G-ManBart Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 (edited) Yesterday I had to have my black Lab, Chester, put down...probably the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I got him from a shelter in Nov 1996 and he was about 3.5yrs old at the time. The first time I saw him he was sick, 30lbs too thin, filthy, had a broken tooth and was all beat up from being a stray for about two weeks, but he had the most handsome face and head I've ever seen on a Lab. He came home with me and we quickly put the weight on him and got him healthy. At that point he weighed about 97Lbs and you could still see his back couple of ribs...he was tall, long and all muscle. For kicks my Dad used to get him to hop over a 4ft high fence in his backyard...no running start, just one effortless jump. Shortly after Chester came home with me I entered the toughest time in my life....bad relationship breakup, bad work environment, broke, you name it. Through it all, he took care of me. He'd stay at home all day while I worked, and never caused a problem. My neighbors said the only time they knew he was there was when he'd bark at the window when the UPS truck came by...must not have been a Dale Jarret fan A few years ago I started running at night to get in shape for the academy and after I was done with my timed run would get Chester for a half mile out and back cool down. I noticed he would sometimes drag one of his back toenails just a little. That was the first sign of a degenerative spinal cord disease, but nobody knew it. A year ago he'd gotten bad enough that a specialist finally diagnosed the problem....they gave him three to six months before he wouldn't be able to get up at all. He managed over a year and then other problems came up in the last two weeks that reduced his quality of life to the point that I knew he wasn't happy at all and was ready to go. I realize now that he'd been ready to go for a while, but he was trying to be a good boy and do what I asked (as always) so he kept fighting. Yesterday I couldn't bear to see him fight so hard anymore and he's now resting comfortably for the first time in a long time. We all knew it was coming, but it sure doesn't make it any easier. My whole family is in mourning, but we know it was the right thing to do. Laurie and I have two other dogs and I've made them both the same promise I made Chester....when it comes time I will be strong for them and do the right thing as much as it hurts. If you have a dog, or any other pet, give them a hug and pat for us....they deserve it. The pic is of Chester when he was about 7 and had started to show some gray....the Sean Connery of the dog world. Thanks, Bart, Laurie, Webster and Daisy Edited May 18, 2007 by G-ManBart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Micah Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 Chris, As the proud father of two strapping young dogs, I can appreciate the depth of your loss. Although I can't provide any answers, just know that you are loved by many. -Micah B. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GentlemanJim Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 So sorry Chris JIm and Nanci Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Putty Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 Oh, he has such a sweet face. Looks like my girls brother. Your a good man for taking Chester in and giving him the good life. Lets hope they are all there for us when we pass. Take Care Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ima45dv8 Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 So sorry to hear of your loss, Bart. You did the right thing, which often equates to the hard thing. He's romping and running with my guys right now. ...Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hey QuicksDraw! Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 Very sorry to hear about your loss. Chester sounded like a great friend and companion. I'm going to hug my dog right and tell him about Chester. Stay strong, Stew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catfish Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 Know you did the right thing. Doesn't make it any easier, but you did. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XRe Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 Sorry for your loss We have limited time with our friends - you gave Chester a great life, and you made the right decision. Hang in there - and enjoy your other pups. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gameplayer Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 Bart, I have never been in that position with a dog I owned, but here recently I was asked by my parents to put down their Schnauzer who was very ill. It truly was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I'm sorry for the loss of your friend and companion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EricW Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulW Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 Totally sucks, you did the right thing though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LadyinBlue Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 Chris, Some time ago I had to put our Basset Hound down due to a broken back. I cried many tears over that one. So sorry for your loss. ~Nanci~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JThompson Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 (edited) I'm very sorry for your loss. A few months ago I had to put down my Golden. She was, without a doubt, the best animal I ever shared a house with, and that includes the two legged variety. I still miss her and will always I suspect. I'm not ashamed to say I cried when we lost her. I know animals aren't supposed to have souls but if there is no place for them in Heaven... In this mortal’s opinion, it's an oversight. I hope some day he will be waiting, tennis ball in mouth, to play with you again.... JT I found this when I lost her and it touched me... I have done mostly what men do, And pushed it out of my mind; But I can't forget, if I wanted to, Four-Feet trotting behind. Day after day, the whole day through-- Wherever my road inclined-- Four-Feet said, 'I am coming with you!' And trotted along behind. Now I must go by some other round-- Which I shall never find-- Some where that does not carry the sound Of Four-Feet trotting behind. -Kipling- Edited May 19, 2007 by JThompson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mick Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 Dogs truly are man's best friend! I had to put down best buddy in August of '05. I still have a tough time with it. We get real attached to them. I held mine while the DR put her out. I couldn't let her go alone... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G-ManBart Posted May 18, 2007 Author Share Posted May 18, 2007 Thanks to everyone who's responded...it really helps. I know so many of you have gone through this before and the understanding is really appreciated. Reading this has gotten me all misty again so I'm going to stop by the local range and say hi to the puppy (a Golden) who is the official greeter...can't help but feel better after that Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mad Kaw Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 G I'm very sorry for your loss. A dog trully is man's best friend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schmitz Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 (edited) ...I'm sorry for your loss, wanted to post some great pics of Labs, but nothing dynamic is allowed but check out: http://www.stuurmanclassiccars.nl/ccc ....Carine's Choise! My deepest symphaty.. Edited May 19, 2007 by schmitz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pierruiggi Posted May 20, 2007 Share Posted May 20, 2007 I'm sorry for your loss. God bless Chester. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6-shot Posted May 21, 2007 Share Posted May 21, 2007 My 10 yr old yellow lab is sleeping about 8 ft away have had him since he was 7 wks old. We hunted ducks , geese and pheasents together for many years. It will BREAK my heart when that time comes. I truly feel your loss. Scott Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisStock Posted May 29, 2007 Share Posted May 29, 2007 So sorry to hear about your loss. Many of us here have been down that road, some of us more than once. It sure as hell doesn't get any easier, but know that you did the best thing that you could do for him, regardless of your personal pain. Black Labs..best breed in the world, hands down... I've sent 2 on to meet their maker, and can empathize with you completely. My thoughts are with you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kz45 Posted June 2, 2007 Share Posted June 2, 2007 G. So sorry you had to let your buddy go. Its amazing how those little 4 leg'd critters can grab you heart so fast. Mine is a lab/boxer mix, she is still a pup [2] i just pray i can enjoy her for as long as you had with yours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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