Goodbye sweet Max

[Tri Girl]

Today we had to put down our lab Max. She was almost 13 years old. She's been sick for a couple weeks, and it was confirmed that she had tumors on her spleen and liver. The best option for her was to put her down. That was the hardest decision I've ever had to make.
I have never lost a pet before- especially not one I raised from a puppy for her whole life. We rescued her from the shelter at 6 weeks old and we gave her 12.5 good years. She gave us 12.5 years of love in return.

She's across the Rainbow Bridge and playing with all the other pets now.
I just miss her so much already... :(

I know you all understand.

[maillotpois]

Oh I am so sorry. That is such a hard decision and my labs and I are sending you hugs and licks for having the courage to do the right thing for your sweet girl.

:(

[violetpurl]

I'm so sorry. Hopefully my babies met her at the bridge and they are all romping and playing together. Hugs.

[indysteel]

((((Tri Girl)))). I'm very sorry for your loss. It is a very hard decision to make, but it sounds like you did the right thing for Max. Hang in there.

[Veronica]

What a hard thing to do. It takes a lot of courage and love to do that for your babies. Hang in there.

Veronica

[kermit]

What a great life you gave her, and she knew she was loved. I have had to make that call twice, you did the right thing. She is not in pain now. They just don't live long enough! I'm so sorry...

[Blueberry]

I'm so very sorry for you. It sounds like you're taking comfort in the 12.5 wonderful years you shared with her! It takes such courage to make the right decision for them in the end - but it doesn't make the decision easier:( Hang in there.

[Bike Chick]

Oh, TriGirl, I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm teary-eyed reading your post but you did the right thing. Hang in there.

[spindizzy]

(((trigirl))) I hope beautiful memories help heal your aching heart.

[emily_in_nc]

{{{{{{{{{ Tri Girl }}}}}}}}}}}}

So sorry for your loss of Max. I hope your many fond memories of the years with him will bring you smiles once time passes and the immediate grief diminishes. It's such a hard decision to have to make, but the kindest choice. May you find peace in knowing that. Most of us have been there too and share your pain.

[PamNY]

What a beautiful girl! I love the first photo especially -- so much personality. I'm sorry for your loss, and I know it's hard to let them go. I hope your happy memories bring comfort in time.

[OakLeaf]

(((((((Tri Girl))))))) I'm so sorry for your loss.

[Tri Girl]

Thank you, everyone. I haven't stopped crying for 6 hours. I haven't cried this much since I lost my father 11 years ago.

She hadn't really eaten much in about 6 days, but right before they put her down (which I couldn't bear to be in the room for), she gobbled a handful of biscuits. I think it was her way of saying thanks and that she was going to be OK.

I know she was only a dog, but she was MY dog and my fur-baby. We don't have children so our dogs are like our kids. We love them like little people (but not in a creepy dress-up-your-monkey-and-act-like-it's-a-baby way) ;) I'm trying to laugh...

I don't look forward to our 15 year old cocker going next...

[jessmarimba]

Aww...I'm teary now :( But Max knew you loved him and he did his best to show you.

*hugs*

[marni]

I am very sorry about Max. They are never ever just pets but an intrinsic and important part of our lives and loved ones. Mourn as much as you need to and one day, in your own time, you will find yourself remembering the love and the good times and smiling.

[blackhillsbiker]

So sorry! I hope Arthur and Idgie were there to greet her.

Hugs!
Deb

[badger]

She wasn't "only a dog", she was your beautiful friend and companion, and I'm so sorry for your loss. You're right in that we all understand, I think we've all had our companions cross the rainbow bridge. I still miss my beautiful friend that I had to say goodbye to almost 2 years ago and know very well how you feel.

Take care, hugs.

[hebe]

I am sorry. I can't add anything to the posts already here, but am thinking of you.

[Selkie]

Max flew through your heart right into heaven. It's the hardest thing, but the most selfless gift you can give your sweet pooch. My thoughts are with you and my trio of goldens send you big hugs....

