Goodbye, beloved doggie (another sad thread)

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
1

Today is my darling, wonderful dog Buddy’s last day. (Picture from much happier times.) I’m going to take him to the vet in about half an hour. :frowning:

He could probably go on in this condition for possibly even a few more weeks, continuing to decline, but he’s clearly miserable, restless, anxious, constantly walking (with great difficulty) in tight circles, falling down (and getting up, but then falling again), sitting up on his front legs panting. For a long time, it was just his back legs that gave out, but now it’s his front legs, too. I don’t know if he’s in pain, but I can tell he doesn’t feel good. His quality of life is at a place where I don’t see any joy or even pleasure in his face.

He actually started this decline two years ago, and for a long time, it was slow and manageable. Regular Adequan injections and acupuncture helped tremendously (miraculously, even-- I’d take him in for acupuncture when he was barely able to walk and he would be prancing and running when I would pick him up. Go figure). I’ll spare y’all the endless details… but we’ve come to the end of the road, I’m afraid.

He has been the best dog anyone could ever hope for. He’s always been very buttoned up, put together, and serious. I mean he had fun going for walks, but fun like someone who really enjoys their job. HIS job, of course, on a walk, was to pee on every single vertical object without exception, even tall weeds. I tell people that if he were a person, he’d wear a bow tie and carry a briefcase. (Whereas my other big dog Sweetie, is a princess-pussycat-drama queen. They are good dogpals to each other.)

Another quirk of Buddy’s was that he liked to groom my cats, especially one particular black one. She’d rub up under his chin, and that would be his signal to nibble and lick on her neck. Even when we’d take a walk and the cat would follow us, the cat would get in front of Buddy and flop down on the sidewalk, and we’d all have to stop and wait while he gave her the once over.

Thank you, Buddy, for showing up at my house in 2004. You’ve been a wonderful companion, and it’s been an honor, privilege, and pleasure to see to your comfort and safety all these years. I’m going to miss you so much. See you at the Rainbow Bridge.

2

My sympathies. I know exactly how hard it is to lose one you love, and how hard it is to make the decision to end their life, when it’s just a long, slow decline. But it’s better a week to soon than a day to late. No that you’re making the best, most loving decision you can, thinking more of Buddy than you are of your self.

Good dog, Buddy. When you get to the Bridge, tell mine that I’ll see them someday.

StG

3

yes, I too am sorry for your loss…yesterday we lost our 13 yr mini shnauzer…born next to my bed and she passed there too…after a great adventure filled life. We try to mix up our dogs ages, so we had have new rescues that helped her depart.

Its our job as their keepers and companions to help them move on, I know its a hard decision.

Somewhere a new puppy is born…who seems to like bow ties…

4

ThelmaLou, I’m so sorry to hear this. I had to do the same with an elderly cat a little over a year ago, when the tumor in her jaw made eating and drinking too difficult for her. Hard as it was, I knew there wasn’t anything else I could do for her at that point. [[Hug]]

5

So sorry to hear this. I’ve had to make this heart-wrenching decision many times in the past… and will have to make it again in the next few weeks or months. It never gets easier. Hugs to you and your other critters.

6

Heartbreaking. So sorry to hear this. I dread the day when my little Dylan escapes to the big park in the sky.

7

Awe, so long Buddy.

8

Thank you all so much for the wonderful replies.

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I’m so sorry {{{{{**ThelmaLou **}}}}}. You and Buddy were very lucky to have found each other and I’m sure you made him as happy as he made you.

10

Don’t know how anyone has the strength to go to the vets when its time.
I am sorry,** ThelmaLou**

11

ThelmaLou, I am so sorry. Sometimes the best decision is the hardest. Godspeed, Buddy. Look for my mom at the Bridge. She’s the one handing out dog biscuits.

12

You’re doing the right thing, even though it truly hurts.

May it hurt less in the coming days.

13

Poor pookie. Go play at the end of Rainbow Bridge and** ThelmaLou** will be there after a bit.

14

It’s so hard. I’m sorry. Hugs. :frowning:

15

My condolences.
It’s always my job to take the family pet in to take it out of it’s misery. I knew I was doing the right thing as I know you did too.
But Damn! IT hurts.

16

ThelmaLou, I am so very sorry. My heart aches for the pain you are feeling. He sounds like he had so much love to give and he received the same in return. I hope that offers you a small measure of comfort.

17

Tough day for sure. Be gentle on yourself - you are a great dog owner! Buddy has a great life because of you!

18

I’m so sorry to hear that he’s gone. I can tell that you both made life wonderful together.

If he could, I just know he’d say, “Thank You! I miss you too!”:frowning:

19

Y’all are very sweet. You’ve given me a lot of comfort. Thank you.

The animal hospital send me a ginormous live orchid thing in a pot-- God, it’s almost three feet high. I’ve never had that happen. I’ve gotten sympathy cards from the vet, but never something like this, Buddy was there every other week for about a year and a half, and recently, every week. He’d get anxious when they put him in a kennel, so he usually had the run of the place until I picked him up. They all got so fond of him–they called him Dr. B-- “Dr. B is ready to be picked up now.” :slight_smile: (They were going to teach him how to use the computer and answer the phone.)

I have to say, it’s something of a relief not to have to go looking for him as soon as I get home or just periodically go around the house and make sure he’s okay–not stuck out in the yard under a chair leg or trapped in a corner behind a door. I didn’t mind-- I’d just take his harness and untangle him and back him up… but it couldn’t have been pleasant for him not to be able to just walk around and be okay doing normal doggie things.

Must cry for a little while now, but I’m okay. Thanks again for all the virtual hugs.

20

Good night, Buddy. You’re a good dog.

You did good, too, Thelma.