# So long, buddy. (Sad.) **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 24, 2003, 6:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-long-buddy-sad/183971 "2003-06-24T06:54:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![jackelope](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a6a055/32.png) [@jackelope](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jackelope)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 6:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-long-buddy-sad/183971/1 "2003-06-24T06:54:23Z")
My dog’s been having severe hip and throat trouble for a few months now, and last week (at the ripe old age of nine) had a severe allergic reaction to something, possibly a bee sting, that swelled her head and neck up like a water balloon. Then Saturday we had an emergency trip to the all-night vet, during which they had to drain about a liter of fluid from her chest cavity to let her breathe. At that point I decided it was time. I’ve watched too many dogs outlive their happiness, into the years when they have no fun, enjoy nothing, and exist only because their heart won’t stop pumping. I didn’t want to see Zeke go into the same twilight. So today was the day. My friend LeRoy, who’s known her since the day we got her, in 1994, came with me to the vet. The alternatives were explained to me, and I signed a consent form for euthanasia. Did we want to take the body with us or have them dispose of it? Have them dispose of it. Did we want to be present at the injection? Very much so. Zeke was holding up like a trooper at this point (considering how nervous the vet’s office always makes her), but when the vet and a tech came into the room, she knew–before I did–that this was it. She went into a corner and refused to come out. We pulled her out, and LeRoy and I held her head and patted her and cooed to her as the vet pulled out a syringe the size of a roll of quarters. She explained that this was essentially going to be a massive overdose of anesthesia to the dog. Did we want some time alone with her to say goodbye? No, we’ve said goodbye; let’s do this. I took the dog’s collar off. The vet put the syringe into Zeke’s leg. I noticed that there were a few air bubbles in it. She slowly pushed the plunger all the way in. It was astonishingly quick. Zeke was sitting up on her front paws as we patted her and soothed her, and about ten seconds after the plunger came out, she exhaled softly and went completely limp, and we lowered her gently to the floor. The vet checked her with a stethoscope and said, “She’s gone.” We patted her furry head one more time. The vet was kind enough to let us out the back door, so as not to have to face the people in the waiting room. We stood in the parking lot and sobbed like babies for a few minutes. It was quick, painless, and peaceful. We should all be so lucky. R.I.P. [Zeke](http://fff.fathom.org/pages/jackelope/pics/zeke4.jpg). ---
**Author:** ![Quasimodem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 7:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-long-buddy-sad/183971/2 "2003-06-24T07:45:59Z")
Rest In Peace, Zeke and thanks for the love you gave for the time you spent on the planet. I didn’t know you, but like all pets I bet you just did what you felt you had to do: love. **Jackelope** , on behalf of me and my Susie (the cat) and pet lovers everywhere, thank you for giving **Zeke** a home and a part of your life. I know she will live forever in your heart and you in hers. You will see her again. Quasimodem ---
**Author:** ![auntnut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f6c823/32.png) [@auntnut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/auntnut)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 7:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-long-buddy-sad/183971/3 "2003-06-24T07:48:56Z")
As much as it hurts, you did the right thing…and I know how hard it must have been for you to make this decision. I’m sorry you are hurting jackelope. I’m glad you had a friend with you to share your grief. Run free and catch lots of frisbees Zeke, and know that you are loved and missed. ---
**Author:** ![Violet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/ebca7d/32.png) [@Violet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Violet)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 7:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-long-buddy-sad/183971/4 "2003-06-24T07:49:21Z")
Sorry to hear about the loss of your buddy. ~ dog lover ---
**Author:** ![zoogirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/b9bd4f/32.png) [@zoogirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoogirl)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 8:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-long-buddy-sad/183971/5 "2003-06-24T08:06:30Z")
Zeke’s going to have so many buddies to play with. I bet half the Board has a dog out there, running in the sun with Zeke. Maybe she’s caught up to our old shep, King and they’re hanging out under a shady porch. I bet Dog Heaven is full of porch’s and back steps and shallow rivers. I bet it’s got trees and fast rabbits and balls. I bet there’s full food bowls and chew toys and chunks of old rope. As long as you remember her, she won’t be gone from this world, but I know she’s having a blast in the next. Surely dogs have earned their own Heaven. ---
**Author:** ![TeaRoses](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c37758/32.png) [@TeaRoses](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TeaRoses)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 9:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-long-buddy-sad/183971/6 "2003-06-24T09:23:27Z")
I have tears in my eyes now. I’m so sorry about Zeke… thank you so much for giving her a dignified end. How difficult that must have been for you. ---
**Author:** ![Spooky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c6cbf5/32.png) [@Spooky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spooky)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 9:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-long-buddy-sad/183971/7 "2003-06-24T09:42:04Z")
Cheers to the grace and dignity of Zeke. Godspeed, good friend. ---
