Had to say goodbye to my sweet dog today

[laprana]

I'm sorry for another down in the dumps post, but I'm just so sad tonight I don't know what to do. I had to say goodbye to my dog, Sam, today. He was almost 15 and had a long list of health problems, all of which had been managed well for a long time. His biggest problem was congestive heart failure. He'd had it for several years, but it had gotten steadily worse over the last couple of months. The last week was really hard on him and it was getting more and more difficult for him to breathe. I couldn't stand to watch him suffer anymore and I knew today I had to call the vet, who made a special trip to the veterinary hospital to see Sam. When she said there was nothing else that could be done, I knew it was time, but it was still the hardest decision I've ever had to make.

My mom and sister were there with me, but couldn't come in the room when it was time. It was too hard for them. I stayed with Sam. I didn't want him to leave this world all alone. It was quick and the vet was so gentle with him. I held him in my arms while he slipped away peacefully. I'm so grateful that I got to tell him one last time how much I loved him, what a good dog he was, and that I got to tell him goodbye. And I'm glad he doesn't have to suffer or struggle just to breathe anymore. I know it was the right thing to do. But that doesn't make it any easier. And it doesn't make me miss him any less.

He was the best little dog. A spunky Shih Tzu with a huge personality. He made me smile every day. It was so hard to come home to all of his things in the house and know that he wasn't there anymore. I just miss him so much. I'm broken hearted and sad beyond words. I just hope he knew how much I love him.

I'm sorry again for another sad post. I swear not everything about me or my life is sad and depressing! It just seems like it all hits at once. And tonight I feel like the saddest girl in the world. :(

[vizsla]

So sorry for your loss. It is so hard when it comes time to let them go but you will always have all the great memories that you shared together.

[missymouseworld]

Sorry for your loss ......

Our dog of 14 years left us this past July and it is hard in the beginning, but I told my children that dogs give us so many gifts of happiness and joy in our lives everyday, the most important gift we can give them at the end is to help them when they can't help themselves.

[Pirate Granny]

My heart is with you...sad, but lots of good memories...she'll be waiting for you!

[Caroleh]

I'm so sorry for your loss. We had to put down my cat, Mittens a couple of years ago and it was the hardest thing in the world I have done. There are days that I still miss him.

A couple of months after we lost Mittens, we got two more cats..Tinkerbell and Figaro. They filled the void we had, maybe when you get over your loss it might be a good thing to consider.

[caryrae]

We said goodbye to our dog 6 years ago and still miss him very much. We had him since he was a puppy, he was about 15 too. My wife and I were both in the room when it happened and had our hands on him as he passed so he knew how much we loved him, it does happen very fast. That night I had a dream about him looking in the living room window like he always did when he wanted to come back in the house. We had him cremated and got a nice wooden box with his name on it and just had them put "We Love You" under his name and we put a picture of him in the holder. He now sits on the fireplace mantle keeping an eye on us.

[SBETigg]

I'm so sad for you, so sorry. It's the hardest thing to lose our loved ones. They're with us for such a short time.

[Kairi_7378]

So sorry to read about your loss.

[TinkerbellT421]

That is so sad to hear. I am so sorry for your loss. :hug:

[IwannabeinNarnia]

I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending hugs and thoughts your way. I have two dogs, both turn 13 this year so I know time is drawing near to saying goodbye to them and I already dread it. Dogs are so loving and wonderful. Your furbaby knew how much he was loved and will be waiting for you.

[Tygger7]

I'm so sorry about your loss. It's never easy to say good-bye to our furbabies. Two of my pugs passed away last year and it still hurts. You are in my thoughts & prayers through this difficult time. Sending hugs & puppy-kisses from my pugs.

[PetefromRI]

We also lost our little baby Nahla this year.She was a 15 year old Pekingese.I miss her everyday but it does get easier.In the meantime we have found a Feril kitten under my deck which we took in and we have fallen in love with.It all gets better with time and I'm sure he knew how much you loved him.Animals,especially dogs,really sense these things.Your little baby was lucky to have you just as much as you were lucky to have him(or her).

[Nascfan]

You have my deepest sympathies on your loss. Sending you a huge hug too. Sam absolutely knew how much he was loved. Our fur babies always know. He is playing again, full of health, and waiting for the time when you two will be reunited and he can be in your arms.

[TheDuckRocks]

A big hug for you, Laura, I know you must need one about now. Remember you have given Sam the greatest love that you can give your furbaby, no matter hard it is to do.

[VWL Mom]

So sorry for your loss :hug:. Putting down a pet is never easy but the making the choice to do so when we know it's time lets them go with grace.

[ibelieveindisneymagic]

I am so sorry, it is a horrible thing to have to do, but it was the right thing.

