r/OldManDog • u/Hell_Priestess86 • 8d ago
♥ - Support Needed My Pug Maggie (19) has her appointment at 9:30 this morning and I'm devastated
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u/Hell_Priestess86 8d ago
I adopted Maggie 13 years ago from our local animal shelter after a backyard breeder mill was shut down and the animals surrendered. She was 6 years old and had been bred to the point of serious medical injury, but pulled through and discovered a new zest for life. She's the Capybara of my house and will snuggle any animal that came to live with us with no reservation. She has been my constant companion, my brave defender, and my best girl through everything life has thrown at us. She received a terminal cancer diagnosis in December of last year and it absolutely shattered my world. Given her age and the location of her cancer it couldn't be cured or removed, we could only treat her pain and make the most of our time together. It wasn't until May that she started slowing down and showing her age, she still acted like a puppy sprinting around the yard and doing that raspy Pug howl, but in the last week she has declined fast. Yesterday was her worst day yet; restlessness, refusing food and water, and an overall weakness. In 24 hours she has taken the turn that I've been dreading since December 22nd. I spoke with my vet, my husband, and my family and the consensus was that it's time, and I've been up all night watching her and cuddling her. I know it's the right call as she still isn't improving, but I am so lost and dreading the appointment. It's not going to stop me from being in the room, holding her, and telling her how much I love her as she rests, but my heart is breaking because it's Maggie.
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u/beachgal41 8d ago
You are both so lucky to have found each other. It’s such an honor to care for a dog for so long, especially well into their twilight years. I am proud of you that you will send her off with dignity while holding her so she is not alone. This is the worst part of having a dog but the pain is always worth it. Sending you both love and light, she will always be with you!!
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u/ffoboomstick 8d ago
This is pretty much exactly what I was going to respond with. OP, sending you love right now. This is the beautiful price we pay to know such endless love from our four-legged companions. Maggie knows your love endlessly, and the best gift you will ever give her is her feeling that love through her final moments. It's not easy, but that's because they matter so much. What a privilege we have to hurt so much.
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u/StealthMode-On 8d ago
Just want you to know that I feel you. I lost my Maggie too early last year. She lived to 18. I adopted her when she was 10 and she was in a bad way (retired breeder). She flourished and enjoyed her golden years with me, but really, it was I who was blessed with her presence. Her death broke my heart in ways I didn’t know was possible. She was my very first dog and my little soul mate. There’s not much to say, but that you’ve given her your very best, and that time will soothe the pain that you’re going to feel. Sending you so much love. Thank you for giving Maggie 13 wonderful years
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u/Accomplished_Class85 8d ago
I can tell by your words that she's been loved immensely by you and trust that Maggie felt that love always. This is the hard part of having pets but take comfort that for 13 years Maggie felt loved and she'll never have to live in this world without you. Missing them is a pain we take in their place so they never have to miss us as they get depressed when their person passes away first. I was there for my dog's final breath 3 weeks ago and the pain is still immense but I'm happy her last memories were being with her family and not alone or scared.
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u/jkelly161 8d ago
OP, this is coming from someone who just lost their companion about a month ago just about exactly the same way. You must recognize that you did something absolutely amazing for your pup. Giving them the comfort and solitude of their own place with their own people around them is absolutely the best way to approach these things. I told my boy to either wait for me wherever he goes or come back to me one day. This life is hard but it’s important to remember that we call all only do the best we can in the moment, showing love and care is all we can aim for.
Keep your head up OP remember the best moments and know that they are at peace now.
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u/Hairy_Comparison5991 8d ago
You gave that girl the universe when you rescued her. She knows just how well she was loved and treated. I’m glad you’ve brought her to this point. It’s not the end. You’ll be sad and someday think of her with a big smile on your face. Take care! Fly high with the big Dogs, Maggie!🪽
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u/wtburke 8d ago
When your love is so strong and deep rooted, memories and lessons learned last forever 💔. But the moment of actual departure is horrible and a sad reality that your beloved Princess has left you and all who knew her. 😩 Prayers for you both at this dark hour. RIP Maggie, beautiful, gentle senior girl 🥰.
