The Loss of my buddy Norton - The King of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

[Norton7]

Norton - May 2007 - Sept 2010 - Exactly a week ago, i had to put down my best friend Norton - Being a 1st time dog owner with (2) Cavaliers - (we got his niece Trixie a few months after him ) i never knew what effects of losing my companion and buddy would be like. Both my wife, my cavalier "Trixie" a i are still very heartbroken and lost without Norton. He obviously ran our house and our attention so, that our home seems very lonely and not the same. Trixie is not eating and will not do any of the things that she and Norton did while together for 3 years. She will not leave my side when outdoors. She stopped chasing the birds, squirrels and anything else that would come near our porch. I'am very concerned for her. At the same time, i can't get away from the guilt of taking him away to a better place. Norton got an autoimmune disease that took all his 3 counts down in his bone marrow. Steroids, transfusions and antibiotics for infections just made him so sluggish "not there" and his kidneys started to be effected by the lack of oxygen to his main organs. I'm writing this to help us through this very difficult process. I thought my buddy Norton was going to at least make it to 6-8 years and not the 3 1/2 that he lived. I'm leaving a picture for all to see what a great and wonderful "friend" he was. All he wanted to do is make us happy and turn strangers into friends - Regards, Ron

[mia]

Hi Ron,

My heart goes out to you, your wife, and Trixie I read this earlier but could not respond because of tears. I have been there and know exactely how you feel. Nortons picture is absolutely adorable, Cavaliers have such a gentle, loving face and are so sweet.

Try to hang in there, it will take time. You never get over it but it does get a bit better after months, try to focus on the fun times he and you shared.

Good Luck,
Mia

[jude09]

Hello Ron,

Thank you for sharing and I give my sincerest condolences for your loss.

I have also lost a dog once and I understand how it feels. I actually get sentimental and

my heart just breaks when reading this type of stories. That being said Ron, I know

that Norton is in a better place now and I'm sure he spent the BEST days of his life with

you and your family. you gave him a home and a loving family and I'm sure he will continue

to be with you in spirit. He may not be there physically but Norton will continue to live in all

of your hearts.

[pappups]

We had a 14 year old Papillon, Tara, whose little heart was starting to give out. We had to have her put to sleep earlier this year and I still miss her a lot. We did everything we could but knew it was only a matter of time before her quality of life was no longer good. We got two little Pap pups before we had to give her up and those "kids" gave her a boost, I think they added 5 or 6 good months to her life. I wish there weren't such things as "dog years". There is hardly a day that I don't think about Tara, she was a sweet pup, but I know she is at peace and no longer in pain.

[Sarah]

I'm sorry for your loss Ron, and he is adorable. Think about what his lessons for you in life were about Ron and apply them which would be a great way of honoring him..

[karmapug]

Dear Ron and pappups, I am sorry for your losses and cry with you. I hope it is some comfort that you did all you could for your precious pets and did the right things to help them. After inheriting my Mom's elderly animals and losing two of my own pets when they were young, I have lost eight pets in the last ten years and I know what a hole a pet can leave in your life, routine and household. And they do miss each other, it is true. I refuse to believe that there can be a heaven without pets. And I refuse to believe that God can send us such little pieces of unconditional love and then not take them back to take good care of their little souls. I will pray for you to find your balance again and heal, but don't worry, you will never forget their love.

[Tallie's Mom]

Ron -
I am so sorry about the loss of Norton. My little Tallie, also a blenheim Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, died in my arms on October 17th. She might have had the same illness as your Norton. Tallie was being treated for Immune Mediated Hemalytic Anemia. She received a blood transfusion and her red cell count was its way up. Unfortunately, this illness also makes dogs prone to blood clots and although she was on two medications for them, that is what took her. She was six years, five months. I cannot imagine how it feels to lose one as young as Norton, but people say in time the memories won't hurt anymore, they will bring comfort. Cavaliers are wonderful, wonderful animals ... almost as though they are human! I wish you peace in healing.
Jene

[Sarah]

TallesMom, my heart breaks for you. I am so sorry for you loss.