[Catrin]

I am sorry to hear of your loss, pets become a part of our hearts and I am sure that she knew that she was loved.

[crazycanuck]

:( Sorry tri-girl :(

May you remember max's boooteful smile :) What a cute doggieee

[redrhodie]

A big hug to you. Be gentle with yourself while you go through this. You did the right thing for her. She was a beauty.

[NbyNW]

Sorry for your loss, sounds like she was a wonderful companion.

[NoNo]

I read this, looked at my cat, and teared up. You did the right thing, but that doesn't make it any easier. Ruthie and I send you hugs and much strength. xx

[jelee1311]

I am so sorry. Dogs are more than just pets they can smile. My Lab is a four legged angel who makes me smile every day. Take care of yourself &cry if you need to.

[arielmoon]

(((Tri girl)))

So sorry for your loss of Max. She is in a pain free happy place thanks to you.

[spokewench]

So, so, sorry about Max. It is a very hard thing to do and I know you are hurting bad. I am thinking about you and sending you hugs

[Owlie]

I'm so sorry. :(

[gfbikernyc]

I'm very sorry for your loss.

[indysteel]

Somebody shared this recently on a different cycling forum. I hope you don't mind me sharing it now, as I'm pretty sure that it will make you cry....again. :(
I took heart in Number 10 when I lost my Sophie Kitty two months ago though.

1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years or more. Any separation from you will be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want from me. Don't break my spirit with your temper, though I will always forgive you. Your patience will teach me more effectively.

3. Please have me spayed or neutered.

4. Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for your kindness than mine. Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. After all, you have your job, your friends,your entertainment, I only have you.

5. Speak to me often. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice when it's speaking to me. Your voice is the sweetest sound I ever hear, as you must know by my enthusiasm whenever I hear your footsteps.

6. Take me in when it's cold and wet. I'm a domestic animal and am no longer accustomed to the bitter elements. I ask for little more than your gentle hands petting me. Keep my bowl filled with water. Feed me good food so that I may stay well to romp and play. By your side, I stand ready, willing and able to share my life with you, for that is what I live for. I'll never forget how well you've treated me.

7. Don't hit me. Remember, I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I've been out in the sun too long, my ear may hurt, or my heart may be getting weak.

9. Take care of me when I get old. For you will grow old, too.

10. When I am old, or when I no longer enjoy good health, please do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having fun. Just see to it that my trusting life is taken gently. And be with me on that difficult journey when it's time to say goodbye. Never say, "I just can't bear to watch it." Everything is easier for me when you are there. I will leave this earth knowing with my last breath that my fate was always safest in your hands. I love you.

[Tri Girl]

indy- that was beautiful. Thanks for sharing it.
Although with #10, I couldn't bear to watch it. I was already sobbing uncontrollably so they brought her in, we played for about 15 min. while she got sleepy, then they took her back. I felt horrible that I wasn't there as she fell asleep, but DH said he just couldn't do it and I wanted to respect his wishes, too (I haven't seen him cry that hard in years).

I'm doing better today. Going to school and getting a good dose of love from the kids was just what the doctor ordered.

Thanks again, everyone. Your support means so much to me!! Hugs to all of you for helping my heart heal! :)

[badger]

jeez, way to make me cry at work!!

you know, everyone handles these situations differently. Some will stay, and others won't be able to. My parents left their most beloved cat to be put down after they left. I couldn't bear to leave my dog in a moment I felt he needed me the most. I never regretted it, even though it still makes me very emotional thinking about it.

You were there before she got sleepy, that's the most important thing.

[indysteel]

I agree that it's a very personal decision, to euthanize in the first place and to stay with the pet during. I know I've had a very hard time not fixating on that one final memory of Sophie. It's very tough for sure. My heart goes out to anyone who has to make that decision.

But, oh, how they're worth all that pain.

[GLC1968]

Holy crap, Indysteel - that really got to me! Good thing almost everyone else here has already gone home. :o It actually helps to have read #10 because to this day, I still have to try not to fixate on those last few seconds. Heart-wrenching.

