You are right, that's a hard thing to do. I've had to have two cats put down over that last few years that were 18 years old. The maine coon was very dog-like (for a cat) and was pretty much gone when we found him. The other was suffering kidney failure and I stayed up with her most of the night just watching her go slowly. That sucked hard, and these were cats that generally only care if you feed them. There's a much stronger bond between dogs and their humans.
You have my condolences.
Been through that. I think I got a bit lucky with our 1st dog, a lab mix. Only bad thing was the timing. Played with her a bit in the morning before I left for work. All of us left for the day, wife and I to work and the kids to school. During the holidays between Thanksgiving and Christmas. All of us came home late, daughter went out to feed her and she had passed away during the day sometime. Dog was about 12 years old.
Later we adapted a 5 year old toy poodle. Was supposed to be the wife's dog but she clung to me. 1st owners abused her. Can't understand how someone could mistreat a 5 pound dog. Took several months to break her from running away when we raised our voice at her to come. When she figured out she wasn't going to be beat she was great after that. Didn't need a leash to walk her. We had her 12 years. The last couple months she went downhill fast. Was blind and deaf and didn't have the energy she did have. Last straw was she became incontinent and just laid there. Had to carry her outside, not hard as she only weighed 5 pounds. She was also in pain so I had her put down. Hardest thing I've ever done. Calculated that she was about 17 years old. Good run for a dog. That was 2 years ago. Haven't got another dog. Yet.
Sympathies to you and what you're going through. It's hard, I know.
He had another seizure in the middle of the night. I put him next to the bed so he woke me up. Then he went back to sleep.
Right now he is walking around in the back yard with the other dogs but he is slow and wobbly.
He will live another day.
Rudyard Kipling - 1865-1936
There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.
Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie—
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.
When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet’s unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find—it’s your own affair—
But… you’ve given your heart to a dog to tear.
When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!).
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone—wherever it goes—for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.
We’ve sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we’ve kept ’em, the more do we grieve:
For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-time loan is as bad as a long—
So why in—Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?
I had Rocky put down today at 11:30. By late this morning he was having trouble walking, but he was able to proudly walk to the car for his last trip.
Good bye my forever dog. See you again when I get to the Rainbow Bridge.
In reply to Snowdoggie (Forum Supporter) :
I am so, so sorry. Rest in peace Rocky.
Sounds like it was time to go.
My deepest sympathies to you folks. My thoughts are with you and Rocky.
Rest in peace, Rocky.
Sorry you had to do that man. Sounds like he was a great dog. You may be hurting now but he isn't anymore.
Sad news to log on to tonight... No way to express the depth of how hard it is, but it looks like you and Rocky handled it as best as able.
Sorry for your loss brother.
Lost two last September in less than a week.....feel your pain bro ....peace out
I'm sorry man.
Very sorry. It's been over 3 months, and a part of me still expects this dude to be waiting for me at the door.
As with any loss, it does get better, but it takes a while.
I'm really sorry for your loss. When you had to make that decision, as hard as it was, you did it for him. It's the last act of love.
The hardest thing is waking up in the middle of the night and realizing that he isn't in tne house anymore. His bed at the foot of our bed is empty and one of my other dogs is still looking for him.
Snowdoggie (Forum Supporter) said:The hardest thing is waking up in the middle of the night and realizing that he isn't in tne house anymore. His bed at the foot of our bed is empty and one of my other dogs is still looking for him.
berkeley that feeling. It hurts so much. My sidekick slept under my bed (it's lifted a couple extra inches so she was comfortable down there). It was reassuring to hear here shuffling around under there, adjusting herself or flopping over onto her side. I haven't heard those noises in a very long time and it still aches.
I'm sorry. RIP Rocky, your forever pooch.
RIP Rocky, will have some extra ball throws and treats for Kimi this evening.
Snowdoggie (Forum Supporter) said:The hardest thing is waking up in the middle of the night and realizing that he isn't in tne house anymore. His bed at the foot of our bed is empty and one of my other dogs is still looking for him.
Smother it (other dog) with attention......late
Ive been avoiding this thread on purpose.
I will just say: there are only 2 forms of truly unconditional love that I've come across: a parent to their child, and a dog, to their people.
In reply to Snowdoggie (Forum Supporter) :
So sorry to hear that. My condolences to you and your family.
You have my sincere sympathies...I'll be honest though, I saw the title and refused to read the post, 'cause it'll just make me cry.
My lab/akita mix shelter rescue is 12, very active but just went deaf and I dread what I know is coming fairly soon.
Thoughts, prayers, and good vibes to you.
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