Saying goodby to my furbaby

[eeyorethegreat]

I posted a while ago that I thought I was going to have to make a decision about my dog as he has been declining in health in the last couple months. I called the vet today and Toby will be making his final visit to the vet in the morning. My heart is breaking. I know that many would say he is just a dog but I also know that there are many of you here that understand the love we feel for our furbabies. Toby has been a better friend to me than many of my human "friends" he has been loyal and devoted. I am going to miss him more than I can say. I'm sorry about taking up space here, I guess I just needed to get it out and I know some of you will understand how painful this is.

 

[minie_meese]

So sorry for your loss. This is one of the hardest things to do. Our pets become part of our families. One of the only times I've ever seen my husband cry is the day we had to put our dog down. She'd been part of our lives for 12 wonderful years. My heart goes out to you.

 

[lttlmc3]

We recently had to put our Freddie down unexpectedly. I came to the DIS too for comfort. I'm so sorry, but you did the right thing for your baby. And they are never "just a dog"

 

[chaoscent]

My name Chaos Cent came from my kitty cat, Chaos. we got him when I first came onto the internet. Since then I have had to put him and his brother (TJ, my doggie down). The decisions are never easy, but you don't want them to suffer. Our newest pup (now 7 years old) Kismet, is keeping us busy. I am sending you pixie dust and warm thoughts. I will hold you gently in my heart tomorrow morning. Penny

 

[goofy4tink]

I'm so very sorry. Our pets are like family for a lot of us. I know it's always the hardest thing in the world to make that decision for them. BUT....they depend on us to know what the right thing is, and to then do it. I cried like a baby when my dh took our 13 y/o golden retriever on that 'one way trip to the vet'...the dog sat in the rear of the car and stared at me as they drove away. But, I think he was glad, and that he knew I loved him and was doing the best thing for him. His quality of life was just not what it should have been.
So, yes, we know what you are going through. And it's hard. But, that's our job. When we take them in as pups, we hope that they remain healthy for a very long time and that we will have the wisdom to know when to say goodbye.
Hang in there, it's hard.

 

[TXYankee]

Toby is a very lucky dog to have you for a human. May you find comfort in knowing what a wonderful life you gave him.

 

[HillPete]

to you and your family. This is never easy, but anyone who has ever welcomed an aminal into their family understands that it isn't 'just a dog'. They call them furbabies for a reason!

--Hillary

 

[Luv2Camp]

I am so sorry that you're going through such a heartbreaking time. The PP is right - They're never just pets, they're family. I'll keep you in my prayers.

 

[MelissaFromRI]

I posted a while ago that I thought I was going to have to make a decision about my dog as he has been declining in health in the last couple months. I called the vet today and Toby will be making his final visit to the vet in the morning. My heart is breaking. I know that many would say he is just a dog but I also know that there are many of you here that understand the love we feel for our furbabies. Toby has been a better friend to me than many of my human "friends" he has been loyal and devoted. I am going to miss him more than I can say. I'm sorry about taking up space here, I guess I just needed to get it out and I know some of you will understand how painful this is.

So sorry to hear that you are going through this

I understand what you are going through completely. My dogs are my furry angels and I dread the day that I have to say goodbye to them.

IMO , there is no such thing as "just a dog"

 

[pklein09]

Hugs and prayers. Just about 3 years ago, we had to put both our dogs down within months of each other, and it was just heartbreaking. Time will help you heal. At Christmas, I decided it was time and we found a long-haired dashchund breeder. Our 3 month old puppy, Indy (for Indiana Jones), is keeping us very busy.

 

[kaligal]

I'm sorry about your dog.

IMO, you've made the right decision. I understand why people sometimes don't let their pet (or loved one) go...but I think you've done what is best for the dog.

Bless you.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

My heart breaks for you. One year ago this August I had to make that decision. Hugs.

 

[TyRy]

I'm so sorry to hear about Toby..our pets are so special. My husband always says it's liking watch you best friend age in superspeed. I found the Rainbow Bridge poem I'm sure many of you know. I have a hard time reading it, but I hope it will eventually bring you some comfort.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
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...
From RainbowsBridge.com

 

[Tink rules]

It's never easy... and those who say... "It's just a dog".. have never had that long term unconditional love relationship with an animal.

Know that your dog will not be suffering anymore and you will have lots of memories to carry on with...

 

[KittyKitty]

OK, the poem did me in. I lost my precious kitty girl last September, and tho it still hurts, I am so glad she was in my life for 17 years.

I understand your heartbreak. Take care.

 

[TIGGERmetoo]

I am so sorry. Pets are family (better than some). I'm sure you have wonderful memories but nothing makes it easier. Hugs and pixie dust for you.

 

[Sammie]

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF DOG OWNERSHIP

1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want from me. Do not break my spirit with your temper, though I will always forgive you. Your patience will teach me more effectively.

3. Please have me spayed or neutered.

4. Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for your kindness than mine. Don’t be angry with me for long, and don’t lock me up as punishment. After all, you have your job, your friends, your entertainment. I have only you.

5. Speak to me often. Even if I don’t understand your words, I understand your voice when it’s speaking to me. Your voice is the sweetest sound I ever hear, as you must know by my enthusiasm whenever I hear your footsteps.

6. Take me in when it’s cold and wet. I’m a domestic animal and am no longer accustomed to the bitter elements. I ask for little more than your gentle hands petting me. Keep my bowl filled with water. Feed me good food so that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding. By your side, I stand ready, able and willing to share my life with you, for that is what I live for. I’ll never forget how well you’ve treated me.

7. Don’t hit me. Remember I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, I’ve been out in the sun too long, or my heart may be getting weak.

9. Take care of me when I get old. For you will grow old, too.

10. When I am old, or when I no longer enjoy good health, please do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having fun. Just see to it that my trusting life is taken gently. And be with me on that difficult journey when it’s time to say goodbye. Everything is easier for me when you are there. I will leave this earth knowing with my last breath that my fate was always safest in your hands.

 

[Quicklabs]

Never for a moment would anyone who has known this priceless bond think, "He's just a dog." He's a member of your family. Letting him go peacefully was the most loving thing you could ever do. You were so courageous and selfless to do this. He will meet you at the Bridge. I'm not so sure about heaven or hell, but I do think that those whose souls are truly entwined with those of their animal companions will once again know the depth of this special bond in the hereafter. I do believe in the Bridge. Sending gentle hugs and wishes for peace and comfort.

 

[MKB419]

So very sorry for your loss.

 

[parrotheadlois]

I'm so sorry - I just can't imagine having to make that trip.