UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

I haven't said anything about this because I was too sad myself and wasn't sure about sharing my woes with everyone and depressing them! But since I have come to know you all so well, I felt I should tell you...
I lost my 3yr old Newfoundland dog, Hudson last week. He had suspected lesions on his brain or possibly tumours. Either way, we had no choice but to put him to sleep since his behaviour had started to be affected and the prognosis was a life of pain and erratic behavioural episodes. We were absolutely gutted because we loved him dearly. He was a magnificent beast of 10 and half stones, a really good specimen. He was great with other dogs and kids, a wonderful companion and placid to the point of being bomb-proof. He lived his whole life on fast forward and has even bagged the odd Munroe. He went out wagging his tail and not knowing a thing was wrong at the end of a very fulfilled life.
I hope this is not too depressing but I thought we are friends so why not share it?

Hi Matthew,

Sorry to hear about Hudson. It's good that he was happy to the end.

John

Aw Matthew, I'm so sorry to hear that. I get so upset when we lose a pet that it's putting me off from having anymore. Hold onto the thought that as difficult a decision it was you made the right one for Hudson.

Am really sorry to hear that but you did the right thing. He didn't suffer and you will always remember the good times now. Take good care of you ... Sweet X x X

Thoughts are with you and the family.

Sorry to hear about the loss Matthew, I had a Golden Retriever, which was run over in a traffic accident. I was just a kid at the time and remembered the loss after you posted.

He was a clever dog and so loyal... he would travel miles to visit our families houses one by one, by himself and knew what time to go for someone to be in and get a snack.

If he felt something was usual he would come home making a fuss for us to follow him, once when he did this was because an elderly relative was missing (they was not at home) and we did not know where they was either, but everything turn out to be fine in the end.

I must say having a dog was wonderful as a kid.

Sorry to hear about Hudson. My sister-in-law has just had to have one of theit dogs put to sleep, he was 16, called Norm and was a one off. I shall miss him next time I visit and I know that my dog Eddie will wonder where he is, they were great pals.

Just hold on to the thought that Hudson is now having a ball at that big kennel in the sky chasing rabbits and squirrels I expect.

Lesley.

You'll never for get him nor replace him even if you get another dog they will be different.

Our last dog we lost three months short of her 20th birthday, the vet was amazed, but she just kept on, and it was only an infected cist under her chin, but she couldn't have an operation, and he listend to her tummy too as that was not working that well, well her age... she was remarkable though, and used to run off for her visits, isn't it funny they always know where to go for treats.... and she could still beat me to the end of the road...

Anyway, take care and you'll always remember the good times.

Tam

Thanks Guys for your support, you're great! I will always have great memories. That post about rabbits and squirrels reminded me of a hilarious incident which really shows what kind of dog a Newfie is:

We were walking through the woods when two rabbits came bombing out of the foliage onto the path. They were clearly playing chase with each other. One rabbit broke left sharply and ran straight into Hudson, and was deflected back some distance (Hudson weighed a collosal 65Kgs). The rabbit was clearly shocked but literally shook his head and dashed off. Hudson didn't even notice but about a minute later started sniffing frantically. I imagined he was saying, "Dad, snif ...snif..I can smell a rabbit...snif round here somewhere!" He disappeared off in the same direction the rabbit went in! What little he had in brains, he made up for in sheer entertainment value!

I am sitting here chuckling at the thought of a Newfie discovering late that he had been in the company of a rabbit.

Matthew I am sorry to learn of Hudson's demise. I have friends who breed Irish Wolfhounds. They are short-lived dogs and my friends are in a constant state of bereavement.

They reckon that the time they spend with each dog well outweighs the sense of loss they find when one of their dogs dies.

I am glad that you have a fund of memories of Hudson. sometimes they will make you smile, and sometimes they may bring a tear. In all of them you will know that you helped Hudson to have a full and happy life, even if he did not always get the rabbit.

Andrew