OT - For the animal lovers: put my dog to sleep
06-22-2010, 03:40 AM
#31
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Very sorry to hear Mark.
I went through this little over year ago and it is a VERY difficult decision to make but in the end, you did a favor to a dear friend who has given you so much during his life time.
R.I.P. Rudy.
"Life for dogs is short because they have so much love to give, it's like a candle , they burn brighter and better, but dont last as long"
I went through this little over year ago and it is a VERY difficult decision to make but in the end, you did a favor to a dear friend who has given you so much during his life time.
R.I.P. Rudy.
"Life for dogs is short because they have so much love to give, it's like a candle , they burn brighter and better, but dont last as long"
06-22-2010, 09:14 AM
#32
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So sorry for your loss Mark. I had the unfortunate experience last year of having to put down two dogs within months of one another. Simply devastating. I think the worst part however was watching the behavior of a third remaining dog. The poor thing had no idea where his mates had gone. I feel your sorrow. I hope you can find some solace in the life you offered a rescue.
06-22-2010, 10:02 AM
#33
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Mark - so sorry to hear about this. I can only imagine the pain of having to put down your "best friend". My dachshund is getting older and I too have thought about him not being around. It saddens me just to think of it. Your story of your memories and times together brought tears to my eyes. Looks like you guys created a lot of memories together!
Andy
Andy
06-22-2010, 10:35 AM
#34
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Mark, I'm so sad hearing about this. Rudy was a great dog. I don't know if I should tell my 10 year old daughter that Rudy passed away. She still remembers walking him around the paddock at Summit Point when she was 5. He was a little taller than her, but was gentle and never pulled or tried to lead. I remember how Rudy would stand at attention and wait until you returned from your run. The only time we ever heard him bark was when Tim played with that RC car and Rudy wasn't too happy about having something that fast running around the shop.
Cherish your memories.
Cherish your memories.
06-22-2010, 11:41 AM
#35
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Mark,
I just saw this post and am deeply, deeply saddened by the news. My kids still talk about Rudy and they 7 and 4 when they met him at CMP. They will be praying for you and Rudy tonight as will I. My condolences, friend.
I just saw this post and am deeply, deeply saddened by the news. My kids still talk about Rudy and they 7 and 4 when they met him at CMP. They will be praying for you and Rudy tonight as will I. My condolences, friend.
06-22-2010, 11:42 AM
#36
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Mark,
So sorry to hear this news
I dont know what to say other than to keep your chin up and know that you clearly provided the greatest life for this dog!!!
So sorry to hear this news
I dont know what to say other than to keep your chin up and know that you clearly provided the greatest life for this dog!!!
06-22-2010, 11:48 AM
#37
Nordschleife Master
Mark, I'm truly sorry! I am in the same boat, my best friend has cancer, & only has a few months left, we have been trying to do so much with her. This really hit home, & I am feel your pain, & am sorry. At least you got 14 years! Looks like a great friend!!
We all know we will out live our pets, but we all think they will leave of old age, & not be taken from us, it SUCKS!!!
We all know we will out live our pets, but we all think they will leave of old age, & not be taken from us, it SUCKS!!!
06-22-2010, 12:02 PM
#38
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Mark, I feel for you, friend. It's very hard not to get choked up when I think about your experience, as it makes me think of my old dog.
I had a dog from the time I was 4 years old until I had to put him to sleep when I was 19. "Good-Guy" (hey, I named him when I was 4!), was an Old English sheepdog type mutt and my constant companion and best friend during a childhood filled with divorce, moving and other tumult. That, at a time when I didn't make friends as easily.
I know I waited way too long to take Good-Guy to the vet when it was time to say good-bye, and he could no longer walk either when I did so. Piling him into the wheelbarrow I had, and walking him to the vet was the longest walk I've ever made.
Although I was 19 when this happened, I'd never remembered a time where we weren't together. I cried a lot during that time, and was deeply affected by his passing for a long, long time. It's been over 20 years, and it still stays in my memory. I've not owned another dog since. Maybe I will one day.
Since then, I've had many people pass in my life, including my Dad. But of all those I hope to see when I leave this place, it's my dog I hope to see.
The sadness you'll feel is the price you pay for all the joy you brought one another. It sounds like you, too, had a great friendship. And for that, you're both very lucky.
Best of luck to you during this time, Mark.
I had a dog from the time I was 4 years old until I had to put him to sleep when I was 19. "Good-Guy" (hey, I named him when I was 4!), was an Old English sheepdog type mutt and my constant companion and best friend during a childhood filled with divorce, moving and other tumult. That, at a time when I didn't make friends as easily.
