Our beloved dog had to be euthanized last Wednesday

[XanaDUer]

He was a wonderful dog, friend, and buddy, and I realized he has been a part of my life for 33% of it.

He had total kidney failure just a few weeks short of his 15th birthday. Nothing to be done - he couldn't keep food down and we were afraid he might be in pain. Our trusted vet told us that it was time. He had lived through leg amputation due to benign tumors, poisoning with chocolate, and choking twice. He seemed like he would live forever. Alas, not to be.

We stayed in the room with him - he was so weak that he passed quickly and quietly. I will never forget his eyes.

He was cremated and we picked up his cremains this afternoon. Strangely enough, there seemed to be a void in the apartment that now is gone with his cremains coming back to us. And it's good to know we can carry him wherever we move.

Skippy - b. May 26th, 1996, d. January 19th, 2011.

R.I.P.

[Ken Burch]

1. So sorry for your loss. It's something only people who own or have owned pets

can truly understand. I'm glad that having the cremains gives you some comfort.

[XanaDUer]

13. They come back in this sort of cheap tin box

Obviously, my mother's cremains are in the fancy-schmancy metal urn (with the big dent in it towards the back where the cat knocked her over years ago from the mantelpiece a la Meet the Parents)

I am not sure of the tackiness factor, but they now make pet-cremain pillows, personalized, so you can "hug" the pet again. I will have to think about that...

EDIT- typo

[Ken Burch]

52. You could probably find something nice and ceramic to put them in.

n/t.

[CountAllVotes]

2. Skippy will always be with you

He is likely still in the house (his spirit) and you'll probably hear him at times. Be prepared for it - that is a very long time for an animal to be with some one.

Skippy is in a better place where there is no such thing as pain.

He'll let you know too. :)

:hug: for you.

[XanaDUer]

7. It's so strange. The void-like feeling is dissipating

thanks very much :hug:

[Sonoman]

77. Wait until you start 'seeing' him.

And 'see' him you will, XanaDuer.

It will be really weird, at first, to just catch a glimpse of him rounding a corner, slipping behind a chair, but he'll be there.

Around the time you get used to it, you won't see him much, any more.

But he will always be with you. I can tell by what you wrote.

Sonoman

[BobbyBoring]

97. WOW

I didn't know other people did that. Scarey!

[BanzaiBonnie]

75. It's hard to lose a good friend like that

But sometimes you'll catch something out of your side vision.

One time, recently, I thought Lily, our current canine kid was standing at the sliding glass door in the kitchen. I swear it was Lily. I saw a black dog standing in the kitchen. And then I stepped back toward the living room and saw Lily up on her couch bed. I know it was Molly I'd seen in the kitchen. There was no doubt.

[CountAllVotes]

78. the old dog I had is still around

After he died I heard him moaning at night like he used to do in the hallway.

I saw one of my cats in his chair swinging his paw into the air as if the dog had walked by him. This was one of their many games. There have been many other "sightings" of him now and then.

This old dog has been gone for almost 5 years now and I still hear him now and then.

This was his final home and it was the best home he'd ever had. He is buried in my backyard and I have not had another dog since. O8)

[SoCalDem]

3. RIP, Skippy

We have lost 2 cats in recent months..one to old age (almost 18) and another at only 7+ yrs to cardio myopathy.

It hurts like hell to lose them, but take heart from knowing you gave Skippy a A+ life & loved him well. :hug:

[XanaDUer]

16. My sympathies

some people asked us right after, "Are you getting another dog?" Well, probably, but not yet. Maybe an adult rescue dog.

[era veteran]

101. We lost our dog a year and a half back.

We got a rescue dog and am glad for it. He won't replace Puff ( 140# Shepherd) but is an addition that is working out well. So sorry about your dog. R

[northoftheborder]

4. Totally empathize and sympathize. pets souls are part of ours.

[XanaDUer]

35. They are.

nt.

[raccoon]

5. Sorry to hear that. Sounds like you did the kindest thing you could for him.

BTDT.

[XanaDUer]

38. It was time

he had a long, good life.

[EFerrari]

6. I'm so sorry, XanaDUer.

:grouphug:

[XanaDUer]

28. Thanks

Back at you. They're not "just animals" are they..?

[EFerrari]

36. I put my Buddy girl down in 2006.

And even though there's a four year old new girl here, I still miss my Buddy every day. She was family.

[XanaDUer]

39. Each animal soul is unique

and thank you for taking another chance on a dog. So many of them need love and homes. Bless you.

