Last trip to the vet's office

[QRTRHRS]

Fourteen is a good life for a dog. I guess it must be a year sometime this month that we put "Dually", our French Beauceron down. We have a Belgium Malinois that we thought would never see another year but here he is still bright eyed and eating but his back end is shot. We have him relagated to a tiled floor area but keeping his bedding clean is like tending a newborn. I even built a ramp so he does not have to negotiate steps.

We figure when he stops eating that it will be time. At sixty, I have known a good many pets. As with any longtime friend, it is never easy. It is though, your responsability to hoist your favorite beverage and bid adew as your friend begins a new life without you.

I hear it said that you will meet again someday, those who passed before. Hope it's not all at the same time.

 

[jimmyj]

Aw gee, so sad. Please accept my condolences (all of you who have shared). I sure love my dogs.

 

[polo1665]

You have my condolences as well.
Our Golden Retriever (Cody) is 15 and his time is also growing short. Having more and more trouble getting up and keeping his feet. The pity is, is that he is so young at heart. Wants to play and carouse about like a pup, but just can't do it. It will be difficult when the time comes.

You gave each other 14 good years. Like someone else said, that's a good run.

Mark

 

[czechsonofagun]

Sorry to hear about your loss.

 

[ljellio]

Very sorry to hear of your loss it is very hard to loose a close friend . My family also includes a 14 (will be 15) this summer black lab named Diesel and I fear he will be leaving us soon. So I can very much relate . Again sorry for you loss

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

Sincere condolence on your loss.

I sob now, as I should,
As I hold you one last time.
Black fur against my face,
Breathless, a nose no longer wet.
The words I love you land on now deaf ears.
My pet.

I cry now, as I should,
As I put away your things.
The collar with your name,
The leash that brought such joy.
The dish, the quilt, and hardest still, an old stuffed bear.
Your toy.

I forget now, as I should,
On the first day, when I wake.
Stepping over the spot where you should be.
Empty space beside the bed.
This uncertain day must yet be faced.
My dread.

I ache now, as I should,
For the change in daily life.
Stillness yet unflinching, quiet so unkind.
The respites come but they are brief.
Until I hear a bark, or see another walk their dog.
New grief.

I smile now, as I should,
When I think of moments past.
The not quite perfect antics.
Stealing food, the wetness of a sloppy kiss.
Shredded tissue, messy beard, weight pressed against my leg.
I miss.

I think back now, as I should,
Through all the days we shared.
Loyalty in earnest, valor, beauty, grace.
The embodiement of what we humans should but don't hold dear.
And yet I feel you whisper, in the hardest moments still.
I'm Here.

-Poem written by Elizabeth Turner

 

[canoetrpr]

Terribly sorry about your loss. I have three dogs and I love them very much. Your post reminded me to spend those extra minutes with them while there is still time.

 

[texasjohn]

Sorry for your loss... well said one and all....I share the sadness as I, too, have lost several good canine friends in my time.

 

[crusty 1]

So sorry for your loss.I recently went through this as well and know your painDogs truely are mans best friend.Dave

 

[flowerfarmer]

My deepest sympathy for your loss. Reading the posts in this thread has left me teary-eyed. My 17 year old lab, best freind and constant companion, Ginger mady her final journey last week.