I know I waited way too long to take Good-Guy to the vet when it was time to say good-bye, and he could no longer walk either when I did so. Piling him into the wheelbarrow I had, and walking him to the vet was the longest walk I've ever made.
Although I was 19 when this happened, I'd never remembered a time where we weren't together. I cried a lot during that time, and was deeply affected by his passing for a long, long time. It's been over 20 years, and it still stays in my memory. I've not owned another dog since. Maybe I will one day.
Since then, I've had many people pass in my life, including my Dad. But of all those I hope to see when I leave this place, it's my dog I hope to see.
The sadness you'll feel is the price you pay for all the joy you brought one another. It sounds like you, too, had a great friendship. And for that, you're both very lucky.
Best of luck to you during this time, Mark.
Mark:
I recently went through the same thing. I described the feeling to people in the days afterward as being like "walking between walls of steel". The pain was unbearable. Even now, reading your experience, it comes right back.
He will leave an unfillable hole in your heart. Tough as it is, that's the way it's meant to be. It shows how much you both meant to each other.
We take these guys into our hearts, knowing that eventually this day will come. When it gets tough, the notion of 'Rainbow Bridge' helps me. I truly believe we will see them again.
Take care,
Barry
I recently went through the same thing. I described the feeling to people in the days afterward as being like "walking between walls of steel". The pain was unbearable. Even now, reading your experience, it comes right back.
He will leave an unfillable hole in your heart. Tough as it is, that's the way it's meant to be. It shows how much you both meant to each other.
We take these guys into our hearts, knowing that eventually this day will come. When it gets tough, the notion of 'Rainbow Bridge' helps me. I truly believe we will see them again.
Take care,
Barry
My wife and I have been thru it more times than we can count (at least 12 times) over the years. Unfortunately, Saint Bernards usually don't make it to 10 yrs old.
It doesn't get any easier, but in the end, it comes down to doing the one thing for your dog that it can not do for itself.
Given the fact that a dog gives you a lifetime of loyalty and companionship, it is the least you can do when the time comes and not think of yourself.
My wife cries for days, she sleeps with the dog's collar and eventually comes back to normal. A new dog enters the household pack and the cycle repeats.
I usually just read "The Rainbow Bridge" and hope that it is in fact true.
My condolences.
It doesn't get any easier, but in the end, it comes down to doing the one thing for your dog that it can not do for itself.
Given the fact that a dog gives you a lifetime of loyalty and companionship, it is the least you can do when the time comes and not think of yourself.
My wife cries for days, she sleeps with the dog's collar and eventually comes back to normal. A new dog enters the household pack and the cycle repeats.
I usually just read "The Rainbow Bridge" and hope that it is in fact true.
My condolences.
That's a awful good looking boy there Mark. It is amazing the bond we make with these animals. I think you know he is a better place. Sorry for your pain.
I know this pain all too well. We lost our boy on June 30, 2009 almost 1 year ago from today. Tiberius was our heart dog. We we not lucky enough to have children of our own, so we have dogs. We got Ty on my 40th birthday from the Boulder humane society. This dog was the best thing my wife and I ever did together. Ty suffered bone cancer which is extremely painful. The vet want to take his leg. We did not think that a 12 yo dog would survive the surgery. The cancer was spreading like fire.
On his last day Mary and I spent the entire day with him. We did all his favorite things. We went swimming, had ice cream and hung out in his favorite park. We too had the vet come to the house. I will never forget him leaving this life.
Ty was awesome dog and sounds like your boy Rudy was too.
Your story makes me cry.
Sorry man.
Bob-
I know this pain all too well. We lost our boy on June 30, 2009 almost 1 year ago from today. Tiberius was our heart dog. We we not lucky enough to have children of our own, so we have dogs. We got Ty on my 40th birthday from the Boulder humane society. This dog was the best thing my wife and I ever did together. Ty suffered bone cancer which is extremely painful. The vet want to take his leg. We did not think that a 12 yo dog would survive the surgery. The cancer was spreading like fire.
On his last day Mary and I spent the entire day with him. We did all his favorite things. We went swimming, had ice cream and hung out in his favorite park. We too had the vet come to the house. I will never forget him leaving this life.
Ty was awesome dog and sounds like your boy Rudy was too.
Your story makes me cry.
Sorry man.
Bob-
Damn.....I had just got done yelling at my dogs for doing what they know....barking. I was too busy under a car to get my *** up and let them in, so in frustration I get pissed at them and yell.
