This is a shameless request for good thoughts and vibes from the BT community. We learned today that its time to say goodbye to our dog, Munchen. He's 16, has had a good life, and now has a degenerative disk in his back that is causing other complications and his little body is shutting down. So, before he suffers much more, its time. He's a dachshund, and I always knew that something in his back would let go and that would be the end for him. He had surgery on it 8 or 9 years ago, but he's too old and weak now to even make that option. For other reasons, the other potential options are no longer available to him, so its time to say good bye. He's been around for longer than my wife and I have been married, longer than both my kids, two states, 5 houses and many good times. He will be missed.
Sorry for your loss. I had to put mine down last year and I hated making the decision, even though I knew it was the right thing to do. I just focus on the memories of a great dog now. We only get to borrow them for so long and then it's time for them to go, no point in letting them suffer.
It is so difficult, thoughts are with you and your family. Today is actually the 1-year anniversary of saying goodbye to my boy, Calvin after 14.5 years. KNow that you gave Munchen a wonderful life. Stay with Munchen through the process as you will never regret being there for your dog to the very end. It's not easy and does get better.
Very sorry for your loss. Pets are very much a part of the family. At 16 and with a previous IVDD surgery, I think you are doing the right thing for Munchen. Give him lots of kisses and let him know what he means to you. I'll be sure to hug my dacshund extra hard tonight.
Went through this with my dog in December. I thought I was prepared, I knew she was declining but it was surprisingly harder than I thought to let her go. I made the last few days with her as special as I could and I will always cherish those memories. Ah, now I'm getting all choked up. We have a new puppy now but I still miss my good old girl. Best wishes, I'll be thinking of you.
My cond?olences and thoughts are with you. Two of my favorites for my pets who have gone before me...
????Will Rogers - "If there are no dogs in heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went."
and 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.
Thanks everyone. Your thoughts are just what I needed. He was a good dog, and he will be missed. I do take some comfort in knowing that he didn't suffer long, and now is out of any pain that he had.
Thank you for loving your dog enough to make the decision to end his pain. It is the greatest gift we can give them after everything they give to us. Hold on to your happy memories, they will help you through. Peaceful thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
I hear ya, had to let our 11yr old English Bulldog Samson go last week. He was blind arthritic and had a tumor, so it was time. Even with all that it was more difficult to say goodbye than I thought. We were lucky, just a great buddy.
I just went through this two weeks ago with my little girl, Barkley. I know how hard it is to go through this, and saying goodbye to her was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Take comfort in knowing you are doing the right thing, and that the pain and suffering is over for your loved one. One thing that someone wrote on a thread here a short time ago was that if it were easy then we wouldn't have deserved them. Those words helped me accept all of the pain I was feeling. My thoughts and condolences are with you.
Why'd you have to post the Rainbow Bridge? Just giving you a hard time - I first read that when I had to put my dog down last May. And we saw a rainbow on the way home. Chokes me up every time I think about it - like right now.
I'm so sorry for your loss. You've made the most important and loving decision you can ever make for your furry one, aside from bringing him into your home and your life in the first place. May his memory live on in your heart.