I'm deeply depressed.

[Raenelle]

My mom had to put her little dog down today. He was a great little guy, and I loved him a lot. Worse, my mom has Altzheimers, and that dog was her whole life. I don't know what she's going to do without him.

Here's how great he was. As my mom's memory slipped, she noticed that she'd lose something, then say "Where'd I put my keys?" Or my book? Or, whatever. And little Max would go over and sit by whatever she was asking about. All by himself, he figured that out. He was totally devoted to her, saw that she needed help finding things, and took it on himself to help her out.

I'm so depressed about Max I haven't even gotten really to how fucked it is for my mom. That's kind of on hold right now, I guess, until I get numb about little Max.

I don't really want comfort or anything. Really there's nothing anyone could say. I'm just crying and wanted to let someone know how great that little boy was.

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

1. I'm very sorry

Sounds like you have a lot on your plate. What kind of dog was Max? I hope things will be okay for your mom, and for you. Take care.

[Raenelle]

2. A toy poodle--black and tan.

He was only six years old, and he got diabetes really bad, uncontrollable.

[Pithlet]

20. Poodles are a very intelligent breed

I'm so sorry for your mother's loss. :hug:

[flamingyouth]

3. I'm so sorry to hear this

Very sorry especially for your mom. Animals are such amazing companions. And I feel for you too. It's so hard to have an ill parent. :hug:

[marc_the_dem]

23. sorry

You, your Mom and little Max will be in our prayers...

[medeak]

4. what an amazing boy he was!

I've never heard of anything like that before.. may I copy and paste to Alzheimer support group?

[Raenelle]

5. Yes.

Actually, he was always kind of fastidious and neat--maybe that's a toy poodle thing. But, I always thought that character trait helped him keep track of things for her.

My mom has never not had a dog. She's a fanatical dog lover, and I think Max was the best dog she ever had . . . and that's saying a lot. I can't imagine her without a dog companion, but now she says she won't ever have another. She's very depressed, of course, but she's also worried she won't be able to care for a dog. I've told her a million times that, if she can't, I will. I just can't see how she can have any satisfaction in life without a dog.

[Nite Owl]

6. So sorry

They are susch special little creatures.

[budkin]

7. Nothing I can say will help...

...but I'll say it anyway. I'm so sorry and I feel for you. I've had to put down 3 old and dear animals in the last 3 years. :-(

[Skittles]

8. Raenelle

it's absolutely normal for you to be feeling the way you do now. I'm so sorry, you do sound like you have a lot to handle right now. Please know if your depression continues you should seek some counseling to help you sort out your feelings. And feel free to vent on the DU, we will help.

[Raenelle]

11. Thanks Skittles.

I wasn't looking for help, but you-all are really great. Thanks.

[msgadget]

9. What a great pooch.

Know you don't want to read it but time does make loss more bearable.

[Downtown Hound]

10. Dogs are damn smart

We all know they understand words like "No" and "Treat" but they have done tests and actually found out they some of them understand hundreds of words in the English language. Remember, when you are talking, they're not only listening, but they might just be understanding you also.

I'm sorry about your loss. Losing a dog is just like losing a member of the family. Condolences.

[Flaxbee]

12. aw, crap, Raenelle...

I'm so sorry. My mom has Alzheimer's, too.. not real bad yet, but in the "where'd I put my...?" stages. I know how hard it is, even without a sweet helper dog to mourn.

What a wonderful little guy Max was! Poodles are SO SMART! I'm sorry Max had to be put to sleep, and I'm sorry about your mom. Hang in there.

[u4ic]

13. We could all hope

for such a companion. Even more than just a companion, but a helper. A truly amazing dog.

I'm so sorry for your mum, and for you. :cry: I can understand how heartbroken you must be; I have been too after the loss of my pets.

:hug:--> That's the best I can do. I wish I could say something that would make it better.

[NurseLefty]

14. My thoughts are with you.

My dog died on October 15. So, I understand how a special dog such as your mom's can be a great loss.
Take care.

[amerikat]

15. I'm sorry for your loss

I have this theory based on observation, that pets are so valuable to the welfare of mankind, that they are recycled and when they die they are assigned to help another needy person. He's a puppy again hoping to be claimed by another loving soul.
I hope it all works out well for the dog and your mom.

[Raenelle]

24. My theory is that our pets are always with us, life after life.

We have them forever.

[Yupster]

16. What a loss for your mom

So very sorry.

Could your mom adopt a small older dog that just needs holding and petting. It's so good for people when they feel they are a help to something or someone.

I recently had to have my old dog put down a few weeks ago. Petted her while she died. Then things turned into what could be a movie scene. I went to the waiting room to wait for my bill. There was a younger guy in there maybe 30. I was trying not to cry too much when he said. "Aren't you Mr. ___. You were my history teacher 15 years ago." So while I'm trying not to cry too much, he decided to get chatty. Told me all about his life, asked what I'm doing now, told me about my class. Later I thought it would make a great movie scene some day.

Anyway I'll stop rambling. Best wishes to you and your mom.

I'll go tuck in my seven year old and his puppy now.

[koopie57]

17. I read this post and the responses

and my heart broke. I sat here for a long time and thought about this, and maybe there is another dog who needs your mom. Maybe he is not out there tonight, but at some time ... he might need her ... Animals are funny that way. Please keep us updated... what we can do. Where is our mom? Can I bring my dogs over to visit?

[Raenelle]

21. That's a really god idea. A way to open my mom up to the possibility.

Thanks. She's in Montana--some remote area--so probably not.

[Floogeldy]

18. Raenelle, my mother died a month ago from Altzheimers and complications

It is not unnatural for you to be depressed. My mom and I have a little doggie, too.

Please feel free to PM me if you want to talk about anything.

Floog

[BansheeDem]

19. I don't really post in the non-political forums ... but

My Dad had Alzheimer's also and his little "pooch" was a Godsend to him. I wish you all the best for your Mom and hope that she can find another special companion soon. It is so very important and can make a world of difference in her life.

[GreenPartyVoter]

22. *hugs and prayers*

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[Gothic Sponge]

25. I'm very sorry.

:(

[babylonsister]

26. So sorry, Raenelle, about your mom and Max.

I hope you get her another dog, even a middle-aged one from the Humane Society. Would help Mom and the dog, and bring joy to all. Might help ease Mom's pain for the loss of Max.

[IStriker]

27. My heart is breaking for you, Raenelle, and your mom.

I know how difficult this must be for you and your mother. Please know that there are people who are thinking about your loss and praying for you, your mother and little Max.