**Author:** ![Mullinator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c2a13f/32.png) [@Mullinator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mullinator)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-long-buddy-sad/183971/8 "2003-06-24T13:03:07Z")
As a dog owner, I hate these threads but am always drawn to them. It helps me realize that no matter what a person believes or supports, in the end you are a decent person if you can have a dog that means that much in your life. Gonna have to play with mine for a good long while tonight. ---
**Author:** ![Bad\_News\_Baboon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/5fc32e/32.png) [@Bad\_News\_Baboon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bad_News_Baboon)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-long-buddy-sad/183971/9 "2003-06-24T14:00:42Z")
☹ I’m so sorry for your loss, Jackelope. ---
**Author:** ![kung\_fu\_lola](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f4b2a3/32.png) [@kung\_fu\_lola](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kung_fu_lola)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-long-buddy-sad/183971/10 "2003-06-24T14:06:58Z")
I put on Beth Orton, and then I clicked on this thread. “So long, my friend”, indeed. I’m so sorry, **jackelope**. I hope you find peace and healing in the days that are ahead of you. ---
**Author:** ![Captain\_Blunty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4491bb/32.png) [@Captain\_Blunty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Blunty)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-long-buddy-sad/183971/11 "2003-06-24T15:00:20Z")
I am so sorry for your loss **jackelope**. I don’t know if you are familiar with [The Rainbow Bridge](http://rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm) but this poem may help with the pain you feel. Just remember that you will see your friend again someday. {{{ **jackelope** }}} ---
**Author:** ![Acrylic\_Vessel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Acrylic\_Vessel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acrylic_Vessel)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-long-buddy-sad/183971/12 "2003-06-24T15:04:03Z")
**jackelope** I’m so sorry to hear about your pup. I wish I could give you a hug. In tears and with deepest regrets. ---
**Author:** ![Kithara](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/8491ac/32.png) [@Kithara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kithara)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-long-buddy-sad/183971/13 "2003-06-24T15:04:50Z")
I’m so sorry for your loss. I think you did a wonderful and kind thing, even though it was difficult. Thank you for giving Zeke a loving home and the life she deserved. ---
**Author:** ![Khadaji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-long-buddy-sad/183971/14 "2003-06-24T17:47:32Z")
The loss of a pet is a deep sadness. I wish there were words I could say that would lessen the pain. There are none. None the less, I will say that you are in my thoughts and hope that it helps. [Beau](http://www.reelclassics.com/Actors/Jimmy/jimmy-poem.htm) by Jimmy Stewart. ---
**Author:** ![macabresoul](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e68b1a/32.png) [@macabresoul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/macabresoul)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-long-buddy-sad/183971/15 "2003-06-24T18:16:22Z")
Makes me teary reading this. I remember when I had to put my cat asleep when she got cancer. Very hard to say goodbye, I couldn’t watch the actually process. Very sorry for your lose **Jackelope** , you are in my thoughts as well. ---
**Author:** ![jackelope](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a6a055/32.png) [@jackelope](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jackelope)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-long-buddy-sad/183971/16 "2003-06-24T18:56:31Z")
Everyone’s kind words are much appreciated. I’m just trying to get used to a quiet house now; every stray sound I immediately interpret as her toenails clicking on the floor. And sweeping the house is strange, as I keep expecting to have say, “Get out of the _way_, dog!” every few seconds. But I’ll get used to it; once the temporary sadness fades away, I’ll still have the happiness she brought. Thanks, everyone. ---
**Author:** ![Flamsterette\_X](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/41988e/32.png) [@Flamsterette\_X](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flamsterette_X)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-long-buddy-sad/183971/17 "2003-06-24T19:42:38Z")
Reading this has made me teary, because I know how much you loved her. I’m confident that you will see Zeke again, **jackelope** … I am sure dogs and other animals have their own Heaven. F\_X ---
**Author:** ![NurseCarmen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/5daacb/32.png) [@NurseCarmen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NurseCarmen)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-long-buddy-sad/183971/18 "2003-06-24T20:25:41Z")
_Those who say that dogs don’t have souls, either never had a soul, or never had a dog. -unknown._ You did the right thing. ---
**Author:** ![Zappo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/b3f665/32.png) [@Zappo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zappo)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-long-buddy-sad/183971/19 "2003-06-24T20:43:02Z")
You did the right thing, **jackelope**. Zeke and my Patches are probably having a high old time in Doggie Heaven right now. My condolences. ---
**Author:** ![Plankspanker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Plankspanker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Plankspanker)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-long-buddy-sad/183971/20 "2003-06-24T21:28:07Z")
i hear ya **jackelope**. our old dog just totally lost it a few years ago, and that was the last act of kindness we could do for him… hope him and Zeke are pulling on opposite ends of a chew-rope sometime…