The ex dog owners thread.
 

I'm sure many of you have been through this before, perhaps several times.

This is the first time for me, but just today, just this evening, we've had to say goodbye to our friend of the last 14 years.

RIP Geordie the Border Collie, the best friend any of us have ever had.

It had to be done but we all feel a bit conflicted about it somehow.

Maybe though I'd like to go that way when necessary.

Re: The ex dog owners thread.
 

14 ehh, that's a lot of years of fun for a dog. We have been through it, few times now, and had the same mix feelings each time. Sadness at a loss but relieved to see the dog just go off to sleep and stop suffering.

Have a dram and think of the fun life the dog had with your family.

Re: The ex dog owners thread.
 

So sorry to hear that Novo :(


"Dogs lives are too short...their only fault, really."
-Agnes Sligh Turnbull-

Re: The ex dog owners thread.
 

So sorry for your loss, we went through the same thing last August.

There are conflicting thoughts about whether you are doing the right thing, and is it the right time... but in our case, we just knew that Nikki had had enough and was ready to go.... Still a sad experience though....

Re: The ex dog owners thread.
 

So sorry Novo, despite what others might say it is like losing a member of the family who is cherished.. and I have no doubt the next few days or weeks are going to be sad.

It's such a hard decision to make, I know.

"Everywhere I look, you should be but aren't."

Sad times.

:cry_smile:

Re: The ex dog owners thread.
 

Heartfelt sympathies. Have been where you are now on two previous occasions, also border collies. Glenna was almost 17 when I had to have her put down due to a stroke, and Shona was 15 when she developed a serious illness which resulted in the inevitable. It was heartbreaking to be sure but on looking back the pleasure, loyalty and love they unconditionally and unselfishly provided me with is without value.The decision was so hard but I felt I owed it to them, as I am sure you did too, ending their suffering. If they were able, they would be sure to thank you for loving them enough to put their feelings before your own or your families.

My current collie, Nike, who is eight and my soul mate, had TPLO surgery almost two months ago which unfortunately is not going well due to a MRSP supper bug he contracted during the surgery which despite antibiotics we don't seem to be able to get rid of. This will likely result in further surgery a couple of months down the road. Would I do it again with hind sight? Not so sure however we have embarked on the journey and as long as he is not suffering (which he is not at this time) we will see it through but always mindful the fact that he and his quality of life must always come first.

Feeling particularly vulnerable at this time as my post will convey, but again, I have no doubt you made the right decision for your family and most importantly, for the little guy that has given you all so much.

RIP Geordie, say hallo to Glenna & Shona for me, they are seldom far from my thoughts

Re: The ex dog owners thread.
 

Safe travels across the rainbow bridge Geordie.

Novo I'm truly sorry for your loss, I never got the whole 'dog' thing until I got my Henry, he is 7 already, I am dreading life without him, our pupsters do become such a huge part of our families. So sad for you:(

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Condolences Novo, hard to understand how much the little f*****s can get under your skin hey.

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:( xxxxx

Re: The ex dog owners thread.
 

It's funny, but everytime I read a post like Novo's, it brings back to mind all the dogs I've owned, and that my parents owned, I remember all their names, and what heppened to them all. Have lost a total of 9, including the two my parents owned, only one of whick was killed in an accident on the roads, just 9 months old and got onto a main road and ran across to get to another dog. All the others were old age, except two, one died in the night from a burst blood vessel in her abdomen, the other from torsion.

It makes me feel sad even now, so I know how you are feeling Novo, my sympathies.. :broken_heart:

Re: The ex dog owners thread.
 

I'm very sorry to hear that. I undertand the conflicting emotions as we had to do that to an ailing pet last year and that conflict makes it very hard. The only thing you can do now is remember the good and funny stuff.

Re: The ex dog owners thread.
 

So sorry. It's the only time I have seen my other half cry like a baby. We still miss ours, but the pain is worth the joy that you get from them. Our last one was put down in January and I can now, only just, look at pictures of him. They are never far from my thoughts, but I can now smile and think of how they used to play me up. It is the one kind thing that you can do for them when their time is at end. It's the one way you can repay them for all the loyalty they gave you.
I hope the pain soon eases and the fond memories begin.

Re: The ex dog owners thread.
 

Sorry to hear about your dog. As an adult, I have been through the situation twice and it is not pleasant. Hopefully, the good times with Geordie will be the times you remember most.:)

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Yes, Novo I'm sitting having a snivel on your behalf....my condolences, and sadly it's not an exclusive club. Three years ago when our French bathmat died, the whole family went into decline, we had her before my son was born and she was like a second mum to him, always there. Yes, she was just a dog, but she was a very much loved part of our team. I immediately said, never again! However, we now have a knee high Cairn Terrier, who makes us laugh aloud every day. He's a monster, chases the cat, eats socks and has the merriest eyes an animal could have. The animal goes, but the memory of a shared sense of mutual trust with another creature stays...even when it hurts like hell for a bit...Very Best Wishes.

Re: The ex dog owners thread.
 

Novo
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, we have been down that road three times before. The dogs are so much a big part of the family.

Sincere condolences :(

MJ

Re: The ex dog owners thread.
 

Sorry to hear that Novo.

I'm not really a dog person but I can easily see how people become attached to them. My son's dog (Border Collie/Rottie mix) is possibly the nicest thing on the planet. Even I adore her.

