Being Dogmama Sux

[Dogmama]

I had to ease my German Shepherd down this afternoon. She was 14 years old with degenerative nerve disease. Today, for the first time, she could not walk. It was time. DH and I stayed with her while she slowly left us.

She saved my life. When I got her, I was seriously suicidal. She was a puppy and brought so much joy. She had a better life than many children. Home cooked food, her own bed and fan, steps to climb into our bed, her own toy box stuffed with toys and even a black cat to chase around.

So, now is the transition. The bed, the bowls, her collar. Later it will be her ashes. I have more German Shepherd things -- mugs, pictures, calendars, stuffed toys. Ugh. DH is taking it very hard.

Thanks for listening.

[7rider]

Oh, NO!!
I'm so sorry, Dogmama.
My deepest sympathies to you and your DH.
I'll light a candle to guide her to the bridge tonight.
Hugs to you both.

[colby]

I'm so sorry DogMama.

We had a German Shepherd when I was growing up (he grew up with me!), and by the time I was in high school he was old and frail. His hips had started giving out on him, and we decided he was ready to go over the rainbow bridge peacefully, rather than enduring any more suffering. My mom and uncle were going to take him, but he disappeared, never to return. Wasn't on any of the humane society's "dog in the road" lists (he knew better), wasn't picked up by animal control anywhere, he was just... gone.

All I could think of was all those times we shared... I was walking to and from grade school and he would know to meet me at the fence so we could walk together. That look he gave when I tried to tell him to "go home!" instead of walking with me, the one that would convince me I was better off with him. I would come home after school (we had moved recently, so I had no friends), and we'd spend all afternoon together. I would have tea parties with my imaginary friends, and he'd always be there. Catch the frisbee, chase the ball, you name it, he'd do it. I'm still partial to German Shepherds every time I see them, they are devoted, loyal, great with kids, and all around good dogs.

May your dog and mine meet on the other side... they will make quite a pair. They will both live on in our memories forever, nothing can take that away.

[mary9761]

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...

I had to put my 14.5 year old "Smokey" put down a year and a half ago and it still hurts. We had him since he was a kitten barely weaned, he used to try to nurse my earlobes. I was with him at the end and rocked him like a baby for some time afterwards. My heart goes out to you.

[Veronica]

I'm so sorry. Our babies mean so much to us, losing them is so hard. You have my deepest sympathy.

Veronica

[maillotpois]

I'm on vacation in Hawaii and you made me cry.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Oh so sad. Take care.

[Thistle]

dogmama, my heart breaks for you and DH. there is nothing to say that helps. hugs and more hugs.
Thea

[CyclChyk]

I am so so sorry for your loss. Please find comfort in knowing that you did the right thing. The selfless thing. She is no longer in pain and I for one believe that no matter where her spirit is now, she is happy and healthy and carefree. She knows you love(d) her.

My deepest sympathies.

[caligurl]

i'm so sorry..... it hurts so much when we lose our furbabies.....

HUGZ

[Kitsune06]

Dogmama,
I'm so sorry for your loss. You did the right thing; it's a terrible thing for a dog to be so ill; and just not their way to linger. She brought you love and joy when you so needed them; comfort and a reason and place in this world, and now you could bring her solace after a happy, meaningful life.

I had a german shepherd- collie mix growing up- I was "his" baby, and he was so patient, helping me learn to walk, holding onto his back, cuddling with me, protecting me from everyone else. I could never understand, being so young, but he had epilepsy, and I lost him to a stroke just after I started school.
Still, he's always been Smilin' Jack for me, and I still remember telling my parents that I saw him that night in his room, just as he always was, smiling.

They're beautiful dogs, and I'm so happy your baby could grace your life the way she did... her effect will never be lost; her memories never gone.

[xeney]

Dogmama, I'm so sorry. And I am sure that you know that you did the right thing, and that it doesn't make you feel any better, because you just want your buddy back. That's okay, too, to both know that you did the right thing and still wish you hadn't had to do it.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

It's SO hard to go through this with our beloved pets. They are so INNOCENT, like children. So painful to be the one to make the final decision, and then go through with it, be there with them and hold them. It's SO hard. My sympathies to you, only time will heal. Keeping their collar and a picture out and lighting a candle next to it every evening helped me more than once.

[Raindrop]

I had to put down my great pyranees for the same reason and it was so hard so I totally empathize with you. The hardest thing was when I asked the vet when I would know it was time and he said, "when the dog loses his purpose." He told me the front of Nanook (my dog) would look strong and healthy, but when his back end gave out, he would no longer be able to be the protector that his breed was and for dogs like that (as yours was), it's time to let them go. (I only wish they'd treat people as kindly).

Still, it's hard for us to have to put away the parts of their lives. I hope you find a very special place for his ashes. My heart goes out to you and your husband. Take care of yourselves.

[slinkedog]

I'm so sorry, Dogmama. I'll be thinking of you.

[KnottedYet]

I am so sorry.

I've had to do that, too. And it really is the best thing, the kindest thing we can do. Ease them over and be with them to the very end.

They know they are loved.

(((((hugs)))))