Goodbye sweet Max

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.

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.

:(

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

((((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.

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

Veronica

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...

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.

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.

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

{{{{{{{{{ 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.

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.

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

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...

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

*hugs*

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.

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

Hugs!
Deb

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.

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

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....

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.

:( Sorry tri-girl :(

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

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.

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

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

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.

(((Tri girl)))

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

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

I'm so sorry. :(

I'm very sorry for your loss.

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.

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.

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