I lost a dear friend...

[Tensaw]

I had to put down our lab mix rescue. She was such a sweet dog and we gave her a good life for 14 years. I knew that this time would come but it was still difficult. I sure will miss her. Our Vet was great, she said it is always difficult for them too.

 

[peachhead]

Sorry to hear that

 

[pawncop]

Please accept my condolences and a prayer that she may find the Rainbow Bridge quickly.

 

[mishtub]

There's a high price for owning a dog. It's not just the cost monetarily. There is the time and lost sleep too. Getting up to a whining dog at two in the morning, when it's raining or snowing or the wind is howling, is no fun. You stumble out like a zombie and get the little lad or lass and make it to the door. You stand out there, eyes drooping, as the little critter sniffs and scampers here and there. You wonder if the poo or pee will ever come. Finally, the job done, you scoop the little one up and hurry to the house. You're aggravated, but when that little tongue brushes your hand or chin, all is forgiven.
Through it all the money flows. Food, vet bills, shots, tags, equipment, toys, more food. But it doesn't matter. They've lain with you in the dark when you couldn't sleep. They've become your best friend.
Then comes that day. The day that you've dreaded ever since you picked them up. The day when you carry the now grown dog into the office and the news isn't good. Your friend can't go no more and it's time to end the suffering.
The veterinarian makes ready his elixirs as you lean down over your beloved and strum their ears with soft coos. Tears drip. The shots are given and the deal is done. There's no turning back now, and your buddy sinks away; pain subsiding. Your heart feels like it's being torn and your fingers dig into that dense fur. You bawl like a baby as your best friend leaves this world.
Then the reckoning. The price paid wasn't in money or time or travel. The true price paid is far worse than any of that. It was the day you looked into those little eyes and your heart melted. It was in all the cuddles and pets and scolding. It was what you knew on the day that you brought your little dream boat home. It was the day you had to let go of that dear soul that made you so happy for so long. The day when your heart would break for a dog.

That is the price you pay.

 

[Taterman]

That brought tears here mishtub. Sorry for your loss Tensaw.

 

[Ride1949]

My most sincere condolences. In my experiences, it's one of the hardest things I ever had to do.

 

[WAYNO]

I am so sorry. Been there so many times.

 

[rugerguy]

well said above and sadly, never a good time .........:(

 

[BULL'S-EYE]

Very sorry for your loss. It's quite a tough decision to make, and I had to make it myself earlier this year.

 

[arfmel]

Condolences on the loss of your friend.

 

[Watertender]

We have a row of little boxes in a drawer that contain many of our departed cats. We love them from kittens to that final last visit to the vet where we hold them as they leave us. They are family and much better than most humans because their hearts and love are pure. We know your loss all too well.

In time give another dog the life and love that you gave the precious one you lost today. That is the best way to honor her memory.

 

[Woodtroll]

I'm sorry for your loss. It's so tough to let a family member go, no matter how many times you've gone through it. Dogs love us unconditionally, and we love them for that.

 

[jav]

Very sorry for your loss we all been there before it’s never easy last time I don’t remember crying so much in my life . I still miss my tucker girl she was my dog went to work every day in my truck

 

[RGRacing]

So Sorry for your loss:

The Last Battle
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this — the last battle — can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close — we two — these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

 

[PRichardson87]

My condolences Tensaw . If you don't mind me asking, what was her name? Do you happen to have any pictures you wouldn't mind showing?

 

[cdf45]

So sorry to hear that.

 

[HW11]

I'm very sorry to hear that.

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

So sorry, still working up the nerve to get another dog. I think an early warning system is important thing to have around the house.

In the meantime a couple of cats have adopted us, apparently because they aren't being fed elsewhere. I won't have a cat in the house. Neither cat will even come up to us.

I’ve also decided I’m too old to potty train a dog, and older dogs need love too. I believe if you save a dog from the shelter they somehow know, you just saved their lives. They become exceptionally loyal. From my limited experience.

 

[Ride1949]

Thank you Marlin for mentioning a " senior" dog. Too many get overlooked. There's much to be said for adopting an older dog and they do definitely deserve to spend their "golden years" in a loving home rather than a shelter or just being euthanized.

 

[Colonialgirl]

And I had to say Farewell to my Jessie girl dog with her bladder and abdomen cancers and then my Missy Kitty because she began having many seizures at 14 years of age. It hurts to lose our animal companions; I still keep Mister Doggy my Dachshund that passed away at 21 years of age in my heart and mind. I guess they will all await us at the RainBow Bridge when we arrive some day.

 

[MaxMan]

I had to put down our lab mix rescue. She was such a sweet dog and we gave her a good life for 14 years. I knew that this time would come but it was still difficult. I sure will miss her. Our Vet was great, she said it is always difficult for them too.

Sorry to hear that. WE have been there too. The vet came over and put him out of his misery (bone cancer) in his bed in the family room. That was over two years ago. Wife and I sill comment on what a great dog he was.

 

[jgt]

My condolences for you loss. At least you did not let it suffer because you could not face the loss. That is an act of love.

 

[powder smoke]

I had to put down our lab mix rescue. She was such a sweet dog and we gave her a good life for 14 years. I knew that this time would come but it was still difficult. I sure will miss her. Our Vet was great, she said it is always difficult for them too.

Been there and done that. My Condolences loosing a fine member of the family!
LINDA and I have put 2 Labs down with another on deck Not looking forward to it.
To Clarify they were about 9 or 10 years appart!

 

[Watertender]

When I get to the rainbow bridge I will hear thunderous purring and joyful meowing. They are all family and loved. 2 years ago we lost the last cat that knew my dad and son and 1st wife. That was a change in our lives because the 3 cats that we have now are ones who know only me and my current wife. Every dog or cat is special in their own way. They bring love and joy into our lives and make the day better.

 

[WendyZXZ]

Most sad to hear of the loss of your buddy and furry family member, Prayers from Texas.

 

[OMCHamlin]

I had to put down our lab mix rescue. She was such a sweet dog and we gave her a good life for 14 years. I knew that this time would come but it was still difficult. I sure will miss her. Our Vet was great, she said it is always difficult for them too.

Of COURSE it was difficult! How could it not be? But you summed it all up with "She was such a sweet dog and we gave her a good life for 14 years." That's the part that counts... I'm sorry for your loss.