Sad day for me

[Katiegirl]

After putting it off for some weeks, I had to have my poor old dog Max put down, he was 16 years old and was in relatively good health until a few weeks ago, when his hind legs began to give out on him. This weekend he was having great difficulty in walking, the vet told me it would not be long before he would not be able walk at all so I had no real choice on the matter.

We have been through much together and the place seems empty now, but I have decided not to replace him for the time being.

As a matter of interest how many of you girls have pets especially those by themselves?

[DonnaT]

Sorry to hear that Katie. I know what it is like to lose a pet that is a "family member."

We currently have a dog and a cat (on its last legs).

[Marissa_CD]

I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. I can honestly say I do know what you are going through and I hope you feel better soon. I also agree with your desicion not to replace him right away it will take time I am sure before it will feel right. hang in there girl.
Hugs, Marissa.

[Tiffanygirl]

Sorry to hear that Katie, hope you feel better soon. ;)

[Sandra H]

Hi Katiegirl.

I am so sorry to hear your sad news. It must seem very different not having your dog around after 16 years.

I am not a pet lover and so although I live alone I have no dog or any pet. But I can understand how sad it must be when a thing like this happens.

Take care.

[lady lycra]

We had our old dog put down almost exactly a year ago. Although we now have another dog, he will never be a replacement.

We had out dog for 14 years. It hurt to see him go. The new dog is great and a bundle of fun, but nothing could ever replace our old friend.

Time will help, but I know all to well how you are hurting at the moment.

Take care and enjoy the memories.

Linda

[Sophie Haworth]

Dear Katie.

I am sorry, dont you wish they would go naturally, my dog is 15, had him since he was 4 weeks old, his back legs are going, he has been on "metacam" medicine for about 10 months now, and it has certainly extended his life, when they first started going, I thought that was it.

He is in no pain thankfully and still enjoys life.

I must admit, I do not intend to replace him, my last dog before him lived till 16 years old, I think it is the love we share with them that helps them live long.

I bet you have some great stories of when he was a pup, all the thngs he wrecked.

Sophie.

[Linda Mattson]

Dear Katie:

First please accept my sympathys for your loss!

I put my dog (Casey) down 2 years ago (I held him as he licked my wife's hand and silently went to sleep and just writing this note causes tears to flow. He was the nicest, sweetest, funniest, most loyal creature I have ever met. My wife and I cried for months...and mourn him to this day. He was a 12 1/2 year old dalmation and soul mate ...we got him at 7 weeks old. I realize now that I miss him most for his own personality but also for the times we went through together and because of the connection I make with some important people in my life who have passed on (my dad, my wife's brother) and others who "met" and knew (and loved) him. For four months he slept with my mother in law as she underwent chemotherapy....he never had before nor after. No animal will hold a candle to him!

Now the good news...being spoiled by a mature dog we were reluctant to get a puppy and as a result went to local ASPCA and there saw a flyer for "dalmation rescue" a group that saves dals from aspca's (when most dogs are picked up by various humane societies they had an adoption period which if not met results in them euthanizing the animals) and bad owners...or situations. Petco.com has a hotlink to all these groups on their web page....or google it.

Result we adopted two dogs (m/f both 2 years old now 5y.o.) one a full bred dalmation (f).... one a lab.dal "mutt" (m) they are like a married couple without the sexual agenda (neutered)come to think of it that reminds me of my own marriage....only kidding!!! (I'll go to hell just saying that on Valentine's day) The fact that I can joke tells you the important part of my long-winded note....that only getting another dog(s) can start the healing process (IMHO) and the fact that no dog can ever replace the one you lost the fact remains are one of the core ingredients in a sane existence.

If you love your dog...get a dog immediately and start sharing your life with a loving loyal non-judgmental creature. Someone far wiser than me once said: "Any perspective of life more sophisticated than a dog's is a waste of time"

My best

Linda Matsson
(and casey's buddy)

[Melissa A.]

