Prayers for Winston

[Guest Bruce Tronolone]

This is the 1st time I have visited this site - and it comes at a most devasting time in my life. For several years I have always thought the the Carin was the breed for our family - I have a 11 year old daughter (only child).

Winston was a Red Briddle male, full of life, with a personality like no other. He was born on April 26 - 2003. On the night of April 18, around 10:00pm, Winston started to vomit, into the night, this lead to the dry heaves. My wife stayed with the dog until 2:00am. He seemed calm, and was resting on his bed. When I came down at 5:00am, Winston was gone.

By the time I went back upstairs to tell my wife - I returned to find my 11 year daughter cradling the dog. It is without a doubt, the worst thing as a father I have witnessed - My heart has been breaking.

I brought the dog to the vet, to find out what could have killed him at this age. The vet. ruled all look good, however, his heart appeared damage. Gone at 2 weeks shy of two years of age by a heart attack.

I know I will never be able to replace this dog, however, I am in the process of finding another Red Briddle to fill his space. We loved this dog so much, we were planning on getting a 2nd dog this summer. This dog has captured my heart like no other - I would give all of my material possessions away just to have him back with us.

My advice to all - love your dogs as if it will be the last time you will see them.

[Toto times 2]

I am so sorry for your loss. There is really nothing to say that will help except that we are thinking about your family.

Barb, Ghillie and Smokey

[hallswel]

My heart was breaking as I read your post. So very sad. I am very sorry for your loss and your family will be in my prayers.

[bradl]

My advice to all - love your dogs as if it will be the last time you will see them.

Truly, good advice. I can only offer my kindest thoughts for you, and your family.

[wheezie23]

I am so sorry for your loss. Be comforted in the fact that although Winston lived a very short life, he was loved and filled your home with love as well. You and your family will be in my thoughts.

Thela

[toomanypaws]

Oh my! I am so sorry for your loss and also for your dd to have to go through that w/ Winston. My thoughts & prayers are w/ you. I have a 9 yr old dd so I can imagine how hard this must be on your 11 yr old. Thanks for your advise coming from you at the sadest hour of your life. You are so right, my dd and cairns will get a special hug in honor of Winston.

[jlr79]

I am so sorry for your loss. This is truly a heartbreaking story. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Be strong.

Jan

[Guest posting as: cairnmother]

I know just how devastating it can be to suddenly lose your beloved pet. My cairn Ozzy was a very active dog. He would bounce off the walls on garbage day and when the mail arrived. His heart valve ruptured one day with no warning at all. We took him to the emergency vet clinic and when they told us it was heart failure I was in total disbelief. He was 10 years old and the last time he had gone to vet for his booster shots and to have his teeth cleaned [just a couple months before it happened,] the vet remarked that he was in good shape for his age. You just never know when something like that is going to happen. It is hard to take even if you are somewhat prepared for it (older pet, health problems etc.] It is hard for adults to understand why things happen sometimes and I know it is very difficult for your little girl. My thoughts are with you. Another pup won't replace the one you lost but it will make the loss a little more bearable. You will fall in love with a new pup before you know what hit you.

[Marmielin]

Dear Bruce,

Like you, we have an only daughter and she was raised with our Cairn who lived to be 17. When he died our daughter was pregnant with our first grandchild, and she began having contractions because she was so distraught over the loss of Oliver. To her it was like having a brother, and his death was very hard on her. We now have an 8 month old female, Tink, and all of us love her dearly. So, I relate to your feelings over the loss of your Winston, and your daughter's grief. It is very hard to see your children suffer. Blessings to you and your family.

Lindab

[CathyAnn]

(((Hugs)))....to you and your family, Bruce.

My heart just aches for you.....it is such a hard thing to go thru.

Cathy

[MikeC]

Bruce,

I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a beloved pet is one of life's worst experiences, especially when they are so young. My heart goes out to you and your family.

MikeC

[Mama Kim]

I am so, so sorry for your loss, Bruce. Losing a beloved pet is just so hard, especially when it's so unexpected. May Winston rest in peace.

[GIDGETSMOM]

I am so very sorry to hear of your loss of Winston. May God fill your minds with memories and your hearts with love and comfort. He was much loved and filled your life for a short time with the most priceless thing in world.... Unconditional Love.

[Scully'sMom]

I cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and for Winston.

[Eliz222]

I'm so sorry to hear of your recent loss. It's never easy losing a beloved pet, and even harder for young children. (((HUGS))).

[abe's dad]

We too wanted to add our sorrow at your loss. Abe will be two soon, and has become such a part of our family, I would hate to have to face what you all are.

Love and prayers from Abe, Valerie, James, Shaun & Cassandra

[kayharley]

Your post brought me to tears....what a tragic and sad thing to happen to a family who has such love inside their hearts.

They say time heals and memories will lighten the sorrow...

I pray that your heartache lessens with each passing day. Thank you for those words of wisdom...my crew get extra hugs today.

[Anna_525]

Dear Bruce, I am very sorry to hear of your untimely loss. It is so heartbreaking. Our prayers to Winston and your family.

Anna

[Darsey]

I just wanted to add my deepest condolences to you and your family during this hard time in your life. I'm in tears as I write this and am unable to imagine how you all must feel. Sometimes time seems to pass by in the blink of an eye. Hold on to the good memories, and I hope that you will be able to find another puppy that you will love just as much. I will keep you, your family, and Winston in my thoughts. We will all be here for you when you need us in the future... - Darsey