Heart felt condolences Kate. Lost my old Seka dog last fall and still am not over it.

Pat

I held my Rottweiler Rommel, as they slid the needle between his shoulders.
He looked back at the vet and then stared at me.
His eyes glazed over and his head got heavy. He let out a groan/sigh and passed away.
He was a beautiful dog.
My condolences Kate.

Sorry about your loss, Kate, Alexis my Himalayan rabbit got sick for the first time in her life, after 11 years and I had to hand her over to the vet last October, the hardest thing I ever had to do.Honey, who is going on 12 years old, is getting real shaky, I can't bring myself to go to the vet's. Honey is still happy, but the equivalant of a 100 year old man.
I lost my Dad last October too, and I have learned a big lesson. We die in a emasulated fight, animal and human. The simple task of standing up, or going to the bathroom is too much burden to overcome.
My best wishes to you and the people who read this with their pets and loved ones in mind.

So sorry Kate...on his birthday too.
May the precious memories carry you thru.

More than technical issues,eh?

Sorry to hear about your loss.
My old Keeshond pal, Sterling, is beginning to show the signs of liver failure. We do what we can but know that the end is not to far off.
Take heart in knowing that both of your lives were better sharing the time that you did.

Do I ever know what you are going through!
http://buckdogpolitics.blogspot.com/2008/01/good-dog.html

There is an old tale my Irish Grandfather use to tell me - That when we die ... the first thing we see running full speed to greet us ... is all of the dogs that we owned and went on before us. I hope yours greet you someday.

Having had to put my faithful german sheppard down this spring I know how you feel. My heart aches for you.

Horny Toad

So very sorry for your loss.

Run free little guy.

Warmest thoughts to you Kate. They are never with us long enough.

Sorry for your loss Kate. They work their way into your heart and take a piece of it when they go. They're such noble creatures and deserve good things. Would that people could be, in some ways, more like dogs.

Sorry Kate...... tough loss

Very sorry, Kate. I know how tough it is.

Sorry for your loss Kate. He was a real treasure wasn't he.
Mary

So so sorry Kate. I know how you feel. When My Golden Retriever Brodie died 2 years ago I cried for 3 days I still miss him.

My thoughts are with you.

Our deepest sympathies to you.

Hi Kate.

Sorry for your loss. It is a HORRIBLE decision however because we love our dogs we choose to relieve them of their final suffering. They deserve no less and there is a sense of relief after the deed is done. It is such a speedy, painless yet loving and honorable end for such love, devotion and loyalty throughout their too-short lives.

I am positive we all hook up again on the other side so enjoy the memories and know he would have done the same for you. Too bad we can't enjoy the same quick painless relief.

We have all (Pet folk) been through it and now the hole in your heart tonight. Our thoughts are with you.

Five years ago, my German Shepherd Jake departed this earth after fourteen years (I think) of life. He wasn't without his issues and flaws, but he was a great dog just the same, one of a kind.

This calls for a little Kipling...

The Power Of The Dog

by Rudyard Kipling

There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.

Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie--
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet's unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find--it's your own affair--
But...you've given your heart for a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!);
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone--wherever it goes--for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart for the dog to tear.

We've sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve:

For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-time loan is as bad as a long--
So why in Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

Thea, my lovely hard-luck girl, was an SPCA rescue and we had just two years before I had to make that last vet trip. It is no help, I know, to hear that your pain has been shared, but we do understand the grief, even if we can't do anything to mitigate it other than wish we could.

As much as I love dogs, it is that very trip to the vet that keeps me from getting another. I always whimp out and get a friend to do it for me.

So sorry Kate.

We are looking down that road ourselves Kate.Sorry for your loss.

Schnauzers are wonderful little dogs. We had one with a salt and pepper coat for 13 years and I still miss him, particularly when I see others out walking their schnauzers. They are so true to their breed, always marching along with their noses to the ground.

Condolences, Kate.

Sorry for your loss Kate. I have felt that pain. Thanks, Monique.
Eric

I'm certain that you made the right decision at the right time. If Bruce could speak English, what would he say to you right now? Would he say, " I want you to suffer horribly in my name?" or would he say, "Thank you so very much for all the love, especially at the end."

Kyla - veterinarian

My deepest and heartfelt sympathies.

So very sorry for the loss of Bruce. The corgis will follow their tradition (inspired by Klingon culture) of heading out tonight to arrrooooo to let the other side know a Great Dog is coming.