Come back out here and see this thread, read it, then went back in for a few minutes of puppy love.
I'm so sorry to hear this, I dread the day I will have to put mine down.
Thanks for posting so dumbass will think a bit more before yelling at mine. Time is too short.
Come back out here and see this thread, read it, then went back in for a few minutes of puppy love.
I'm so sorry to hear this, I dread the day I will have to put mine down.
Thanks for posting so dumbass will think a bit more before yelling at mine. Time is too short.
Sorry to read this Mark. It sounds like the same thing that took my first German Shepherd, Tasha. I put her down on Father's Day 1997. Father's Day is not a pleasant time for me (no kids, just dogs). I could not believe how much I cried that day.
I too hope Tasha is waiting for me on the other side. Wish you all the best.
I too hope Tasha is waiting for me on the other side. Wish you all the best.
Mark ,
My (and my wifes) condolences...... While our pup is only 3, I cant bear the though of when his day comes (sitting here with tears).... They really do become part of the family....
It sounds like you did what is best for HIM which is sometime the hardest, Im sure he thanks you.
My (and my wifes) condolences...... While our pup is only 3, I cant bear the though of when his day comes (sitting here with tears).... They really do become part of the family....
It sounds like you did what is best for HIM which is sometime the hardest, Im sure he thanks you.
It hurts...The heartache, the void, the silence, the absence of fur...But there are memories, wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. There will never be another quite like him but there are so many out there that need a good, safe home and, in return, will give love, devotion and more great memories.
I feel your pain. I've gone through this a couple of times, and it is terrible. Our current Yorkshire Terror is 7, so hopefully we have some more good years together.
http://www.readprint.com/work-970/Th...udyard-Kipling
http://www.readprint.com/work-970/Th...udyard-Kipling
Mark, my sincerer and heartfelt condolences. Rudy looks like an amazing dog. The day I put my last German Shepherd down was the most agonizing day and then month of my life. Thirty days later I couldn't take it anymore and got another Shepherd from the WA German Shepherd rescue. That helped more than anything else possibly could. A few years later another dog, a Rhodie, wandered into my life. I couldn't be happier, but already dread and steel myself for the end of the line whenever it will come...
I agree with Trackrat, that there are so many wonderful dogs that need good homes, you will do yourself and the next dog a world of good when you are ready to take in another. Hang in there. You will always have Rudy in your heart!
I agree with Trackrat, that there are so many wonderful dogs that need good homes, you will do yourself and the next dog a world of good when you are ready to take in another. Hang in there. You will always have Rudy in your heart!
My condolences.
I had 2 Jack Russell Terriers who were my dear buddies. My oldest was 13 and last September I had to put him down. I didn't know he was that sick. 4 months later my other pal, 11 years old also had to be put down.
Dogs give their unconditional love and in retrospect we have them for such a short time. I'm still not over losing them and as wimpy as it sounds, I grieved for days. Still hard for me to look at pictures.
All the best!
I had 2 Jack Russell Terriers who were my dear buddies. My oldest was 13 and last September I had to put him down. I didn't know he was that sick. 4 months later my other pal, 11 years old also had to be put down.
Dogs give their unconditional love and in retrospect we have them for such a short time. I'm still not over losing them and as wimpy as it sounds, I grieved for days. Still hard for me to look at pictures.
All the best!
Mark I am so sorry to hear about Rudy. Your story brought tears to my eyes and memories of when Robert and I had to make that same decision in 1999 when we had to put our beloved Reka to sleep at the age of 16. It was totally unexpected and out of the blue. She went from being fine to not being able to breath in a weeks time. She had lung cancer. Having to let her go had such an effect on us we didn't get another dog for 6 years. We just couldn't. Then came Speedster and she is my total partner in crime. She is my Rudy. I'm hugging Speedster extra extra tight tonight. I don't know how I'll handle it when it's time to let her go. We came close to losing her last month (she was poisoned) but with lots of prayers and a great Vet she made it. I know that one day though, prayers and a great vet will not help .......
Hugs from me to you, and a Lick from Speedie too....
Here's a poem I really like and I hope it helps.
"In the Candle's Glow"
Warm light coming from far below,
Twinkling, sparkling is the candle's glow.
All is well up on the ridge,
The place we know as Rainbow Bridge.
Furbabies sleeping in heaven's light,
Tended by candles in the night.
Peaceful dreams be theirs to keep,
As they slumber in this night so deep.
Hearts on earth that miss them so,
Take comfort in the candle's glow.
Watching for them in skies above,
Bound eternally by a cord of love.
