What a good boy.
I tell myself everyone I have loved – animal or human – alters me in some way, and I carry that difference in me when I interact with others. And in that way a part of them lives in as long as I do.
I have learned much from those I have lost, but it is the animals who have taught me the most about love.
He was a beautiful boy, and your post has me in tears.
Thank you all for your kind words and thoughts. It helps so much when there are others that know what you’re going through and/or have such wonderful compassion. 
Good enough, I’d say – you were there when the darkness fell.
We’ve had our last two put down at home so by necessity we were there postmortem. The first one, the doc asked if he had a favorite toy and asked we go inside for a minute. When we came back out she’d arranged him on a platform in the back of her car, partially covered with a blanket and the toy by his head as if asleep. Then she drove away to deliver him to the crematory.
I thought it was dumb at the time, but she wasn’t still in business for the next one. We helped that doc get her into a body bag and carry it to his car – she weighed 120 pounds and it did take three people to do the job properly. I’m a lot happier with the first memory than the second.
Re: Romeo. Both cases we brought out the other four-foots to view the body. It did distress them but I think it was better than having them what happened to their friend. Time for another drink.
We’ve had our last two put down at home so by necessity we were there postmortem. The first one, the doc asked if he had a favorite toy and asked we go inside for a minute. When we came back out she’d arranged him on a platform in the back of her car, partially covered with a blanket and the toy by his head as if asleep. Then she drove away to deliver him to the crematory.
That is kind of odd. But I think I like that better than carrying around a body bag. We brought his blanket that he sleeps with. I put it under his head, hoping the familiar smell of home would be calming for him.
Re: Romeo. Both cases we brought out the other four-foots to view the body. It did distress them but I think it was better than having them what happened to their friend. Time for another drink.
I thought of doing this, but Romeo would have been too rammy in the room. He is feeling a little nervous about the situation now. He won’t walk on our trail. He stands in the yard and stares at me. He won’t budge no matter what I bribe him with. I hope he eventually settles down. He has been cuddling with me more than he has in the last 6 months. He always wanted to be near Luca while he was sick. This weekend he was my 80 lb lap dog whenever I was on the couch. He slept like a rock. I don’t think he slept much when Luca was sick. He was always watching him.
I already forgot how to do quotes. UGH
I’m guessing she stowed him in a bag once she was out of sight but don’t know and don’t want to know.
I am so sorry. I still think about the 2 dogs that I’ve euthanized and wonder what else I could have done. It’s so, so hard. My condolences to you and your family. My heart goes out to you.
This is beautifully put.
I had to put my 15 yr old schnauzer down last October. I still think about that good boy every single day. Pets are only on loan to us as most of them are not going to outlive us. It had to be one of the hardest things I’ve done in my life to make that decision. My heart and prayers go to you today. Me and my new pup wish you healing.
Thank you again everyone! It touches my heart to have so many people offer up their support.
We are doing ok. We miss Luca’s big mastiff smile. His spot on the loveseat is empty and it doesn’t seem right.
Romeo is still having a hard time. He doesn’t eat much and he doesn’t want to go for walks like he used to. He was really physically ill for about 4 days. I almost wonder if a new puppy would help him out of his funk. My husband talks about it, but I don’t know if I’m ready for all of that work. I know it would help heal all of our hearts a little. But winter in Minnesota is a tough time to have a new puppy. We’ll see…
Foster a rescue dog that is already house trained? A younger dog for Romeo to mentor and play with? I had a fostered cat live with me for a year and it did me and my other kitty a world of good.
Hoping that loveseat of yours finds the right customer at the right time for all of you.
I’ve thought of fostering in the past, but not sure if it’s for me. I’d have to have the right mindset so I could give the dog up at some point. My friend fosters dogs quite often and she’s good at it. It’s something to think about.