Man my 17 year old dog just died in my arms

*Fox2Monk*

Heisman
Jun 10, 2009
46,207
84,293
113
I'm so sorry man. I recently lost my 17 year old dog and it about killed me. I had him cremated and kept the urn and somehow it helped me to still have him around.
My last dog sits on my mantle at home. I miss him a lot. I have two new wonderful puppies that are amazing though. I love them just as much. They make me happy.
 

MegaBlue05

Heisman
Mar 8, 2014
11,056
22,409
66
Wow. 17. What a great life.

I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is one of the worst heartbreaks there is. Benji sounded like a great companion and friend for you. May he rest in peace.

We lost an 8 year old seemingly healthy beagle to rapid spreading lymphoma 4.5 weeks after diagnosis. This was during COVID and they tried to tell us we couldn’t come in to be with her at her last moments. I thought my wife and I were going to jail for the scene we caused, but I couldn’t let our girl die alone when we’d had her since she was a pup. They let us come in. I teared up typing that and it’s been 6 years.

As for cremation or burial, that’s up to you and depends of your living situation. If you’re rural and/or own your property thay you don’t plan on leaving, burial might be best. If you’re in the city or rent, you might prefer cremation.

We have cremated our last 2 dogs who passed, and I’m glad we did because we’ve moved twice since 2020 and we just take their ashes with us.

We buried the dog we had when we first got married at our first house, and we felt horrible leaving him there when we had to move for my former job a couple years later.
 

fisherscatfan

All-Conference
Jan 17, 2010
1,160
2,535
113
He was following me and his back legs just gave out. I picked him up to reset him. He walked 5 feet and fell again. I picked him up and said Benji what's wrong bubba? He looked up at me and just fell limp. I knew this day was coming but God I feel like I just lost my best friend all over again. My parents got me that dog to help me post deployment. I'm sorry for posting this here but I don't know where the other parts of the forum are. I'm distraught and I don't care if people mock me.

Those that's had this happen (I'm terribly sorry for you) should I bury him or have him cremated? Phuck man life is **** anymore.

A mod can move this to where it belongs but I feel like I'm in shock.
A few years ago, we had our 9 year old Springer die in his sleep but he was sick and we were waiting test results. Then that same morning our 18 month old Irish Setter died instantly while running in the back yard. Vet was unable to determine cause. We have an IS that had the same dad so we had some testing done. The IS that died was very attached to me. That was a bad day.

Anytime you lose a pet it is hard. We always have our dogs cremated (we’ve have had 5 dogs pass) that way we take them with those when we move.

Sorry for your loss. It is tough.
 

*Fox2Monk*

Heisman
Jun 10, 2009
46,207
84,293
113
So sorry, brother. Praying for you.

As far as burying or cremation, I’ve found out the hard way that needs to come down to what your living circumstances are.

Obviously the ideal situation is put him in the ground somewhere he loved and you can visit his resting place, talk to him and ask God to let him hear you.

But I got burned bad burying my beloved “Gloves” in a yard where a friend promised me I could always visit her grave, then wound up selling the place not too long afterwards. Cremation isn’t quite the same as burial but you can always have them with you, even have the option of making plans to eventually have their remains buried next to yours if that might help you.

Hang in there, my brother. Despite any circle of life mumbo jumbo anyone might try to feed you, death really is terrible and that’s why the Bible calls it “the last enemy.” Thankfully Jesus was willing to pay such a high price for us to be able to escape its permanent effects if we’re only willing.
Maybe contact the new owner and ask them if it would ok to visit the site every once in awhile.
 

megablue

Heisman
Oct 2, 2012
16,051
16,462
113
He was following me and his back legs just gave out. I picked him up to reset him. He walked 5 feet and fell again. I picked him up and said Benji what's wrong bubba? He looked up at me and just fell limp. I knew this day was coming but God I feel like I just lost my best friend all over again. My parents got me that dog to help me post deployment. I'm sorry for posting this here but I don't know where the other parts of the forum are. I'm distraught and I don't care if people mock me.

