Had to do something that I have dreaded

[Kevin54]

She was always an independent dog that liked to lay by herself. I could always find her though, laying at the garage door watching traffic drive by, or just sleeping in the breeze that always seemed to blow through.

Nikki was rescued from a shelter when she was around 6 months old. So we managed to give her a number of years that she may not have had. Later on in her short life she started getting arthritis. First in her front leg, then in her rear legs. The last year or so she had problems getting up, and in the last few weeks could not get up without assistance. Going up or down steps started to be harder for her to do. In all of this her eyesight started to go. She was afraid of falling on any thing smooth so we had to have throwrugs down for her to make her way around the house.

Well yesterday we had to make that dreadful decision.

The house was empty last night. Other than the few sniffles and tears from the wife and I. Our Golden, Brandi would not come to bed as she normally looks forward to. She slept on a bed we had for Nikki out in the family room. Today will be another day of adjustment.

So for everyone out there, give your garage companion a hug, take them for a ride, or just give them an extra treat today for Nikki


R.I.P. Nikki (aka. The Baby Girl) 05/26/10

 

[goodfellow]

Beautiful Dog!! my sincere condolences --

 

[rebl68]

very sorry to hear that.....

 

[mad57]

So sorry to hear that...hang in there.

 

[GTO]

Sorry man.

 

[gatchel]

Losing a companion ***** royal ***. Only time heals.

 

[scheu]

Kevin54, I am so sorry. scheu

 

[TRC51]

Sorry to hear. Almost from the minute you get them you start to dread the day. It only gets harder as they get older because they are such good friends to you. I know it's not going to be a good day in my house when the time comes.

 

[Wingnut65]

Sorry for your loss. Glad you have all the great memories.

 

[Pappa Ugg]

Sorry for you loss... that is a very hard decision to make. Be comforted in the fact that you did what was best for Niki...you're a good pet owner.

Your family will be in our thoughts,
Mike

 

[Ord]

Sorry to hear that.

 

[Mike83]

So sorry to hear that. It really is like losing a part of your family.

They say the best coping method is get a new puppy. Give another rescue dog a chance at a happy life!

 

[Matt M PA]

Allow me to also offer my condolences.

My pal, Lilly, a 14 pound grey tiger is my constant companion in the house, and I'd miss her terribly is she was gone.

 

[KCarGuy]

I have had a Dog as part of my family ever since I was 5 years old.
I personally have had to make that decision twice and it never gets any easier.
Just remember that it was for your pal, sometimes keeping them is a more selfish choice...letting them go is more humaine.

Sorry!

 

[Professur]

I was once asked by a child why dogs only live 10-15 years when the people who love them can live to be 70 or more. After a moment, I was able to tell her. A candle that burns twice as bright only burns half as long. Humans put a price on their love. Dogs give their love unreservedly. Humans balance what they give against what they get, seldom giving more than they receive. That means that humans still have lots left as they age. Dogs run out faster, since they seldom receive even a portion of what they give, but they give without hesitation, as often as they can.

Always remember to give back as often as you can.

 

[JHunter]

I just went through the same thing a couple months ago with my GSD - A very very hard decision, but you know what you did was selfless and its the right thing to do. When we care more about our dogs health and happiness than our desire to keep them with us, the pain of that decision is made just a little easier, but still incredibly difficult. A selfless act of kindness that brings us pain - it'll get easier over time.

 

[z28snksknr]

I had almost the exact experience with my childhood lab who we let go three years ago. She was 17 years old. It took me three years until I was ready for another dog.

I'm sorry about your loss.

 

[tatra]

sorry for your loss.............

 

[STORMEASTON]

Yeah..................been there.............I've had to put down five dogs, I'm one tough SOB but I cried like a baby for a day................never an easy thing.

 

[Hylke]

You have my sympathy. We've got cats instead of dogs and I've found three driven over by cars out in the street. It really does get very silent once there's no more dogs or cats to beg for food in the morning.

 

[socketjockey]

Sorry to hear. Almost from the minute you get them you start to dread the day. It only gets harder as they get older because they are such good friends to you. I know it's not going to be a good day in my house when the time comes.

Agree 100%-I just don't want to think about it.

 

[markviii]

Just like any good mom who can't call her children by their correct names when she wants their attention, my children got called "Toby" many times in their first 4 years of life. "Toby", our caramel-colored cocker spaniel, was our baby for 8 years before we had our first child. My kids' first words were "Toby" and "tree, not "mama" or "dada". Really! We kept Toby around once the second child came along, even though he was becoming deaf, blind, arthritic, and incontinent (we had to carry him down the stairs to go out for his walk). The kids loved him unconditionally and, being the senior child of the family, he allowed them to occupy his space. When we would leave him at the vet to go on a trip, he would just look at us with those sad eyes, wishing we would get back soon (or just not leave). He wouldn't eat or sleep much during our absence. We couldn't bear it. His quality of life faded, so we had to make the hard, but correct, decision. Our vet loved him so much that she did the job herself with us there. Sometimes, we still wake up in the middle of the night to ask "did you remember to take Toby out?" before we realize what we're saying. Toby's been gone since 1990, but it seems like yesterday. We've never had another dog because he was irreplaceable.

I empathize with you over your loss. Though right now it's small consolation, you'll always have that wonderful attachment to reflect back on.

