My turn :(

[Pedal Wench]

Hi Ladies,

I wasn't gonna post anything about this, but I know all of you have shared your experiences, and I kept saying that I knew my puppy's time was coming soon. It came on Tuesday. We walked down to the end of the street, like we've done every morning for the past 13 years, and he just laid down. He never got up again. The vet at the pet hotel I use came out with a stretcher to move him to his office. My pup is my little pumpkin, but in reality, he's a 120-lb Newfie mix - just a ton of fluffy black fur. They ran all kinds of tests, IV drip all day, xrays and blood work, and they could find no reason. His heart was racing, he was struggling to breath, and after spending the day on the floor at the vets office, the doctor said that it would be cruel to make him continue like that. He never tried to stand up at all that day. I didn't stop petting him or scratching his head all that day, so he died with the most loving he could have asked for. I know he knew I was there, because if I stopped petting him, he would move his paw indicating he wanted more.

I miss him so much. I lost my cat about six years ago, my Mastiff about 2 years ago, and Dizzie was the last of my pets. It's so hard, and I'm really not handling it well - I'll be fine for a while, and then just lose it moments later. The house is so quiet and empty without him, and I don't know what to do when I get home from work or wake up each morning - we went for walks, twice a day, every day, year in, year out.

[KnottedYet]

(((((((((Pedal Wench)))))))))

[farrellcollie]

I think it is a tribute to you that your newfie lived to be 13 - that is great. I know how hard it is to lose a furry family member and it is not a loss that can be ignored or minimized.

[sbctwin]

I am so, so sorry Pedal_Wench. I wish I could help you with this pain. I too had a dreadful scare these past few days with my Kallie (tortoise shell kitty). She had an extreme asthma attack this weekend and I thought I would loose her. She is not out of the woods yet. I know some people consider our pets as just property, but they are so much more. We give them all the love we would to our two legged friends, even more. They are there for us when we are depressed, giving us the unconditional love that is missing in many of our lives. I am so sorry for your loss...

[roguedog]

Awwww.. PW... I feel ya. I lost mine a couple years back and I still miss her.

She was my college dog. Took her to class.. took her to the mtns in the spring.. took her to the snow for the winter... She was a little lady. I'm not sure how she got stuck with me :)

Anyway.. as I sniffle with ya...

Big hug

[Geonz]

{{{pedalwench}}}

So glad you were there to pet him.

[Jenn]

I am SO sorry for your loss, {{{{{HUGS}}}} it is losing a member of your family and the pain is beyond words. Our little guy is going blind and the vet tells us he doesn't have much time, so I REALLY feel for you. Again I'm sorry {{{{{HUGS}}}}

[Brandi]

ahhhhh pedal (((((((hug))))))) it is the 2nd time this week i have had to hug for that reason. It hurts alot I understand totally. And the moments you have when you loose it are our way of dealing with the grief. It is way normal. It sounds like you gave him a full loving life!
I lost my favorite cat 5 years ago this week. It took me and my dh about a year to get over that. My guy was killed by wondering dogs. It has been seared into my brain and it still hurts bad. I wish I could have watched him grow old. He was 10 but still full of life! Good luck take deep breaths and allow yourself to cry. You will heal.
We have Bo now and if we had not taken him he's life would not be the same. He needed a good loving home. So I sometimes feel Niko's death opened the door for Bo. I would love to have Nkio by my side don't get me wrong. But Bo is very special too.

[mimitabby]

how wonderful that you could spend that day with your dog. And that he continued to ask you for your support. Those are better memories than some.
You were friends to the very end, and it will take a long time to get over this one!

[missymaya]

Pedal_Wench,
I'm terribly sorry for your loss:( . I know the pain of losing a family member. Contrary to what many believe, our pets are our family members and their loss is no less difficult. Just remember the amount of love he gave to you and the special bond that you 2 shared. I'm sorry again for your loss and I'm sending healing thoughts your way.

[margo49]

Ohhhh... Pedal Wench.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Yes, what Mimi said.

Big hugs to you. It will take some time. Just let the tears come.

[MINIskirt]

I'm so sorry :(

[pooks]

May light perpetual shine upon him. May he bound in joy and race through glory. And may he meet you on the other side.

[Ninabike]

What Pooks said.

[xeney]

Oh, no. I'm so sorry.

[Pika]

ohhhh... Pedal... I'm soo sorry for your loss- so nice that you were with him his last day- big hugs to you! With such a strong bond you'll be sure to meet again.

[smilingcat]

Dear Pedal Wench,

It is always a very sad day to lose someone (dogs, cats, horses too). The vet was very kind and let you be with him all day. And your baby appreciated you to be with him all day and knew that he was loved dearly. It is never easy and always a tearful day. Cry as much as you need too. And remember too the all the wonderful time you've shared with him all. The funny moments, the good moments and the times you needed hug or lick from him.

And there will be times when for no reason you cry. I still do over my cats. Then remember the fun times, the times when they lifted up your spirit and thank them for being in your life.

Take care,
Shawn

[LBTC]

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Pedal W}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

I'm so sorry.

Let those tears flow whenever they want to escape. It's the best you can do for yourself and for Dizzie.

One thing I know is that Dizzie has lots of company at the Rainbow Bridge. I'm sure my Yogi and so many other companions who have found their way already, are making Dizzie feel welcome and at peace.

And trust that in time the lump in your throat will settle in as a warmth in your heart. You shared a special bond and, painful as it was for you, Dizzie's parting was made so much more peaceful for her with your constant attention. You did everything you could for her, now it is time for you to take care of yourself.

