Being Dogmama Sux

[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)))))

[crazycanuck]

Dear Dogmama

I just want you to know that i'm thinking about you & your DH and would like to pass on a hug, a smile and some happiness.

I've never been through having to say goodbye to a loved pet but understand.

take care
c

[Lise]

Dear Dogmama,

I am so sorry for this loss for you and DH. I know that you liberated your beautiful dog from a body that could no longer hold her spirit. When I held our beloved pups in my arms to let them go, I pictured their spirits leaping out as their bodies relaxed, and dancing and thanking us for freeing them from suffering. I miss them still, all these years later. I know that my cats get extra loving from me because of all the love I got from our dogs over the years.

Gentle best wishes for these difficult days. Lise

[Dogmama]

I just received an email from a co-worker that a faculty member was quite irritated that I wasn't as work yesterday - she had a grant that she wanted me to work on. This is the same dept that knocked me down on my performance evaluation because I "wasn't around" - that year, my husband had colon cancer, MRSA infection and hernia operation not to mention hospitalizations for dehydration due to chemo.

Just reconfirms my decision that the minute I'm eligible to retire, I'm gone. 30 years of this crap is enough. July 2007 can't come soon enough.

Oh and "wasn't around" didn't quite jive with the fact that I loose vacation every year because I don't have time to take it - or that they'll have to pay me $3,000 for unused sick time when I retire.

Ranting. Good to expend angry energy.

[kaybee]

Dogmama, I'm so very sorry for your loss. You did the right thing, but I know it still hurts. I had to do the same thing 13 years ago (and it still makes me cry when I think about it), and know I'll be facing it again soon with Sam -- he's 16 years old. Please take comfort in the fact that you gave this wonderful dog a great, happy life and enabled her to go with dignity. My thoughts are with you.

Edited to add: You go ahead and rant all you want -- everyone here understands how you feel.

KB

[esther231]

Dogmama, my heart goes out to you. Painful as all get out.

We had a dog named King that we had to put down. He had cancer. My DH could not bring himself to do it. We fought bitterly for a couple of weeks cause King was suffering before my DH admitted he knew it was the right thing to do but just couldn't. If I could, he would be grateful. So I took King to the vet and I was glad I did but I missed him like crazy. I would see people with dogs and I would get jealous.

Eventually, we found Maggie and we knew we wanted her. It's 14 years later and she's having a hard time getting around. She's on pain pills and heart pills but is just very old and her hips are terrible now. At least this time, we both agree that putting her down is better than letting her suffer. Our line in the sand is close to yours - when she can't get up and down the steps to go out, we'll go to the vet. Grateful that we won't be fighting this time but dreading saying goodbye to her. She's such a good dog.

What a mess I made of this. I came to give you a hug. I think I'm too much in the same boat right now to do a good job.

Hang in there. After King, we found Maggie. She helped us heal. Time might come when you find yourself falling in love all over again with another puppy or kitten. And falling in love always feels good.

Keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

[Bikingmomof3]

My deepest Sympathies Dogmama! I am so sorry the loss of your beloved companion. You did the right thing, you gave her a loving home and took care of her when she could no longer. I shall be keeping you and your husband in my prayers. ((((((((Hugs)))))))))

[Popoki_Nui]

Love and warm healing thoughts to you and DH for your loss, and gentle journey wishes for your beloved companion. Been there many times too, and I empathize deeply.

Love and purrs,
Sherry and my cats: TikiNui, Kona, Ilipuakea, Montana, Kamali'i, and all my babies waiting at the Bridge.

[annie]

Dogmama,

Just now read of your loss. (Was away over the weekend and finally caught up on TE threads.) My eyes are tearing and my heart aches for you. SO difficult to lose a loved companion of all those years. You know you showed your love in doing what needed to be done. My thoughts are with you as you slowly adjust to this new way of life. Your GS will always be in your memories.

annie