Laura Hickman
Hugs from me to you, and a Lick from Speedie too....
Here's a poem I really like and I hope it helps.
"In the Candle's Glow"
Warm light coming from far below,
Twinkling, sparkling is the candle's glow.
All is well up on the ridge,
The place we know as Rainbow Bridge.
Furbabies sleeping in heaven's light,
Tended by candles in the night.
Peaceful dreams be theirs to keep,
As they slumber in this night so deep.
Hearts on earth that miss them so,
Take comfort in the candle's glow.
Watching for them in skies above,
Bound eternally by a cord of love.
Laura Hickman
Mark, very sad to hear. It took several attempts to read through the entire thread. I kept looking at my two Jack Russell Terriers (Terrorists?), realizing that day will come. Dino is 10, Daisy is 6. "Pet?" I don't think so. Companion, protector, entertainer, but more than anything friend(s). They are ALWAYS happy to see you and their ideal world is to be at your side every moment. If only we as humans could show such devotion.
My condolences Mark.
My wife and I have been thru this as well. We had to put down Oz last September and Max passed in our arms a few years prior. Everyone knew them and asked for them daily. They were very well behaved. They will always be a part of us. Miss them so much ..........
Oz & Max
My wife and I have been thru this as well. We had to put down Oz last September and Max passed in our arms a few years prior. Everyone knew them and asked for them daily. They were very well behaved. They will always be a part of us. Miss them so much ..........
Oz & Max
Mark, I am so sorry for your loss. I am a vet as well as an animal caregiver - so I know and have experienced both sides of this painful time.
It is good to talk about him and to remember and celebrate the good times you have had. 14 years is a wonderful age to reach - he was lucky to have found someone who adored him too. Trying a cart and nursing a pet with Degenerative Myelopathy is an exercise of love.
You tried your best and Rudy knew it - and you were close to him comforting him right to the end.
Bill
It is good to talk about him and to remember and celebrate the good times you have had. 14 years is a wonderful age to reach - he was lucky to have found someone who adored him too. Trying a cart and nursing a pet with Degenerative Myelopathy is an exercise of love.
You tried your best and Rudy knew it - and you were close to him comforting him right to the end.
Bill
Hey Mark,
Sorry to hear that. believe me, I feel your pain as I am going trough it right now.
My Vizsla Dog of 12 years, Hugo, developed Mast cell tumors on his rear leg 4 months ago. We have operated on him twice and it comes back more agressive and rapidly growing than before. The tumors have now spread and he is lumpy all over. He can barely walk now, as the mass is too big and can't be operated anymore.
But with all the pain and discomfort that he must be going trough, he still chases me around wherever I go, wags his tail happily when he hears my voice, and still has that same spark in his eye as the day that I took him when he was only 8 weeks old.
I just came back from the Vet. She said that there is nothing else that they can do and that I should consider putting him down. I know that this is something that I need to do in the next few days to stop his suffering and it is tearing my heart appart.
You did the right thing and you were there for Rudy when he needed you the most. I must do soon the same for Hugo. I keep looking in his eyes for a sign, anything that tells me that he had enough, and as much as it will hurt, I will be there for him and assure him that everything will be ok.
There is a strong bond that gets created between a dog and its "person". We like to think that we "adopt" a dog, but I really believe that they adopt us instead by allowing us into their wonderful world. The moments and that special bond that you share with Rudy, will be with you forever.
Hang in there buddy. Your Rudy sounds a lot like Hugo, and if there is an afterlife, I'm hoping that he finds him so they can play and run, free of all pains and discomforts. I'm sure they'll have a blast!
Sorry to hear that. believe me, I feel your pain as I am going trough it right now.
My Vizsla Dog of 12 years, Hugo, developed Mast cell tumors on his rear leg 4 months ago. We have operated on him twice and it comes back more agressive and rapidly growing than before. The tumors have now spread and he is lumpy all over. He can barely walk now, as the mass is too big and can't be operated anymore.
But with all the pain and discomfort that he must be going trough, he still chases me around wherever I go, wags his tail happily when he hears my voice, and still has that same spark in his eye as the day that I took him when he was only 8 weeks old.
I just came back from the Vet. She said that there is nothing else that they can do and that I should consider putting him down. I know that this is something that I need to do in the next few days to stop his suffering and it is tearing my heart appart.
You did the right thing and you were there for Rudy when he needed you the most. I must do soon the same for Hugo. I keep looking in his eyes for a sign, anything that tells me that he had enough, and as much as it will hurt, I will be there for him and assure him that everything will be ok.
