Wish I could have a "Do Over"

[jayste]

Today is a rough day. Yesterday evening I came home from church about 9:00pm and my day went from pretty good to bad. My wife stayed home and went to bed early so I was by myself when all this happened.
I came to the "yard gate" and got out to get it. My old border collie, Mollie, came to greet me as she always did. I patted her on the head and opened the gate. As usual she walked in front of the truck and continued on to the passenger side so I slowly drove into the yard. Due to having all of our vehicles in the usual parking places (seldom happens) I made a slow right turn into part of the yard to park. Usually when we're in the cars, if she is next to it, she just moves or steers out of the way. I guess since the truck, being a flat bed, had so much opening under it she didn't get out of the way of the rear duals and I accidentally ran over her. Man, I can hardly write this knowing I caused it. Accident or not it still gets to your insides. I tried to comfort her while I called several vets to take her to. After about 4 attempts to get one to call me back I called my old vet again who's retired (as much as a vet can retire). He finally answered and we met at his old clinic, which he still has interest in. I finally got there (a good 25 min. drive) and on observation he recommended he put her down. He said due to her front legs being fixed straight out and her breathing being as it was and observing her vitals he felt she had serious damage internally and a broken backbone. So about 10:00pm, through tear blurred eyes, I watched as he gave her the serum that makes animals "go to sleep". May she rest in peace now. So unfortunate that her old life had to end so tragic. She'll be buried along with the other animals (dogs and cats) that rest on the North fence along our property. I guess she'll get the usual carved out board above her place and I think it will read: "Mollie, she came as part of a horse trade, the horse left but she stayed. She loved to lead the trail on horse back rides. "rode" many a mile. Always found a water hole to cool off in and drink at the same time. She found that trail that crosses the great divide.
Now I've got to find a way to tell the wife this evening. All this took place while she got that well needed sleep last night.
As I finish this needed part of dealing with this ordeal, through tear blurred eyes I have to say thanks for "listening".

 

[Bird]

I don't know of anything I could say that would make it any better or any easier, but I sure do understand. So you certainly have my sympathy.

 

[brin]

I second what Bird just posted..I'm sure sorry for you.

 

[MossRoad]

Sorry to hear of your loss. That's gotta be a tough one. Take comfort that the dog had a great life due to your efforts. Lots of other dogs don't get that.

 

[Mark_in_NH]

As a dog owner myself, just reading this brought tears to my eyes. You have my sympathy as well.

 

[Samandothers]

I know that this is hard. I have lost several dogs and each time it is very hard. Enjoy the memories of the y'alls time together.

 

[JCB]

Jay, I'm sorry for your loss. Mollie sounds like she had a great owner. She was a lucky dog.

Joe

 

[dcyrilc]

Jay,
I'm sorry to hear this and I feel for your loss. I don't have any other words right now. Things like this always hit hard and you feel them deeply. It reminds me of last year, my daughter (11 now) had a parakeet that she loved. The bird fly down and run around on the floor all the time. We had told her to put the bird away and go to bed and she had ignored us. She ran into the other room and stepped directly on top of her bird. She stopped and picked it up just in time to have it die in her hands. It was an accident, but she was devistated. She balled for nearly two hours and the only thing I could do was to hold her and tell her that we loved her.

I guess I have found some words after all. You have friends here. Feel free to share as you feel the need.

 

[Sackett2]

It happens every so often, My B-I-L had the same happen to his dog. Some bad things in life happen, and they suck.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
I wish I had a do over too

 

[two_bit_score]

Jay, I am very sorry for your loss. Hope things get better for you.

 

[Thomas]

Hard to find the words..sorry for your loss. <____________> special prayer/thoughts.

 

[czechsonofagun]

I am sorry for your loss. I always believed dogs will get away from a slow moving vehicle - our dogs are all at the gate when anybody gets home = but I guess anything can happen.

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

Sorry for your loss...

 

[jayste]

Thanks everyone for the kind words and sharing your experiences. The wife took it like I thought she would. Which isn't saying anything bad just the way I figured. I dug the hole yesterday and did the deed. Mollie's laid to rest but not forgotten. I'm working on the board for her. I had to call all of the kids last night as well since they pretty much grew up around her or her them. It's funny, kind of, they've moved on and they've got their own lives now and it seems they were consoling me more than I was them, kind of like a role reversal from when they were younger. Anyway, I guess this is another chapter in our lives and we all have them. I'm not playing the event over and over so much in my mind now so the healing is happening. Thanks again guys.

 

[jinman]

We lost a dog once due to a freak accident. The neighbor had a young piglet that got out and wandered into the yard up next to the fence where we had the dogs. The dogs went nuts, chasing the piglet up and down the fence line, and one finally wedged his head into a tight slot between the corner fencepost and wire. It was so tight that it strangled him before anyone could get there to cut the wire. I hadn't got home from work yet and my wife had to tell me about it when I got there. Very sad. . . .

Jay, I'm sorry about your loss of a best friend. It sure is tough to give them up.

 

[dave1949]

So sorry Jay. Dogs do usually move away from slow moving stuff, just one of those accidents that happen to good dogs and good people sometimes.
Dave.

 

[irvingj]

Jay, my condolences as well. In spite of what some people think, I don't believe you ever forget those special pets, at least I don't; remember the good as well, and how your and others' lives were enriched by her presence. 'Nuf.

 

[Wayne County Hose]

Don't remember how she died, it's irrelevant and there's nothing you can do to change it. Instead, honor her by remembering how she lived.

 

[jimmyj]

Oh my, that's a tough story Jay, real tough . Sorry to hear about your loss, you have my sincere condolences. I wish I could give you a do over....

 

[crusty 1]

Sorry for your famlies loss,I know this is late but just now saw the post.Our 4 legged kids are with us so long that they do become a vary large part of us.I too will be having a heart ache befor too long as my 14 year old sheltie is getting past her normal life span.Pets ya gotta love em,but they are a heart ache waiting to happen.Dave