Facing one of the saddest days in years

04-14-12, 08:17 PM

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 · 04-14-12, 08:38 PM

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

kiwi_2005 · 04-14-12, 08:48 PM

Sorry for your loss Privateer.

Takeda Shingen · 04-14-12, 09:00 PM

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 · 04-14-12, 09:04 PM

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

mookiemookie · 04-14-12, 09:10 PM

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

sharkbit · 04-14-12, 09:17 PM

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 · 04-14-12, 09:26 PM

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.

Ducimus · 04-16-12, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by privateer

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.

It really is a shame they don't live longer. The flame that is theiir life doesn't last as long as we'd like, but it burns brighter then any other companion you could have save ones spouse. Dogs, are the very definition of unconditional loyalty. They'd stay by your side through thick and thin, no matter what. You couldn't ask more of anything in life. To blatantly butcher a famous quote, - try not to mourn a dog who dies. Rather be thankful that he ever lived. Honor him for his loyalty, and when your ready, find and raise a new dog.

04-14-12, 08:17 PM	#1
Madox58 Stowaway Posts: n/a Downloads: Uploads:	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.

04-14-12, 08:38 PM	#2
Gargamel Lucky Sailor Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Rome Posts: 4,273 Downloads: 81 Uploads: 0	I'm in the same boat as you. You have my deepest sympathies. __________________ Luck is a residue of Design.

04-14-12, 08:48 PM	#3
kiwi_2005 Eternal Patrol Join Date: May 2004 Location: Aeoteroa Posts: 7,382 Downloads: 223 Uploads: 1	Sorry for your loss Privateer. __________________ RIP kiwi_2005 Those who can't laugh at themselves leave the job to others.

04-14-12, 09:04 PM	#5
Sailor Steve Eternal Patrol Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: High in the mountains of Utah Posts: 50,369 Downloads: 745 Uploads: 249	I've lost more than one pet, and the pain is no different than losing a human friend. I mourn with you, Jeff. __________________ “Never do anything you can't take back.” —Rocky Russo

04-14-12, 09:10 PM	#6
mookiemookie Navy Seal Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 9,404 Downloads: 105 Uploads: 1	I've been there, and it hurts just as bad as losing a human family member. You're in my thoughts, brother. __________________ They don’t think it be like it is, but it do. Want more U-boat Kaleun portraits for your SH3 Commander Profiles? Download the SH3 Commander Portrait Pack here.

04-14-12, 09:00 PM	#4
Takeda Shingen Navy Seal Join Date: Mar 2000 Posts: 8,643 Downloads: 19 Uploads: 0	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.

04-14-12, 09:17 PM	#7
sharkbit The Old Man Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 1,529 Downloads: 334 Uploads: 0	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 __________________ “Prejudice is blind. There will always be someone who says you aren’t welcome at the table. Stop apologizing for who you are and using all your energy trying to change their minds. Yes, you will lose friends, maybe even family. But you will gain your self-respect. You will know your worth. Once you have that, nothing can stop you.”

04-14-12, 09:26 PM	#8
Rockstar In the Brig Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Zendia Bar & Grill Posts: 12,614 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	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.