The ex dog owners thread.
Jun 25th 2013 | 6:29 am
#31
Seasoned Maritimer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,309
From: Fredericton, New Brunswick CA
Re: 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.
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.
Lost both German Shepherds at the vets and literally lost our Springer without closure. Not sure which was worse.
Jun 25th 2013 | 10:54 am
#32
Stand-up Philosopher
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 16,344
From: Regina Saskatchewan
Re: The ex dog owners thread.
My condolences.
Jun 25th 2013 | 10:56 am
#33
Thread Starter
Born again atheist
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 30,259
From: Europe (to be specified).
Re: The ex dog owners thread.
Coming home this evening to what was, coincidently, a house devoid of people and, of course, dogs, wasn't very nice.
Jun 25th 2013 | 11:02 am
#34
Thread Starter
Born again atheist
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 30,259
From: Europe (to be specified).
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.
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.
Jun 25th 2013 | 11:55 am
#35
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 15,883
Re: The ex dog owners thread.
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.
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.
Jun 25th 2013 | 2:37 pm
#36
Thread Starter
Born again atheist
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 30,259
From: Europe (to be specified).
Re: The ex dog owners thread.
I'll be over it soon. It was a first for me.
Jun 25th 2013 | 3:12 pm
#37
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,040
From: Orton, Ontario
Re: The ex dog owners thread.
So sorry to hear this, my sympathy goes to you (and the guy trying to get his PhD).
Jun 26th 2013 | 3:26 am
#39
Curiously Wise
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 942
From: SW Calgary
Re: The ex dog owners thread.
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
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
Jun 26th 2013 | 3:36 am
#40
little snowy owl
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,921
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!
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!
Jun 26th 2013 | 3:51 am
#41
I said what ?!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,080
From: Peterborough, Ontario.
Jun 26th 2013 | 4:02 am
#42
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 245
From: Arrived in the Okanagan - June 2013
Re: The ex dog owners thread.
Novo - so sorry to hear about your loss. We've had a few over the years and it really is like losing a member of the family but the love they give over the years makes it worthwhile and we wouldn't be without a dog as a trusted and faithful companion.
Oopsbuddy - I remember your position oh so well. You sound like you know exactly what you're doing and all any dog can ask for is a caring and loving owner who has their best interests at heart and you've clearly got that. The only advice I can give is trust yourself and when the time comes to say goodbye don't spend time afterwards second guessing yourself. Good luck.
Oopsbuddy - I remember your position oh so well. You sound like you know exactly what you're doing and all any dog can ask for is a caring and loving owner who has their best interests at heart and you've clearly got that. The only advice I can give is trust yourself and when the time comes to say goodbye don't spend time afterwards second guessing yourself. Good luck.
Jun 26th 2013 | 4:04 am
#43
Curiously Wise
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 942
From: SW Calgary
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!
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!
Jun 26th 2013 | 4:52 am
#44
I said what ?!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,080
From: Peterborough, Ontario.
Re: The ex dog owners thread.
Oopsbuddy - I agree with Theoldfields in that it is an absolutely horrible decision to make though it is probably the best decision to make for the dog.
Make the most of the short time you've got left
I feel for you and Novo - I really do.
Make the most of the short time you've got left
I feel for you and Novo - I really do.
Jun 26th 2013 | 5:27 am
#45
Sawdust making harpy
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 11,291
From: Alberta
Re: The ex dog owners thread.
I won't post "The Rainbow Bridge" poem or the whole of BE will be in floods of tears, but it's a beautiful read at times like this.