Chris

 

[foolishpride]

I also have a Sheltie. He is 11 years old now, and I dread the day we have to put him down. He doesn't get around near as well now, and sleeps most of the time.

 

[39Tudor]

Kevin54, I'm so sorry for your loss. Thanks for giving a shelter dog a chance and an great life.

JO

 

[Jack Olsen]

You have my condolences.

We have to 'play god' with our pets sometimes, and it's a role most of us would rather never take on.

I had to make the same decision five weeks ago for my dog Lefty. It's tough -- there are still moments where I think I hear him around the house and then have to remember all over again that he's gone.

One thing that helped me was realizing that dogs don't have the same expectation of a certain duration for life (like we do) -- they just know whether they're happy or not. I think there's something kind about letting them have a whole, happy life -- whether it's 5 years, 10 years, or 15 -- rather than extending it for our sake while they're in pain. In Lefty's case, he'd beaten cancer, and never really had a bad day in his life until the very end, when is kidneys suddenly shut down. Within three days, it was clear he was ready to go.

Still, it's an awful day when it comes.

This is a picture snapped nine days before he died, when he was happily sunning himself out front.

 

[CamarosRus]

Sorry for the loss of your good friend.................

 

[shopnut]

I'm posting this list mainly for #10, but all are interesting to dog-lovers. Needless to say, I will be staring the next dog I put down straight in the eyes when that dreaded day comes.

A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS.........
1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
10.. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

 

[babzog]

Nice girl - I've always been fond of those dogs! I had to say goodbye to my little buddy (cat) last Feb... hardest thing I've ever had to do. Cried like a baby afterwards.

I'm really sorry to hear of your loss!

 

[1984GMC]

I have 2 pets I love and the 1 I tolerate for my wife, a 10 year old shepard mix I got from the pound after being given a 1 week extension from being put down and a 10 year old maine **** , She is my buddy in the house, She sleeps right next to me in bed and If I'm on the computer she is sure to jump on the desk and demand I pay attention to her instead..lol My Shepard is one of the best dogs I have ever had, She is a excellent guard dog, and tends to keep strangers in their car until I come out and tell her Its ok, never leaves the yard, The only time I have to raise my voice is when the UPS truck comes by, For some reason she hates that 4bt..lol I dread the day she is gone, But I will get another Shepard . Prolly full blood if I can find one people don't want a arm and a leg for.
Eastwood

Brandi..

 

[dustym]

Well she's at the rainbow bridge waiting for her freinds (that was on a card from our vets once). Its always sad to do but why keep them alive just for you? We have had to take a few to do that and no matter, it *****. We lost one last year and still have issues over it. Good luck and hang in there. You can always keep them in your heart.

 

[RAYJAY]

GIVE ME A DOG


Give me a dog to share my life,
Who's loyal and who's true,
Who couldn't care less if I'm rich or poor,
If my clothes are shabby or new.

Give me a dog who sees in me
Something nobody else can,
Who proves beyond a doubt he is
The very best friend of man.

Give me a dog who knows my voice,
And understands each tone,
Who loves me just the way I am,
And takes me for his own.

Give me a dog who trusts me when
He's healthy and he's strong,
And who believes I'll make him well,
If anything goes wrong.

Give me a dog who wags his tail
At the touch of a gentle hand,
And if I'm sad, or if I'm glad,
He's the first to understand.

For life grows cold without someone,
To lick away your tears,
and everybody needs a dog...
To love them through the years.

Author ~ Grace E. Easley​

sorry for your loss as having to do the same myself

Jeff

 

[sammerdog]

Sorry to hear about your Nikki. She was a great looking dog.

Sounds like she was really starting to hurt towards the end - you did the right thing. Sir. You did the right thing.

 

[walrus]

Dogs rule. When they pass it *****. I'm always amazed at how attached we get to them. Sorry Kevin

 

[sizzler90]

I feel your pain.
Last year we had to put down 3 of the best friends I ever had, in 6 month time span. It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do.
I have great memories of them and will miss them forever.

 

[Jeff]

My heartfelt condolences.

Max will show her the way in the big dog park in the sky.

 

[Motown 454]

Sorry for your loss.

 

[mikeyr]

The worst and cruelest joke that mother nature has ever played on us...make our best friends and most loyal companions live such a short life.

Every time it happens to me, I swear I will never get another dog, that lasts a few months, now I have 3 but 2 of them are getting up in the years. In honor of Nikky, I think while BBQ'ing burgers for me and the wife, I will BBQ a burger for each of them this weekend.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Last summer I had to lose my lifetime best friend Dudley. He was a 14 year old black Lab. He was my last remaining tie to the time before I was divorced from my childhood sweetheart bride of 20 years. He was the dog my kids (now 27 and 28) think of as their childhood pet. It broke my heart and someone sent me THIS little...poem... I guess it is. I hope it helps you a bit. My most sincere condolences, Dan

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...

 

[JDMopar]

Very sorry for your loss. Feb. 4th, 2006 was my day to feel that pain. I fear that it may be coming again in the not so distant future. Our dog Annie is 13, and is having a hard time here lately. She's had a few seizures, and pulled a muscle in her leg the other day. Their little lives just aren't long enough.

 

[larryv]

So sorry to hear about your loss. We have lost are pets due to old age and it was very hard. I told myself never again but now i have to of man's best friends right by my side. Take care.