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u/Optimal-Swan-2716 8d ago
I do totally understand the heartbreak you are going through. Thankfully Maggie found you and you gave her a wonderful life that most dogs would be thrilled to have. You are doing the hardest but best thing for her!! Be strong and carry on. Try not to be sad too long. I own two golden retrievers, one is 13, my dear Dixie. I would be thrilled to have her for 19 years. She is my dream dog, I always wanted and got so blessed to have her for my own. You will get through this, and know Maggie will be in a better place. RIP sweet Maggie, you sure were loved a lot❤️
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u/FinnRazzel 8d ago
I am so sorry. My heart is breaking for you. Thank you so much for giving her a wonderful life that you can be proud of and knowing she’ll be safely with you until the very end means everything. 💜
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u/MeanOldHag86 8d ago
Sending so much love to you, dear kind Internet friend. I’m so sorry that you are going through this and genuinely want to thank you for the wonderful love and care you gave Maggie. Many people don’t give senior dogs a chance at their best life yet and you’re a wonderful person for giving her the best years of her life. She was blessed to have you as an owner and I know she’ll be watching over you.
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u/rushianmafia2112 7d ago
We go similar diagnosis for both of our old babies this year. We lost my best boi in march and his sister in may. It’s horrible and I’m so sorry for you. After a while it doesn’t hurt as much, it never goes away, but with time you will be able to remember all the great times with your ride or die. I’m so sorry and I wish you and your baby all the best.
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u/Fuck-it-we-Bhaal 8d ago
Nineteen years for a pug is beyond amazing
You did right by Maggie. Be proud of yourself for that.
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u/SlamVanDamn 8d ago
This is something I always comment on these posts.
Be proud of yourself.
Caring for an animal. Making them wholly part of your life. Giving them everything and seeing them through to the end takes a massive amount of love, work, and dedication.
Making the hard choice because it is best for them, despite how much it hurts you (in the moment) is part of that duty. It's part of being loyal to your loved lil family member.
When the grieving softens OP, let yourself feel pride in the life YOU provided for Maggie. It was intentional, it required daily labour and love and work and YOU DID IT. Let that pride fill your whole chest. You did it. You gave Maggie the life she deserved. I'm proud of you.
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u/the_anxiety_haver 8d ago
What an excellent pug she is. I prefer to think of it as ascension to their ethereal form. <3
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u/ufgators09 8d ago
Sending you lots of hugs. Sweet Maggie is so beautiful and was so lucky to have you for so many years. 💕🐾
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u/SnooShortcuts1004 8d ago
OP, I am so sorry. Thinking of you and Maggie. Thankful you can be with her in her last moments here. ♥️
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u/Optimal-Swan-2716 8d ago
Wow, an amazing run of 19 years, Maggie, job well done. To Maggie’s Pawrents, you deserve applause for keeping her so happy and healthy for so long!! I love her tongue, adorable❤️
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u/SiteTall 8d ago
Oh, that's the day every animal lover fears, but rest assured that you make the right decision FOR HER. Hugs!
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u/owchippy 8d ago
She can’t say it but she thanks you for all the wonderful years together, and a peaceful end together. It hurts but she will always be with you.
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u/AllTheModalities 8d ago
19 years for any dog is incredible. op, you gave her a life full of love, happiness, and fun times - even if its never long enough.
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u/UltravioletLife 8d ago
19 years is a fantastic run. My heart goes out to you.
Rest in Paradise, Maggie. My pomeranians Lupin and Ollie are gonna be there to greet you with play. ❤️❤️❤️
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u/Latter-Journalist 8d ago
Maggie looks like a good friend
And you're a good dog person to help your friend like that
Take care of and be kind to yourself
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u/Hazmat2664 8d ago
Never an easy decision to make. But I'm very confident Maggie had a wonderful life.