[EFerrari]

59. She does more for me than I can ever, ever give back.

To our friends, :toast:

[XanaDUer]

91. Gorgeous!

Treasure her!

[bdamomma]

103. oh how cute,

is she getting her breakfast, and she comes and goes as she pleases cool!

http://rainbowsbridge.com/poem.htm

to comfort you.

[myrna minx]

8. I am so sorry for you loss. I know how difficult it is to lose a

fur baby. :grouphug:

[XanaDUer]

33. Thank you

it comes and goes. I am glad he is now no longer in discomfort, but we miss him.

[truebrit71]

9. Sorry for your loss...I still get teary-eyed when I think about dogs I've had in the past...

...all great loyal friends to the end..

[XanaDUer]

17. Today is the first day I can write about it since last Wed

is was just too much.

[truebrit71]

88. Keep your chin up...

...

[Mike 03]

10. My heart goes out to you

Having been there so many times before, the loss of a beloved pet is one of the most painful experiences ever, and my condolences to you and your precious animal companion.

It hurts like hell, and I don't know any way around it.

Check out the Rainbow Ridge site. The people there are so kind and helped me a lot during periods of great loss and sadness.

My heart is with you.

[XanaDUer]

34. Thank you

nt.

[jezebel]

11. I'm so sorry for your loss. I've been there before and with 6 dogs now, I'll be there again.

It is hard to do the right thing and let them go peacefully when it is time, but it's the least we owe them.
RIP Skippy.

[XanaDUer]

30. We couldn't keep him going just to make ourselves feel better

not fair to him. I just thank GOD he went fast...vet warned us about twitching, agonal breaths, bowel and bladder evacuation. Nothing like that. Three heartbeats after the injection and then peace. He was given a big tranquilizer beforehand, too.

[CountAllVotes]

63. you did the right thing

You cared not to be selfish about his by continuing to allow Skippy to live in pain and suffer.

[katanalori]

12. Skippy.................

If tears could build a stairway,
and memories a lane.
I would walk right up to Heaven
and bring you home again.

Author: Unknown

[XanaDUer]

27. That's so lovely

I will share that with my SO. His poem, which I think he got someplace else, was:

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die...

[CountAllVotes]

64. that is beautiful

and no, the soul nor the spirit never die.

Skippy lives on forever. :) :) O8)

[montanacowboy]

14. I am sooo sorry

Only those who have truly loved a pet and lose them can understand the terrible pain you are experiencing. Some of mine have been gone for years and the pain is still there.

[Rockholm]

15. My beloved dog died on 8/11/09.

Many of the same things you said were the same here. I have his ashes in a beautiful box in our library. I cried like a baby the day they arrived.
The other time I broke down was when the animal hospital mailed a sympathy card, with his paw print on the cover. I have that framed.
I still have times when the pain of loss is great, but his memory is strong and he will remain with me forever.
Peace and comfort to you and those who loved him.

[XanaDUer]

19. We're going to frame the card they gave us

Thank you. With his AKC papers, some fur, and his sympathy cards. What does not fit in a frame goes into the "Skippy Memory Box" we are putting together, and I will be donating money in his name to appropriate animal charities like rescue dogs, etc.

[hlthe2b]

18. All my most loving thoughts going out to you...

My own beloved doggy girl, is all too close to that time. I think about preparing myself, as I have had many dogs over my lifetime, but she's been with me through 10 of the most difficult years in my own life. There is no preparation, unless premature tears can somehow "smooth the way."

I always try to post on threads where a DUer has lost a beloved dog or other pet. I want to be there for them as I hope they may one day be for me. Even now thinking about it, I feel that inconsolable sense that only time can heal. I'm glad that you have Skippy back with you, both in that last physical realm and in thought and memory. Just know that I understand.

:hug:

[XanaDUer]

21. Thank you so much

I know I can always count of my DU family to get me through things, and I will pray for your fur child that she goes on long and strong.

:hug:

[Demoiselle]

20. I have only one problem with dogs.

They don't live long enough. All my sympathy, XanaDUer. You did everything right...including letting him go when it was time..

[XanaDUer]

22. Sigh , yes

Frankly, he has better dental and healthcare than a lot of humans in this country. That does give me some comfort.

[Gregorian]

23. I understand. I was also present with my beloved during the same.

Our hearts ache. And they will for a long time. Maybe forever. I like to think that energy is never destroyed. And maybe we can find new life that reflects the old life. I'm not sure what I'm saying, except I saw a video this morning of some crazy cats tearing up a Christmas tree. It was so cute. And I think of the times I had. And your times. They will always live on. It takes time, but there is new life to be had. It has been years for me, and I'm still not ready. When someone is so special, it's nearly impossible to see them end.