Tri Girl - my thoughts are with you. It's been a few years since I put down my companion of 11 years and to this day, I still cry when I think of her. It gets easier, but as you know, sweet Max will never leave your heart.

[nancielle]

Such a sweet face. So sorry for your loss. You loved her and did the best for her. In her own doggie way she knew that. Give your other dog some extra hugs and be especially gentle with yourself right now.

IF IT SHOULD BE

If it should be that I grow weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.

You will be sad, I understand.
Don't let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day, more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years.
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer so;
The time has come -- please let me go.

Take me where my need they'll tend,
And please stay with me till the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Please do not grieve -- it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years;
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

--- Anonymous ---

[lisathew8lifter]

may sweet max rip. i made that decision for the first time back in 06 and i haven't forgotten it. i, too, had 12.5 years with my kitty and as supportive as he'd been to me all those years, i had to return the favor. it was time. he was sick and tired, and tired of being sick and tired. max was an adorable pup that you had to have given a lovely home and life to. she was a lucky girl!

[Roadtrip]

Sorry to hear of your loss. Sending positive thoughts your way. I'm sorta glad when I had to deal with the same thing it was taken out of my control. My pup had been sick and in the hospital for a week, but improving and we had high hopes of being able to take him home. He took a turn for the worse and his heart stopped and attempts to revive him failed. I got the call at work that we had lost him. I had to go ask my boss for the rest of the day off sobbing and barely coherent. Luckily he knew a little of what was going on and heard dog.. died.. and he said to me.. go home.

I was offered the opportunity to see him one last time, but I felt it was best for me to remember him as he was, giving me soft kisses the last time I visited him.

My thoughts are with you,
Shannon

[Trek420]

RIP sweet Max. They say the only thing wrong with dogs is they don't last long enough. Today my mutt pulled up lame and is limping, the first time she's done that. She's 12 and showing signs of slowing down. But she's still my rescue pup.

You did the best thing for Max though I'm sure it was hard. :(

[smilingcat]

Yes we do understand completely, for many of us have been in your shoes. Yes we cried too. Came home and cried some more... But through the sadness, we know that we shared many happy years with our fur babies. The time we played tug-o-war, chase, catch, losing the ball, stealing our dinner off the counter... We will remember the good times with fondness.
Sorrow and sadness we have now will fade with time.

Indy's post and Nancielle's post were wonderful. The poetry really speaks well on how we all feel so thank you for sharing those words.

peace be with you,

smilingcat

[ClockworkOrange]

I am so sorry to hear about your beautiful Max.

It is an unbearable pain to lose a close friend like that, my heart goes out to you but at least he will not suffer and has had a great life with you.

Hugs from over the pond.

Clock

[Miranda]

I am so sorry for your lose. I posted on here as well about my beautiful yellow lab I had to put down (she was 5yo & became ill). And now I have a black lab that is just like your Max (minus the brindling, she is only 2yo). Just makes me sit here at my pc and cry tears for both of us. But, you know when it's time. (((hugs))) for you my lab loving friend.

Miranda

[badger]

I know this made me cry like a baby when it came with Chevy's ashes, and someone posted in my thread when I was grappling with his death. It still makes me teary eyed, but it's beautiful:

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...

[Tri Girl]

Less than 8 months after we lost Max, we had to put down our other dog (the other one we got right after we got married almost 14 years ago).

Cookie was a wonderful dog. Covered with fleas and ticks from the pound when we adopted her, she had the happiest disposition I've ever seen in a dog. She was about 3 when we adopted her, and had 3 litters of puppies. She immediately called my name and we took her home.