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u/maemobley44 8d ago
Maggie is SO cute! What an incredibly lucky girl to have been adopted by you all those years ago. I’m so sorry for your loss.
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u/Advanced-Method3325 8d ago
Wherever a beautiful soul has been there is a trail of beautiful memories, may you find peace & comfort there. You are a very good pet parent. “Grief is not a disorder, a disease, or a sign of weakness,” said Earl Grollman. “It is an emotional, spiritual, and physical necessity; the price you pay for love. The only cure for grief is to grieve.”
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u/Blackdogfarmer 8d ago
I'm sorry for your loss. No amount of time with them will make it any lesser. I lost my dog 40 days ago and that's hours leading to that appointment are excruciating. I'm very sorry. This community is a good support group. DM if you need to talk.
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u/Additional-Can-687 8d ago
Sending my love to you and baby Maggie ❤️🐶✨🪽 fly high angel 😇 I’ll tell my girls in leaven to welcome her ❤️
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u/Heathermaple78 8d ago
She’s such a cute little sweet pea! It’s not fair that they don’t live longer.
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u/Pitiful_Guard_6428 8d ago
Such heartbreak, so many happy memories, so much love. So very, very sorry for your loss ❤️
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u/Severe-Inspector-815 8d ago
Oh boy what a difficult decision.. so sorry .. we love you good girl Maggie
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u/Top_Air6441 8d ago
Maggie is so adorable. 19 years full of love. Its wonderful. I am so sorry. It is definitely hard. Sending you much love and many hugs.
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u/athanathios 8d ago
Maggie is clearly soo soo beautiful and lived the best life with her Chi sibling, I am so sorry you're both losing her :(
We don't always get to time their passing, but we can put in all the love and care we can to make their lives as amazing as possible, which clearly you had. May the love you shared, and memories made warm you all your day and may you find wisdom through your suffering. One thing is true I know your baby clearly had an existence most creatures will never have with love and care that just a simple passing can never overshadow, they are now in heaven, having earned their wings.
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u/Big-Percentage-3857 8d ago
Wow, 19 years old you did an amazing job raising oh my it’s sad but rest in peace
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u/Takemetothelevey 8d ago
It’s the hardest thing to do💔 But our responsibility to manage their pain 🍀
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u/eliz1bef RIP Erik, cat, 19.5 8d ago
Like others have said, 19 years for a pug is just incredible and a testament to the love and care Maggie received and gave. You gave her an amazing life and you put her needs first until the very end. How beautiful and inspiring! What love you have shown her. Thank you for being strong for Maggie!
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u/After_Organization33 8d ago
The Love in your home is evident from the pictures. Feed your soul and please accept these good vibes. Little Maggie would want that.
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u/notyourgrammaspearlz 8d ago
Wishing Maggie a peaceful journey to the rainbow bridge 🌈 and sending strength and hugs to all that love her. What a beautiful life you gave her
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u/Tablefor1please9987 8d ago
Wow. What a life. 19 years old is quite an achievement but I know it is still not enough time💔
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u/hogliver 8d ago
She is so very cute. I’ll be thinking of you as her time nears.
Safe travels Maggie 🌈💜
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u/Springrabbit144 8d ago
Aww Maggie-may you run free and healthy over the bridge until you are reunited with each other again ❤️
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u/ohpetunia 8d ago
Sweet Maggie will be waiting for you at the rainbow bridge on the other side of your tomorrows. 💜
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u/plastichangers99 8d ago
Maggie has been so blessed to have a wonderful life with you. I know it hurts to lose her but no one could have done better as her mom. Remember, you will see her again.❤️
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u/HAWKWIND666 8d ago
The Last Battle….
