Good Night Loki

I am sitting here in shock.

This time 24 hours ago, we had two perfectly healthy dogs.

Now only BeAnne sits at my feet.

I don’t know where to begin really.  Everything was normal.  Loki had his usual normal day – breakfast, loafing about, a good long walk, and then in the late afternoon Daisy found him lying by my desk (unusual for him) while I was out.

Loki refused his tea at 17:00 – something not right but he eats everything around outside and in so we weren’t too worried.

While we ate our supper (19:00), he walked into the kitchen to be with us but by 10:00 when I wanted the dogs to go out, he couldn’t stand at all.  We phoned the on-call vet and took him straight in to the surgery.

The vet examined Loki and said he thought he was anaemic (but the blood results came back fine) and stuck a needle into Loki’s abdomen.  The first time he drew out blood, the second nothing and the third, again, blood.

A drip was set up and Loki just lay there.  They x-rayed and operated on Loki.  I was phoned at 02:30 and told Loki didn’t make it.  A small tumour had been removed from his spleen but he died while he was being sewn up. Loki felt no pain and I believe this because he never reacted to anything.  He was the type of dog that would.

I just don’t understand what happened. I can’t get my head around it.  It is sort of the same thing that happened to Wussums.  What am I doing wrong?  Is there a connection?  We are all very numb.

Loki was 6 years old.  It is not fair.

Goodnight Loki.  Run free.  You were loved.

 

49 thoughts on “Good Night Loki

  1. roberta earley

    Goodnight Loki. Run free. You were loved.

    we have the LAW.. principle….Loved …Adored …and Wanted and Loki had that …………..
    Big hugs… nothing helps at this time….

    Reply
  2. Jan Knight

    You only did your best for Loki and Wu. It’s just awful that it comes so quickly after Wu.
    So sorry Frances you are in my thoughts.

    Reply
  3. Jon

    The Power of the Dog

    THERE is sorrow enough in the natural way
    From men and women to fill our day;
    And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
    Why do we always arrange for more?
    Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware
    Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.
    Buy a pup and your money will buy
    Love unflinching that cannot lie
    Perfect passion and worship fed
    By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
    Nevertheless it is hardly fair
    To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

    When the fourteen years which Nature permits
    Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
    And the vet’s unspoken prescription runs
    To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
    Then you will find – it’s your own affair, –
    But … you’ve given your heart to a dog to tear.

    When the body that lived at your single will,
    With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!),
    When the spirit that answered your every mood
    Is gone – wherever it goes – for good,
    You will discover how much you care,
    And will give your heart to a dog to tear!

    We’ve sorrow enough in the natural way,
    When it comes to burying Christian clay.
    Our loves are not given, but only lent,
    At compound interest of cent per cent,
    Though it is not always the case, I believe,
    That the longer we’ve kept ’em, the more do we grieve;
    For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
    A short-time loan is as bad as a long –
    So why in – Heaven (before we are there)
    Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

    Rudyard Kipling

    Reply
  4. Peter Mehlin

    I am so sorry. No it is not fair! And you did nothing wrong, few animals get the level of loving care that yours do. He had a wonderful life, just way too short.
    Peter

    Reply
  5. Jane Fuhrmann

    Oh Frances how sorry I am for you and that dear boy. I really can empathize – 2 cats in three months died of identical heart conditions and now my best boy suffering from a horrible stomach disorder after being so healthy. No, you have done nothing wrong, it is just chance and extreme bad luck. He, like Wussums had a wonderful life with you after you rescued him from goodness knows what. He had his best years with you I am sure. Much love to you xx

    Reply
  6. Louise Stopford

    So very sorry Frances and family to hear this sad news. It is not fair to lose them at such a young age and you must all be so upset and shell shocked. BUT it is absolutely nothing you have done wrong. There are no words of comfort at these sad times. All you can do is know how lucky he was to have a loving family and a good home. Take care.

    Reply
  7. Susan O'Neill

    Run free Loki, you were so loved. So sorry for your loss, losing a beloved family member is so heartbreaking and you have lost two in a short period of time. Love and hugs to you and your family.

    Reply
  8. Cee Pluse

    Oh Frances, I am so sorry for your loss. Sometimes the inexplicable happens when we least expect it. You did such a wonderful job teaching Loki to be a part of your family, and I know he will be sorely missed. Loki knew how much he was and always will be loved and appreciated.

    Reply
  9. Cathy

    Oh no, poor Loki. He is lucky to have been so loved, and in the end he left you quickly and didn’t suffer. He had such a lovely life with you. Treasure that lovely picture of him running on the beach.

    Reply
  10. Sally Richmond

    So deeply sorry, what a terrible shock for you all. Poor Loki, try to get comfort in that he ddn’t suffer and had a wonderful life with lots of love. X

    Reply
  11. Terry Golson

    It is not you. You have done everything right. What a grand life Loki had with you on Shetland. Exactly the sort of life that dog should have. These things happen. When we get animals we give them our hearts, making us vulnerable but oh so richer. Condolences.

