Facing one of the saddest days in years

[Jimbuna]

I'm gutted for you Jeff, our family pet Dylan (Lhasa Apso) is approaching fifteen years of age and is rapidly succumbing to old age what with his dementia and loss of hearing.

Take strength from the many good memories you have

Love and best wishes to Nancy.

[Aramike]

Damn, I hate reading these kind of scenarios. In my opinion, losing a pet is as tough as losing a close family member. It's so hard to see them suffering through that kind of pain, and there's a helpless feeling associated with not being able to relieve them of it without taking them away from us.

I'm reminded of a story a friend of mine who lives on a farm told about a cat he was especially close with. As they cat went on in years, he became old and frail. My friend decided that the time to send his cat had come, and planned on taking him to the vet one day.

The cat didn't show up for his breakfast that morning so my friend went looking for him. He found him curled up in a hole beside a tree, seemingly lonely and scared. The cat purred as soon as he saw my friend, then proceeded to let go and pass away in his arms.

Turns out that some cats harbor a pack mentality and wander off to die alone, so as not to weaken their pack. Maybe it was instinct wired into the cat's DNA, but my friend and I like to think that the cat considered my friend as part of his "family", and though he really wanted to feel comfort, he ran off to protect my friend.

I don't care what anyone says, but I believe our pets are capable of a selflessness we can't even recognize, and that is worth a love and kinship special all its own.

[HunterICX]

Best Wishes, Privateer.

It just sucks to lose a loyal friend, it's something you'll never can get used to.

HunterICX

[BossMark]

I very sorry to hear about your very sad news.

[krashkart]

Our old greyhound Hutch is getting on in years. I had him out for a walk last summer when his hind legs just gave out from under him. He had some trouble getting back up and I almost had to reach down to help him. Ended up with tears rolling out all over the place because something instinctive told me that he won't be much longer for the world. And it just plain sucks. One day he's strong and the next, all of a sudden, he's weak and frail and you just know it's not gonna be much longer. But he's still puttering along and enjoying life with no obvious pain bothering him. So every day he has left is a day I spend as much time as I can with him. I don't want our loyal ol' trooper to go, but that's the way the cookie crumbles.

It's hard to lose our buddies. But there's always something good/funny/whatever about that dog of yours that you will remember. Eventually the sadness fades away, and eventually there will be another dog in your life that makes you laugh your ass off, and alles ist gut again.

[joea]

Really sorry nothing else to say.

[Bilge_Rat]

My sympathies Privateer. Our oldest dog, Watson, turned 12 and has considerably slowed down over the past year. I know we will face the same situation eventually and I dread the day.

[nikimcbee]

That's awful news. I remember having "the talk" with the vet, but to have the dreaded event happen a week later was just devastating.

On a side note, it was interesting to see Rocky (Boston #2) grow up that day. He went from annoying puppy, to senior statesman. Now Rocky is getting up there in age (he's 8).

I feel your pain.

This really helped me grieve. I made two videos of my memories of Niki:


I found some more photos later and made this one (this was more for me). I was still pretty down about losing Niki.

[sharkbit]

Originally Posted by krashkart

Eventually the sadness fades away, and eventually there will be another dog in your life that makes you laugh your ass off, and alles ist gut again.

+1

It may take weeks, months, or years, but you will know when you are ready to bring another dog into your life.

[JU_88]

[Ducimus]

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.

[Falkirion]

Sorry for you loss. It's always hard making the decision to lose a pet like that. I've said goodbye to my share of family pets over the years, and I hate to think what it's going to be like to say goodbye to my next one.

I thank all of you for your posts and insights.
I've lost many good Dogs over the years but it's never been easy.


Storm and Babe were both very special Mates around here.
Babe died in my arms several years back.
That hurt so bad that I can't face doing the same with Storm.

That makes me wonder if I'm being selfish now?
Or was I being selfish with Babe's passing?

Regardless of my motives.
I know Storm knows something is up.
He sticks very close to me now.
An uncommon manner for one as proud as he once was.
And that makes it all hurt even more.

Better days.

[Sailor Steve]

Beautiful picture, Jeff.

Don't forget, you're their best friend too.

[Reece]

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

Beautiful picture, Jeff.

Don't forget, you're their best friend too.

and it's never the one that passes, they are at peace, it's the ones left behind that have a void to fill!
Best regards Jeff mate and hope that the void will be filled!