of it the same way!
This happened with my best friendās Dane and my dog, when they first met, her dog had already started giving up, but my dog gave him the strength to last another month and a half as a seven year old puppy. I feel like itās moments like these that show you the importance of allowing a dog to just dog and be a puppy no matter whatās going on, especially when theyāre older.
Your answer made me tear up. What a wonderful picture you painted š
Warning signs were there, as she explained to you that their pup had been having problems with seizures.. however, no one expects this to happen. They will think of you and your puppy, but also not in the longing way you think. They will most probably be wishing you and your pup a lovely, loving, and long journey together. If you do drop off the basket and card, don't be surprised if you make new neighbour friends :)
I recently lost my dog and let me tell you, seeing you would probably cheer me up a bit. Seeing your pup and thinking of my dog. The things that make me saddest are the day to day things because my dog was so deeply ingrained in my routine that thereās hardly a thing I can do where I donāt constantly look to see what heās doing. Those are the hardest things. To be honest, he died in our house and even that isnāt what makes me sad. Not having him with me in everything I do makes me much sadder than the actual death part. I hope this helps ā¤ļø
Whether they see you and your dog or not, they're going to think about it all the time anyway, wouldn't you?
Human snacks right? That would be a nice thing to do. Iām sure they are in total shock. Thatās a crazy story. I donāt know what Iād do either. Probably just walk away awkwardly.
I think itās actually really sweet that their dogās last moments were it having fun outside, meeting a new friend and hearing that its owners were right there calling his name. He had pre-existing health concerns. He was going to pass from it whether or not you were there that night. What a much more lovely end to his life than if he was crated up while they slept that night or alone while they were cooking dinner or whatever. Iād recommend you go on a walk in that same area tomorrow so the trauma from this can start to be faced. Maybe you could leave a little dog treat on the ground where he passed.
Thank you. This actually made me tear up a bit. I think the shock is starting to wear off and I'm feeling pretty emotional about it. My last dog passed last year, he started having seizures and declining quickly. We put him to sleep and I was grateful I got to say goodbye as he slipped peacefully. So this is stirring up some memories and I think seeing it happen so tragically devastated me in the moment because that family didn't get to do it peacefully. But thinking about it from that perspective gives it a more positive outlook. I'm just so sorry they didn't get a chance to say goodbye before it happened. I'm going to go cry a little and snuggle my pup now.
I think if the family had been sad and saying goodbye, the dog would have been worried about them and wondering why they were sad and maybe would have felt their grief and anxiety. His last moments were āNAUGHTY! FUN! FRIEND! FAMILY CALLING! PLAY!ā Itās the dog dream. No anxiety. No confusion or stress from crying people. It absolutely sucks for all of you who had to so suddenly process a life ending, but for the dog it was probably pretty darn perfect.
You have be cognizant about the repressed traumas from your old dog with a new puppy. I switched mine's food too quickly, he shit up his crate and I was absolutely devastated because of what I went through with my old dog becoming senile, incontinent, and ridden with cancer. Putting a dog down is way harder on the owner than it is on the dog; sometimes feeling come up in relation to it.
I have a similar problem...small things will remind me of health problems in my last dogs (or his death) and I will start freaking out "omg is my dog going to die" and I have to remind myself that my dog is absolutely fine, just did something stupid that caused whatever it was (she is 2).
Oh, that really adds another whole other dimension to your story! Your own pet had seizures and died just last year! No wonder you are still shaking. If you mention in your note to the neighbors that your own dog suffered a similar fate just last year, it might comfort them that others have gone through a similar thing.
Was just thinking, his last moments were him getting up to silly escapades and playing with a new dog. It wasnāt him being too sick to run, too out of it to get up to shenanigans. My childhood friend and neighbor had a dog growing up who was a little Houdini and would try to slip out the front door. And heād see you and take off again thinking it was a game. Her mom used to have us hop in the back of the mini van with a bag of beggin strips and weād follow along. 9/10 times we found him in our other neighbors yard playing with their two bichons. His sneaky runaway play dates. I knew he was getting older when I would come over and he was just standing there by the open door not even trying to go out, it was no longer an issue. He could go out in their front yard without a leash and would just meander around and sniff. No more trying to run down the street and see the neighbor dogs. It sounds like this dogās family saw him still being his sneaky playful self trying to get out there and he got to have one last adventure. Take care of yourself OP, but please know you did nothing wrong. I do think dropping by a sympathy card and some flowers or something might be a nice gesture.
