Good dog Max. I’m sorry.
Obviously I don’t know the details of Flash’s maladies, but for Max’s degenerative disc disorder Rimadyl (an anti-inflammatory) was almost a wonder drug. For a long time, we only used it for particularly bad days, because it can have some deleterious effects on the liver. But a few weeks ago the vet put him on it full-time and it really put a spring back in his step. We both were of the opinion that he was likely to die of something else before the Rimadyl caused anything serious. We were right. Science Diet j/d seemed to help as well, as did glucosamine.
Thanks for the thoughts, everyone. I know without a doubt that we did the absolute best thing for him today. Still sucks, though.
{{carlb}}
I am so very sorry. I am close to facing this same thing with my little Cricket, so it hits me hard, like a sledge hammer.
Max was loved well. That is the best that any dog can ask for, really. (((hugs))) to you and your family.
RIP Max-it sounds like you were well loved.
I will give my cats scritches in honor of Max. 
RIP, good and faithful friend.
Sorry about that. We put our Dixie to sleep 3 weeks ago today, so I know how you feel. She was a good girl.
Anyone who’s had to do this knows how much it fucking hurts. The critters really make a big place in your heart. The part about Max scrunching up his face to get a treat made me laugh through my tears.
So long, Max. 
I had a dog; actually. she had me (wrapped around her paw like a pinky ring). She may have looked like a dog, but acted like a cat; she was a mean, growly thing. I saw her back down a rotte twice her size who came up to sniff her (how un-royal lady like!) She didn’t tolerate close cuddling, but you could rub her all day long with an outstretched arm, or 10 ft pole & if you got up to go in another room, she’d follow. You just couldn’t violate her ample personal space.
When we put her down, I held her on my lap. When she passed, her muscles relaxed…all of her muscles, including her bladder.
Yes, that’s right, my deceased dog peed on me! :eek: Seemed appropriate as her final act.
16½ years is a good long run for a dog, but it’s never easy. Good boy, Max.
sniffle This is making me think of all the furry companions I have loved and lost over the years. Misty, who patiently taught me to walk. Tara, who would fight anyone who looked at me the wrong way. Noor, dopey and sweet. Tabby, the fiercest cat in the world, who wouldn’t let anyone but me touch her. And I worry already for the day I will have to make that horrible but loving decision for Jana.
They put such faith in us, and we have to repay it by making that hard decision not to let them suffer. {{Hug to you & fam}} Good boy, Max!
Good dog, indeed. The highest compliment you can pay to a dog. Every dog I’ve lost has been a good dog (no, not just a good dog, but a damn good dog) and every time I have to say goodbye is harder than the previous time. Then I question my sanity when I adopt another one. My dog will be seven next month. He’s entering middle age. He’s still healthy and very happy, but he’s getting white hairs all over his muzzle and every time I look at his face, it reminds me that while he still has lots of good years left, they’re not unlimited.
carlb, thanks for sharing. I know Max loved you and undoubtedly was grateful that you gave him such a good life. You and your wife did the right thing by being by his side and letting your touch be the last thing he felt and your voices the last ones he heard.
Damn, I hardly ever cry, but I have a good one everytime I read a pet thread about loss. Know that you are not alone in your tears.
You did a good thing today, and I know how much it hurt you to do it. I’m sitting here crying for your loss. It hurts my heart every time I read one of these threads, but I do it to honor the memory of the pet that’s crossed.
I had a vet visit today with my two kids. One is a two year old Collie we’ve had for less than a year, and a Dachshund that just turned eleven in February. Eleven is old for a doxie and she had a back injury when she was three that paralyzed her for over 6 months. I know that any day could be my last with her and I try to love her the best I can while she’s here.