Putting a loved one down

[OBfishman]

I don't post on here much if at all only 1 post but like the website . Being from Alabama yall dont like OSS but I have to post this. I had to put my 13 yo lab down today and it was one of the hardest things I have ever done. Raised 2 kids with this dog and she was part of the family and I will miss her dearly. Hope none of you ever have to do this cause it's very hard but I know I did the right thing for her. Just had to vent. Have a nice day.

[ACEINTHEHOLE]

Know what you are going through. It is the toughest part of owning a dog. Give yourself a few months to heal and then get a bright eyed puppy to fill the void.

[msbigdawg1234]

I feel for ya man hard thing to do ...have done it several times never gets easier......

[duckkiller]

praying for you and your family as this is a tough time. I will tell you this from experience, the best way to fill the void in your life is with another puppy. Some may think that sounds strange and that its to soon but it will help ease the pain

[cwink]

Hate to hear that..

[Squealer]

Prayers sent.

[Squealer]

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

[Jeff]

Very sorry to hear that. Having two at my feet right now, I look at them and can't imagine when/if that day comes. I pray for your family and hope your girl is getting unlimited ducks and fun bumpers in that marsh in the sky.

[Denduke]

I will lend to you for a while, a Pup, God said,
For you to love him while he lives and mourn for him when he's dead.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe two or three,
But will you, 'till I call him back, take care of him for me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you, and (should his stay be brief)
You'll always have his memories as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught below I want this pup to learn.

I've looked the whole world over in search of teachers true,
And from the folk that crowd life's land, I have chosen you.
Now will you give him all your love nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to take my Pup back again?

I fancied that I heard them say, "Dear Lord, Thy Will be Done,"
For all the joys this Pup will bring, the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness; we'll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we've known forever grateful stay.
But should you call him back much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.
If, by our love, we've managed, your wishes to achieve,
In memory of him we loved to help us while we grieve,
When our faithful bundle departs this world of strife,
We'll have yet another Pup, and love him all his life."

[dbarnes]

I'm sorry to hear about your loss. I have a 5 1/2 yr black lab, Max, who is truely a part of the family. My 1 yr old daughter has the best time w/him. He has enjoyed her being around b/c of the "treats" she drops @ dinner. He must have gained 8-10lbs over the year. After seeing them playing one afternoon, my wife made the comment that she can't imagine the day when max won't be here. Sadly to say, it will be here in a blink of any eye. They just don't stay around long enough.

[duckdr1970]

I will lend to you for a while, a Pup, God said,
For you to love him while he lives and mourn for him when he's dead.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe two or three,
But will you, 'till I call him back, take care of him for me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you, and (should his stay be brief)
You'll always have his memories as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught below I want this pup to learn.

I've looked the whole world over in search of teachers true,
And from the folk that crowd life's land, I have chosen you.
Now will you give him all your love nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to take my Pup back again?

I fancied that I heard them say, "Dear Lord, Thy Will be Done,"
For all the joys this Pup will bring, the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness; we'll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we've known forever grateful stay.
But should you call him back much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.
If, by our love, we've managed, your wishes to achieve,
In memory of him we loved to help us while we grieve,
When our faithful bundle departs this world of strife,
We'll have yet another Pup, and love him all his life."

Damn that's a great read, never seen that one before.....It is definately on key, I have put down several in my life time, any where from beagles to bird dogs, but the most painful was my 5 month old lab named Heidi. She was going to one of the great ones. You could just tell when she worked. Had to put her down because she had some kinda of degenerative muscle disorder that showed itself at 4 months of age. I will always remember her.

Sorry for your loss and praying for everyone who's been there........

[OBfishman]

I just wanted to thank you guys for your thoughts and prayers and especially Squealer and Denduke for they were very good reads. I really appreciate it and thanks again.

[RockBottom]

Even if you are from alabama, thats just sad

[donia]

got this in an email from a fellow dog lover

Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year-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 six-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 on. Within a few minutes, Belker 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 Six-year-old continued, 'Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.'

Live simply.

Love generously.

Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.



Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

[laduck]

I am so sorry for you loss. It has been two years now since I had to put my 14 year old lab (Boeuf) down. She hunted with me for 11 years. My wife an I have no children, so she was our child as well. I miss her everyday. You will always miss her, but the hurt will go away after awhile. I finally got another one and she is 18 months old now. Not now, but at sometime I hope that you get another one. It will never be the same, but it will be good. I will be thinking of you and your family during this time. Jack