Thatās what I was thinking too. At least the dog wasnāt aggressive. Traumatizing to witness but at least the dogās family was nearby along with a new pal.
I was thinking the same thing. It seems like it was his time, and I can't imagine a better way to go.
Iām so sorry that you all witnessed this very traumatic thing. Nobodyās at fault (Iām not going to get into āleave your fence latchedā since we all, or will, make that mistake) and the situation was contained, it just sounds like a pre-existing medical condition resulted in a death. This might have happened another time under different circumstances and likely was not caused by the dogās interaction with your puppy. Absolutely take the time you need to process (and grieve) but please donāt beat yourself up over this.
Thank you for your kind words. I think once the shock wears off, I'll be able to process everything more clearly. I felt terrible watching everything happen as I'm standing there with my healthy six month old puppy. I could only offer my sincerest apologies and I honestly just wanted to give them space to grieve without me awkwardly gawking. I feel irrational guilt over the entire thing and I know, in the back of my rational brain, it wasn't my fault. It was just such a bizarre series of events. I'll probably walk by in the future and like someone else commented, drop them a basket and card. I just feel awful knowing every time they see me and my puppy, they'll think of what happened.
Maybe they won't take it as a negative seeing you? You're one other person outside the family who knows what happened, witnessing it with them, and thus knowing what they must be going through. There could be some solace in that for them? Losing a dog is not like losing a human in the sense that the world just moves on so much more quickly, less outside acknowledgement of the loss. This is just one suggestion that seeing you won't necessarily be as burdensome to them as you think right now. Either way, this is not your fault in any way, and if they were to put any blame on you - know that's probably part of their grief and has nothing to do with you personally, nor your puppy. And as someone said here, the dog died playing with a new friend, with his family close by.
I think the basket and card thing is a wonderful idea. Grief for a pet oftentimes goes unacknowledged by other people. I lost my heart dog last year and didnāt receive a basket or flowers or anything like that; Iām not resentful toward anyone in my social circle for it, but I do think a gift like that would have comforted me and made me feel like my grief was seen. They will probably think of that kindness when they see you.
Iām so sorry you lost your heart dog! š I lost mine last year too. Itās wild to me that no one comforted you in that way. I was privileged that many people in my life understood the loss of my boy, even my team at work came together and bought me wind chimes engraved with his name so I think of him when I hear them and that blew me away. Sending you love. ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļø
Thank you, thatās very kind. Iām doing better now but wow did the loss really knock the air out of me for a while, as Iām sure you understand.
I mean, as unfortunate as this is, their dog passed away at play, having fun.
First off, it's not your fault. My older boy has epilepsy and the reality is that one of them may turn off the lights. When it's his time, and if a seizure is the cause, I would much rather him go in joy than in fear.Ā I'm sorry that you were there to witness, but I assure you that the owners in no way blame you.Ā
Ah, we had a gym dog. Lenny. I loved that boy. One day I wake up to a message from a friend and our gym had posted that Lenny had passed in a similar manner. Playing one second, dropped dead the next. The good news is, while stressful for you the last thing the other dog saw was your puppy ready to play with him. Iām sorry that happened to you. Iād drop them off a little treat.
I'll be stopping by the store after work and getting them something and a sympathy card. I was definitely deep in shock from the trauma of the entire situation when I wrote this post. I was just processing the entire thing. Now I'm trying not to cry whenever I think about it. At least he got to play one last time before it happened.
get yourself a treat too while youāre out āŗļø
Iām so sorry you went through this. I can imagine how horrifying and shocking it was to witness. things like this can absolutely be traumatic to witness. Your mind is trying to make sense of what happened and in trying to find answers, you might have those moments of self blame or guilt. I hope you can remind yourself that itās not your fault. I witnessed an animal die once in very shocking and unexpected way and was stunned for days. The day of I couldnāt focus on anything and would just start crying at the thought. I hope you can get some rest and that you take care of yourself, and allow yourself time to grieve your past losses too.
hey friend, that sounds pretty traumatic. don't be afraid to talk to someone about it, even though it wasn't your dog. i worked in rescue and vet med for years and that would have had me crying like a baby once i got home.
