Last trip to the vet's office

[Jstpssng]

Today I laid my aging Lab to rest. At 14 years old Musquash had led a good life. Until just 4 months ago when her legs gave out she was as my side nearly 24/7, whether at home or in the woods. For the last few weeks we've been visiting all her friends, giving them a chance to say goodbye.
As I was getting ready to leave the house she wanted to go for a walk; we traversed the front of my property one more time. This put me behind schedule, and she was literally late for her own funeral.
I buried her tonight near the mouth of my driveway, looking down toward the house. Next spring I'll plant a chestnut tree on the site so her body can nurture it and give new life.


Goodbye, old friend. We sure did have some good times together.

 

[MF 1532]

This is the worst part of having pets , it's as bad as losing a family member . Hang in there .

 

[grsthegreat]

im so sorry to hear this. i have 2 old dogs myself, and im with them all the time. there always by my side. its hard to see them get older. i just try to give them the best life i can. ive had a few close calls with my male...the vet thought he was a goner 3 months ago. but he recovered. im just happy every day he stays with us. again, i am really sorry for your loss.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

My condolences. It's a tough call to make sometimes how long to keep an ailing pet. You did good letting her go before she was in any more pain. My dogs are still young, but I know the day will come.

 

[TMR]

Just took care of our son's family lab...also 14 years old...for an extended weekend. While still in good spirits she is having a real tough time with her legs and hips. It is likely she will not see our home again.

BTW...NO way I am going to give them ANY advice on "when it is time"...they will determine that as they see fit. I just rely on the fact that she is lying by my feet and will still wag her tail upon mentioning her name.

It has been a good 14 years...TMR

 

[Jimmy Joe]

Sorry about your dog, must be quite a coincidence we had to put our 14 year old lab down just before Christmas last December. Sure seems strange not to have her meet me at the end of the driveway when I get home from work.

 

[77transam]

My condolences on your loss. 14 years is a nice run. Mourn your loss as long as you see fit, but don't hesitate to search out a new friend when you feel able. When I lost my female german shepard several years back (12 years old) I thought I'd never find another dog to fill the void, and honestly, I didn't want to...burying her was probably one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life.

But a year later, a sickly, wormy, little runt of a puppy fell into my lap through divine providence. 3 years old now, she is my constant and faithful companion and I see so much of my old girl in her, it's scary. Different breeds, but very similar dispositions/personalities. Don't know what I'd do without her. Good luck, and again, my sympathies to you and your family.

 

[GGB]

Jstpssng,
It's never easy even when you know it's the right thing to do. I've often said that a dog's loyalty to it's master is the closest thing on this earth to unconditional love. May your good memories comfort you now.

Godspeed, Musquash!

GGB

 

[Sigarms]

Sorry to hear about your loss, I know the feeling.

The way I have it figured, they're in a better place, only waiting for us to come visit them again.

 

[om21braz]

I feel for you as it is a very painful experience. We laid our yellow lab "Sandy" to rest about a year and half ago. Hard to look at pictures of her with nary a tear. It affected her brother for a couple months. It will take time, but you will find a new friend - not a replacement though.