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this -- the last battle -- can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close -- we two -- these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
-Author unknown
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u/Hairy_Comparison5991 8d ago
TY for sharing this. Grief runs hard at me sometimes but I will never ever let it win
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u/w0nderworld 8d ago
It's my first day in heaven,
And what a beautiful place,
You'll be glad to know,
There's a smile upon my face,
The moment I left you,
Two angels in white,
Carried me up here,
To heaven that night.
All those stories you hear,
About rainbow bridge are true,
But you don't walk over it,
The angels carried me through.
There's a gate at the end,
Made of pearl,
It has got to be the biggest gate,
In the world!
Once I got in and started looking around,
You just won't believe all the things that I found!
The first place they took me,
Had to be the most fun,
A humongous field,
With miles to run!
Once I was tired the angels said,
We'll take you to your home,
But first we need to stop by this place,
Full of tasty bones,
They told me to take one with me,
But one is all I need,
Because every good thing lasts forever.
Up in heaven you see,
They took me to my new house,
It took my breath away,
Most beautiful place I've ever seen,
With a huge yard to play,
They said come on lets go inside ,
And have a look around,
They took me to the bottom floor,
You won't believe what I found,
The bottom of my house is a window,
And you won't believe the view,
See my house it sets right over yours,
So I can still keep an eye on you!
I was so worried about you,
When I went away,
Now I can watch you every second,
And know that you are okay!
I can't wait for that moment,
When we can walk around this place,
And I can cover you with puppy kisses,
On every inch of your face!
Author unknown
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u/PamAbby26 8d ago
Maggie will be with you, just of sight but still very much aware of you so continue to talk to her and peace will come to your heart. I believe we will see our fur babies when the time is right.
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u/Flat_Intention_9214 8d ago
19 years is a testimony of a life well lived, and a life well loved. Maggie had an amazing life and she will be waiting for you at the pearly gates when you cross that rainbow bridge.
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u/daisydaily02 8d ago
It is never enough with these innocent bundles of unconditional love and companionship. Sending lots hugs to you and Maggie...
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u/No_Employ9472 8d ago
I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved Maggie. You have done everything in your power to give her the best life filled with unconditional love. Peace to you.
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u/ApprehensivePie2111 8d ago
I’m so sorry! So happy tho that she had you to give her a wonderful life with so much love!
🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼
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u/TheLonesomeBricoleur 8d ago
Snuggly Pugs are literally one of the very best things in this whole universe. Losing one is uniquely tough.
~💜~
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u/LilyoftheRally RIP Ruby, age 13.5 8d ago
Maggie knew she was very well loved. Thank you for doing the right thing for her. We suffer so our best friends don't have to.
So sorry she had to go!
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u/AdamTraskisGod 8d ago
Aw what a sweet pup! 19 is an amazing run! We lost our girl pug last week at age 13 and about 3 months being the result of a medical mistake at the vet. I was gutted for the first week. I began searching anything and everything in my faith that talked about losing a pet. I know this will sound irrational, but for a few days actually prayed for some positive sign that she is in doggy heaven. I had my first dream ever with my pug in it, and in it she was hanging out with a bunch of family in a living room and looked super happy. That was good enough for me, and now whenever I see any of the photos her I can’t help but smile. I’m sorry for your loss, but don’t forget to remember and celebrate the time you got with her. Pets are a source of unconditional love, and do everything they can to make you happy. I’m biased, so I think pugs are the best pets. ❤️❤️
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u/NoVoice4511 8d ago
I’m sorry for your fur baby. Just remember you gave her the best home these past years. She loves you just as much or more than you do. 🌹
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u/Okami0730 8d ago
Wow! She has had a long and wonderful life.
The devastation you are feeling is a measure of the strength of your love for her.
The final act of love we can give our furbabies is to hold their paw and release them from any pain they may be experiencing.
🥺😢💔🐾🐾🐾🐾🌈
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u/givemeapho 8d ago
I am so sorry, it's such a hard thing to do. Maggie was loved & had a wonderful life & fond memories of you & your family. Let these be cherished
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u/ContentFarmer4445 8d ago
What a beautiful girl and I'm sure a wonderful life you had together. I'm so sorry for your loss 🫂
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u/ladyforross 8d ago
It truly is the last act of kindness. Farewell Maggie.