Hi Katie,

So sorry for your loss. I have had and lost more than a couple of pets over the years. Some have just gotten old, some have dissapeared, some run over.(I still can't believe some people can hit a cat or dog and just keep going).

I have had my cat for 14 years. He has been there for everything. Two marriages and lots of moves. He's my buddy. Keep wondering when he will slow down, but he still goes out(in good weather, now), and I still get "gifts" regularly. (dead and sometimes semi-live rodents). He is a medical marvel. But I have been there before, and I know the end will come for him, probably quickly once it starts.

Just want you to know I understand how it feels. No one should ever minimise the hurt, cause it's real.

Hugs,

Melissa :)

[Sharon]

I'm so sorry for your loss Katie!

At one time we had three dogs: Tillie(Matilda), a pure-breed collie who was gorgeous, but dumb as water; Wendy, a three legged mix who was injured by a car when she was just a pup and lived for many years oblivious to the fact she was handicapped; and Brutus, my oldest daughter's terrier, or should I say terror. Over time, they each grew old and ill and each were individually put down when they could no longer live without pain.
It's a tough decision to have to make, but sometimes it is the most humane.

[Trinity_cat]

So sorry to hear of your loss Katie.

I can understand your reluctance to get another dog. It is hard to replace a 'Best' friend.

My dog was killed shortly after moving house. He must have been about your dogs age. This happened many years ago, but I still think of him today.

My heart goes out to you Katie. ((hugs))

[Sweet Susan]

That's a tough thing, Katie. Best of everything for you.

[Priscilla1018]

Hi Katie,

Just reading your post brings tears to my eyes;I am so sorry for your loss. I have been there many times. Several years ago we had a Chow Chow(pure bred) a collie black lab cross and a wonderful tuxedo cat that was my best friend. In one year we had to put all of them down. I miss them so much,and hope that when I die I will be reunited with them. We could not replace any of them for about two years, it would'nt have been fair for the replacement, we would have been compairing them to the others. We had all of them cremated and have their ashes stored in individual ginger jars. When my wife dies, her ashes will be mixed with her animals and when I die my ashes will be mixed with my animals.
It is hard to replace one that you have loved for such a long time. The day will come when you are ready.That is the time to invite another animal into your household. At last count we have two dogs(one with epilepsy), three cats,five reptiles, and tropical fish. My wife and I have plenty of love to share with all. The time will come to add another animal to your life but, for now just remember the good times.

Love and Hugs,
Priscilla

[spaskinstyle]

I'm so sorry for your loss Katie:

I too understand the pain you are feeling all to closely in my heart. It was almost 18 months ago that we had to put our Beloved Floyd our 11 year old St. Bernard down for the same reasons you described. The bigger dogs don't live as long and they often have trouble with their legs as you described. Floyd was our pride and joy - my daughter had raised him since he was a pup and he had a wife, Fiona, of course who was going out of her mind when he had to go.

I have two children, a huge house and I'm half crazy so it wasn't long (about a day or so) when I went out and picked up Fallyn and Fergus. Two gorgeous St. Bernard pups to keep mama Fiona busy. I couldn't stand to see my kids and the big dog suffer the pain that I had in my heart and all the joy that those two puppies brought into my house was amazing.

Now it's over a year later and Ive got these three massive 150lb + dogs loving us all to death. We go through a lot of pig ears in this house but it was the best decision I could have made. I have a six year old son and now he will grow up with the puppies, just as my daughter grew up with Floyd. Such a wonderful feeling, these animals give nothing but love. Absolute LOVE.

So sorry for your loss. I hope a snapshot into my crazy life brought a smile to your face for a moment or two. Love, Theresa

[racquel]

Katie,my heart goes out to you.When my dog goes I know that I'll feel so empty.They mean so much to our daily lives.I think that getting a new friend would help ease the pain.
Go to the s.p.c.a. and save the life of a more mature dog and enjoy the time that dog has left.I got mine twelve hours before he was to be put down and we've been inseperatable since may 6'th 1978.(just a thought).
Huggs to you.

