Presto 6/21/18 - 2/3/21

[LuvLabs]

As I mentioned in my "Hello Again" post, I lost Presto in February from sepsis after his neuter. He was a victim of the state of our veterinary medicine crisis in the US right now. He was kept waiting, wasn't triaged appropriately (because he could stand), and was misdiagnosed, not because of training, but likely from lack of time/focus. They only kept him overnight when I brought him back because I insisted. When I finally got him to a vet who knew what they were doing and was able to take the time to treat him, we did everything we could--surgery, transfusions, and spared no expense--but he just couldn't hold on. Just after midnight, I received the call that no one wants to hear. He was gone. It was shocking because "these things don't happen to me". But, it did. And it's still hard to believe.

Presto was full of life. He loved to go, go, go! I bought him an RV just so I could take him places and open the door and let him run and play. He loved it so much and we went on many adventures together. After he died, I sold the van. It made me incredibly sad to have it sitting in my driveway, a constant reminder that he was gone. He loved to work and was game for anything. He butt tucked all the time, even while working, and was constantly making everyone laugh. When the pandemic hit, he kept me smiling through the tough times, the long work days, and the isolation. He was incredibly sweet to all: human, cat, dog, whatever. He and Wyatt were the best of friends and he and the cat took turns harassing each other when they weren't cuddling. Presto was small, a "pocket Lab", and oh so cute with the best smile. Before he died, he started developing some noise issues that we were working through with the help of a behaviorist. The issues were keeping me from trialing him, as he was afraid of PA systems (they started using them due to Covid around here) and then he started getting spooked at loud car/motorcycle noises, and a few other strange things. He was beginning to turn a corner. But, I honestly didn't care. I was just to grateful to have him in my life and get to spend my days with him. I couldn't imagine my life without him.

After he died, I received flowers, cards, and gifts from people I had never met. Parents of friends, people who were in some of my online dog training classes, the owners of his littermates, of course the breeder, my instructors, coworkers, and friends. The flowers and gifts came for a week until my countertops were covered, and the cards came for at least a month. People were sending me checks because they just wanted to help. I received a painting of him from another friend. It was so nice to know that he touched the lives of others, and was loved by many. My friends cried, not just for me, but because he was such a huge, bright presence in their lives.

Other than talking to a counselor, which I highly recommend, it was helpful to create this memorial video. It gave me something to do while still thinking of him. When something traumatic happens, it's what you remember, and it replays over and over in your mind. For awhile, "the call" was all I could think about when I thought of him, and it still haunts me. So, creating the video allowed me to sort of flood myself with reminders of the good times over the 2.5 years I had him, not the last two or three terrible days of his life. It helped me get by, but time ultimately is what is helping me to heal.

https://youtu.be/Ytt_kq3v4w4

[LuvLabs]

Posting so I can include his memorial video. (ignore)

[Berna]

What a beautiful tribute. His life may have been short, but it was beautiful. He was so loved.

May he run free.

[zd262]

That was so lovely to watch. Presto had a wonderful life and was a really beautiful and special dog.

[Jollymolly]

That was an amazing tribute. You could see how full of life Presto was. My heart aches. I lost a baby to a neuter as well it was one of the hardest loses I had it was so sudden and so unexpected Sending you hugs.

[Black Labbies]

How sad at the loss of your beloved Presto, my condolences with his passing.
Congrats with your new family addition, Lottie, she sounds great!

[blacklabs]

I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved beautiful Presto under such tragic circumstances, it is just so heartbreaking . I know it would be a very difficult and painful process to recover from an experience like thisand my heart goes out to you and sending lots of your way. Run free Presto

[labsnewfy]

I am so sorry for your loss.