Fireking the Fighter has lost his fight

[frankie]

Hi everyone,

I am crying my eyes out as I am typing this but as you have all been so kind to me while David and I have been fighting with Fireking to live as long as possible I thought you should all be told that Fireking has lost his battle for life.

I had a strange feeling about him when I left for work this morning as he did not do his usual morning routines but he seemed OK. Not enough for me to worry about to stay at home.

I start work at 9.00 and have a long drive so left home at 8.00. David phoned me at 10.00 and as soon as the call came through I knew it was about Fireking as David never rings me at work unless it is an emergency.

He told me that Fireking was fighting for breath. I told my bosses and they told me to go straight home which I did and will be eternally grateful to them for doing that.

I did the journey back home in record time as it has been one of my biggest worries that I would not be with him at the end.

When I got home Fireking's breathing had worsened and he could not move his back legs and was defecating where he was in the lounge. I called the vets but they got lost. They should have been here for about 11.30 - 12.00 but I had to go and meet them and show them the way to our house so they did not actually arrive until about 1.00

When they saw him they said there was nothing more they could do for him and said that they were going to give us 10 minutes together and then take him away to be put to sleep.

I told them NO that he was not going to be stressed out by being carried to the vets and that they must do the necesary in his own home.

They found this very strange as most people just let them take them away - but not my beloved Fireking. He should die in the house he loved I told them. Remember I am in Spain and the Spanish have a very different view to life and death than the English which is where I originate from.

I was telling Fireking that they were doctors and were going to make him better and trying my hardest not to cry which somehow I managed until it was all over, as I did not want Fireking to be frightened at the end.

It was all done very kindly and they put the canula in and gave him a sedative to calm him and his breathing slowed and he sounded almost like he was giving a sigh of relief. I was holding his head and David was stroking him and we were both telling him he was a good boy and that we loved him very much.

They then put the lethal dose in but he was so relaxed with the sedative he did not even know. They were checking his heartbeat all the time and said he had gone although to me he had already gone when the sedative worked on him.

They then said that they had to wait 5 minutes just to check that his heart had not restarted and it had not so Fireking is now no longer with his Mum and Dad and i pray to God that he is happy now, with no suffering and is in Rainbow Bridge with his friends from this forum.

David had bought a special blanket for him to be taken away in and they wrapped him in that.

They said they just take them away but I said I wanted his ashes back - which again they thought was strange - so Fireking's old body is on its way to Madrid and then they will contact me when his ashes are ready for collection.

My house is so empty without him. Everywhere I look there are reminders - his tennis balls and all his other toys, his quilt, comforter, so many things - but no Fireking.

I am sorry to upset anyone's weekend with this sad sad news.

Lots of Love to all
Take Care
Frankie and on behalf of Fireking

[GSDNewbie]

I am so sorry he has gone from your sight but he will never leave your heel, always know your gsd will watch over you and knows how much you love him.

[RedyreRotties]

My deepest most heartfelt sympathy.

I won't offer you any words of comfort, because they won't help right now.

I will tell you I know how it feels to have one so dear ripped from your life.

It won't seem like it now, but time helps.

I will keep you both in my prayers.

God speed ^Fireking^. If love is riches in the next life, you will arrive in style.

[Faith]

i'm so sorry for your loss.

*hugs*

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

Oh Frankie,

I have such mixed emotions. I'm soooooooooooo sorry Fireking is gone and I know you and David already miss him dearly. On the other hand, the thought of him running and playing free of pain makes me smile.

You and David were the best parents an ill dog could ever want. You did everything to make Fireking feel comfortable and well loved. I'm sure he's telling all the other dogs about what great parents he has.

I pray that after some grieving time, you and David will be able to rest and heal yourselves after all you've been through. It's been an honor to walk this journey with you these many months. I'm so proud of you that you didn't waste any of the time you had left together; you cherished every minute.

Peace to you my friend.

[Trace]

Originally Posted by RedyreRotties

If love is riches in the next life, you will arrive in style.

That just about sums it all up.

Hugs to you - just know he is without pain now and the last faces he saw were the ones he loved.

[frankie]

Thanks to you all.
So many responses already.
I hope that time will heal although it does not feel that way at the moment.
This really is the best forum in the world with so many nice kind people.
And thanks to all for reputation comments.
Maybe I shall get my star at some stage!!!
Thanks again.
Frankie

[bernicesmama]

I am very sad to hear of this, but very glad that he is in a much better place without pain. You have ruined nobody's weekend, we all need shoulders to lean on or to just vent our feelings and we here are more than happy to loan you a shoulder or two.

I send my condolonces to your family from my family.

[Vallencia28]

I am so sorry for you loss. I couldn't help but have tears come to my eyes with your story. You have my condolences.

[mara]

Oh Frankie,
I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Fireking. You did such a wonderful job taking such good care of him.
My sincere condolences.
Sue and Mara