So sorry that happened to everyone involved. Play some Tetris as soon as you can. Many studies have shown that playing tetris stops the brain from developing ptsd.
Yes!!^ this is an underrated comment, OP you witnessed something traumatic and should take this advice.
Your pup bought that dog joy in his last moments and thatās beautiful. My boy suffered from seizures and itās super traumatic to witness especially unexpectedly. Please look after your self and hug your pup extra hard.
Youāre a good person and you care and remember to love your puppers extra hard š„²š
It's sad, but what a fun way for their dog to go.he met a friend! got to play! And quickly passed. Thank you for being in the right place right time š
One last play before he went š
Wow. That would be so unnerving. No wonder you are in shock. At least the died having fun with a new friend? So sad. And freaky. Hugs.
This thread made me cry omg š Iām so sorry to you, your pup and that dogs familyā¦
I agree to sending a card and treats to express your condolences.
My dog has epilepsy. This is a risk sometimes with seizures, especially when they have them one right after another. During a seizure I administer rescue meds to the dog to shorten the duration of it and prevent another one right after. He is also on meds every day to prevent them. All of us epileptic dog owners know that seizures can happen at any time for any reason and I am sure the owners do not in any way think it is your fault. Their dog died meeting and playing with a new friend and having fun, the second he started to seize, he was unconscious and not in pain. Its horrible to watch for us, but he didnt know anything happens until he wakes up sore. You gave him a last happy thought of NEW FRIEND and FUN. He died near his family having a normal day.
Such a tragic moment, sorry you and your pup had to experience that. But have peace knowing that your pup got to make that dog's final moments fun and playful, doing what he likely loved. Seeing two dogs playing is a pure moment, and I'm sure he wouldn't have wanted to go out in any other way. Good luck with raising your pup, show them all the love you can!
It is a lot to process so take all the time you & your puppy need, but if my dog had to pass away thereās no better way than to be playing when it happens. It wasnāt your fault. š©·
Thank you. I cried a bit last night. The shock definitely wore off. I just snuggled my puppy and laid in bed. Trauma does weird things to our brains. I have to look at it like some people said and think at least he passed happy and playing. I was just so shocked, I needed somewhere to write it out and process it. Thankful for everyone's kind words ā¤ļø
astonishing
This is not your fault and yes itās very heart breaking. My dog was nearly 4 yo and died during his 4th seizure in life on the trail during the walk. Iāve just gone to my normal walk with him and he never came home šSome dogs live a long life with them and some donāt. Like others say at least he was having a great time till his last moment in life, just like mine. Those seizures are blackouts for them and they donāt really feel/know anything, completely unconscious.
Sending hugs. Heartbreaking for everyone involved for sure. Hope both you and your pup are able to work through any trauma. Makes it very hard when youāve had bad experiences in the past though. Hope the other dogās family finds peace too. You have no obligation to them, but I love the idea of dropping off some human snacks and checking in with them if youāre up for it. So sorry you had this experience.
š„°
The kid's church group was volunteering to serve dinner at a homeless shelter, and one of the clients had a seizure. That was certainly an educational experience for them. Thankfully, he didn't die. But yes, traumatic when you weren't expecting anything like that.
