:( Yes, you know when it's time :(

[rodeo65]

I'm so sorry for your loss! It is such a difficult thing to do even when we know it's right.

When we had to put *my* terrier/poddle cross down five weeks after DS was born it was such a hard day for me. I had adopted him long before I met DS or had children so he was MY buddy. When the day came the vet said something that helped with the decision and I still think about now - as we face it again with our 15 year old peke/spaniel. He said he could give him medication for the weekend to make him as comfortable as possible and I could spend those last couple of days with him but that it would be for ME. My dog would not thank me for it and that the fact that he was refusing food meant it was his time. That made it a very simple decision - painful, not easy, but simple.

It is a little more complicated this time since our dog's time is coming but due to age, not disease. She is beginning to falter in her hind end - legs give out more and more often, but she still plays and wags her tail. She is having accidents more and more on the carpet but she is still alert. She is deaf and losing her vision but eats and drinks normally. It is a much more difficult thing to consider this time because there is not a clear "sign".

JoiseyMom - your dog thanked you for your final act of kindness. I hope your grief process is helped knowing you did the best thing you could do.

 

[EMom]

You post brought me to tears. We are now facing that decision with our beloved Maine Coon Cat Dexter. I fear it will be within a couple of weeks.

I know how heartbreaking it is. Our who family is dreading the day that we know is approaching quickly. Know that you gave her a good life and allowed her to die without suffering.

As I said, we lost our 19 year old cat this past week. She was a brown tabby Maine Coon......So I cannot get away from seeing her likeness wherever I go. It seems a minimum of 60-70% of the cats on ANYTHING (cat food, notebooks, binders, any sort of ad) are brown tabby Maine Coons. I see "her" baby picture....I see "her" adult picture. I cannot escape it no matter how I try. I swear, I will never get another brown tabby Maine Coon again. "Her" face that I loved for 19 years is everywhere I go.....

 

[Lanshark]

As I said, we lost our 19 year old cat this past week. She was a brown tabby Maine Coon......So I cannot get away from seeing her likeness wherever I go. It seems a minimum of 60-70% of the cats on ANYTHING (cat food, notebooks, binders, any sort of ad) are brown tabby Maine Coons. I see "her" baby picture....I see "her" adult picture. I cannot escape it no matter how I try. I swear, I will never get another brown tabby Maine Coon again. "Her" face that I loved for 19 years is everywhere I go.....

Same as Dexter

 

[EMom]

Same as Dexter

Then I am sorry for you in advance. When we got her 19 years ago, brown tabby Maine Coons were not ubiquitous. Now you cannot leave the house, turn on the TV, etc. without seeing one. They are THE cat of choice for advertising. When people would ask what my cat looked like, all I had to do was look around briefly, and I'd see her lookalike on SOMETHING, point it it and say, "She looks just like that."

She was indeed a beauty. The thing is, we got her at a shelter of all places. I'd wanted a Maine Coon, but preferred to get pets from a shelter because it didn't matter to me if they were purebred. I called the shelter and asked if they had any brown tabby females and she said, "I'm holding a 6 week old Maine Coon that came in this morning as we speak." It was fate!!!! The story behind it too long to tell, but bascially involves not having papers. I didn't care. She and a silver/gray sister were there. Both of them gorgeous. I asked them to put a hold on her and got in the car right away. That was the start of our 19 years together.

My heart goes out to you, and everyone who has to make the decision we all seem to have to face someday. It breaks your heart to say goodbye.

 

[Dan Murphy]

So sorry to hear about Ozzie, JM. And for all others who are hurting also. Chicken forever. Memories for all time. You will be together again......

Rainbow Bridge

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...​

www.petloss.com




http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html



.

 

[ursulaforever]

I'm so sorry

 

[mickeysgal]

I am so very sorry. Been there and it's not easy.