Remember what a great dog he was, and how lucky you both were to have each other.

[emerzmom]

Laura,
I just read your post and had to respond. I know EXACTLY how sad you are feeling. I lost my best friend of 12 years on Friday. She was a chocolate lab and the sweetest dog I have ever known. We found out she had lung cancer just before Christmas. The cough and difficulty breathing progressed rather quickly and it became clear last week that she was suffering.
We had a vet come to our home which made it a little easier than taking her into the vet clinic.
I am heartbroken and have a real hole in my life right now missing her so terribly much. She had a Face Book page with lots of friends. I wrote a very touching eulogy for her. It has helped that so many of her friends have posted some memories and pictures of her. My friend posted The Rainbow Bridge on her Face Book. It helped when I read it. I hope it does the same for you.

The Rainbow Bridge
inspired by a Norse legend

By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,

Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.

Where the friends of man and woman do run,

When their time on earth is over and done.

For here, between this world and the next,

Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.

On this golden land, they wait and they play,

Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.

No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,

For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.

Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,

Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.

They romp through the grass, without even a care,

Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.

All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,

Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.

For just at that instant, their eyes have met;

Together again, both person and pet.

So they run to each other, these friends from long past,

The time of their parting is over at last.

The sadness they felt while they were apart,

Has turned into joy once more in each heart.

They embrace with a love that will last forever,

And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together.


My heart goes out to you.
Julie

[laprana]

Thank you so much, everyone, for your kind words. I can't even express how much I appreciate them right now.


Laura,
I just read your post and had to respond. I know EXACTLY how sad you are feeling. I lost my best friend of 12 years on Friday. She was a chocolate lab and the sweetest dog I have ever known. We found out she had lung cancer just before Christmas. The cough and difficulty breathing progressed rather quickly and it became clear last week that she was suffering.
We had a vet come to our home which made it a little easier than taking her into the vet clinic.
I am heartbroken and have a real hole in my life right now missing her so terribly much. She had a Face Book page with lots of friends. I wrote a very touching eulogy for her. It has helped that so many of her friends have posted some memories and pictures of her. My friend posted The Rainbow Bridge on her Face Book. It helped when I read it. I hope it does the same for you.

The Rainbow Bridge
inspired by a Norse legend

By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,

Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.

Where the friends of man and woman do run,

When their time on earth is over and done.

For here, between this world and the next,

Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.

On this golden land, they wait and they play,

Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.

No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,

For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.

Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,

Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.

They romp through the grass, without even a care,

Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.

All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,

Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.

For just at that instant, their eyes have met;

Together again, both person and pet.

So they run to each other, these friends from long past,

The time of their parting is over at last.

The sadness they felt while they were apart,

Has turned into joy once more in each heart.

They embrace with a love that will last forever,

And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together.


My heart goes out to you.
Julie

I am so, so very sorry for your loss. :hug: I know exactly how you are feeling. It's hard, harder than I ever thought it would be. I can't tell you how much that poem touched my heart. It's exactly what I hope for Sam, that he's up there somewhere happy, running as fast as he can, eating anything he wants, playing, sleeping peacefully, and breathing freely. No pain, no suffering, just happiness. I hope that for your dog, too. And I hope with all my heart that I do see Sam again.

As hard as it was, I'm realizing how grateful I am that I was there with him at the end. I think it's giving me more closure than I'd have if I didn't have the strength to go in that room with him. But I knew how much he hated that place and I couldn't imagine leaving him in there alone with a vet who had never even seen him before.

His regular vet wasn't on call on Sunday, and the vet who was is newer and had never treated or even met Sam. But she was so good with him. She was so sweet to him and as gentle as can be. After it was done, she bent down to check his heart and before standing back up, she gave him a little hug and said to him, "You're ok now, Sam. You can rest now." Her kindness made an impossibly difficult and sad situation just a tiny bit easier. I feel like I should send her a card or something thanking her for that kindness that she showed to Sam and to me, but I don't know if that would be weird or something. I'd like to send a card to Sam's regular vet, too, thanking him for taking such good care of him over the years. There wasn't anything he wasn't willing to do or try to keep Sam going for as long as possible. I'm not entirely sure what the appropriate thing to do is in this situation. I just want them to know how much I appreciate the care they showed my dog.

[DVC2004]

I am so, so sorry about your Sam. I know it is one of the hardest things we have to do in life, to say goodbye and make that decision. November 2011 I lost my Sam, who was my cat and baby of 15 years. He became ill quickly and there wasn't anything they could do to help. I didn't want to put him down but in the end it had to be done and it was what was best for him. I cried every day for a month. I didn't feel like eating or doing anything. I miss him everyday, still. We did adopt another cat later. About 6 weeks later. At the time I really was thinking if I was ready for another one, if I would ever love another one as much as Sam, etc. I wasn't so sure but I have to tell you now, I am glad I did not wait longer.