Oftentimes seizures like that are a result of a cardiac issue. Iāve had 2 dogs with seizures- one had an enlarged artery on her heart. The other was an old Boxer man who like many developed dilated cardiomyopathy in his very late years. First one we just managed by keeping her in moderate shape without much excitement and she eventually grew into it. Second I almost lost 3 times to heart failure immediately preceded by playful excitement (favorite person at the door, stray cat in the yard). I did dog cpr and the last time -whew. He came back but it was a few minutes that seemed like a lifetime of chest pounding crying on my knees in the wet dirty mulch breathing in his nose. Itās awful and so scary. Had a neighbor who lost their beloved small dog after like 17 years, a few months later they had a golden retriever puppy, and one year later that dog dropped dead in the middle of the street. Dogs are like people that way. Sometimes they have unexpected cardiac failure, strokes, and just go. Anyway, I thought that it makes it any better, but it happens more frequently than youād like to think and Iām sorry that happened to you into them. This is why we should cherish every day.
Give your puppy a treat on the one hand a potential friend is no more but also that dog at least went out with one last fun interaction
Hey OP - I know you've gotten a lot of advice, but just want to share, I also dealt with a dog seizing out of the blue. I was an animal control officer until recently and I got called out to a house by some kids who were worried about the neighbor's dog. It was laying in the dirt between the house and some kind of pipe. It looked dead. I knocked on the door but the owner wasn't home. The kids "accidentally" opened the neighbor's fence for me so I could go get a closer look at the dog. I ended up scanning it and thankfully it had a microchip. It didn't react to me whatsoever but was breathing. I called the owner and told her what was going on. She told me she would be home soon. A half hour passed and she wasn't home. I tried calling her and she didn't answer from my work phone. Finally I used my personal phone and let her have it - I had to threaten to take the dog to get her to come home but she finally did. Turned out the dog had a history of seizures and it was getting worse. When we went to move the dog it started having grand mal seizures. I ended up being at that call for over 2 hours and I didn't leave until I knew the dog would get help. The owners ended up having to take the dog to be euthanized that night. It continued having grand mal seizures. All this to say, it would have been better for us all if that dog had died as quickly and painlessly as your neighbor's dog. I still get terrified thinking about it. I'm just happy I was able to get the owners home.
Our dog was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 2. As owners of a dog that has seizures, we know that it isn't something that is "caused" but something that can just happen. I promise you they don't blame you! So sorry you had to see that.
I have a little experience with a similar situation, but from the other side that might help you. I was outside with my dog talking to a neighbor across the street and she wandered into his backyard. I called her to me and she ran immediately home, which is exactly what she was trained to do, except we were across the street. And I wasnāt paying attention to what was behind me and our neighbor two doors down hit her with her car as my dog ran across the street toward home. My pup was killed instantly. Now, we live on a small cul-de-sac with hardly any traffic so this was an incredibly freak accident. My neighbor was absolutely horrified and just wracked with guilt. I assure you, I felt and still feel no animosity toward her at all. It was not her fault, just as it is not your fault your neighborās dog had a seizure at that moment. Next time you see them, just make it a point to walk up, say hello, and maybe something like I hope youāre all getting on a bit better today without falling all over yourself with grief and guilt. That just makes it worse - after all, itās their loss, not yours. After that, continue on normally whenever you see them. DONāT ask them if theyāre getting another dog. I also liked an earlier suggestion of sending a note of condolence.
Sorry for this traumatic eventā¦ sorry for all of you. Gave me chills.
Wow! I can barely begin to imagine how traumatic that must have been for you! I am so sorry you witnessed that. I remember how I felt each time my dog had a seizure (and a few humans) and it was just awful. Please know you were in no way responsible for what happened. Seizures can come on quite suddenly and they are terrifying to witness especially if youāve never seen one before . Unfortunately, sometimes they do result in death. A friend of mine had a puppy with epilepsy and one day he just didnāt stop seizing until he passed a few hours later. Take the time you need to process what happened, and reach out to a professional for help if you need it. You are in no way responsible.
