This is the worse day of my life.

[jg95z28]

We just had to put our rotty "Max" to sleep. He's been a loyal member of our family for the past 12 years.

Goodbye buddy... we'll miss you.

http://home.comcast.net/~blackwoodgarcia/max.gif

[Belair62]

That sucks........

[ORIGLS6]

I know how you feel Jeff. Been through it too many times myself. They get to be a part of the family and it hurts to lose them.

[LVCamaro]

Sorry to hear that!! My 12 year old Golden Retriever is nearing that dreaded day too. I feel very sorry for you!

SS

[mhassett]

Jeff, My wife has cats and to be Truthful I wasn't too thrilled about them but they do become part of the Family!! We drove (1)hour to get to the vets office at 1:00 in the morning with our (17 Year old cat) and 10 minutes before we got there he Passed on. It was Upsetting for me as well as my wife.
Take Care,
Mark

[VintageMusclecar]

Very sorry for your loss. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif I've been a pet owner all my life, and it's not easy to deal with when it's time to let go.

I have 2 Golden Retrievers now, a 12 year old male and a 10 year old female. The male is really starting to slow down and has gone almost completely blind in the last year. The female is still pretty spry for her age, but she's slowing down too. I dread the day I have to let go of them, they've been 2 of the most loyal companions I could ever ask for.

I've said this for years, and I'll say it again: Mankind could learn a LOT about love & loyalty from a dog.

Take comfort in knowing you gave your dog the best gift you could ever give him: love.

[olredalert]

-----Had to put down our Bouvier de Flanders (Buckley) a couple of years ago at the age of 12. Almost anyone who has been to Bloomington Gold or Corvettes at Carlisle will remember her. Cried like a baby for the rest of that day and several times since. Read your post and got misty again,both for your loss and my own. Hopefully there is an animal heaven where all the dogs have cats to chase and all the cats get away!...........Bill S

[Mr70]

I've been in your position 3 times so far.
It never gets any easier.
My Condolences....

[Zedder]

So sorry to hear this Jeff...been there too and it is unbelievably sad. I swear I still see O-Nami standing at the window sometimes - he was 17 when he died - even the Vet who knew him since he was a pup couldn't believe it. His pedecescors were old timers too - one 18 and the other 12! Who says table scraps aren't good for man's best friend. My condolances http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[Charley Lillard]

That Sucks... It will take awhile to get over but then it will be OK because you know you gave him a good life. You want one of mine ?

[jg95z28]

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and well wishes. My seventeen year old is taking it real hard. He was 5 when we got Max and the two of them were always close. (Chris used to lay on top of him for years.) As those that own big dogs know, 12 years is awful old for a big dog (130-lbs) but still it doesn't make it easier. According to the vet, he most likely had a degenerating spinal problem the appearantly slowly deteriorated the nerves and feeling in is front legs, to a point where finally this weekend he could know longer support his own weight. It was either watch him suffer and slowly continue to deteriorate or do the humane thing. I still sobbed like a baby though. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

I'm now worried about my cat. He is a year older than the dog was and the two of them were inseparable. It'll probably be a while though before we replace Max. We have a long trip planned in July and I don't want to leave a new dog alone for that long. Thanks again.

[Mr. T]

My thoughts are with you as well Jeff. I have been through that a few times in my life, and when it does I feel like I am going to die myself. I am very fond of animals, all animals, especially dogs. I know oneday when my Chow Chow passes on, it is going to absolutely kill me. I grow so close to them, and consider my Chow one of my best friends. Take care.

[MrsBillyBobcat]

Jeff,

I am so sorry to hear about "Max". http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif I know how you are feeling right now as I am still grieving the loss of my 15yr old cat Tabatha (she just passed away a month ago). I agree with you...that was definitely the worst day of my life! I felt like someone ripped my heart out! She died during the night after having surgery to remove a tumor on her liver. After being up all night crying (knowing that she was alone and scared in a cage at the vet's office just about killed me), I got a call in the morning from the vet telling me that she passed away. The worst part was that my husband was not even here. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif He was downtown setting up for a big weekend car show (Autorama). It was just aweful having to call him and tell him on the phone. We have no children, so she was our "baby". She just adored my husband and followed him everywhere he went.

Like others have said, take pride in knowing that you gave him a good life and I'm sure he knows how much you (and your family) loved him.

Take care,

Rita

[77Z28]

Jeff:

It is an awfull feeling having to go through that. About 3 months ago we had to put down our pure breed basenji (African hound/barkless dog) that we had since a pup for just shy of 14 years due to kidney failure.

I am looking at a picture of her (basenji) at my desk, and what good memories we had, boy was she a quick running dog.

I like to think that your pets will join you upstairs, I guess we will have to wait and see.

Todd

[jg95z28]

Thanks again to everyone for their thoughts. Although I've had dogs before as a kid, Max was the first dog that felt more like he belonged to me and was more of a family member than a pet.