I took my time visiting shelters and I decided on a kitty who was 2 years old at the time. We've had him just over a year now and he really helped us. Everyone loves him, and he is loving and playful and just a pleasure. He has certainly made it easier to cope with our loss. I don't think any pet will ever be replaced and of course you will never forget, but he certainly has helped us get through a very sad time in our lives.

I just want to wish you comfort and and let you know you are thought of! Things will get better. I am sorry for your loss.

[DisneyorBust]

So sorry to read about the passing of your little Sam. Our pets are so much more than that, they are family. They bring so much joy to our lives and want so little in return.
Unfortunately, like others here, I know your pain all too well. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

[arbie_c]

I am so sorry for your loss. I had 2 wonderful furbabies that I went through similar situations with (one was even a Shin Tsu). My heart is breaking for you because I know how difficult it is to experience. Take it a day at a time and gradually it gets a easier. Also remember he knows how much you loved him and you made sure you were with him through everything. Cyber hugs to you.

Laura

[Mickey'sGirl]

I am so sorry for your loss.

I am sure that having you at his side at the end was the greatest thing you could have done for him. May that give you comfort as you mourn.

[minnie04]

So sorry for your loss, I'm sure Sam felt you there and knew you wouldnt leave him until he was at peace. :(

[roses]

So sorry for your loss :(

[dobby2010]

Your doggie was a lucky pup to have such a caring owner. Sorry for your loss.

[laprana]

Thanks again so much, everyone. It's still so hard and sad, but I'm a little more at peace with the decision. Being with him at the end, up to the very last second, was like a kind of gift to me because I saw how peaceful he was. I saw how easy it was on him after he had been fighting for so long. He was just so tired from all that fighting. I know he'll be with me always and he can never, ever be replaced. I was the lucky one to get 15 happy years with the best dog ever. :sad:

[Tygger7]

I would definitely send a card to both vets. I know it's difficult for them as well and I'm sure it would mean a lot to them.

Again, I'm so sorry about your little Sam. I believe with all my heart that we will be reunited with our furbabies at the Rainbow Bridge...that's how I've gotten through losing mine.

[MNNHFLTX]

I'm so very sorry about Sam, Laura. Yes, he knew right up to the end how much you loved him--your words and touch must have comforted him as he drifted off to a peaceful rest.

I read your post while on the treadmill at the gym and had to fight back tears. We said goodbye to our 14-year-old black lab mix, Oreo, in early December and I very much remember all the feelings you are experiencing. My husband and I have had a number of furry family members come and go throughout our lives and it never gets easier when the time comes to let them go. I read somewhere that a dog's love is the purest kind of love and I believe that with all my heart. I hope the memory of his love continues to bring you peace.

I also wanted to add that sending a card to Sam's vet would be very appreciated, I'm sure. We did the same thing after Oreo passed.

[laprana]

I'm so very sorry about Sam, Laura. Yes, he knew right up to the end how much you loved him--your words and touch must have comforted him as he drifted off to a peaceful rest.

I read your post while on the treadmill at the gym and had to fight back tears. We said goodbye to our 14-year-old black lab mix, Oreo, in early December and I very much remember all the feelings you are experiencing. My husband and I have had a number of furry family members come and go throughout our lives and it never gets easier when the time comes to let them go. I read somewhere that a dog's love is the purest kind of love and I believe that with all my heart. I hope the memory of his love continues to bring you peace.

I also wanted to add that sending a card to Sam's vet would be very appreciated, I'm sure. We did the same thing after Oreo passed.

I'm so sorry about your Oreo. I hope that you, too, are comforted by your memories of Oreo and the love you shared. :hug:

Last night after work, I took all of Sam's medicines and prescription food (he was on a special diet for his kidneys) up to the vet hospital. They have a program where those who have lost pets can donate their pet's unused medications and food, which they then give to someone who needs it for their own pet but can't afford to pay for it. Sam was on a LOT of medications, some of which were pretty expensive, so I hope it will help someone else or give them a little more time with their own dog.

When I went into the hospital, the only person there was one of the front desk staff members who can sometimes be a little crabby and kind of gruff. Everyone up there knows Sam and his family, so she recognized me when I came in. I told her about Sam, and she started crying and said, "I know, I saw Monday morning that you were here on Sunday. I'm so sorry and so sad. I loved Sam. We all did." Of course, I started crying, too. It was so touching to know that someone who can seem like she's not that caring sometimes cared so deeply about my dog and was truly sad that he's gone. It was good for my heart, good for my soul to know how much Sam touched someone else.

