# Goodbye, Pat - Yet another depressing "I'm putting my pet down" thread. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [January 23, 2014, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/goodbye-pat-yet-another-depressing-im-putting-my-pet-down-thread/679556 "2014-01-23T21:01:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2014, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/goodbye-pat-yet-another-depressing-im-putting-my-pet-down-thread/679556/21 "2014-01-24T01:18:59Z")
Dangit, I always seem to get something in my eye when I read these threads. {sniff} ---
**Author:** ![SerafinaPekala](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecae2f/32.png) [@SerafinaPekala](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SerafinaPekala)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2014, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/goodbye-pat-yet-another-depressing-im-putting-my-pet-down-thread/679556/22 "2014-01-24T02:05:04Z")
{{{StG}}} Yes, it must hurt terribly not having him with you now. Knowing you did the kind thing doesnt make it any easier, but you know he is peaceful now. My arms ache when I lose a beloved pet. I have to get another right away. ---
**Author:** ![StGermain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stgermain/32/2868_2.png) [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2014, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/goodbye-pat-yet-another-depressing-im-putting-my-pet-down-thread/679556/23 "2014-01-24T02:09:10Z")
> [@SerafinaPekala](#): > > {{{StG}}} > > Yes, it must hurt terribly not having him with you now. Knowing you did the kind thing doesnt make it any easier, but you know he is peaceful now. > > My arms ache when I lose a beloved pet. I have to get another right away. After today I still have 4 dogs, 4 cats and 3 horses. I will never just have one dog again - it hurts too much to go home to an empty house. StG ---
**Author:** ![bobkitty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c67d28/32.png) [@bobkitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobkitty)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2014, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/goodbye-pat-yet-another-depressing-im-putting-my-pet-down-thread/679556/24 "2014-01-24T02:09:25Z")
> [@Cat\_Whisperer](#): > > I recall reading a few Dopers who have stories of waiting too long to give their beloved pet their last gift, and they are universally deeply regretful that they waited too long. I am definitely one of those Dopers. I’m so sorry for your loss, StG, but am glad that Pat went smoothly to the other side. ---
**Author:** ![SerafinaPekala](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecae2f/32.png) [@SerafinaPekala](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SerafinaPekala)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2014, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/goodbye-pat-yet-another-depressing-im-putting-my-pet-down-thread/679556/25 "2014-01-24T02:15:36Z")
Yeh me too bobkitty. Guilty of doing the hypodermoclysis thing for cats in renal failure, just because it hurts to lose them. Their little lives just arent long enough _for us_. Glad you have others around you now, StG. I think animals feel grief too when one is gone. Have you seen this story about the blind horse Charlie and his goat friend Jack? [![]( " - YouTube") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDeRQW17Hzs) ---
**Author:** ![flatlined](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/eb9ed0/32.png) [@flatlined](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flatlined)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2014, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/goodbye-pat-yet-another-depressing-im-putting-my-pet-down-thread/679556/26 "2014-01-24T02:18:09Z")
> [@StGermain](#): > > It’s done. It was soft and peaceful and it’s still hurts. It never gets easier, but you did the right thing. I’m so sorry for your pain. ---
**Author:** ![PapSett](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ecc23a/32.png) [@PapSett](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PapSett)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2014, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/goodbye-pat-yet-another-depressing-im-putting-my-pet-down-thread/679556/27 "2014-01-24T02:49:54Z")
Oh sweetie, I am so very sorry. I remember when you got Pat. Iwish there was something I could do. (((hugs))) Thank you for loving Pat enough to do the right thing for him. ---
**Author:** ![Yllaria](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yllaria/32/3452_2.png) [@Yllaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yllaria)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2014, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/goodbye-pat-yet-another-depressing-im-putting-my-pet-down-thread/679556/28 "2014-01-24T02:56:47Z")
**sniff** I’m sorry for your loss. ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2014, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/goodbye-pat-yet-another-depressing-im-putting-my-pet-down-thread/679556/29 "2014-01-24T03:55:13Z")
> [@StGermain](#): > > After today I still have 4 dogs, 4 cats and 3 horses. I will never just have one dog again - it hurts too much to go home to an empty house. > > StG I will definitely agree about coming home to an empty house. Last year, you offered condolences in my thread about putting down OBL; I am not happy about being able to return the sentiments! ---
**Author:** ![SerafinaPekala](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecae2f/32.png) [@SerafinaPekala](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SerafinaPekala)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2014, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/goodbye-pat-yet-another-depressing-im-putting-my-pet-down-thread/679556/30 "2014-01-24T04:28:41Z")
Sad to say, we all will need condolences from each other eventually. Nice to see the outpouring of support, guys. And even knowing this, we still take on yet another critter. The happiness they give us def outweighs the pain: true or false? ---