Kate, What a lucky little dog Bruce was to have you for an owner. I have made that trip myself, 3 times.
Last fall I almost lost my American Eskimo to meningitis, now every day is a bonus day. These little guys sure give unconditional love. My thoughts are with you.

Condolences. I lost my Great Dane on June 27, 2007. Still recovering. Really sorry for your loss.

Yes, we get very attached to our pets. Heart breaking when they go - especially when small children have to deal with it. Hard for them to understand how life can be so cruel.

My sympathies to you. I had to make that Long trip on May 7 when I lost my cat Mewow at age 20. She helped see me through some of my best and worst days.
Thank you Monique for posting the Kipling piece.

It seemed we couldn't get by a 4th of July without having another climb up her leg or mine, wherefrom, to hide under proffered arm. Regardless of the efforts invested, few owners were found (though many have made their way to our home in search of their loss/lost, often finding them there, waiting, gyrating with excitement for having ‘found’ him (or her;) coming through the door).

Having taken the vet trip with 6 of them in this last year or two, and knowing that I will be accompanying 2 more very soon,,, I swear, for all the food and grounds care,,, for all the effort involved in maintaining the air, the home, I'll never have more then half a dozen or so again. ~regards

Kindest regards from Miss Emily & myself, Kate. We can't have children, so we have dogs, and some others. The story of our last one is here:

-The Rainbow Bridge - Hugs and Prayers for Backhoe--

It doesn't make it hurt any less, but you gave your friend mercy. Sometimes, that's all we can do.

Please accept my heartfelt condolences, as well, Kate. My neighbour's (!) dog died recently and my whole family were fighting back tears.

I remember resting my favourite cow's head in my lap, in the pasture, in a rain storm, as she lay dying...that was over 30 years ago and I still tear up about her.

Us conservatives are real hard-hearted b@st@$ds, aren't we.

What a beauty Bruce was! So sorry, Kate.

Deepest and most heartfelt sympathy Kate.Just 3 yrs ago,I had to sign the consent to have my 'old boy' make his final journey.I cried all the way to the Vet..cried while I signed the paper..cried all the way home,and for weeks after,when I came home,and he wasn't there.Crying now just remembering.I did get not one,but 3 more 'boys'..but they aren't Brutus,and never will be.I miss him,and his "smile" every day.Prayers. sammy

My condolences Kate. We have a sixteen year old cat, possibly the slowest moving cat in the world. He is nearly blind and deaf, his hindquarters are not working properly, and he doesn't seem in too much pain, though it's hard to tell.

We are dreading the day, soon, we have to take him to the vet for evaluation. It's sad, but part of life, for these friends of ours who give so much love and ask so little in return.

thoughts are with you this day

have had to make that journey myself

I'm so sorry, Kate. Been there, done that, still feel the loss 8 years later.

a cherished friend can not but be remembered less a pet, than a lifeforce in its own rightgiving to its owner as it gets. In a strange way they make us better people. My condolences Kate.

My thoughts and prayers are also with you and your friend Kate.

I remember being about 19 or so and bringing our Collie Lassie to the vet to be put down. I held her crying and telling her how much she was loved as they put in the needle. Tough day.

Very sorry to hear you lost your puppy yesterday. Your comment to me a couple of years ago was very appreciated and as the second cat ages, comes to mind perhaps too often. Please enjoy a long weekend, and "just go on". Thanks, John

I too would like to send my condolences. We have 2 Shepherd/Healer cross females that are 13 years old. They are commng to the end of their beautifull lives within a year or less. Deafness, is approaching, we treasure each day with our girls. On a brighter note. We will be receiving a new puppy in July. Hopefully the pup breathes some new vigor into our beloved females.
I have cried for the loss of 2 dogs prior. What a terrible time. But life goes on.

So sorry for your loss Kate.

Kate,
Hope your pain turns to fond memories soon. We've lost many but it's never easy. I'm sure he's waiting for you at the bridge.

More Kipling if you'll indulge:

I have done mostly what most men do,
And pushed it out of my mind;
But I can't forget, if I wanted to,
Four-Feet trotting behind.

Day after day, the whole day through --
Wherever my road inclined --
Four-feet said, "I am coming with you!"
And trotted along behind.

Now I must go by some other round, --
Which I shall never find --
Somewhere that does not carry the sound
Of Four-Feet trotting behind.

Rest in peace Sebby and all the furkids

Aww, that sucks big time Kate. My condolences.