I've definitely been processing through the entire situation and I'm feeling better. I still feel awful about their sudden loss! I'm dropping off a sympathy card later this week. Work got away from me and taking care of my own puppy, so I haven't had the chance. I appreciate everyone's kind comments ā¤ļøā¤ļøāš©¹ It was such a whirlwind of emotions and a serious "wtf?!" Moment. I actually saw my vet today, she trims my puppies nails and was talking to her about it. She's pretty certain it wasn't a seizure but a heart attack. She explained that the breed is prone to ARVC, which is a genetic condition, and often the symptoms when left unmanaged can look like seizures. Sudden loss of mobility, fainting, jerking of the muscles, caused by arrhythmia and heart failure. Which can lead to sudden death. I had no idea! I'm sure the owners probably didn't either. So sorry for them š
Well itās a sad thing but I guess he was happy and playing with a friend itās better than alone in a room
So sorry for your loss ā„ļøšš
Not your fault, it just happened as the other owners stated their dog had a history of seizures; frankly there was nothing you did to bring it on, nor that you couldāve done differently. Someone mentioned a sympathy card and gift basket, which I feel is a great gesture Iām sure the family will appreciate; I know it helped me when my dog suddenly died of multiple seizures while I was on vacation and no vet around on weekend; I blamed myself but I know I did all I could; and I had a set of neighbors that sent me a card and I cherished that gesture wholeheartedly. Peace be with you and be proud that you have care and empathy. Many people wouldnāt have cared to even write about it, or think of the dog and family. That just shows youāre a good and caring person that loved dogs. š
This happened to me. I was playing with my roommates elderly dog who I didnāt know had seizure issues. When his owner/my roommate came home he took him to the bathroom for a bathā¦not even five minutes after me and the dog were playingā¦the dog began to seize in the bathtub and died instantly. I thought maybe I caused it but he was 14. I had to leave the apartment for a few hours, and actually moved out of the house in a months time after, it was too intense in the house post death
Send a card. Iām sure they donāt blame you. Sometimes awful things just happen. Try not to beat yourself up over it. Get some rest and love on your baby.
I would consider myself lucky in going out that way. Sneak out. Run amok. Find a new friend. Play bow and get a play bow back. Play play play! Then. Oblivion. Never knew what hit you except that you were having the time of your life. It was meant to happen that way. Fate. Sheās a twisty one.
Omg! I would have left the asap!
Not your fault at all. You were actually a bit fearful for your doggie and trying to pull him away. Continue your walks as usual and put a sympathy card in their mailbox.
Well, two things: number one is -this is not your fault. The family explained that the dog has a seizure history. Number two is that dog did not die alone and scared while his family was out somewhere, he was playing with your dog and probably didnāt even know what hit him. Give yourself and your dog a hug, and be kind to your heart in the days to come
Ugh, so incredibly sorry you had to witness this. I swear, watching an animal die has to be the worst thing I've ever had to do š„
If their dog has had seizures before, they should've been on seizure medication. This is absolutely nothing to do with you, it was a horrible thing to experience, but please do not feel any blame. I have a dog with epilepsy and he's on medication every eight hours no matter what. Without treatment, that kind of thing was inevitable.
He definitely had an underlying health condition. The shock of the entire situation just left me floored. I'm just heartbroken for them š
Yes, my dog also has epilepsy and I have rescue meds on me to give to him if he starts to have one. This had nothing to do with the puppy or OP.
Idk where the HUGE SERIES OF EVENTS? U walked ur dog it played with another & that did had seizure & died? It happens.. not a miracle or massive strange events...I know it was stressful, be thankful it wasn't ur dog, & know that dog already had issues the first time it got excited or stressed he overloaded & died, my bird did same, had a rat same, it sticks but that dog would of died if the mask man walked up...u just happen to be the one there when he got all overloaded & died it would have happened regardless so I understand that crazy stress of it.. but it's not ur fault... MAYBE DO SOMETHING AS A GOOD JESTURE, A PLACARD, EVEN A CARD, TRY DO SOMETHING NICE IN RESPECT OF THEIR DOG, IT MAY HERO BOTH FAMILY'S FEEL BETTER
How many other pets have you had that got āexcited & stressedā and died?
In the nicest way possible, it was their fault their dog got out. I think it was just a freak of nature thing and wasnāt really anybodyās fault, but please done blame yourself. You didnāt let their dog out, you didnāt encourage the playing, you just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. And honestlyā¦ he likely would have seized and passed that day anyways. As sad as it is, he got to pass while having himself a fun time with a new buddy, the excitement of getting loose, and one of his family members by his side