[SexyStephanie]

Sorry to hear that Katie.....my dog just passed also and it was very emotional indeed.

Big hugs!

Stephie

[Wendy me]

haveing own dogs my whole life now a halfe crazed black lab....

i hade a afgain hound that we hade for 16 years he pased in my arms truly
a sade time .....he was my fav. ......my couz. sent me this i cryed when i read it...........buy it also made me feel good .................


the rainbow bridge




there is a bridge connecting heaven and earth. it is called
the rainbow bridge because of its many colors. just this side of
the rainbow bridge ther is a land of meadows, hills and vallys
with lush green grass.

when a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. there is
always food and water and warm spring weather. the old and
frail animals are young again. thay play all day with each outher.



there is only one thing missing. thay are not with their special
person who loved them on earth.so, each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and
looks up! the nose twitches! the ears go up!the eyes are staring!
and this one runs from the group!


you have been seen, and when you and yourspecial freind
meet, you take him or her in your arms and embrace. your face is
kissed again and again and again, and you look once more into the
eyes of your trusting pet.


then you cross the rainbow bridge together, never again to be separated.


auther unknown




i cryed when i got this and ......am crying now.....thinking of my pets who have passed...........

truly sorry for your loss pets are greate people...............

hugs to you sister

[Chrissycd]

I lost my kitty to cancer a few days before Christmas. She became very ill in a week's time, and looked awful the morning I took her in. It was one of the very worst days of my life. It brought me and my ex closer together as she was the one who picked her 14 years ago at the shelter where we got her. It's literally like losing a family member. We petted her while the vet put her to sleep. I'm crying right now thinking about it again.
I too live alone, and miss her dearly. I will be thinking of you.
I'm sorry.
Long, warm hugs,
Chrissy

[Holly]

Katie,

My heart is with you. It's been a few years since we had to put our Golden Retreiver/Lab mix down. She was having convulsions and even after several thousands of dollars of treatment, she continue to convulse. Putting Missy down was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. I was strong taking her to the vet, strong while they put her to sleep, strong on the way home with my wife and daughter. When we got home I sat in the car and cried like a little girl for twenty minutes. I was overwhelmed. The loss never leaves you but thankfully, the pain does subside over time. Just this last week my wife and I started to talk about getting another animal... not a replacement but another companion as we begin to nudge the "golden years."

It'll take some time, Katie, but you will be okay. In the meantime, here's a Holly Hug, just for you!

[Teddie]

haveing own dogs my whole life now a halfe crazed black lab....

i hade a afgain hound that we hade for 16 years he pased in my arms truly
a sade time .....he was my fav. ......my couz. sent me this i cryed when i read it...........buy it also made me feel good .................

the rainbow bridge



Wendy, you beat me to the Rainbow Bridge posting. Over the years we have had to have 5 dogs put to sleep, and this has always helped.

Katie, you have our heart felt condolences.

[Wendy me]

this hangs in a frame with a pitcher of my pased afgan hound in my office..............
all ways brings a tear to me.........

[biddy]

A PETS PRAYER

If it should be, that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then, you must do what must be done
For this, the last battle, can't be won.

You will be sad, I understand
Don't let your grief then stay your hand,
For this day, more then the rest,
Your love and friendship stand the test.

We've had so many happy years,
What is to come can hold no fears,
You'd not wan't me to suffer, so,
When the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend,
Only, Stay with me to the end,
And hold me firm and talk to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know, in time you will see,
It is a kindness you do to me
Although my tail it's last has waved
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Don't grieve it should be you,
Who decides this thing to do,
We've been so close, we two, these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

Smile, for we walked together, for a little while.

[LindaTS]

Hi Katie,
I know all about going through that. We have for kitties now because we always seem to take in anything that shows up at our door with their ribs showing and needing a meal. I lost my all time fav. kitty last year. He was only three when he just layed down and died. I cried for two whole days. But it does get better with time. And it also seems to help seeing his pic every day. I have it on my PC screen.

