My last pup has gone over the rainbow bridge. I have owned dogs for over 25 years. Yesterday I had to put down Harley, my last doggie. He was the sweetest, best dog of them all. Harley D. Hogg was a “fat boy” (over 22 lbs!) when we got him 13 years ago (hence the Harley-Davidson name) but was down to just 11.2 lbs yesterday.
He was over 15 years old, mostly blind and deaf, but got around just fine. He always used the doggie door to go potty, and was eating and drinking like normal. Then one morning last week, his back legs looked significantly weaker and he was stumbling and falling down a little, and running into walls and furniture.
He was having trouble locating the doggie door, and I began taking him outside to do his business. He would get lost and just wander around. Sometimes he would just stare into space. He startled extremely easily, even when I put my hand down to let him know I was there.
He still recognized my smell, and I held him while the doctor gave him the injection. I told him he was the best of all of my dogs, but not to tell the others I said that when he met them on the other side.
I have made the mistake of waiting too long to put dogs down, and even if this was a tiny bit early, it feels right even if I am feeling guilty. Goodbye, sweet boy.
The hardest day of my life was putting down my dog Reggie a couple of years ago. I thought I could draw out his last days in comfort, but he was always yowling in pain, and I realized he needed to go. I hope he and Harley are playing in doggie heaven.
Very sorry for this. I had to do this a year ago today. One of the hardest days. You did the right thing for your friend. Don’t make my mistake, tho - be gentle on yourself.
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your sweet boy. I’ve had to say goodbye to many dogs and a few cats. It never, ever gets easier.
We lost two dogs three weeks apart in 2020 and then were dogless for the first time in 38 years (not counting the dogs my husband and I had as kids). It didn’t feel right. I felt lost without a dog. It bothered me that I wasn’t a dog owner (parent) anymore.
We want to wait a while, even though we were talking about getting another one last year. We’d like to travel a bit without having to worry about the dogs’ care, especially after the past couple of years being unable to go anywhere.
But as all animal lovers know, sometimes they just fall into our laps (and hearts!)
This is what happened for us. As we were cleaning and putting away his crate, bowls, beds, and toys, I asked my wife if we’d ever need these things again. We both nodded in agreement. About three weeks later a friend of hers heard about our loss, and suggested we look at her son’s dog, which was about to be sent to the pound. Turned-out to be a nearly perfect match for us (altho at first it was crazy) - she needed to be re-homed, and we needed a dog in our lives. It was sooner than I expected, but it’s almost a year with her now - no doubt she helped with our healing.
I don’t know about how the universe works, but sometimes it just does.
As hard as it is, it is better to go early than late. At some point, you have to ask who you you are keeping them alive for, your benefit or theirs.
It was a year ago yesterday that I had to put my good girl down. She probably would have lived for some time more, but she wouldn’t have been enjoying that life at all.
I’m so sorry.
I just hate having to think about this. But you have to. Dogs never live as long as we do.
Every dog I’ve ever owned, fostered or just walked up on my deck and into my heart will be fondly remembered.
I can never be without dogs as a part of my life.
I am so sorry for the loss of your friend, Rebo. I had to do the same thing about 2 and half months ago. Remember the good times. And you did the right thing.
