Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Today I sit here with the deepest hurt imaginable. You see we got this beautiful german shepard puppy almost 3 years ago. Sarge was immediately loved by the whole family. He wasn't aware he was a dog. He had such a playful personality. Always swiping something that he knew would get you to chase him. He loved to play hide and seek, and would not give up until he found you. All the neighborhood kids thought he was the best, in fact some of them I suspect came to play with him instead of my boys. But the most favorite thing in the whole wide world was to play ball. We would play wiffle ball and he would sit behind the pitcher and field every ball. Then chase and tag the kids. He would play soccer, and you could never get it past him. Being in a house full of boys, there was always a ball at hand. He always would find a ball and drop it at your feet, or on your lap. If we put that ball away he would find another. But on Saturday, we were throwing the favorite tennis ball, and he caught it, but it got lodged in his throat. We tried to get it out, we drove to our vet frantically, who happened to be closed due to the holiday. We could see the ball, but just couldn't get it out. We waved a police officer who gave us a escort to another vet. By this time 20 minutes had passed. He was starting to get weak. We rushed in and the doctor was out to lunch. The staff tried to get the ball and finally did, but it was to late. He died. Our hearts are broken, you see we thought we were doing everything right, we paid over $4000 for a fenced in yard to keep him safe, had him neutered. Took him to the vet regulary, gave him heartworm prevention meds, gave him the best food on the market. He truly was a member of the family, my baby. But we naively played with a tennis ball. Please, please use some other fetch toy frisbee, kong. It could save his life.

Terry, you're story is really heartbreaking. I'm sorry for the loss of your beloved dog. Please try to not blame yourself. Who could have forseen this happening, we all play ball or play catch with our dogs. I know it's hard to think about right now but he had the best 3 years with you and I do firmly believe that our dogs go to a good place and that we will once again be reunited with them.
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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

Oh Terry, what a horrible thing to have happen! I feel for you and your family. I can't even imagine the pain you are going through.

I've actually heard of this happening with other dogs. They toys they play with must be large enough so this doesn't happen.

Please for your sake, remember the good times. This is an accident and ufortunately accidents happen. Sounds like you are beating yourself too much over this. He wouldn't want you to. He obviously loved you as much as you loved him and he would want you to be happy. Please think of him, keep his memory alive, but forget the bad. He was very happy with you and you gave him some wonderful years that many dogs never have the chance of enjoying.
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Melody/PHFasDog

My furkids:
Shadow, Jadzia and Lyta.
Kira waiting at the bridge.

Dogs come into our lives, and too quickly go leaving pawprints on our hearts, and we will never be quite the same again.

am so sad for you. from my own experience, I can say that the guilt will never really go away. you do just have to focus on the best times.

there are so many 'normal' things that all of us do with our dogs daily that can be potentially dangerous.

thanks for sharing your story, it will help others to hear it.

in time, you will honor your best friend, by giving your heart to another deserving pup

My condolances to you. I am so sorry this has happened to you, your family and friends.

I would like to thank everyone who took their time to express their sympathy and to offer different ways of dealing with this. I can't tell you enough how your words and kindness have helped me to get through each day. It is so difficult, but I know with time it will get easier.

Please don't construe this as a sympathy call, and know that my reason for posting this was to alert everyone of the dangers with our best friend's toys. Give your pal an extra hug from me and protect them as they protect us.