[Tristen Cox]

Hi Katie. Very sorry for your loss indeed. Three year ago just after Valentine's I had to put my first cat to sleep. We were best friends through thick and thin. She was the only friend I had at many a time and lasted much longer than any of my human friends. I knew she was dying for a month before I made that call, and I still couldn't bare to let her go. For two weeks after that I did nothing. Sat in silence when I came home from work and felt so down and in a dreamworld without her anymore. It was just like a human being dying to me, someone who was extremely close. I had her from the time I was 13 yrs old and she was with me whenever I was alone, I felt I had done something wrong and had not done enough to help return all the love she had given me.

Very sad was our last day together, but I spent the entire day just her and me doing as much as we could together, and she slept that night on my chest for the last time, comfortably without leaving me. She was 14 yrs old, and had aquired cancer. That was Feb. 25th 2002' and I still remember her as if it were yesterday. There are three other cats in my home still and I know someday I will have to let them go as well, although I have to do my best for them while they are here. It's just not fair that that some of our best friends have such a short time on this earth, and we have to live after they are gone. However we must. I really feel where you are and wish you a quick recovery process, but you will never forget, you just have to continue and let them go. Again I am sorry for your loss.




*hugs*
Tristen

[racheal]

I used to have a guide dog a while ago - had a bad flea season and he became allergic to the environment - school said that they were not going to replace him even though the vet said that it was entirely not my fault. I do miss him from time to time and I have an old photo of him (not digital), maybe sometime I'll scan it and then you can see him - he was a great dog - black lab - when he stood up, he was almost as tall as I am. :)

[Katiegirl]

Thank you girls for your support, I did not expect so many replies

The place today seems very empty and not having my shadow (Max) following me is the thing I miss most.

Thank you for the Poems you sent me, they bought a few tears to my eyes they are very beautiful

If I can figure out how to get a photo on this thread I will.

:)


Mind of a Woman, Body of a Man, Life is a Bitch

[Lindahexi]

Katie,

I know how you feel and I'm sad hearing of your loss. I'm a cat lover, and over the years I had quite a few sad losses. I always have pairs of cats, so that they have each others company, but of course they pass away at different ages which hurts. I had one cat that lived to be 26, not a record, but certainly a great age for a cat.

I think if you love your pet the loss is as painful as losing any other member of the family.

Hugs,

Linda.

[Tiffany Tuesday]

This weekend he was having great difficulty in walking, the vet told me it would not be long before he would not be able walk at all so I had no real choice on the matter.


Aww honey, big big cuddles ... been there twice now, a doggie is like your own child and you really are left with no choice but to make the really hard decision because you love them soo much!

I held each of my beautiful dogs first Sam and then his sister Suzy some years later, as the vet put them down to ease their suffering ... lots of tears, lots of "missing you moments" to come. I found it helped that i dug their graves and buried each with their favorite toys, blankets, collars and tags. Then planted new plum trees and a little cross i made for each with their name on it.

Gosh i am crying now even thinking of my dogs, but i know that you made the difficult decision out of love, and the fun, love and beauty your dog brought into your life will always be with you. Your devoted pal is now free of pain and you are free to treasure all those warm and happy memories that a dog brings us!

I feel i could never own another dog, it would never compare, the pain of parting is still too great .. but i love dogs so, one day, maybe. Y'see i feel you don't just go buy a puppy .. the right puppy for you, finds its way into your life and you will know without any doubt when you have found them.

with love xxx

[Sweet Jeanette]

Im VERY sorry to hear of your loss.---Believe me, I know how it feels. ---I lost my cat, Kitty on March 30, 2003. I buried her with her favorite sleeping blanket and her favorite toys. Her and I found each other in 1988, Spring.---I found my other Baby in 1992. She is Betty. She is still with me, but I know the "Dreaded" time is drawing near, for her too.------I have digital pictures of them both, but can't figure out how to post them!---The "Pets Prayer" and "The Rainbow Bridge", say it all.