Putting a dog to sleep

[Atlgentlegiant]

I had to make the hard choice today and have my angel of 12 years put to sleep. She was not suffering but she would have been and the light had left her eyes. I had to do the right thing for her but it sucks.

[sperman]

It is never an easy decision. It always feels too early, and too late, all at the same time. I feel for you.

[Poppa Bear]

Been there, sucks BIG time.

[Tiny Warrior]

One of the hardest things to do.

Sorry for the loss of your friend

[ima45dv8]

It is a hard duty.

Rest easy knowing you were as good a friend to her as she was to you.

[ormondopen]

i think most of us have been there. Archie (my avatar) left us about a year ago, one of the toughest decisions we had to make.

[Padraig]

I am sorry. It is always so difficult. I have Irish Wolfhounds and Will soon have to make the decision for my old fella, Paddy Clancy. Dogs give so much but they also take a peice of your heart.

[daves_not_here]

I was there two months ago.

It's a hard decision but it's a gift of humanity to a creature that is like family and forever loyal.

For some reason it's like they know what's going on, no matter how out of it they are, and look forward to the long nap.

DNH

[Miranda]

I can not think of anything more pain filled.

It looks like a decision and It isn't.

miranda

[renzo808]

I'm very sorry for your loss.. God bless.....

[Atlgentlegiant]

Been a rough week. My GF was assaulted Sunday. My Dad had to have major surgery early in the week and then losing Chansey. Really hoping the higher power cuts me some slack. Our community has been great though. Thanks for the support.

[Round_Gun_Shooter]

You are a good friend doing what had to be done. Prayers to you for peace of mind.

It came to me that every time I lose a dog, they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are.

~ Unknown

[BobS761]

Facing the same thing with a favorite horse. For now he isn't suffering, but not thriving either. Such a good friend, taught my daughter to ride and grow up....

[fowlh339]

Sorry about that. Had to put my buddy down the day after 4th july last year. It SUCKED. Was looking at pics of him as puppy last night with the wife.

[KentG]

Very sorry and know you did the best thing. I had to do the same a few months back. It hurts like hell and always wiil. Think about the fun times.

Edited January 26, 2013 by KentG

[kibster]

Been there. Sat on the floor of my vet office with my golden retrievers head in my lap when they did it. Bawled my eyes out. It is just like losing a family member, and we were all very sad for a long time. Hang in there...

[Marv Z]

As most here have, when I had my beloved golden Tyler put down I cried for days. The only thing that put a smile back on my face was the day I brought my new best friend Zoomer home. We now also have a 2 year old also named Dickens and they love each other. Life is too short not to have a dog at your side.

Edited January 26, 2013 by Marv Z

[Atlgentlegiant]

We got a new puppy a few months ago because I knew it was eventual and I wanted him to have a chance to learn from her. I did it the hard way and held her in my arms at the vet. Been crying since I knew it was coming. Trying to look at all the good. She was always a happy dog and would do what she could to make me happy so I know she would not want me mourning. After several days of bad weather here it started breaking just before it happened so I know she was already looking down on me.

Thank you everyone for the support. Our dogs are angels who come to make our lives better for a time then they have to go back to heaven to recharge before they make another life special. As someone said (paraphrasing) "If there are no dogs in heaven I want to go to where they are"

[nj mike]

Very sorry ,I put my Beagle to sleep two years ago we have had her for 15 years.That was a very tough and emotional day for us

[kibster]

As most here have, when I had my beloved golden Tyler put down I cried for days. The only thing that put a smile back on my face was the day I brought my new best friend Zoomer home. We now also have a 2 year old also named Dickens and they love each other. Life is too short not to have a dog at your side.

Love the name zoomer!

[colt22man]

5 month's ago I had to euthanize our 15+yr old blue heeler mix. Not a day passes that I think of her, I miss her.

[whitedog]

No other words......just,I'm sorry.

[SiG Lady]

I'm so sorry. Our dogs and cats (and other creatures, sometimes) are like children and simply don't live long enought to match human lifespans. Try and remember the GOOD times you and your canine loved one had together. It's nice if you happen to have photos to remember with, too.

If any of you with pets have not taken too many photos yet, start doing so NOW.

[Merlin Orr]

Out of the blue - A friend sent this to me today.. Maybe you are the reason why.

A Dog's Purpose?

(from a 6-year-old).

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa , and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and ...they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.

Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.

He said,''People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?'' The Six-year-old continued,

''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''

Live simply.

Love generously.

Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good. So, love the people who treat you right. Think good thoughts for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is part of LIFE...Getting back up is LIVING...

Have a great life.

[sperman]

I moved this to the "Last Shots Fired" forum.