Why did Reggie past away so suddenly?

Question

I came home yesterday to find my dog passed away on his bed. He was in a regular sleeping position. He showed no signs of illness prior to this. He was an older dog, 13 going on 14. Could it have been old age? I feel so guilty that I wasn;t home when I was suppose to be and maybe I could have done something. Im so devastated not knowing what happened and loosing him so quickly.

tonyb286 · Accepted Answer

I agree, it seems from what you say that Reggie passed away of old age. Probably while sleeping as he was in his usual position. In the end, wouldn't we all choose to go that way if we could, peacefully and at home. There are always the 'what ifs' that dilligent owners go through ... but don't beat yourself up over the 'what ifs', because without any earlier symptoms, you could not have predicted what might happen and, even then, may not have prevented it.

I am very sorry for your loss, but don't feel guilty. You did an amazing job helping him achieve the age he did - and he knew how much he was loved by you. Big hugs, Tony

Liz122778 · Answer

Thank you everyone, today has been so tough and my tears are endless. I keep reminding myself it will get easier, and that he didnt suffer. Im being too hard on myself that i didnt pet him enough the day before he passed, and when we left for work we said i love you to him on the way out, but i cant remember looking at him. I must keep the positive memories in my mind though, but its hard. Im so grateful for this community responding to me. thank you all for the support during htis difficult time

TwoBitsMom · Answer

Reggie was a lucky dog to live his life in the company of someone who loves him.  We all dream of our dogs passing peacefully after a long wonderful life. Reggie was certainly blessed to live a long and wonderful life, and to end it without suffering.  He died at home, a place that made him feel comfortable and safe.  I know how much you wish you could have been with him, but as Ginger has pointed out...you were.  
God Bless Reggie's Beautiful Spirit and Soul....he is much loved.
Connie

ginger899 · Answer

You must not feel guilty you were not there when he passed. He went most gently, and his last experiences were all the things you made and brought for him, his bed -his home, the familiar smells, and probably a routine he was well accustomed to. He was used to you going out and would settle down to nap. He was where he wanted to be, relaxed and content. You were all around him.

Liz122778 · Answer

I never ever thought to think of your saying that "Grief is the price we pray for love." That is so soothing to hear. I guess I am lucky that he went so peacefully and should be calmed knowing he didn't suffer. I have to accept that I gave him a good life and not make myself feel like I could have hugged him more or pet him more. Everyone's words here are helping me, thank you so much.

Beau3008 · Answer

My deepest sympathy to you. It is heart breaking loosing part of your family and you will miss him forever. 

13 - 14 years in a loving home, slipping away peacefully in his sleep, content after a happy, long, loving, life. He was a lucky dog to have had a great life.

As dog owners we should pity unloved dogs, detest unloving owners and be proud of the great life we have given our own dogs. 

Treasure your memories.

Misfits4Me · Answer

Please accept my condolences on your loss of Reggie......My first thought was "Oh My, wish we were all so lucky".....However that somehow seems like a selfish response to an owner.....

I agree, you did an amazing job with him....He was so very fortunate to have you......I know your heartbroken, as you should be.....I pray time will heal your heart & fond memories of Reggie will make you smile.....Unfortunately, you must grieve first.....Sadly, Grief is the price we pay for love! But oh, is it so worth it!

My thoughts are with you......Karla

Run Free Reggie~~~You Were Much Loved~~~One of the Lucky Ones

Liz122778 · Answer

Im so grateful for people to really have read what i posted. Tears are brought to my eyes to know other people care and can give me advice. I cleaned his water bowl and food bowl today and that was hard. I will pick up his ashes next week after his cremation. It's devastating and I just try to visualize his happy self and not the view of him i saw when i  found him passed. He left  his 2 brothers, my cats so they too feel sad. I didnt realize how reading other peoples response would really make me feel better, but oh my it does. I'm grieiving and its assuring people all over really can sympathize with me.

Liz122778 · Answer

I didnt mean to choose a best answer guys, that was a mistake. Everyones words of wisdom mean the world to me.

Liz122778 · Answer

Im so grateful for people to really have read what i posted. Tears are brought to my eyes to know other people care and can give me advice. I cleaned his water bowl and food bowl today and that was hard. I will pick up his ashes next week after his cremation. It's devastating and I just try to visualize his happy self and not the view of him i saw when i  found him passed. He left  his 2 brothers, my cats so they too feel sad. I didnt realize how reading other peoples response would really make me feel better, but oh my it does. I'm grieiving and its assuring people all over really can sympathize with me.

ginger899 · Answer

That is exactly what I was thinking. He must have slipped away so peacefully, he simply slept and didn't wake up. It is a good peaceful way to go for him. But for you it is a terrible shock, and there are so many unanswered questions, plus the guilt you may feel that you weren't there for him.
It's possible he had some underlying issue going on with his heart, that you wouldn't know about because he showed no obvious symptoms. But his heart could have slowed, right to the point when it stopped beating altogether. He did live to a decent age, I know that's little comfort as all ages are too young to lose your best friend) but with no health problems you were aware of, and no symptoms of illness, he must have been happy right to the end.

I am so sorry your Reggie died. He was a very handsome boy. Treasure his memory. Big hugs from me.

lalapinkcustard · Answer

Don't feel bad about your dog. I don't think that there is anything that you could of done, especially since he had no symptoms before this happened. I think that he did die of old age, but it might have possibly been a heart attack. You know that he passed away peacefully though, because since he was in a normal sleeping position, he cant have had a struggle, but must have drtifted of in his sleep. I understand that you would have wanted to be with him in his last moments, but do be happy that he dies peacefully, and you did all that you could do from him.
Hannah. x