I also took Thank You cards for Sam's regular vet and the vet who cared for him on Sunday. I hope it was enough to tell them how very much I appreciated the love and care they both gave to Sam.

[garymacd]

:sad::paw:

[beksy]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my baby, my cat Smokey, almost 2 years ago and still miss her daily. Her sister Peaches died a year ago today and it has been a rough day for all of us :( Peaches was older and had a lot of health problems but was such a fighter...reading about Sam reminds me of her. We were lucky and she died peacefully one day after we had spent a week trying to determine when the right time to put her down would be. Peaches just started breathing heavily and I got a blanket and held her and a few minutes later she was gone but I know it was a comfort for me that I got to hold her and tell her how much I loved her while she was dying. With Smokey I was out of town and didn't get to be with her and it was harder. I have a new baby Minnie now (we don't mention she to her that she is a cat named after a mouse) but I still have a special place for Peaches and Smokey in my heart. I think for me it was as hard as losing a family member, or harder.

[laprana]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my baby, my cat Smokey, almost 2 years ago and still miss her daily. Her sister Peaches died a year ago today and it has been a rough day for all of us :( Peaches was older and had a lot of health problems but was such a fighter...reading about Sam reminds me of her. We were lucky and she died peacefully one day after we had spent a week trying to determine when the right time to put her down would be. Peaches just started breathing heavily and I got a blanket and held her and a few minutes later she was gone but I know it was a comfort for me that I got to hold her and tell her how much I loved her while she was dying. With Smokey I was out of town and didn't get to be with her and it was harder. I have a new baby Minnie now (we don't mention she to her that she is a cat named after a mouse) but I still have a special place for Peaches and Smokey in my heart. I think for me it was as hard as losing a family member, or harder.

I'm so sorry for your loss of Peaches and Smokey! You're right, it is just like losing a family member because they are family. I'm so glad you have a new kitty friend, who is very lucky to have such a loving home! I know I'll have another dog someday, I'm just not sure when I'll be ready. I guess I'll know when I find him (or her)! No other dog will ever replace Sam because he was truly one of a kind little dog. :) But I hope one day I can open my heart and home up to another furry family member. For now, though, my cat Libby is loving being the center of attention! :D

[TinkerbellT421]

I saw a poem on facebook yesterday and thought of this post. It made me cry yesterday and made me cry again while reading it. Wanted to share because it is the sweetest thing and saddest thing at the same time. :(


“Before humans die, they write their last will and testament, give their home and all they have to those they leave behind.


If, with my paws, I could do the same,

this is what I would ask …

“To a poor and lonely stray, I’d give my happy home, my bowl, cozy bed and all my toys, the lap which I loved so much and the tender loving touch.

Also the hand that stroked my fur and the sweet voice, which called my name.

I’d will to the sad, scared shelter animal, the place I had in my human’s loving heart of which their seemed no bounds.

So, when I die, please do not say,

‘I will never have a pet again, for the loss and the pain are more than I can stand.’

Instead, go find an unloved animal, one who’s life holds no hope or joy and give my place to him.

This is the only thing that I can give ... the love I left behind. This is my inheritance — my last will and testament.”

[Mickey'sGirl]

Lovely, Tonya.

[laprana]

I saw a poem on facebook yesterday and thought of this post. It made me cry yesterday and made me cry again while reading it. Wanted to share because it is the sweetest thing and saddest thing at the same time. :(

Oh, I love this! It definitely made me get tears in my eyes. One of my friends keeps encouraging me to visit a shelter just to see what dogs are out there who need homes, but I just haven't been able to yet. But, I know when I do, I'll want to take home as many dogs and cats as I can fit in my car! :)

[Dsnygirl]

I am so sorry.... we've had to put two of our furbabies down, and it's one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. Hoping you are finding peace with it, and I think visiting a shelter when you are ready is a LOVELY idea. :cloud9: I'm sure your Sam is looking down and smiling!

[TinkerbellT421]

Oh, I love this! It definitely made me get tears in my eyes. One of my friends keeps encouraging me to visit a shelter just to see what dogs are out there who need homes, but I just haven't been able to yet. But, I know when I do, I'll want to take home as many dogs and cats as I can fit in my car! :)

Time heals they say. Took me about a year before I was ready to put my heart out there, and got the most beautiful sweet dog ever. My problem is strays, lol, DBF always yells at me for feeding them, as I already have two cats and a dog and in my town they limit you to three animals, or else you need a kennel license, but he yells at me for feeding them all the time lol. He says once you feed them they tell all their friends! I always feel badly for animals that don't have homes and love like the animals I have do. Makes me sad :(

[TheVBs]

I've only just seen this and I am so sorry for your loss. It's heartbreaking when you have to say goodbye to a furry member of the family. :(