Had to put our dog to sleep today...

Sorry for your loss. I have been there too. Praying the night before that he would pass in his sleep, but it was not to be. The girls came home from college the night before and slept with him on the floor. His kidneys had failed and he was going downhill quickly. We took him to see some people around the neighbor hood so they could say goodby. The vet came to our home to make his passing as peaceful as possible in front of the fireplace in the living room.
It has been 6 years and still chokes me up. I always told him I wouldn't let him die alone and kept that promise. Bless you for letting your friend die with dignity.

So Sorry JW. Animals are truly the best friends. My Oggie is getting old and I don't know what I am going to do when she is gone. Really sorry.

Deepest condolences, JW..and tossing in some Dixie & Matisse snuffles all around your house for good measure.

Tough to lose them. Damned tough.

Very sorry to hear it...seems alot of people are losing pets on here. Tough times....

Its amazing the hold a pet can take on your heart & the size of whole it leaves when they are gone. It's tough. I know we will be basket cases when our to dogs go, I worry about my hubby when his "baby" goes.

You're giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.
But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.
So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic, that will
Once more make me whole.
The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it's the only way.
That strength is why I've followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I've loved you all these years...
My partner 'til the end.
Please, understand just what this gift,
You're giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I've lost,
And all my dignity.
You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it too.
So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that's within you,
To now grant me this appeal.
Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.
And don't despair my passing,
For I won't be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I'll stay.
I'll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I'll run,
...a young dog once again.

Thats tough. Sorry for you're loss. Like losing a loyal best friend for sure.

Sorry to hear of your loss. Something you think you'll never get over at the time, but time does heal things.... they say your pets never leave you. So far all our dogs have died at home, I can't imagine having to make a decision to put them down,,,uggggg! I guess we have been lucky in that aspect. I have a couple of old girls right now,,, ones 13 and the other is 15. You just make sure you appreciate them while they are here.

I've been there. Most recently (July 2011) my boy Frisco (avatr pic)......17 y/o......when we first got him, he would curl up on my chest and fall asleep.....and thats just the way he went....curled up on my chest at the Vets office. You have my condolences

Sorry to hear of your loss, bro. It's amazing how close we become to our pets, and when they are at the end, how crushing it can be to lose them.......

Sorry to hear, the little buggers do work their way into your heart, they are family.

Heart felt sorrows to you. Lost a kitten a couple years back, and know the pain.
Still think of the little feller. Most get another pet when it comes time.
I have chosen not to. The heart break is something I choose to avoid.
Sometimes, the pain of losing a loved animal, is greater then that of a human.
Grieve, feel what comes with it, and heal. The feelings & memories can be held forever, long after the physical has perished.

I know this is an older forum but just came across it...I've had lots of cats and dogs in my life, put down quite a few...I held the last 8 in my arms as they went...it became a beautiful process to me, to take a creature that had no home, give them all that you could and embrace as they passed...don't ever think you won't see that soul again son...

albert1029 said:

I know this is an older forum but just came across it...I've had lots of cats and dogs in my life, put down quite a few...I held the last 8 in my arms as they went...it became a beautiful process to me, to take a creature that had no home, give them all that you could and embrace as they passed...don't ever think you won't see that soul again son...

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They say your animals never leave you spiritually

Gary_602z said:

I Rescued A Human Today
Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor
peering apprehensively into the kennels.
I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her.
I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.

As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident
I had in the back of my cage.
I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today.
Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy
and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.
As she read my kennel card,
I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past.
I only have the future to look forward to
and want to make a difference in someone's life.
She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me.

I shoved my shoulder and side of my head
up against the bars to comfort her.
Gentle fingertips caressed my neck;
she was desperate for companionship.

A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw
to assure her that all would be well.
Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright
that I instantly jumped into her arms.

I would promise to keep her safe.
I would promise to always be by her side.
I would promise to do everything I could
to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.

I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor.
So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors.
So many more to be saved.
At least I could save one.
I rescued a human today.

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I saw a bumper sticker recently. " Who rescued who?" It's so, so true.

You wouldn't think a website about steel and cast iron and setting things on fire would bring you to tears but here I am. I dread the day I have to say goodby to my 4 legged buddies...