Words just can't help. I think the best I can add is that pain is ok. I feel pain just typing this.

[XanaDUer]

94. Thank you for expressing that

all we have of all our loved ones, human and non, are the memories. :hug:

[Dappleganger]

24. I am so sorry...

nobody loves you like a beloved furry friend. :(

I still grieve over the loss of my golden retriever, Sunshine, from 6 and a half years ago. Although we have several new dogs, none of them come close to how special she was to our family.

[w8liftinglady]

25. for Skippy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoBO6kJCBvw

I'm glad you have good memories of him.
Sending healing thoughts to you.

[XanaDUer]

74. Thank you

:hug:

[MissDeeds]

26. I am so sorry for the loss of your dog

Pets wrap themselves around our hearts and stay there, whether they are with us or not. You're in my thoughts.

:hug: MissDeeds

[polmaven]

29. XanaDUer

My deepest sympathies go out to you. Our pets are very much part of our families. It is very difficult to lose them. But please be very, very sure that you did the right thing.

[old mark]

31. K&R- Very sorry. Our dog has been ill since cancer surgery last January...

It is one of the hardest,saddest things to do, but it is necessary.

There are many other dogs out there who really need good homes when you feel ready.


mark

[XanaDUer]

32. Yes my SO says, Never again, I cannot go through this again

and I say, I know, but there are many many animal souls out there that need loving homes... and he says, Yes, I know.

[driver8]

68. I felt like that after we put our dog Cody to sleep.

Two weeks later we met Buddy at an animal shelter adoption event and adopted him.

There are too many animals that need warm and loving homes...I will always have a dog.

[old mark]

80. Me, too- I have had a dog whenever it was possilble since I was about 4,

so over nearly 60 years...Hope to have one till I feel I'm just too old to outlive him...Just keep getting old dogs from the shelter, I guess..


mark

[a la izquierda]

37. my sympathies...

my knuckles, a beloved, sweet bulldog, went over the bridge last may. he had dementia. when i came home with his ashes, his brother dogs sniffed the box and then laid down by the shelf i put the box on.

hugs to you from me and my fur babies.

[XanaDUer]

41. Thank you so much

The cat, almost the same age, sat down next to the ashes. I would love to know what he thinks.

[a la izquierda]

70. i do wonder what goes through their minds...

[EV_Ares]

40. XanaDUr, I am so sorry for your loss, I can tell however, the great companionship & care you gave

back to him during your time together. You will always have those memories he gave you but know how much you will miss him.

There is no better friend to have.

[XanaDUer]

43. Thanks

We're now scrambling for all the photos we took over the years. They didn't seem important until now...

[watercolors]

42. We never got over our loss of Lucky

Had to put her to sleep a few years back, hardest thing ever, my husband cried so hard! He had to go sit int he car while I stayed with her. I doubt we will ever get another, we are in our mid 70's , she was with us 15 yrs. We still miss her terribly. Her favorite soccer ball sits in the yard where she last played with it, I look at it every day and miss her, she was so very special and we loved her so much. But we have so many videos of her playing with the grandchildren in the pool, she was the life gaurd and watched over them. WE know how you feel, and are sorry for your loss.

[XanaDUer]

46. Thank you

We are not ready to put Skippy's stuff up yet, although we will donate his disabled-dog gear to a group who needs stuff for those who own disabled pets and cannot afford special harnesses, etc. It IS the hardest thing, and you think they will be around forever! :hug:

[northernlights]

66. Watercolors, what you may be able to do, if you wish to have another dog

with a longterm commitment, is foster a senior dog. The shelters in my area have special adoption and foster programs for senior dogs so that they can live out their last years in a home. It would be hard to do, I'm certain, as well as very rewarding. There are so many being signed over as their people lose homes or pass on themselves...

[delightfulstar]

44. I'm so sorry....

There must be a certain peace in knowing that he isn't having to fight any longer, but oh, that void...I can imagine how much you must be missing Skippy. It's always hard to lose a member of your family like that.

I lost two cats within a span of a few months (Murphy in Sept. 2008, and Scully in Feb. 2009). No matter how many times you go through it, and whether it's expected or not, it's still difficult, you still mourn, and it still hurts like the devil. Peace to Skippy as he crosses the Rainbow Bridge, and my thoughts are with you.

:hug:

[XanaDUer]

47. Thank you. The cat is 14, so we are already preparing

So sorry about your losses.

