Vale Milly

This morning around 2 am, my Milly dog had a seizure. Up to that point she was absolutely fine — ate as normal, just as lively and happy as usual, and went to sleep on the bed, curled up against my back as usual.

Then at quarter to 2, she jumped off the bed, flopped down on the floor and made some dreadful gasping sounds.  So I turned on the light and there she was, just lying there. Her eyes were open, but I couldn’t see her breathing or feel a pulse. And I didn’t want it to be true

It took hours for me to be sure she was dead — I just wasn’t sure . . .
I did a lot of googling. Google says she wasn’t in pain — apparently when they’ve had a seizure they don’t feel pain. I hope that’s true.
She was 11 and a half.

So now my little mate has gone. She was a happy little soul and quite fit and full of bounce right to the end. So it was probably a good way to go. But the house feels very empty and I’m very sad.

Below is my first photo of her, taken when I’d just brought her home from the dog rescue place. Vale Milly.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
30 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Amy
Amy
3 days ago

Oh, Anne, I’m so sorry for your loss. I know the feeling of an empty house after losing a furry family member all too well. Hugs.

Anne Gracie
Anne Gracie
3 days ago
Reply to  Amy

Thanks so much, Amy. I’m still having trouble wrapping my head around the fact that she’s gone.

Christine Edinburgh
Christine Edinburgh
2 days ago

So sorry for your loss. I had a cat for 19 years. She died two decades ago and I still miss her. Love is love. Millie was with you a long time and was a constant friend. Honour that relationship with love and gratitude.

Anne Gracie
Anne Gracie
1 day ago

Thank you Christine. My old Harrie-cat lived to 20, and I’ve had two dogs that lived to 20 as well. But this was so sudden, with no sign that she was ill. She was happy and full of bounce and joy until . . she wasn’t. I’m very glad I had her as long as I did, and that she didn’t suffer.

Jean
Jean
2 days ago

So sorry for your loss. I had the same thing happen to me once, but my poodle jumped onto my lap and died there. The Vet thought it was her heart… was a shock to me.!! I’ve had several other dogs since. They are such good company.

Anne Gracie
Anne Gracie
1 day ago
Reply to  Jean

Oh gosh Jean — what a thing to happen. And such a shock. I think that’s the hardest thing for me — it being so sudden, it’s very hard to wrap my head around that she’s gone for good.

Cheryl
Cheryl
2 days ago

I’m so very sorry, it’s so hard to lose them. She looks like a lovely Lady.
It’s hard to come to grips with their loss. Not only physically, but mentally and emotionally too.
Be kind to yourself, and give yourself the space you need.
Thinking of you, and sending a hug.

Anne Gracie
Anne Gracie
1 day ago
Reply to  Cheryl

Thank you Cheryl. She was a happy little sweetheart, and I’m glad she didn’t suffer. But the house feels so empty.

Chris
Chris
2 days ago

I’m so sorry to hear about Millie. Our pets become part of the family and it really hurts to lose them. My thoughts are with you.

Anne Gracie
Anne Gracie
1 day ago
Reply to  Chris

Thanks, Chris. Yes, it’s hard to get used to her not being here.

Robin Steimberg
Robin Steimberg
2 days ago

Annie I’m so sorry for your loss. Cherish the memories and know you gave her a loving home

Anne Gracie
Anne Gracie
1 day ago

Thank you Robin. I do cherish the memories, and she also gave me a happy home.

Margot
Margot
2 days ago

Such sad news, Anne. Sure, looks like a sweet companion that you have lost. Sudden death has its good and bad points. Sadly, it is so unexpected and leaves you so suddenly feeling a great loss. But at least she did not suffer long before dying. I love the two photos you posted, and I know she will be missed. When my husband died, I still had my cat still with me. Chessie lived for another year but was frail at the end. Once she was gone it was harder to be alone and in a quiet house, but I… Read more »

Anne Gracie
Anne Gracie
1 day ago
Reply to  Margot

Thank you Margot. It is very hard to get used to the quiet house, but as you say, I’ll get used to it. Hugs to you for your losses.

Carolyn
Carolyn
2 days ago

I am so sorry for your loss Anne. The last cat I had for 14 years and I still remember him often. I know you have many happy memories of Milly.

Anne Gracie
Anne Gracie
1 day ago
Reply to  Carolyn

Thanks Carolyn. Yes, I do have many happy memories of her, and a few good photos.

Katharine
Katharine
2 days ago

Anne
i have lost 4 dogs and 3 cats over the years. They have all held special places in my heart because each of them were special in their own way. Please understand that it is ok to grieve some people will think you are a little strange but those people have never let an animal into their hearts. I feel sorry for them because of that. I also feel so sorry for you because you did and now have that empty spot in your heart. Hugs from across the ocean.

Anne Gracie
Anne Gracie
1 day ago
Reply to  Katharine

Thanks, Katharine — that’s so true, that each pet is special in their own way. I’ve had four dogs and a long lived cat )20 years) and they each have a place in my heart. I appreciate the hugs and kind comments.

Marianne
Marianne
2 days ago

Kind thoughts winging your way.

Anne Gracie
Anne Gracie
1 day ago
Reply to  Marianne

Thank you, Marianne.

KarenG
KarenG
2 days ago

So sorry for your loss. I’ve been the mother of many cats (and the odd dog), and its hard to lose them. They share our lives and leave their paw prints on our heart. My condolences, Vale Milly

Constance
Constance
2 days ago

Anne – seeing your pictures and hearing your stories of Milly over the years has been such a pleasure for all your followers, and even more for you. Thank you for letting us share this with you, too. She was Your Milly, but we’ll all miss her.

Jo
Jo
2 days ago

Dear Anne, you must be devastated. She looks such a gorgeous dog. Your sorrow is in my heart. Thinking of and praying for you in your grief. With love xxx

Pam
Pam
2 days ago

I am so sorry for your loss. I have an older dog who is my best companion. I can’t imagine losing him.

Elizabeth Gross
Elizabeth Gross
2 days ago

Oh, I’m so sorry for your loss–I’m a cat person and I swear I want to see the ones who have crossed over before me waiting to meet me in the afterlife…