We live on an acreage, and we often pet sit for my neighbors - they have a couple of horses and a dog. Yesterday we went to put their dog in for the day, and she was in rough shape (she is older and arthritic, but is usually up and running). She was lying really strangely and panting, and had only eaten about half of her dinner. So we got home and called our neighbors son, who lives in the city - he said it was probably just the weather, and to touch base this morning with how she was doing. Unfortunately my mom went over this morning, and she had passed away last night It was so heartbreaking!

I mean, we all knew she was getting older, and probably wouldn't be around much longer. And she had been accidently poisoned when she was younger - but it was still surprising and unexpected. They were just going away for the weekend, and had only been gone one day. I wonder if she had just been holding out til they were gone.

It was just like losing one of our own dogs I have to go over to check on the horses, but just don't even want to go there right now. I felt so sick about it all day - but the son finally got in touch with our neighbor, and we've talked with him. He had thought it wouldn't be much longer, and was very sorry it happened while we were watching her.

BUT, on a happy note at the barn where I keep my horses, they had a litter of 8 golden doodles - so I climbed in with them and got loved on which helped make me feel a bit better. Nothing like a flock of puppies wanting cuddles, pets and to play!

The dog probably didn't want his owners home when he passed........some dogs will just leave their home to die. I am sorry that you had to be the one to see him.......

You may be right that she waited until her family had left. Dogs are amazing creatures. But it sounds like she had a good long life and was loved, and it was just her time to go.