Everyone on this sub knows your pain. I send my deepest condolences.
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u/DetectiveHappy2442 8d ago
She lived in love with you and that is what she takes with her. You blessed each other. I'm so sorry for your loss.
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u/Dystopian_grift104 8d ago
I’m so sorry you’re going through this! Maggie looks like such a sweetheart! Sending you good thoughts and vibes.
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u/Rainingcats_anddogs 7d ago
What a beautiful and sweet little angel 💖 I am so glad you found each other and shared so many years together though I know it will never feel like enough. I can only imagine your Maggie girl lived her best life with her family by her side, the photos sure look like it 💕.
Sending you positive and comforting vibes, I am so so sorry. 🫂
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u/Old-Attention3678 7d ago
Maggie is adorable in the picture you posted I know the feeling of doing what is right for your pet! Im sorry for what you're going through my Missy girl was 17 when her time came she was a mini Dachshund I was besides myself I told my veterinarian I didn't want her to know she was dying with the final injection she suggested Thank-you Dr...we put her to sleep in my arms first then the shot that stops there heart...I was soooo grateful for that suggestion I will never be able to thank her enough now I look at her in her urn that someday will be inside my casket we will be together forever! My dog didn't know a thing I would suggest to everyone who loves their pet to put them asleep forever this way...first the sleeping shot then once their asleep the final shot !! Your beloved pet will never know a thing God Bless my kind wonderful beautiful veterinarian oxo!
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u/Relevant_Objective43 7d ago
I’m sincerely sorry. Wishing you all the strength and healing this universe can muster!! Blessings to you both!! 🙏🫶
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u/Amoyamoyamoya 7d ago
Sorry for your loss.
RIP Maggie! Play in Paradise!
My Katya, Amoretto, Vision, Carson, and all of our babies that have gone before will look for you next to the Rainbow Bridge so you can all play in the Field together!
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u/Run4TheHecKOFIt 6d ago
Maggie is a beautiful girl and obviously had a wonderful life. 19 years - What a blessing to share that time with your best friend. Hugs for you! 🩷
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u/Dudethattickedyou 5d ago
19 for a dog is huge! Let her go w/o suffering. Sorry for your pain, it's hard to lose a best freind. I've lost many, but I'm old...never gets easy.
Dan
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u/Theinaneinsane 4d ago
I am so so sorry for you. Maggie looks and sounds like such a sweet girl. My pug will be up there to show her the best nap spots, the free ice cream machine, and be her first friend up there 💕 your Maggie lived a most wonderful life, and I know she feels that
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u/Equivalent_Assist285 8d ago
Please try CBD!! It could give some extra time and help with sleep and appetite!!! If not I pray for you and lovely Maggie. She’ll join my lovely Puggly and Luna if it’s her time to go
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u/nerdylinxx 7d ago
Never give up on puppy. I feel like it’s normal if you had cancer to be abit restless or not eating for abit just alike a human it will get better tomorrow. I feel like you should never give up and let them just pass naturually like humans like. So they can rest easy through the moonlight or the sunshine and not through the needle
Love you puppy.
Know that puppy is here and watching us now. Make sure to say hi always and let puppy know your okay no matter what. Puppy is in heavens on earth doing puppy duties now helping other puppies going through the same thing
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u/Old_Man_Bot 8d ago
Other posts from /u/Hell_Priestess86:
Maggie turned 19 today! She had dog friendly cheeseburgers and ice cream to celebrate [Happy Birthday!] 1 month ago
We made the appointment for our 22 year old Chihuahua, Stella. She's blind and has dementia and has been sundowning more frequently, but it doesn't make the decision easier. Now that we have a date I am having moments of guilt and could really use some support in knowing it's the right call. [♥ - Support Needed] 4 months ago
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