[fadedrose]

45. I miss my dog who died 6 years ago

more than I miss members of my family who passed. And I still see her in her favorite sleeping spots.

I could say I hope you get over your loss soon, but it would be pointless, because you can't.

Dogs are truly a gift from our Creator, what or who ever that may be. They rank up there with air, water, food and clothing.

[XanaDUer]

51. I was more upset about the dog than some relatives

Lol, that is true. The dog was nowhere near as jerky - the worse he used to do was try to eat used dental floss.

I think it is important we feel our grief in our loved ones deaths - human or non.

[Shagbark Hickory]

48. Sorry for your loss.

[sasha031]

49. I am so sorry for your loss of your beloved Skippy

I lost my beautiful Sasha one year ago, I know all to well how deeply it hurts. I also believe that we are reunited with our fur babies again, they wait for us.
Skippy is watching out for you, waiting for the day you are again reunited again.:hug:

[Odin2005]

50. I'm so sorry!

My Pom had to be put down 5 years ago, I still miss him. :-(

[Fire1]

53. Rest in Peace, Skippy. n/t

[CTyankee]

54. I put down a dog once and I'll never have another...can't do it again...

it haunted me for a long time. I'm over it now but only because I see the wisdom so clear in ending the suffering. WE allow these animals to live far beyond what they would live in the natural world and we need to take responsibility for doing so. That's it.

[RamboLiberal]

55. Sorry to hear about Skippy

I have a 14 year old who seems to be going through her 2nd puppyhood, still getting in to trouble. But I know our days together are winding down.

Sounds like you have a ton of great memories with Skippy and laughs and tears to share.

My best to you on your loss.

[Fuddnik]

56. I would get another soon.

I lost two 13 year olds in a two year period. We had them both since they were babies. You don't realize how interwoven they are into every facet of your life until they're gone.

So, within about 10 days of putting the second one, my best friend, down, I started looking at rescues online. We brought two females puppies home with us, for a week-end, and we were going to keep one and foster the other. We decided and adopted the other out to a nice couple. And a year later we got another. We're a complete family again.

You really don't think the hole in your heart can be filled by another one, but it really can.

[Raine]

57. I'm so sorry

:hug: I had to have my 18 yr old dog put to sleep just before Christmas. My dog had cancer, he fought for a long time but at the end he couldn't go on and the vet said he was suffering. :cry: Everyday I shed some tears for him because I miss him so much. It's so difficult because we love them like family and it hurts so much when they're gone.

[The Straight Story]

58. The rainbow bridge for you

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9QwGJkYisc&feature=related

[virgdem]

60. My deepest condolences to you...

I've had to put 5 of my kitties to sleep and I truly understand how you are feeling.

[TBF]

61. We lost our sweet Lab in 2008,

she was a rescue we had for 8 years (she was 9 or 10 in all). This past summer we adopted another lab, this one older, and unfortunately he has developed Kidney disease. He is a very sweet thing, probably about 6 or so, but had a bad case of heartworm before we got him and this apparently affected his organs. Not sure how much longer we'll have him, he's on special food and doing ok, but the prognosis for kidney disease is never very promising.

I'm very sorry for your loss and offer up this -


The Rainbow Bridge

(inspired by a Norse legend)

By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,

Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.

Where the friends of man and woman do run,

When their time on earth is over and done.

For here, between this world and the next,

Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.

On this golden land, they wait and they play,

Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.

No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,

For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.

Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,

Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.

They romp through the grass, without even a care,

Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.

All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,

Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.

For just at that instant, their eyes have met;

Together again, both person and pet.

So they run to each other, these friends from long past,

The time of their parting is over at last.

The sadness they felt while they were apart,

Has turned into joy once more in each heart.

They embrace with a love that will last forever,

And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together.
© 1998 Steve and Diane Bodofsky. All Rights Reserved.

http://www.newrainbowbridge.com/NRB/rbpoem.htm

[Ezlivin]

62. Now the ghost will appear

It sounds odd, but it's what we experienced when we lost both of our first "children" five days apart after nearly 18 years of faithful companionship.

We put Buffy down on Monday, Muffin on Friday.

We're a childless couple and we got the cats during our first year of marriage. They were our "kids" in so many ways.

We came back from the vet both times and buried our cats along with their favorite toy in our back yard. Then we emptied the house of their bowls, litter pail and other odds and ends.

But they hadn't really gone from us. We'd hear a noise and associate it with one of the cats. Whoops, there is no cat. Out of the corner of our eye we'd see something and for an instant think it was Buffy or Muffin. Nope.

Their ghosts rattled around this house for a while. It was unnerving to think about how much we'd woven those cats into our everyday life. They were everywhere.

