Losing a pet

So sad.  

Dali, my beloved Australian Shepherd, had to be put down yesterday.  She had developed thyroid problems, went blind, lost 1/2 of her weight, lost control of her bladder... all at less than 9 years old.  And when the thyroid problems hit, she went downhill rapidly.  

I have never had a dog this long, tho my daughter does have a 13 year old Sheltie (doesn't live with me).  

I cried more at the vet yesterday than I did at my cousin's funeral 2 weeks ago.  

Sos sorry for you, man. 

Sorry to hear that. We lost our German Shepherd a similar way when he was just 7

Sorry to hear that S_C.

I'm like Danny, I cried as much when my dog died as I did when my mom did.

I still have the 'final' bill from the vet tucked up in the sun visor of my truck, it's been there ever since the day she died at the vets office. We brought her ashes with us when we moved.

  Thats tough, sorry to hear it...   

feel better..

Sending you some good thoughts, Space... I know how it hurts.  After I lost my second dog in as many months (not to mention a 15 year old bird, as well), I went to the shelter and got a puppy within 48 hours.  Couldn't take it.  Felt better loving on someone.  Peace to you.

Sorry to hear about your loss Maurice.
 
Take care Buddy.

Maurice, 

So sorry to hear about Dali.   
 
Take care, 
Jan

A few years back we put down our 17 year old Irish Setter, Boots.
She had two loves, running, and hanging out with us. In her later years, she didn't run much.
She was mostly blind, couldn't hear, and movement was clearly painful.
When it came time to do the deed, my wife, my daughter, and myself accompanied her to the vet.
I held her head in my lap as she slipped away. It was hard as hell, but she left happy, surrounded by those she loved, and she was at peace.
My best to you, and Godspeed to Dali.

A good friend of mine, now paralysed, always had hunting dogs. He's a rugged, silent guy, a really "manly man".
He was really, really good with the dogs, and every one of them developed to excellent elk trackers with fine character. He took it as his duty to kill his dogs himself when the time came. It was heart breaking to watch the guy go to the forest for the last time with the dog and a rifle. It took him two days to come back from the woods, 'cause he was drinking his tears dry first.

The thing with mourning for our pets is that there are no "buts" or "ifs" when we think of them. The affection between us and them is totally unconditional and free of reservations, and so is then our grief.

Always a tough one. I've always had a dog. The one before my current buddy Elvis lived for 18 years. They are family and when we lose them it hurts a lot. I'm of the school that believes in getting another one as soon as possible.

My favorite saying.

"How ya doin?"

"Just tryin to be the man my dog thinks I am"


Randy

space cowboy, Please accept my sympathies. best regards, mike

Thanks all.  

I cannot sleep.  Every time I close my eyes, I can see her being put down.  I stayed in the room with her, holding her as she went.  That was the right thing for the dog.  Not sure that was the right thing for me.