Those that's had this happen (I'm terribly sorry for you) should I bury him or have him cremated? Phuck man life is **** anymore.

A mod can move this to where it belongs but I feel like I'm in shock.
Very very sad to hear this. Dogs may be the most wonderful thing on earth and it is brutally tough to lose yours. 17 years is a great period of time. Your sadness will turn to smiles of memories ... hopefully sooner, rather than later. Take care, be well, very sorry to hear this.
 

*Fox2Monk*

Heisman
Jun 10, 2009
46,207
84,293
113
Very sorry for your loss. I’m an animal guy.

I foster for a local rescue and a lot of my fosters are old timers who only have a relatively short period of time left who are just looking for a comfy house to spend whatever time they have left.

it’s tough alright, but is is better than them being alone or in a loud pound for the rest of their life. It never gets easier.

I try to look at it as it isn’t about me, it’s about them. Sounds like your guy had a great life.
Fostering dogs is such a great thing to do. Nice use of your time for sure. 👍
 

darkshadesofblue

All-Conference
Aug 18, 2015
3,656
4,191
103
I’m sorry to hear that, it’s been a month since my Chihuahua Ren died from a heart murmur. He was like a rag doll in my arms when I picked him up. That will stick with me for a while. Enjoy the good memories you had with your friend. 17 years is a longtime, you gave that dog a long and happy life
 

JimboBBN

Heisman
Jan 26, 2016
15,040
29,942
113
Man, I am so freaking sorry. I am such a dog lover. They are more family than 99.9 percent of people. My German shepherd just turned 9 and I already fear the day he leaves me. It’s going to absolutely wreck me.

Keep posting about your buddy if it helps you feel better. I imagine most of us know your pain and want you to feel better.
 
Jan 10, 2015
19,207
32,741
62
He was following me and his back legs just gave out. I picked him up to reset him. He walked 5 feet and fell again. I picked him up and said Benji what's wrong bubba? He looked up at me and just fell limp. I knew this day was coming but God I feel like I just lost my best friend all over again. My parents got me that dog to help me post deployment. I'm sorry for posting this here but I don't know where the other parts of the forum are. I'm distraught and I don't care if people mock me.

Those that's had this happen (I'm terribly sorry for you) should I bury him or have him cremated? Phuck man life is **** anymore.

A mod can move this to where it belongs but I feel like I'm in shock.
I'm sorry man I totally understand animals can be better than most humans. Prayers you get through this buddy!
 

JHR1932

Junior
Nov 27, 2025
143
241
42
He was following me and his back legs just gave out. I picked him up to reset him. He walked 5 feet and fell again. I picked him up and said Benji what's wrong bubba? He looked up at me and just fell limp. I knew this day was coming but God I feel like I just lost my best friend all over again. My parents got me that dog to help me post deployment. I'm sorry for posting this here but I don't know where the other parts of the forum are. I'm distraught and I don't care if people mock me.

Those that's had this happen (I'm terribly sorry for you) should I bury him or have him cremated? Phuck man life is **** anymore.

A mod can move this to where it belongs but I feel like I'm in shock.
Brother I AM SOOO SAD for your loss it’s brutal. God Speed
 

26MichaelUK

All-American
Feb 14, 2013
36,573
5,247
93
Guys thank you for the outpouring of support. Benji rode my tractors with me, my lawnmowers, everything. I took him with me almost everywhere. He's been to every southern state, he loved going on the pontoon. He was so full of life earlier today. I think his poor heart just gave out. He never yelped or made any sign he was in pain. He's had a heart murmur since he was 10 and their lifespans are 12-16. He was 4 months away from 18. Thank you guys for sharing your stories. I loved that dog from the second I met him. I loved him his entire life. Again thank you for the advice and prayers, it means a lot guys. Truly.
 