But eventually the ghosts faded and we were left with fond memories to treasure forever.

Best wishes to you!

[XanaDUer]

83. My SO says he is catching glimpses of him around the apt

and neither he nor I are believers in ghosts, spirits. We're moving soon, so I hope Skippy knows how to get there!

[driver8]

65. I'm so sorry for your loss...

It is never easy to say goodbye to such special family members; they add so much to our lives.

RIP, sweet boy.

[stevedeshazer]

67. Hey, XanaDUer

So sorry to learn of Skippy's fate.

We lost our family dog less than a year ago. charliedeshazer (March 24, 1993 - April 24, 2010) was 17. You do so get attached to a long time companion. We're all grieving, even still.

We all went in as a family to set Charlie free, and that you did the same for Skippy, well that was the right thing to do. And that look...yeah. I know.

I hope Skippy and Charlie are sniffing each other's butts at the Rainbow Bridge.

Good times.

:)

[XanaDUer]

95. Thank you

It was his time. Not easy, but it what was best for him.

[northernlights]

69. I'm so sorry for your loss...

You gave Skippy a great life and did did right by him when it mattered most. He'll live on in your heart and memories, and I'm sure will be there to meet you when it's your turn to cross the Rainbow Bridge. :hugs:

[Pool Hall Ace]

71. R.I.P., Skippy

and hugs to you, XanaDUer. :hug:

I used to have a Skippy (a black lab). It is so painful when they leave us, but how can we imagine life without them? Pets are the best!

[XanaDUer]

72. Thanks, Skippy was the breed of Schipperke

Pets are the best.

[uppityperson]

73. awwww, RIP Skippy. my condolences to you and yours.

[XanaDUer]

82. Thank you

nt

[uppityperson]

87. Our old guy is going on 14

We know the time is coming and are not looking forward to not having our "smelly rug" tripping us any more during the night when the lights are out. He likes to be right where we are.

[fadedrose]

76. The real mystery

is how dogs can love us as much as we love them. We're nowhere as loving, accepting, loyal and forgiving as they are.

Dogs are the ones who can love us when nobody else does or can...

[Liberal_in_LA]

79. sad. :-(

[Qanisqineq]

81. I'm so sorry, I teared up

Your story reminded me of my little girl cat that passed away two years ago. She was 16 years old and I remember how an old boyfriend once had to give her artificial respiration when she was but a tiny kitten. You're right, having the cremains helps ease the pain.

Her brother is now 18 years old and has fairly good health. I know how much it hurts to watch them decline though.

[XanaDUer]

92. Hugs

:hug:

[woo me with science]

84. My heart to yours.

He was a good dog.

[TwilightGardener]

85. Very sorry about your friend. RIP, Skippy.

[laundry_queen]

86. So sorry

about Skippy. It is so tough to lose a dog. I lost mine a few years ago, and I still haven't gotten over it. They truly are a part of the family.

[Maru Kitteh]

89. It took me almost a whole day to get the courage to read this. Losing fur babies just rips me apart.

But thank you so much for sharing this here. I'm so glad Skippy had you, and you him. :hug:

[XanaDUer]

90. Thank you

Skippy was the only pet I've ever had that truly tried to comfort me when he sensed or saw I was upset. :hug:

[Name removed]

93. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[livetohike]

96. I'm so sorry for your loss of Skippy

:hug: I lost a dog (Ranger) to total kidney failure in 2003, a couple months shy of his 16th birthday. We have his cremains and it is comforting to know he is home with us.

I hope all the good memories you have of times with Skippy will help ease the grief of his passing and the pain of watching him be so ill. :hug:

[bighart]

98. I went through a very similar situation in September.

It is a loss that hurts to the core. We did the same with our Boo. My you find comfort in his memory.

[XanaDUer]

100. Thanks

Sorry about Boo.

[malaise]

99. It's an awful happening

I still feel sad about my beloved 'Roots' and that was years ago. :grouphug:

[bdamomma]

102. my deepest sympathy to you

it is always hard to lose a pet, Skippy will never forget you.

[Little Star]

104. Sorry for your loss XanaDUer.

[LWolf]

105. I'm sorry for your loss.

:grouphug:



It's part of having a pet, knowing that we will outlive most of them and have to grieve each time. Back in the 90s, I had to euthanize the family dog that my then high-school age sons had grown up with. I had the vet do a "ranch call" and euthanize him right in his own bed, with his head in my lap. He is still a well-remembered and loved member of our family, and my grown sons still talk about missing him.