Facing one of the saddest days in years

Storm, my Red Huskie is getting on in years.
I have to put aside my feelings to keep him around and accept the fact he is old and in pain.

I see it in his eyes and every move he makes.
He has been a very loyal Mate and I am crying knowing what I have to do to ease his pain.

I'll bury him next to Babe, my White Huskie, who pasted a few years back.

Both Storm and Babe were with me working on GWX stuff.

I'd rather lose an arm then lose my best friend but I don't have that choice.

[Gargamel]

I'm in the same boat as you. You have my deepest sympathies.

[kiwi_2005]

Sorry for your loss Privateer.

[Takeda Shingen]

I remember a trip to the vet. It was routine but for a man and a woman who came out through one of the examination room doors. The other side of the room had a door open as well that led back to the surgical area. They were both in tears. No words were exchanged, as every person in that waiting room knew exactly what had taken place.

The loss of a family member is always the most painful. You and Storm will both be in my thoughts, Privateer.

[Sailor Steve]

I've lost more than one pet, and the pain is no different than losing a human friend. I mourn with you, Jeff.

[mookiemookie]

I've been there, and it hurts just as bad as losing a human family member. You're in my thoughts, brother.

[sharkbit]

Sorry for your loss. It is amazing how much a pet can touch your life.

A friend sent this to me about 7 years ago when I had to put my dog down:

THE RAINBOW BRIDGE POEM

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...

And something my wife showed me a couple of years ago:

Just a Dog

From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog." They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog."

Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog." Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog," and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise." "Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. "Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.

Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.

"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog" but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a human."

So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog." just smile, because they "just don't understand."

Authored by Richard A. Biby

[Rockstar]

Oh man I hope you get through it ok. Been there before, its certainly ranks as one of the tuffest decisions I ever had to make in my life and I certainly hope a good veterinarian can help you with that. These furry four legged creatures are such good friends, faithful companions and fierce defenders of their pack. Its a damn shame they have such relatively short lives.

[Platapus]

That is such sad news.

I think I am going to give my two dogs an extra hug tonight.
A Dog's Prayer

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.



Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.



Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.



When it is cold and wet, please take me inside... for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements... and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth... though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land... for you are my god... and I am your devoted worshiper.



Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.



And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest...and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.



--Beth Norman Harris

Petloss.com. It's a good site.

[Platapus]

I don't know if you are a religious person or a person who prays. But if you do, I can recommend

Dear Lord, please open your gates
and call St. Francis
to come escort this beloved companion
across the Rainbow Bridge.

Assign her to a place of honor,
for she has been a faithful servant
and has always done her best to please me.

Bless the hands that send her to you,
for they are doing so in love and compassion,
freeing her from pain and suffering.

Grant me the strength not to dwell on my loss.
Help me remember the details of her life
with the love she has shown me.
And grant me the courage to honor her
by sharing those memories with others.

Let her remember me as well
and let her know that I will always love her.
And when it's my time to pass over into your paradise,
please allow her to accompany those
who will bring me home.

Thank you, Lord,
for the gift of her companionship
and for the time we've had together.

And thank you, Lord,
for granting me the strength
to give her to you now.

Amen.

- © Brandy Duckworth, 1998

[Rockstar]

"The misery of keeping a dog is his dying so soon. But, to be sure, if he lived for fifty years and then died, what would become of me?" - Walter Scott

"Recollect that the Almighty, who gave the dog to be companion of our pleasures and our toils, hath invested him with a nature noble and incapable of deceit." - Walter Scott



.

[Reece]

Gee I'm sorry to hear that Jeff, the memories will always be with you.
The only compensation is that there is a puppy out there waiting for you to find it!

[CaptainHaplo]

I grew up with dogs - my parents had a kennel. They are family.

As hard as it is, you love family and you sacrifice your pain so they do not bear more than they should.

The love you bear your companion does not die, it stays in your heart.

May you know that they feel your love, and focus on all the good that they brought into your life. Remember them with a smile even as your heart grieves. You can show no stronger, deeper love than saying goodbye to one in pain. May their pain cease, and yours ease with the knowledge that your love has been retuned and payed over many years.

[Herr-Berbunch]

Chin up, and keep smiling at the memories. My thoughts are with you both.

[TarJak]

Jeff, I know how much you loved those dogs. Sad to hear about this and am sure you'll get through it with Nancy's support.