**Author:** ![Cheez\_Whia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d26b3c/32.png) [@Cheez\_Whia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheez_Whia)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2014, 5:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/goodbye-pat-yet-another-depressing-im-putting-my-pet-down-thread/679556/31 "2014-01-24T05:56:56Z")
I’m so sorry. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2014, 7:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/goodbye-pat-yet-another-depressing-im-putting-my-pet-down-thread/679556/32 "2014-01-24T07:08:25Z")
> [@SerafinaPekala](#): > > \Glad you have others around you now, StG. I think animals feel grief too when one is gone. \ I agree. We had two cats who reached a state of armed truce throughout their lives together, but since the older one died, the younger one has been a different kitty - quite needy and not wanting to let me out of her sight. ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2014, 12:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/goodbye-pat-yet-another-depressing-im-putting-my-pet-down-thread/679556/33 "2014-01-24T12:00:26Z")
:smack: the reason for > [@Spiderman](#): > > I will definitely agree about coming home to an empty house. > Last year, you offered condolences in my thread about putting down OBL; I am not happy about the reason for being able to return the sentiments! Note to self: Don’t post w/ a fried brain; dropping a key word or two makes your post look dickish Hopefully you understood the original intent, **StG** ---
**Author:** ![Count\_Blucher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Count\_Blucher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Count_Blucher)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2014, 12:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/goodbye-pat-yet-another-depressing-im-putting-my-pet-down-thread/679556/34 "2014-01-24T12:21:12Z")
I’m so very sorry for your loss. ---
**Author:** ![StGermain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stgermain/32/2868_2.png) [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2014, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/goodbye-pat-yet-another-depressing-im-putting-my-pet-down-thread/679556/35 "2014-01-24T12:57:48Z")
Thank you all for your sympathy and empathy. It does help, I don’t know why. > [@SerafinaPekala](#): > > Sad to say, we all will need condolences from each other eventually. Nice to see the outpouring of support, guys. And even knowing this, we still take on yet another critter. The happiness they give us def outweighs the pain: true or false? I always say if your heart isn’t broken at the death of a pet, then you really didn’t give it the love that you both needed. You pay for that love in the end. StG ---
**Author:** ![SerafinaPekala](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecae2f/32.png) [@SerafinaPekala](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SerafinaPekala)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2014, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/goodbye-pat-yet-another-depressing-im-putting-my-pet-down-thread/679556/36 "2014-01-24T14:51:10Z")
StG, these words always give me peace: "When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy. When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight." Khalil Gibran Peace to you today, you’re a good Dog Dad ---
**Author:** ![Sailboat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sailboat/32/461_2.png) [@Sailboat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sailboat)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2014, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/goodbye-pat-yet-another-depressing-im-putting-my-pet-down-thread/679556/37 "2014-01-24T17:34:44Z")
In other context, I have described abuse as “this is not the deal we made with dogs all those thousands of years ago.” Pat’s story is the best kind of example of the deal we DID make: that in exchange for everything they do for us, we would give them food and shelter, a secure pack structure, safety and health care, love and socialization. Both when they are young AND when they are old. You have finished the last act to which you committed when you brought Pat into your pack, although you are far from making the last payment, I fear. But you did right by Pat and he knew it…that’s why he never let the wonderful place out of his sight. Your story hits close to home for me. Our own pack is beginning to gray a bit at the temples…as am I. Last night we played fiercely until we were tired, then all laid down together. Please thank Pat on our behalf. ---
**Author:** ![PapSett](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ecc23a/32.png) [@PapSett](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PapSett)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2014, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/goodbye-pat-yet-another-depressing-im-putting-my-pet-down-thread/679556/38 "2014-01-24T17:50:51Z")
> [@SerafinaPekala](#): > > StG, these words always give me peace: > > "When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy. > > When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight." > > Khalil Gibran > > Peace to you today, you’re a good Dog Dad Dog MOM. She’s a dog Mom. 🙂 StG, if you ever feel the need for another English Setter, you know, to honor Pat, I think I know where you can find one. 😉 Above and Beyond is WONDERFUL to work with, and I personally will always have a stream of Little English Ladies coming thru my Canine Bed & Breakfast as fosters… ---
**Author:** ![SerafinaPekala](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecae2f/32.png) [@SerafinaPekala](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SerafinaPekala)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2014, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/goodbye-pat-yet-another-depressing-im-putting-my-pet-down-thread/679556/39 "2014-01-24T18:14:06Z")
Oops sorry StG! DOG MOM!!:smack: ---
**Author:** ![BubbaDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bubbadog/32/333_2.png) [@BubbaDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BubbaDog)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2014, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/goodbye-pat-yet-another-depressing-im-putting-my-pet-down-thread/679556/40 "2014-01-24T18:17:42Z")
So sorry. I miss the original Bubba every day. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/goodbye-pat-yet-another-depressing-im-putting-my-pet-down-thread/679556.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/goodbye-pat-yet-another-depressing-im-putting-my-pet-down-thread/679556.md?page=3)