Re: The ex dog owners thread.
 

Sorry to hear that
Border collies are a beautiful breed
So intelligent and mischievious and totally and utterly stupid at the same time

I'm sure yours appreciated the fact that you were a responsible owner to the very end
It pisses me off when people let animals suffer because they can't bring themselves to do the right thing

I still miss our border collie
Grew up with her :(

Re: The ex dog owners thread.
 

Sorry you've lost your pal, Novo. 14 years is a lot of fun together.

Re: The ex dog owners thread.
 

Sorry to hear that.

Re: The ex dog owners thread.
 

It's a coincidence Novo, but we were there yesterday evening too...more or less. We were putting off the inevitable final visit to the vet for an investigation of the latest small issue because we knew we would be offered the same option. Our golden lab is an unknown age, as he came to us via a friend almost 9 years ago (he is probably 14 or so), so the kids grew up with him. He is on 5 different meds a day, some of them twice a day, but although not in pain (yet) he is getting uncomfortable and his breathing is getting more laboured. We brought him home yesterday and the vet will call in on Friday and do the right thing, as my eldest wants to see him again before he goes.

His only job in life was to cheer people up, and he still does that very well. So rather than wait until he is in pain, we will help him on his way.

Very, very sad and heavy day yesterday, and more ahead before the weekend.

My condolences as we also feel as conflicted as you describe.

Re: The ex dog owners thread.
 

You did the right thing. It's a pity we can't be so civilised when it comes to humans.

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I know the feeling Novo and had to go through it myself and it's the same every time.

Last February we had to have our Labrador, Cassie, of 13 years put to sleep. I was actually here and my wife called me from the UK - I still fill up now when thinking about it and still bothers me I never got to say a real goodbye.

She was well travelled though - we had her in the UK from a puppy, moved to the US for 3 years, took her there. Took her back to the UK and were hoping to bring her here but wasn't to be :(

We actually pick up our black lab puppy this coming Saturday and have named her after Cassie's mother - Ellie.

We said we wouldn't get another for a few years but the house just wasn't the same without a dog running around and we have lasted longer than we had expected.

Re: The ex dog owners thread.
 

Oh I am so sorry to hear this. It is a hard choice but you made the right one.

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Thank you all for your sympathy and understanding.

This morning I feel like Peter Pan. I've lost my shadow.

I need a distraction and luckily I'm examining a PhD defence in a couple of hours. The poor sod'll never know what hit him.

Re: The ex dog owners thread.
 

:( One of the biggest things I noticed the most was if we left her at home and went out somewhere. We no longer got the great excited, tail wagging welcome home.

Re: The ex dog owners thread.
 

my heart goes out to you. You'll be able to look back, in time, with fond memories and know your dog was cherished. I lost a cocker spaniel after 14 years and an adorable mixed breed dog, Bracken, after 14 years and it was heart wrenching. Just wanted to say I am so sorry for your loss. They are just like family members.

Re: The ex dog owners thread.
 

Sorry to hear your news Novo :(, I have had a mulitude of pets that I have lost in my life up to this stage and its never an easy choice to make but its thr right one as they have given you so much :)

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I'm truly sorry to learn this. I know you'll miss your buddy terribly as i will mine when that dreaded time comes. They demand so little yet give us so much.

Re: The ex dog owners thread.
 

Very sorry to hear that.

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sorry to hear this :( x

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Sympathies for the wretched and stupid conflicting feelings you are perhaps going through. I swung from "it's only a dog" to "I just lost my best friend".

Lost both German Shepherds at the vets and literally lost our Springer without closure. Not sure which was worse.

Re: The ex dog owners thread.
 

My condolences.

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I'm trying, honest. It'll take a bit longer but of course you're right.

Coming home this evening to what was, coincidently, a house devoid of people and, of course, dogs, wasn't very nice.

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This got a bit lost. My sympathies for your predicament too.

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My deepest sympathies Novo.

Had to make that decision and trip to the vet many years ago with our little Corgie, that was extremely close to the hardest thing I've ever done.

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Thanks Steve. At least I've learned that my new Borg eyes still have functioning tear ducts.

I'll be over it soon. It was a first for me.

Re: The ex dog owners thread.
 

So sorry to hear this, my sympathy goes to you (and the guy trying to get his PhD).

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Thanks Novo.

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So sorry to hear this Novo. My heart and thoughts go out to you.

There is nothing so bittersweet as to love those who we must one day let go. Never forget the joy - we are lucky to share our lives with such wonderful creatures... none are ever forgotten.

J :)

Re: The ex dog owners thread.
 

So sorry to hear this Novo. Of course it takes me back to the day we had our poor Kezzie put to sleep, another border collie, aged 16, and I still miss her, especially when we go on her favourite walks! After all these years. Border collies are brilliant dogs!

I'm not sure if we will ever have a dog again. We have cats now, and they are enough at present, but of course they are quite different. Cats definitely have their own agenda!

You did the last loving thing you could for your dog. My son works at a vets, and came home sad yesterday as some people dropped their sick cat off to be euthanized, and just drove away. He was sad that they didn't seem to care, and so sad that the poor cat had to be cuddled and comforted by himself, a stranger, in its last moments.

Ok, now I've made myself cry! :(