    Reply
  12. Beverly

    Frances, I am so sorry for your loss. I know that Loki’s demise had nothing to do with you…you gave him such a great life. Stuff just happens, and it hurts. I am sorry for your pain.

    Reply
  13. Deb

    Oh Frances. I am heartbroken for you. I’m so sorry. Too much loss.

    I know it was nothing you have done. You are the best mother in the world.

    Reply
  14. Simone

    Oh Frances, I’m so sorry to hear that, Awful. Much love and sympathy to you and Richard, Daisy and Floss. You must miss him so much. <3

    Reply
  15. Rebecca Final

    Oh Frances. I am so very sorry about Loki. I also had a dog tragedy yesterday and am also in shock so I feel your pain. So very, very sad. I will be giving many many hugs to my remaining pupper, I know you will do the same with BeAnne. Hugs Frances.

    Reply
  16. Debi

    Frances, I don’t know you, but I read many of your posts. I’m so sorry for the loss of your fur family member Loki, it hurts so bad. Hold onto those happy times during the six years he was with you and don’t be hard on yourself, he wouldn’t want that. He was well loved and taken care of. Take care of yourself during this time of grief. Hugs from afar.

    Reply
  17. Judith Garbutt

    So shocked by this news, Frances. Loki seemed to be a quiet character but so appealing. You’ve had more than your fair share of bereavements in the last few months. Sending sympathy and cyber hugs. xx

    Reply
  18. Elva

    I just feel terrible about this. I can’t believe it! I am very, very sorry for your loss. I do love that last picture of Loki running like the wind.

    Reply
  19. Terri

    I’m so sorry, Frances. This is just too much. And the suddenness. So not fair. Beautiful Loki did run free, all because of you. You gave him the home he needed. xo

    Reply
    1. Terri

      PS I just went back and reread all your posts featuring Loki. Such a heart-warming story. He was so happy at Thordale with you and your family. One sentence particularly struck me: “He has boundless enthusiasm for life.” Indeed.

      Reply
  20. Joan

    He had a wonderful life because he lived on your beautiful farm and had you for his Person. Now he is truly roaming free. I am so sorry:(

    Reply
  21. Darby

    so, so sorry to hear this. and that he was only 6, really the prime of life. I imagine how awful you feel but there was nothing you could do, he was so loved and had such a great life. what can I say, s— happens. wish i could hug you all or say something to make it better.

    Reply
  22. Robyn

    So very sorry for your loss Frances, Richard, Daisy and Floss. Loki had a full and beautiful life with you. It is heartbreaking to say goodbye to a beloved family member like a faithful dog and that is why we all feel the pain of your grief. Loki was dearly loved and you did nothing wrong, so please be kind to yourself Frances. xx

    Reply
  23. diane in northern wis

    Wow Frances, what a shock to hear about your Loki. I’m so sorry. It’s so hard to lose a pet.
    So very hard. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. No, it’s nothing that you did. Forget that thought.

    Reply
  24. Louise

    Thought of something else (after I had posted and on the way to work) that I think you’ve seen, having worked in health care like me. When it’s your time to go there is nothing, just nothing, that will cause you to stay. And the opposite too, if it’s not your time to go then nothing will make you go. I’m reminding you of this because its not your fault, please don’t blame yourself. You took him in and gave him a home and he became family. Everything you did was faultless. Please remember that.

    Reply
  25. Sandy De Master

    Francis, I am so very sorry for your loss. Loki was a great dog and you did so much to bring him along. This was nothing you could have helped. There is nothing you have done wrong. Just know that you loved him and gave him a great life.

    Reply
  26. May

    Frances, I am so very sorry. What a wonderful dog. What a wonderful life Loki had as part of your family. There’s been so much for you to deal with lately. I wish I could give you a hug. You give so much love. I wish life was fairer.

    Reply
  27. Maireaad

    Sometimes life really sucks. I am so sorry. He was a happy dog who had the most wonderful life with you. As much as any dog could wish for. You always did your very best for him and he knew he was loved.

    Reply
  28. Sam

    Loki was loved. And he knew it. So very sorry for the family’s loss of this dear dog. I hate how well our cats and dogs hide their illnesses. You took a chance on him, gave hm time to learn to trust and love. No animal can ask for more.

    Reply
  29. m. Colleen McNamara

    I am late in chiming in. I also am dealing with a loss. We give our hearts to these furry and feathered friends and that is the risk we take for loving them. You did nothing wrong. Sometimes Mother is a cruel biddy. Loki is now free to run the beaches and join those shetland friends who have crossed over the rainbow bridge before him.
    Warmest wishes to all. Be kind to yourselves.

    Reply

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