Monday Nitro

All-American
Jul 3, 2025
4,587
7,610
112
He was following me and his back legs just gave out. I picked him up to reset him. He walked 5 feet and fell again. I picked him up and said Benji what's wrong bubba? He looked up at me and just fell limp. I knew this day was coming but God I feel like I just lost my best friend all over again. My parents got me that dog to help me post deployment. I'm sorry for posting this here but I don't know where the other parts of the forum are. I'm distraught and I don't care if people mock me.

Those that's had this happen (I'm terribly sorry for you) should I bury him or have him cremated? Phuck man life is **** anymore.

A mod can move this to where it belongs but I feel like I'm in shock.
.
 

Monday Nitro

All-American
Jul 3, 2025
4,587
7,610
112
I'm really sorry to hear that. I'm closer to my dogs than I am to people. I know how you feel now.

If you have a place that you will always own or have access to, burying might be ok. If not, cremation will let you take Benji wherever you go. I left two good dogs in ground I can't get to very easily, and wish I'd had them cremated instead.

Hang in there.
I creamate mine and am going to have all the ashes put in my coffin with me.
 

wildcat1515

All-Conference
Feb 7, 2006
5,441
2,934
113
He was following me and his back legs just gave out. I picked him up to reset him. He walked 5 feet and fell again. I picked him up and said Benji what's wrong bubba? He looked up at me and just fell limp. I knew this day was coming but God I feel like I just lost my best friend all over again. My parents got me that dog to help me post deployment. I'm sorry for posting this here but I don't know where the other parts of the forum are. I'm distraught and I don't care if people mock me.

Those that's had this happen (I'm terribly sorry for you) should I bury him or have him cremated? Phuck man life is **** anymore.

A mod can move this to where it belongs but I feel like I'm in shock.
Sucks I have 2 dogs and won't be able to handle it. Husky and a German shepherd and they are awesome. They are always there for you. Dogs are your best friends and you take care of them like your kids. Sorry for your loss sounds like he had a great life and a great owner and friend.
 

JASUN74

All-American
May 22, 2008
3,719
5,414
73
He was following me and his back legs just gave out. I picked him up to reset him. He walked 5 feet and fell again. I picked him up and said Benji what's wrong bubba? He looked up at me and just fell limp. I knew this day was coming but God I feel like I just lost my best friend all over again. My parents got me that dog to help me post deployment. I'm sorry for posting this here but I don't know where the other parts of the forum are. I'm distraught and I don't care if people mock me.

Those that's had this happen (I'm terribly sorry for you) should I bury him or have him cremated? Phuck man life is **** anymore.

A mod can move this to where it belongs but I feel like I'm in shock.
I’m soo sorry man. Bout made me cry brother. My dog is about 10 but I know it’s not going to be easy, he’s slowed down for sure. best friend I’ve ever had. Sorry again bro.
 

FurdTurgason

All-Conference
Jan 9, 2009
1,881
3,396
113
In a couple of days, if you're up to it, start a list. Every little idiosyncrasy and quality that made him your dog. It will be cathartic I promise you. Little things like...my dog used to walk around in circles at least three times before that spot was good enough to poop on. She would bury other dogs' squeaky toys. She howled like a wolf when you sang to her. Every once in a while I read that list and it's like she's still with me.
 

JASUN74

All-American
May 22, 2008
3,719
5,414
73
I know we’ve had hundreds here lose loved ones and it’s awful no matter the circumstances, I pray for all of them, but a man and his dog is as hard on a man as anything he’ll have to go through. This is one of the saddest posts I’ve ever read here because it’s so close to all of us.
 

