I had to put my dog down

[Dreamer]

I am sorry for your loss. It is definitely not easy. Remember the good times.

[Leslie]

I wanted you to know you're in my thoughts...I'm sorry for your loss!

[kat]

Helen, I'm so sorry about losing your beloved Lucy. My Charlie died four years ago and I think about him every day. Take care. -kate

[LeatherneckPA]

Originally Posted by Rich_in_Tampa

... it's not "just" a dog...

Absolutely not! Somebody else said it best, "our furry kids". I grieve for you, Helen. I'm seconding Chris and ladelfina, pound puppies are eternally grateful, especially the middle aged ones that nobody wants 'cause they aren't cute little puppies.

[Dawg54]

I got my dog 6 years ago and she is the first one I have owned since I was a teenager. I sure hate the thought of having to put her down one day. Sorry for your lost.

[Craig]

Helen ... so sorry for your loss. I've had dogs all of my adult life, and lost quite a few now. They are wonderful animals.

Enjoy your remaining friend, for now ... perhaps, after your traveling days, you'll be able to find another friend or two ...

[JohnEyles]

Hope all you suffering from canine bereavement enjoy this (and that it's
not a re-post):

The Purpose of a Dog - from a 4 yr. old

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year old Irish
Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their
little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for
a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we
couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia
procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good
for the four-year old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though
Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family
surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time,
that I wondered if he understood what was going o n. Within a few minutes,
Bel ker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's
transition without any difficulty or confusion

We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the
sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.

Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me.
I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life - -
like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?"
The four-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so
they don't have to stay as long."

[Helen]

Thank you all. The kindness on this board is overwhelming.

[citrine]

I am so sorry for your loss.....I went through this with my cat, Micro on Jan 5, 2007 and there is not a day that goes by that my heart does not ache for him.
The only way that I could go on is to keep talking to him on a daily basis and put his picture everywhere.....it may sound a bit silly, but it helps me to think that now he is my guardian angel.

[thefed]

sorry to hear about your loss. i often joke witht he fiance about geting rid of our increasingly expensive (Read:VET BILLS) mut, but i know deep inside i could never do it.

I put on a good front though!

[Toejam]

Helen: I know it can hurt so bad when you lose a pet. I have been through the same thing twice with my cats. There is an "emptiness" there that cannot be replaced so easily. Lucy will always be a part of you, and you will always have fond memories of her. I'm sure she must've felt very secure and happy with the love and care you gave her, too. Take care.

[KB]

I'm so sorry about your dog. I have an older cat and I know some day.....

[2soon2tell]

Helen,

Sorry to hear about your loss. Dogs are such wonderful friends and teach us what unconditional love is all about.

2soon