Hugs and peace-filled butterflies,
~T~

[makbike]

I'm so sorry for your lose. Your buddy was so blessed to have you as his friend and guardian all these years - you both touched each others hearts and will forever be friends. He is waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge.

I hope this poem brings you some comfort during this difficult time.



Lend Me a Puppy

I will lend to you for awhile a puppy, God said.
For you to love while he lives, and mourn when he's dead.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe two or three.
But will you, 'til I call him back, take care of him for me?

He'll bring you 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 teacher's 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 puppy home again?

My heart replied, "My Lord, Thy Will Be Done"
For all the joys this puppy brings the risk of grief I'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 planned.
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.
If, by our love we've managed your wishes to achieve,
Then in memory of him who we loved, please help us while we grieve.

When our cherished puppy departs this world of strife,
Please send yet another needing soul for us to love all their life.

- Author Unknown -
Adapted from 'Thy Will Be Done' by Edgar Guest

[SouthernBelle]

I've had animals all my life & know how much this hurts. So sorry.

[Pedal Wench]

Thank you, everyone. It was such a sad day, but it gets better. Here's my baby: http://sorellacycling.myphotoalbum.com/view_photo.php?set_albumName=album02&id=PICT1231

[makbike]

What a beautiful friend!

[7rider]

Oh, PW. He's beautiful.
It is always so hard to lose such a great friend and companion.
{{{{hugs}}}}

[wannaduacentury]

{{{{Pedal Wench}}}} I'm really sorry for your loss.

[short cut sally]

PW, so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you. Hugs..

[Running Mommy]

Ohh PW I feel for you! Our friends had Newfies and they are such big love muffins. It's so sad when you lose a member of the family. I wish I could give you a big hug right now. So here is a big wind blown hug from Arizona
{{{{{{{{{ hug}}}}}}}}}}}
Denise :(

[pooks]

Gorgeous baby.

[Offthegrid]

I'm very sorry you lost a good friend. But you gave him a good life, and he'll always be in your heart.

[solobiker]

I am so sorry for your loss. With time it will get better. You had many wonderful years together with lots of memories that can never be taken away. His spirit will always live on in you. S

[teigyr]

PW, I am so sorry. I've been through it and I know how difficult it is. That's a beautiful picture of him and I know you spent many good years together. It is a very sad day and my sympathies are with you.

[mountainchick]

I'm so sorry! We feel the same way about our cats. That picture is so adorable!

I'm a big crier, and advocate crying...so go ahead its ok. *Hugs from across the pond*

[Thistle]

so sorry pedalwench ((((((( pedalwench )))))) :(

[spokewench]

So So Sorry! It is so hard to lose a pet - I can only send hugs and more hugs!

[crazycanuck]

(((((((((((((((((pedalwench))))))))))))))))

I'm sure i'll be a mess when our new doggie goes over the rainbow bridge one day..:(

C

[sarahlou]

I'm so sorry to hear about your pup. I'm about to cry myself. I know one day I'll be where you are when my little Lou Lou goes. Thankfully you were there to comfort him when he passed.

[spazzdog]

So so sorry PW... he's a beauty.

I'll bet he's already met two of my old pals, Pearl the greyhound and Frack, the coyote/cattle dog cross.

They're prolly chasin' sticks and visiting the "NoLimit Treat Bar" right now.

spazz

[snapdragen]

So sorry PW - cry when you need to, and remember all the good things you did together.

Rikki, Poochie, Taffy and CoCo are hanging out at the "No Limit Treat Bar" too - they'll show your baby around!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

My sweet little pug Kinky Ballou is downing strawberry frappes with teeny umbrellas in them at the "No Limit" snack bar too.

[Wahine]

PW, I had to put my big baby to sleep about a year ago. I still miss him. I really feel for you. Take your time healing and be forgiving of yourself. This is really tough.

Take care.

[colby]

I'm so sorry for your loss, PW. :( You did what was best for his needs, and you had given him a good life in a loving home. What more can a dog ask for?

Take care of yourself.

[tprevost]

your loss brought tears to my eyes... I am so sorry for your loss. You did the right thing though in spite of the pain it caused you.

(((hugs))))

trac'

[roguedog]

OMG.. I love that pic. I love those eyes. And those paws.. Can you tell I love dogs...??

[Velobambina]

I'm so sorry. You obviously gave your puppy a great life. Letting your dog go with dignity and peace is a selfless act of love. It must have been very difficult for you but you were brave enough to keep your sweetie from suffering. Your pooch will always be with you. Me and my three goldens send you a big hug.

[Pedal Wench]

Again, thank you all. I normally wouldn't post this, because I knew it would just make me cry more, but I feel like I had told other's going through this that my time to lose my pup was coming soon, so I felt like I 'owed' y'all my story.

It's funny. I've known for a while that his time was limited. He was old, and it was getting harder and harder for him to get up. When he collapsed, I just yelled at him, "Not now, not yet!!!" No matter how ready you think you are, it's still, always, just too soon.

Thank you again. I love that photo. My boyfriend took it last year, and it's really the only one that he doesn't look like a big black blob. Thanks - he was a beautiful creature.

L-

[teigyr]

Even though you know, it's still difficult. In some ways, at least for me, it was worse. My cat was 22 years old and about from age 20, I used to be nervous because I knew he was old. I still think I see him sometimes, which is odd!

It sounds like your puppy had a happy and spoiled life which is as it should be.

ok now, will not cry at work...will not cry at work...dang! And the picture truly is awesome. It really looks like it shows his personality :)