My wife and son both want another "puppy" soon. Probably sooner than I'd care, but they miss the companionship a lot.

Thanks again.

[PxTx]

A real shame man. Take comfort in the good times.

My first dog was a springer named Holley. At a very early age I was trying to say the word carburetor so I could explain to people why my dad named the dog that. I have been talking about cars ever since. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I now have a family of my own and we are a two dog family with our second golden- a 5 month old pup. Boy they are a lot of work in the beginning! You may not be ready for another one right away, but without one it will be harder for the whole family to recover from the loss of Max. Our little buddies sure have a way of lifting our spirits. Chin up man.

Love for a pet can run so deep. So many great and satisfying moments are shared with our pets. They give love unconditionally and when they pass, your emotions for them can not help but surface. And as time goes by, you remember them for all the happiness that you shared with them. I feel your pain and I truly believe that your dog knew how much you loved him. Best wishes to you and your family during this time.

[WANNA BE SYC]

http://rainbowsbridge.com
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...










--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------













Rainbows Bridge.Com
1167 Route 52 PMB 139
Fishkill, New York 12524

Ginny Brancato - Founder













Sorry for your loss maybe this poem can help. i've got a chow that turned 16 this feb.have no idea what i'll do when his time is up.I give him 3 cold hot dogs a day as a treat.still going BLIND AND ALMOST DEAF BUT WE LOVE HIM JUST THE SAME!

[TDW]

I have 6 German Shepards. That poem made my eyes leak.

[GRB]

I believe all great pets go to heaven. I've got a few there waiting for me. Otherwise I'd just as soon go to hell and be with my friends.

[Ozark]

I'm sorry for your loss. My wife and I are big pet people. Our dogs are like kids with fur. A good dog is the best friend you will ever have. Remember the good times.

[BBIGG BLOCK 396]

I Feel very sorry for your loss! I have a Wiemeraner that has been with me for 11 years.He became very ill a couple of years ago from pancreatitis and cost me about $1800.00 to save him.All I can say is I thought that was very CHEAP to save my pet.I would have spent much more!I know the day is coming that I will loose him,and I know that pets really can never be replaced by another one.It is very sad when this sort of thing happens,but you will always hold a special place in your Heart for Max,just as I will for my Pet Lucky.Just try to comfort your self knowing that he is not suffering anymore and that he will always be remembered in your hearts forever!You will always have fond memories of Max.

Bobby Dodson

[Chris396]

That's tough. My boxer is real sick right now and I hate the thought she might not make it.

[Eddie M.]

They say That its gods way of preparing us for death by the animals not living as long as humans, for some reason I never seem to be prepared for it either way.
Sorry for your loss

[Tommy]

Sorry to hear about "Max". I had A Dog named "Oreo" for about 14 years that grew up on dog food, ice cream sandwiches and chocolate... At fourteen he seemed as healthy as most younger dogs in the area and the Vet often told me his heart was as healthy as any dog half his age. We took good care of Oreo , even holding him down to clean his teeth on occasion. His hearing started to go and the neighbor didn't see him one day while backing his car. I knew he was hurt and the Vet said he might be okay but was in shock and would lose one front leg so I had to make A decision and live with it. Oreo was an outside pet that ran and visited all my area neighbors (for more food of course) so I couldn't see him deal with that at his age. He was about 25 lbs and mostly cocker spaniel with A few other nice varieties thrown in the mix.. I was inroduced to Oreo when I was about 13 and lost him 14 years later. You never forget your best friend.... I wonder what he really thought of me when I used to smear peanut buter on the roof of his mouth? It doesn't matter, it was hilarious to watch and I'd do it again.

Tommy

[KNAPPY]

As a veterinarian I have to deal with sick and dying animals way too often. I had to put my golden retreiver to sleep last year, it was one of the worst days of my life. One of my clients brought me this poem and now I send it all of my clients that have lost one of thier pets:
There is a rainbow bridge connecting heaven and earth. It is called " The Rainbow Bridge" because of its many colors. Just this side of The Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows and valleys with lush green grass.

When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water, and warm spring weather. The old and frail animals are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again. They play all day with each other.
There is only one thing missing. They are not with thier special person who loved them on Earth. So, each day they run and play until the day comes when suddenly one stops playing and looks up! The nose twiches...the ears are up... the eyes are staring! And this one suddenly runs from the group!
You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.
Then you cross The Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated!

Sorry for your loss.

[mhassett]

Steve, We were given that exact poem when we had our cat (17 Years old) Cremated!! A very Moving Poem.
Thanks for posting it.
Mark <font color="blue"> </font>

[mmcporter]

I am very sorry for your loss. I have had dogs my whole life and I feel for you; it's like losing a child. I hope there was no pain involved in the passing.