My nearly 14 year old dog bloated and died last night. The best we can figure is that he drank too much too fast right after eating.

My wife and I went out shopping for a few hours and came home to find vomit on the floor in front of the door. Nothing unusual for him, he had tumors in his ears that caused infections that would make him vomit occasionally. We put him outside while we cleaned it up and then my wife noticed that he was getting bigger, trying unsuccessfully to vomit and defecate, looked hunched over, and was foaming. I knew what it was without even looking at him but I looked bloat up anyway. We called the emergency vet to let them know we were coming. It was almost 20 minutes away and he was getting unresponsive by the time we got there, trying to go to sleep. I sat in the back with him, with my hand on his shoulder, keeping him calm and still. They told us he was critical and because of his age likely wouldn't make it through the anesthesia and surgery. Which is what his regular vet told us about his ears a little over a year ago. So, we had to make the hard choice. We were there with him and I held his head while looking into his eyes (he loved eye contact) and talking softly to him, thanking him, apologizing for failing horribly at keeping him safe, and telling him that he was going to be alright soon and able to run around like a puppy again.

He was my first dog and I really miss him.

I am so sorry this happened. Losing an old friend is always difficult.

Scott, this is Rasta? Oh, I am so sorry!

I'm so very sorry Scott.

So sorry to hear this, Scott. My thoughts are with you...

I'm so sorry Scott. Thinking of you and your family.

I'm so sorry Scott. My thoughts are with you and your family.

I'm so sorry Scott. So quick and unexpected. You and your family are in my thoughts.

So sorry as well, Scott.
My heart goes out to you and I'll be thinking of Rasta today...

~Natalya

I'm so sorry for your loss.