Goodbye Little Ellie.

We had to say goodbye late last night to our dear little whippet Ellie, aged almost 13yrs. She had become more and more frail over the last few years and her back legs were beginning to fail her at times, meaning we had to support her at mealtimes and going in and out of the house. Despite various tests she was steadily losing weight so we were feeding her small meals four times a day but inspite of everything she still enjoyed her two short walks each day and with her various medications and a lot of TLC she was a happy and quite contented little lady.

Yesterday morning we took her for her walk as usual and fed her again when we got back, then settled her down in her dog bed while we took the other dogs out. We returned an hour later to find her collapsed on the floor and unable to use her back legs. I think she may have got onto one of the chairs and somehow fallen off, but we'll never know. We rushed her to the emergency vet, - who luckily already knew her from previous visits. She had a painkiller injection and we were given some painkiller tablets for later and asked to return with her this morning, but later in the evening she became very uncomfortable and agitated. We tried everything to get her to take another painkiller but she just wasn't having it. It was clear that she just couldn't stand up and, knowing how weak she had become we both knew that she was not going to recover from this. So, rather than put her through an uncomfortable and distressing night we made the decision to take her back to the vets (at 10.00pm) where the same vet we had seen earlier gently put her to sleep while she lay in my arms. I know that we did all we could and I know with certainty that she would not have wanted to go through a distressing night with the same end result the following morning, - but it was just so sudden. - We were walking her through the woods at midday yesterday and today, at the same time we were taking her to the Pet Crematorium. We both feel so bereft and shell shocked.

As she grew older so much of the day revolved around feeding her, tablet times, lifting her up / over steps and helping her go outside, lie down comfortably etc. etc. There is just a huge empty space now that Ellie filled. She was our first whippet, - and the first we have had to lose. Unlike our other two she never raced, preferring the quiet life, cosy in her bed or cuddled up to one of us, - she was such a cuddler, we shall miss that so. She was also one of life's peace-makers, stepping in between our naughty puppy and our other dog when things got too rough, - friendly to all cats, dogs and humans alike and always ready to be fussed. The only two things she hated with a vengeance were car travel and fireworks.

She had become so much more dependant on us for so many things as she became more frail. She'd taken to waking up several times throughout the night and when, out of desperation we finally moved her dog bed into our bedroom a couple of months ago so we could check that she wasn't knocking herself and banging into things as she plodded about (she had cateracts in both eyes too) she thought she had it made, - especially as the other dogs had to sleep in their own room!

We shall miss her for so many reasons. For such a quiet, gentle little dog she leaves an enormous hole in our lives. I can't even begin to describe how we both feel right now, - but I know those of you who have been through it will understand. Below are a few pictures of her through the years.

Sleep tight little Ellie, we miss you so. Love to you always from Mum, Dad, Flo and Macy. xxxx

How sad to have to say goodbye to your lovely little girl. Can repeat all the platitudes but it doesn't make it any easier and the void these beautiful dogs leave can never really be filled, you just have to know that you gave her a wonderful home and wait for time to ease the heartache. Perhaps sponsoring a little rescue dog in her memory or, in time, even giving a loving home to a rescue. Run free Ellie. xxx

so sorry you had to say goodbye to your precious girl

RIP Ellie :wub:

It must have been so hard to say goodbye to Ellie Kay and im very sorry for your loss. The pictures are lovely from a puppy to an old lady, she looked a lovely girl :wub:

So sorry for your loss......what a lovely girl :wub:

So sorry to hear about your lovely Ellie. Sleep gently little one :wub:

Sorry you lost your little Ellie. She was a very pretty girl. R.I.P :wub:

Sending hugest hugs to Kay and Rob. Ellie was a very special lady.

Dear Rob and Kay just read your story, very sad, Ellie was a very special girl and beautiful with it, Our throughts are with you all at this said time.

R.I.P Ellie go and chase those bunnies in the sky :wub:

Im so very sorry for your loss, loved the account of her life in pictures....so precious.

 

Sleep tight Ellie xxxxx

[ :wub:

r.i.p. remember the good times and i bet she had lots with you.

Dearest Rob and Kay, we are thinking of you, and knowing exactly how you feel. Be glad that she had a full and happy life with you, and have some extra cuddles with Flo and Macy. Sending hugs at this very sad time :huggles:

So sorry Rob & Kay for the loss of your beautiful little girl Ellie :wub: It's never easy to say goodbye at any age, expected or not :'(

R.I.P. Ellie :wub:

We are so sorry to hear of your sad loss Kay and Rob and we know full well how much you treasure all your dogs, i think the best word to describe Ellie is " LADY " as she was one, in everyway.

Nothing will take the pain away but time and memories the pics of Ellie are beautiful and as long as she is in your memories she will never be truly gone.

Our deepest condolences to you both and please give Flo and Macy big hugs from us as they will miss her dearly to.

Run free little :wub: Ellie :wub: till we meet again .xx

Heartbreaking to read your news but sounds like she had the most wonderful life with you.

RIP Ellie :'( :'(

I'm so sorry. Ellie looked very sweet. RIP beautiful girl :wub:

Thank you so much for all your kind messages and pm's. It really does help to know people understand how we are feeling. The house still seems very empty without Ellie yet somehow it is also full of her and we are reminded of her whenever we put out an 'extra' bowl, remember it's time for her tablets or even when we eat a yoghurt (she always loved to lick the lid!)

We 'collected' her this afternoon and brought her back home, - it feels right to have her back again as she never spent a night away from us. We will wait for a sunny day and find her a beautiful place in the garden near to her favourite spot on the lawn, but for now, she is home.

Thank you all again so much for your kindness and support.

how sad . and heartbreaking , its always hard to loose a dog esp when its been your first..its been 2years that i had to say goodbye to my beloved peggy, i still have her at home with me..miss her just as much

it take a responsible and loving owner to know when its time to say enough is enough and make that decision to let go..

run free ellie join all the others who are over rainbow bridge

thinkin of you