*Fox2Monk*

Heisman
Jun 10, 2009
46,207
84,293
113
Guys thank you for the outpouring of support. Benji rode my tractors with me, my lawnmowers, everything. I took him with me almost everywhere. He's been to every southern state, he loved going on the pontoon. He was so full of life earlier today. I think his poor heart just gave out. He never yelped or made any sign he was in pain. He's had a heart murmur since he was 10 and their lifespans are 12-16. He was 4 months away from 18. Thank you guys for sharing your stories. I loved that dog from the second I met him. I loved him his entire life. Again thank you for the advice and prayers, it means a lot guys. Truly.
That is a wonderfully long life, even though time flew I’m sure.
 

BassProCat

Heisman
Jan 5, 2017
12,141
27,899
81
I'm so sorry man. I recently lost my 17 year old dog and it about killed me. I had him cremated and kept the urn and somehow it helped me to still have him around.
I had my 13 year old dog cremated (died a few years back) and I was heartbroken for days until her Urn was ready for pickup and soon as I got the urn a sense of relief came over my body and everything was better. It was crazy how that happened…cool to see it happen to someone else.

Sorry for your loss OP losing a pet sucks
 

*Fox2Monk*

Heisman
Jun 10, 2009
46,207
84,293
113
In a couple of days, if you're up to it, start a list. Every little idiosyncrasy and quality that made him your dog. It will be cathartic I promise you. Little things like...my dog used to walk around in circles at least three times before that spot was good enough to poop on. She would bury other dogs' squeaky toys. She howled like a wolf when you sang to her. Every once in a while I read that list and it's like she's still with me.
That’s a great idea.
 

BlueSince92

All-Conference
Jul 2, 2025
10,786
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Maybe contact the new owner and ask them if it would ok to visit the site every once in awhile.
Thanks Bro. That's a good idea if I can find it. It happened back when I was in college and I was so depressed over first breaking up with my fiancee and then losing my dog I moved away and lost track of everything for a long time after that friend moved. It's somewhere up Paris Pike from Lexington, maybe I should go drive around there and see if I can remember anything. I do remember a big rock I buried her near.
 

MbergCat

Heisman
Nov 23, 2014
7,531
14,168
113
He was following me and his back legs just gave out. I picked him up to reset him. He walked 5 feet and fell again. I picked him up and said Benji what's wrong bubba? He looked up at me and just fell limp. I knew this day was coming but God I feel like I just lost my best friend all over again. My parents got me that dog to help me post deployment. I'm sorry for posting this here but I don't know where the other parts of the forum are. I'm distraught and I don't care if people mock me.

Those that's had this happen (I'm terribly sorry for you) should I bury him or have him cremated? Phuck man life is **** anymore.

A mod can move this to where it belongs but I feel like I'm in shock.
I lost my 14 year old girl last spring. She died in my lap from congestive heart failure. I know the pain all too well. I buried her in her favorite blanket in her little bed. Got a memorial stone and put it on top. I still think about her almost daily.
 

Chadrock

All-Conference
Jul 12, 2004
3,045
2,042
103
He was following me and his back legs just gave out. I picked him up to reset him. He walked 5 feet and fell again. I picked him up and said Benji what's wrong bubba? He looked up at me and just fell limp. I knew this day was coming but God I feel like I just lost my best friend all over again. My parents got me that dog to help me post deployment. I'm sorry for posting this here but I don't know where the other parts of the forum are. I'm distraught and I don't care if people mock me.

Those that's had this happen (I'm terribly sorry for you) should I bury him or have him cremated? Phuck man life is **** anymore.

A mod can move this to where it belongs but I feel like I'm in shock.
Michael - this belongs right here where all can see. The exact same thing happened to our 13 year old Aussie (Stormie) Monday - Sunday she was fine and Monday morning she started breathing heavy. My wife and daughter took her to the vet and she was gone when they got there.

I know this is not easy so my prayers are with you brother. As the sports fans we all are, one good way to look at it is that if we could draw up one last play for our fur babies, this would be the way to go without suffering. Yes, I would save some of his fur and cremate. We did the same for her brother (Jagger) 3 years ago.

Thoughts and prayers 🙏