Saying goodbye to my furry friend

[Fuzz]

Breaks my heart to say, I've had to let my boy Hunter go this morning. After nearly 16yrs, it was time to say goodbye and let him go peacefully. 

Ever since my bro brought him home from the breeder back in 2009, I knew that boy was going to be a handful. My bro never really could handle Hunter, or dedicate the time, so it was left to my parents and I. And when he had to leave for work in Singapore, Hunter officially became our family pet. Over the years Hunter became more and more attached to my father, and vice versa.

I will always carry the memories of how cheeky he could be; stealing a croissant from under a plastic wrapped box, the number of plants he destroyed when he was a puppy or the teething marks on my furniture and sideboards, stealing slippers and hoping you'll chase him (he especially made a point of standing just within your eyesight so you'd notice), peeing on people at the dog park who would ignore him and not give him a pat or scratch behind the ear, how he would sit on a bench at the dog park like he was surveying his kingdom, the time he nearly caught the neighbour's cat, the way he would come up to you and place his head on your thigh when asking for a treat, and many many more.

He had his dad's big build, but his mum's small petite head. And people would always be amazed at how soft, fluffy and thick his coat was. Even at the end, his coat was better than dogs half his age. He was spoiled rotten, with the best food and treats (he loved bananas, peanut butter, blueberries, ice cream, chicken nuggets and french fries). Some times I think we spoiled too much, but it was so hard to deny him.

Unfortunately, time caught up with Hunter and his body began to fail him. I suspect the seizure he had in Dec '23 was the result from a stroke. Arthritis had already slowed him down, but the stroke was when it all started going downhill. Slight change to his personality and food tastes were only the beginning. Eventually he could no longer walk more than 10m at a time, and he often struggled to get up without assistance. The final straw was a large lump that developed very quickly which the vet diagnosed as being non-cancerous but very dangerous if it burst. So the decision was made over the weekend to let Hunter go peacefully before he suffered any more pain.

So last night I got him his favourite nuggets and let him indulge as much as he wanted. He got all the pats, butt massages, belly rubs and ear scratches we could give him. Even this morning, the vets were still spoiling him and giving him treats. Cheeky boy till the very end.

I will miss you Hunter.

 

[Ford2112]

Wonderful tribute and I feel for your loss. 

[El Presidente]

Great dog. Great owner. 

RIP Hunter.  Chin up Fuzz. Huge hug from Di and I 💗

[Marco_011t556]

Sad to hear. Lovely one. RIP.

Cheer up bro

 

[Connoisseur Kim]

I also feel sorry for your loss. Rest in peace, Hunter.

[JohnS]

I'm going to miss Hunter being around there too (at your place), Fuzz. Sad day today.

[Fuzz]

28 minutes ago, JohnS said:

I'm going to miss Hunter being around there too (at your place), Fuzz. Sad day today.

He was a constant at our get togethers at my place, wasn't he? Always wanting to come out for a pat and cuddle, maybe steal a piece of food.

[Vetteman]

Sorry for your loss, I know how painful those decisions are. Hang in there

[JohnS]

12 minutes ago, Fuzz said:

He was a constant at our get togethers at my place, wasn't he? Always wanting to come out for a pat and cuddle, maybe steal a piece of food.

Haha...I know. Good memories! 👍

[99call]

@Fuzz.  Really sorry to hear this Mate.  Whilst they are with us, we value them to be a faithful friend, a source of amusement, a trusted guard. It's only when they pass you realise they were all those things and so much more. It's horrible to go though, and you have my sympathies. Sounds like you gave him a wonderful life and that's always the main thing to remember. 

[griller]

Hunter was such a gorgeous, handsome fella! I can see the mischief & love in his eyes, too. Treasure the 16 years the two of you were able to have to bond & create these great memories. 

Sympathies to you & thanks for sharing your thoughts on Hunter.

[Fugu]

Been through it, feeling for you @Fuzz

[CaptainQuintero]

It's always such a soul destroying time isn't it, my thoughts are with you Fuzz. 16 is an amazing age for a Lab, a testament to how much you guys loved and treated him. It sounds like he had an absolute belter of a life thanks to you 

[Chibearsv]

Sad for your loss Fuzz. 

[anacostiakat]

Always tough. Great looking pics. You gave him a wonderful life.

[gormag38]

Man always tough. Especially when going through the photos; to see the stages all laid out is beautiful. Looks like he was a good one. Sorry for your loss.

[joeypots]

Sad day, Fuzz. I love your description, cheeky. 16 years, wow. Seems like a long life but not long enough. Condolences.

[Goldeneye]

Beautiful write up, sorry for your loss, always such a difficult time.

[Stevieboy]

It's such a shitty time. Sorry pal

[BrightonCorgi]

16 years, he had a good run. You should be proud you kept him good health to live that long.

[Cestis4]

Truly amazing he lived 16 years and I’m sure they were great ones as well. I’ve had to do this a few times and feel for your loss. 

[looseleaf]

Sorry for your loss.

[Squarehead]

Sorry to hear that. We went through this last year in June when we had to let our pet go. He was a mix between a husky and German Shepherd. Our son and grandkids rescued him from a shelter near us at age 3yrs. He either run away or was abandoned also scared of a lot things such as belts or the gardenhose. Never did he steal food from the table or counter. After a massive stroke in may last year we had to let him go ,he was15 yrs old and we still miss him toda,y despite all the fur shedding and daily vacuuming.

[Havanaaddict]

So sorry for your loss 😥 What a wonderful friend you had in him, may the happy memories live on forever! 

[madandana]

Beautiful pup, sorry brother.