We had her for 13 years. She was always a good dog. Her health started declining steadily about a year ago, and it finally got to the point where it was time to let her go. The last two days she couldn't stand up on her own, and I knew it was time. Maybe we kept her alive longer than we should have because we didn't want to lose another dog-child so soon. She was blind and deaf, but still coherent. It was SO heart-wrenching, but all the years of happiness are worth this one day of incredible sadness and sorrow.
I will miss her. She was one of the best and sweetest dogs I've ever known.
Like Garth Brooks said, "I could have missed the pain, but I'd have had to miss the dance." I'm glad I didn't miss the long, happy dance I had with my Cookie dog.

[OakLeaf]

Oh ((((((((TriGirl))))))) I'm so sorry for your loss. Cookie and Max are playing together again - may your memories comfort you.

[Blueberry]

Oh Tri Girl - I'm so very sorry to hear about your Cookie. We lost our 2 beloved kitties 18 months apart (and battled cancer for 17 of those months) - so I do understand how hard it is. Be gentle with yourself - you made the right decision.

[Veronica]

Oh man that's rough. Your baby knew she was loved.

Veronica

[indysteel]

I'm so sorry, Tri Girl. It's been a tough year for you in this regard. I hope you take comfort in the love you both provided one another all those years. It's such a blessing. Sending you virtual hugs.

[Roadtrip]

I'm sure your Max had lots of furry friends to welcome him when he crossed the Rainbow Bridge. I hope Teddy and Max are romping and playing in the sunshine and green grass... That thought puts a smile on my face!!

[Trek-chick]

I am so sorry for your loss. Max reminds me of my Lab. ....she will be 12 in July. This thread brings tears to my eyes. Sending hugs your way.

[bmccasland]

(((((TriGirl))))) Am sorry to hear about Cookie. We certainly do miss our fur babies.

[channlluv]

Oh, TriGirl, I'm so sorry to hear your news. Two dogs so close together must be incredibly hard to take, but you did the right thing for both of them.

We had to put our first dog down a few years ago and it still hurts. I carry her dogtag on my key ring. Actually, not her actual dog tag, but one my daughter, then six years old, made for me in one of those machines. It says "I am great/love Boogie." My daughter has her actual dog tag on a long red ribbon she still wears around her neck sometimes, but mostly she keeps it in her treasure box.

I highly recommend doing something like that to commemorate your dogs.

Be kind to yourselves.

Roxy

[Tri Girl]

Thanks for the kind words, everyone.
We still have two dogs left, but our "herd" is getting smaller, and it breaks my heart when we have to lose one. When we lost Max, the golden just whined and whimpered for a week (so we adopted a 6 year old lab to keep him company). Now that Cookie is gone, it's just the two of them, and although they haven't always gotten along since the adoption last fall, I hope they can be best buds now.

That's a great idea, Roxy! We had a private cremation for Max and buried her ashes under a tree in the backyard. We buried her dog collar/tags and her ball with her. I will do the same for Cookie. I haven't cried today- I think all the tears are gone I cried so much yesterday. I feel guilty that I'm almost as upset over the death of my dogs as I was over the death of my father- like I shouldn't care as much for an animal as I did for my own father whom I loved very much. I think when it's your pet and you love it and care for it every day for 13 years it feels (and is) like family.

Thank you again for your kind words. I didn't want to start a new thread, but you all provided me with much comfort/support when I lost Max, I kinda needed that again, ya know? Thank you!!! :)

[ASammy1]

I'm so sorry ((((TriGirl)))). Cookie knew you loved her. You did the right thing.

[redrhodie]

(((Trigirl))) I'm so sorry for your loss. I know how much it hurts, but something about our pets makes this nearly intolerable pain at their end worth it. All that love she gave, that stays with you forever.

[nancielle]

So sorry to hear of Cookie's passing. I have a feeling that Max has been patiently waiting to reunite with her sister over the Rainbow Bridge.

[Aggie_Ama]

(((TRI GIRL))) Cookie was lucky to have picked you at the pound, sounds like she paid it back. It isn't wrong to miss our fur kids so much, they unconditionally love us and don't ask for much in return. Take care, Cookie will be welcomed by many sweet babies on the other side of the bridge, I know my Maggie Bear will welcome her with open paws.