Goodbye sweet Max

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! :)

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.

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.

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.

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 ---

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!

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

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. :(

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

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

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

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...

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.

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

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.