I went with my sister to put her dog down today.

[nytemare]

Her labrador had a stroke a few months back, and she thought she would have to put her down then, but she had a little recovery. She may have had another one, because the last couple of weeks, she had barely been eating, and she couldn't walk more than a few steps without falling. She wouldn't even eat cheese. My sister could tell she was suffering.

That dog was 14 years old, and has been part of the family for so long. I have this image in my head of her laying on the table at the vet's office.

She was just a sweet, good natured, oaf of a dog, and I will miss her.
I am so sad.

:cry:

[flvegan]

1. They rely on us for everything.

Remember that, and take refuge in it, no matter how much it hurts.

[nytemare]

3. It was the humane thing to do.

It is still sad to let her go, but my sister did the right thing, as hard of a decision as it was for her.

And, thanks, flvegan.

[SPKrazy]

2. Ahh Man, my dog had that happen too.

had a stroke and couldn't walk anymore. Kept falling to the left

also the vet said "no he doesn't have any urine crystals"

when I had him put down, I stayed with him and petted him while he died, he let loose more urine crystals than I've ever seen. It wouldn't have made any difference at that point, but I wondered why the vet had never been able to diagnose that problem?

Sorry for your having to go through with this.

:pals:

[nytemare]

4. Thank you Southpawkicker

I am sorry that happened to your doggie, too.

The whole time today, I was wondering what the dog was thinking. Did she know what happened to her? Did she know why we were taking her to the vet? I am not sure what sort of level of conciousness dogs have, but I couldn't stop thinking about that today.

[SPKrazy]

5. I Don't Know Either

I do know that I couldn't bear to see that dog living like that for any longer than he had to.

thanks

[nytemare]

6. It must have been a hard decision for you.

I know my sister struggled with it, and that is only human. But, you did the right thing, and so did my sis.

:hug:

[SPKrazy]

7. He was in bad health

the morning I woke up and he couldn't stand anymore, and i had to take him and hold him to go to the bathroom, and if i let him go he fell. I looked in his eyes and he looked tired, and scared. I thought it has to be done.

thanks

:hug: you too

[Haole Girl]

8. It's good that you could be there for your sister.

So sorry you lost a friend... and, from the sounds of it, a member of your family.:hug:

[nytemare]

9. Thank you KC2

And that doggie was a member of the family.

[Giant Robot]

10. Wishing much love and support

for both of you as you remember this big friend.

[nytemare]

16. Thanks much.

Good to see you, Robot.

[zonkers]

11. 14 years of love and good times. I think that the dog and your sis did alright....

Sure its sad. But 14 years for a big guy like that is pretty darn good. What was her name?


I got a 14 year old dog right now who I'll probably lose in about a month or two -- she's blind, deaf, has cushings, heart problems and more. All you can do is love em up while you got em.

[nytemare]

17. Her name was Purdy.

Not really sure why...LOL. My middle niece came up with the name when she was three.

14 years is quite a long time. I am sure you have had good times with your dog, and I am sad to hear she isn't doing well. I suppose they are 93 in dog years, so that is long.

:hi:

[zonkers]

25. Thanks for the good wishes. After I wrote my last message, my old girl polished off a

whole can of dogfood in a day. Go figure. I bet there are a few good purdy stories. Sounded like she was quite a character.

[bluethruandthru]

12. I'm so sorry.

Hugs for you and your sister. You guys had 14 great years together that will live on in your hearts!

:hug:

[judaspriestess]

13. i'm sorry for your sisters loss

as well as yours. My kitty passed away of cancer as I have said many times before, sorry if I sound like a broken record. He was on chemo but the cancer was winning and I new the time was getting near. One night he came to me and just looked into my eyes and I knew it was time. I cried so much but I told him ok, its time, I understand and we went to the vet the next day. He died in my arms.

I can just imagine what your sister is going through right now. Its so hard, but her baby is in a better place and thats the comfort we need to find. I don't know what the heck I will do when I lose my dog. He is my life.

[qanda]

14. So sorry for your family's loss

Losing a pet is so difficult. Try to remember all the good times-- I'm sure there were many.

[BarenakedLady]

15. I'm so sorry....

:hug:

[Shine]

18. I'm sorry to hear this. I can so relate to your sadness, this week esp.

our precious cat, Spark, was killed by a car on Tuesday night and we're all heartbroken. :cry:

:hug: YOu're right, they're FAMILY.

[Shell Beau]

19. Aw, I know that must have been a tough decision!

:hug: Poor thing!

[swag]

20. I am really sorry. She sounds like such a sweetie.

It hurts so much to lose a good friend like that.

Take care.

[Kajsa]

21. I'm so sorry, nytemare.

Losing a member of the family is so hard.

Just remember that she's not suffering anymore
and she was very loved while she was on our planet.

A big hug to you and your sister.

:hug:

[ronnykmarshall]

22. Oh god. That's so sad.

I just got a new cat and I still think about when we had to put my baby boy Mickey to sleep.

It's SO hard to let go. But they are in a better place now. Give your sister a hug for me.

[NewWaveChick1981]

23. I'm so sorry...

:hug: :pals: I've been in that same position before. I know how painful it is. :hug: She did the right thing for her hound, though, and you were sweet to be there. :)

[nytemare]

24. Thank you to everybody for your kind responses.

It is just a part of life, but it is sad when it happens.

:grouphug:

[xchrom]

26. for purdy:

A DOG'S PRAYER
Treat me kindly , my beloved master,
for no heart in all the world is more
grateful for kindness than the loving
heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick,
for although I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and
understanding will more quickly teach
me the things you would have be do.

Speak to me often, for your voice is
world’s sweetest music, as you must know
by the fierce wagging of my tail when your
footstep falls upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me
inside, for I am now a domesticated animal,
no longer used to bitter elements.
And I ask no greater glory than the
privilege of sitting at your feet beside
the hearth. Though had you no home,
I would rather follow you through ice and
snow than rest upon the softest pillow in
the warmest home in the land, for you are
my god and I am your devoted worshipper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water,
for although I should not reproach you
were it dry, I cannot tell you when I
suffer thirst. Feed me clean food so
that I may stay well to romp and play
and do your bidding, to walk by your
side, and stand ready willing and able
to protect you with my life should your
life be in danger.

And beloved master, should the Great Master
see fit to deprive me of my health or sight,
do not turn me away from you. Rather,
hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands
grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest...
and I will leave you knowing with the last
breath I draw, my fate was every safest
in your hands.

--- Beth Norman Harris ---


A PRAYER FOR ANIMALS

Hear our humble prayer, O God, for our
friends the animals,
especially for animals who are suffering;
for any that are hunted or lost or
deserted or frightened or hungry;
for all that must be put to death.

We entreat for them all Thy mercy and pity,
and for those who deal with them we ask a
heart of compassion and gentle hands and
kindly words. Make us, ourselves, to be true
friends to animals and so to share the blessings
of the merciful.

--- Albert Schweitzer ---