R.I.P. beloved bike guardian, euthanasia...

[Miranda]

I had posted before about the bike thieves at our house, and my dog being too sick to bark to deter them. I appreciate all of the supportive advice in the thread asking about the euthanasia procedure since this was a first for me.

After a very long talk with the vet at week's end, it seemed to be time. I know you gals told me I would know when "it was time". She had gotten worse last few days, and last night as I watched her trying to rest her breathing was so belabored. I thought... this is what they mean... "it's time".

Of course with the scent and sight of other animals, car ride excitement etc., she acted better when we got her to the vet's office. He said the office is a stimulus, and first thing he remarked when he laid eyes on her was, "wow, she has gotten a lot worse since I saw her last". btw... the vet did offer to have someone come to our home, which they don't just do for anyone, but the idea made DH upset.

DH and DS left the procedure room after their hugs goodbye, DD, though only 10yrs old, really wanted to stay with me. DH was hesitant, but I thought if it would help closure, it should be allowed.

She was wiggly on the table, so the tech kinda hugged/held her neck. I thought I would have a chance to hug and hold her as she drifted off. The medicine acted so quickly, she was gone in seconds. I didn't realize it at first, and the vet confirmed that she indeed had left us.

I felt like I needed to stay with her to close the question in my mind that she would not die yelping out in pain. She did not. The vet hugged me, and his assistant did too as she cried as well. They said we could stay as long as we needed to say our final goodbyes. DH and DS changed their minds and decided to see her one last time as well. They left, then DD and I hugged her. I kissed her beautiful velvet vanilla carmel swirled snout one last time, then we left.

If you don't know, labs LOVE to swim. Something that brought my heart not just happiness, but pure joy was watching her passion in the water.

I felt the need when I got home to take my mtb to our favorite trail by the creek. DH said as I left, "umm, you realize it's raining, right?". Yes I did. I thought it befitting that mother nature would shed her beautiful tears of water in a gentle summer rain on the last day of my water loving dog's life.

I rode our trail in the rain, reflecting on all our good times. When I returned to her favorite swimming spot, the rain had stopped. The sun was shining down through the branches onto the water. I took that as a sign it was time to bring it in and head home.

The vet uses a creamatory service for the euthanasia bodies. I called them and will get my furbaby's ashes back. I intend to set her free at her favorite swim site I rode to today. I hope her passion will live on in peace.

Thanks for letting me share. It's just really really really hard.

Miranda

This is her favorite spot... very beautiful... watching her swim always calmed my soul as much as riding my bikes does.


Always her look of excitement pre-trail, "Mom! Are we going to swim?!".

[LBTC]

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Miranda}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Butterflies of peace are surrounding you and guiding your beautiful fur-baby to the rainbow bridge. She'll be greeted there by other TE fur-babies....Yogi and Ted and Norton and Giro and Bill and all the others will show her around.

Her swimming spot is so beautiful! What a touching choice for her ashes.

You've done a difficult, painful and wonderful thing for your fur baby. She knows how much you love her.

Hugs,
~T~

[Red Rock]

Miranda, so sorry to hear of this whole ordeal. your story touched me heart. I grew up with golden retrievers. They are such wonderful dogs. Ours would always love to go play in any form of water.

When my parents had to put him down, it was very hard for them as well because this was the first dog we had had as a family that actually liked everyone. He was so happy all of the time.

I hope that your final burial will be healing for all involved.

Best wishes,
Red Rock

[OakLeaf]

(((((((Miranda)))))))

So sorry for your loss

[Velobambina]

She flew right through your heart to heaven.

She looks like she was one happy, loved fluff. What a great life she had here with you and your family. Lucky, lucky puppy bear.

My Agnes, beloved big golden whom I lost to lung cancer last May, will show your sweetie all the best swimming spots in heaven.

You did the right thing--probably one of the most selfless acts of love you can give your trusted dog.

I'll be thinking of you.

[ilima]

I'm so sorry for your family's loss, Miranda. You'll always have memories of her happy face & love of swimming.

[Raindrop]

Your post made me cry. I've had to put down furry family members and the first time, I left the room. But the last two times, I stayed with them (one, a yellow lab like yours, and the other my Great Pyranees), and it is really very peaceful for them; heartbreaking for us, but very peaceful for them which made it easier to bear.

I'm sorry about the loss of your pet.

[emily_in_nc]

Miranda,

I'm so sorry. Losing our dear fur-friends is one of the toughest parts of life. You made a difficult decision out of kindness, but you did what was right. Sending peaceful thoughts to you at this tough time.

Emily

[Tri Girl]

Hugs to you and your family, Miranda.
I'm sorry for your loss; really sad right along with you. I'd been following your posts and was sadly sure that we'd be hearing something soon.

I know you'll miss her terribly, but you know in your heart that you did the right thing and now she's running, swimming and frolicking happily over the rainbow bridge with all her new friends. She knows you did right by her.

Sending prayers/good thoughts for healing hearts.

[eclectic]

((((Hugs)))) to you and your family.

Eclectic

[elk]

(((((((((((miranda))))))))))

your photos and story are so beautiful and real and full of love...it put me right there with you....and I love your girl too.

been there too many times...but those last moments with them in your arms are so deep and moving -- we never ever forget them.

[sbctwin]

{{{{Miranda and family}}}} You knew in your heart it was time. The pictures you shared showed your doggie was well loved.

[bmccasland]

((((((((((Miranda and family))))))))))

So sorry to hear the news. Branwen the Spaniel will be there to greet her - and show her great places to swim.

[DDH]

((((( Miranda and family )))))

I'm so sorry for you loss. I know it is so very hard. Reading your post brought me to tears knowing the pain you are feeling, and remembering when we went through the very same thing.

I know it breaks your heart. Just remember your heart will recover, but never forget, and it always has room for more love.

[sundial]

I felt the need when I got home to take my mtb to our favorite trail by the creek. I thought it befitting that mother nature would shed her beautiful tears of water in a gentle summer rain on the last day of my water loving dog's life.

Oh Miranda, what a beautiful tribute to a wonderful girl. It seems our wonderful little friends always leave us when we're vulnerable. I know it took a lot of courage to gently lead her to the Rainbow Bridge, but I'm sure she knew you truly wanted the best for her. They take a little piece of your heart with them, but they will always leave a warm memory to comfort you. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.