There is a strong bond that gets created between a dog and its "person". We like to think that we "adopt" a dog, but I really believe that they adopt us instead by allowing us into their wonderful world. The moments and that special bond that you share with Rudy, will be with you forever.
Hang in there buddy. Your Rudy sounds a lot like Hugo, and if there is an afterlife, I'm hoping that he finds him so they can play and run, free of all pains and discomforts. I'm sure they'll have a blast!
Mark. There is no way you could know this, but ever since my own dog attacked me for no known reason and then dropped dead many years ago, I have feared them. Imagine my chagrin when I came unexpected with Gappy to your home months ago and after you welcomed us in, I saw Rudy. I almost peed in my pants, but because you were so chilled about the whole thing, I decided to go with the flow. Rudy's temperament was an extension of your own. The kindness you showed to me was reflected in the trust you had in him that he would do the right thing and in the way he understood the social connection between us.
I too, have lost animals more dear to me than my connection to other humans and so share in your sense of loss. But I too, am confident that the love you felt for him is mirrored and celebrated in the way you treat other people.
The heart is a funny place: I believe in karma. The love you made is circulating within your own life. Rudy is a part of it still! You were instrumental in his progress: he, in yours!
My thoughts are with you!
I too, have lost animals more dear to me than my connection to other humans and so share in your sense of loss. But I too, am confident that the love you felt for him is mirrored and celebrated in the way you treat other people.
The heart is a funny place: I believe in karma. The love you made is circulating within your own life. Rudy is a part of it still! You were instrumental in his progress: he, in yours!
My thoughts are with you!
Mark, that is a beautiful dog and a beautiful eulogy.
I feel your pain. But I'm sure your life is better because Rudy had been part of it. That's how I think when remembering Cody, our golden retriever. The smell of wet fur and the feel of a wet nose always stay with you. And that's a good thing.
I feel your pain. But I'm sure your life is better because Rudy had been part of it. That's how I think when remembering Cody, our golden retriever. The smell of wet fur and the feel of a wet nose always stay with you. And that's a good thing.
Mark,
I know what you're going through. Had to do likewise a bit over a year ago to Harley ...an incredible dog and huge furry friend to my children. He was the best protector yet incredibly gentle and loving ...was my kids' guardian and friend for years. It was so very hard for me to see him go down, and then to see my childrens' grief ...the loss to us all cannot be described adequately in words. Hard, my friend. I know. Take heart, buddy. Keep posting pics, keep talking about him, and share him, his companionship, and what he meant to you whenever you see fit. It is how we cope, and very much a part of how we show our love, even when they are no longer with us. My best to you, my friend, during this trying time.
Ed
I know what you're going through. Had to do likewise a bit over a year ago to Harley ...an incredible dog and huge furry friend to my children. He was the best protector yet incredibly gentle and loving ...was my kids' guardian and friend for years. It was so very hard for me to see him go down, and then to see my childrens' grief ...the loss to us all cannot be described adequately in words. Hard, my friend. I know. Take heart, buddy. Keep posting pics, keep talking about him, and share him, his companionship, and what he meant to you whenever you see fit. It is how we cope, and very much a part of how we show our love, even when they are no longer with us. My best to you, my friend, during this trying time.
Ed
Mark, I'm so sorry that you had to experience such a loss of your friend. Rudy looked like quite a character. What a blessing to have experienced having such a faithful buddy.
Our Yogi is almost 12 1/2 and is definitely slowing down. It's such an inevtiable heartbreak but I wouldn't miss the experience for anything.
Our Yogi is almost 12 1/2 and is definitely slowing down. It's such an inevtiable heartbreak but I wouldn't miss the experience for anything.
Very sorry to hear Mark.
I went through this little over year ago and it is a VERY difficult decision to make but in the end, you did a favor to a dear friend who has given you so much during his life time.
R.I.P. Rudy.
"Life for dogs is short because they have so much love to give, it's like a candle , they burn brighter and better, but dont last as long"
I went through this little over year ago and it is a VERY difficult decision to make but in the end, you did a favor to a dear friend who has given you so much during his life time.
R.I.P. Rudy.
"Life for dogs is short because they have so much love to give, it's like a candle , they burn brighter and better, but dont last as long"
So sorry for your loss Mark. I had the unfortunate experience last year of having to put down two dogs within months of one another. Simply devastating. I think the worst part however was watching the behavior of a third remaining dog. The poor thing had no idea where his mates had gone. I feel your sorrow. I hope you can find some solace in the life you offered a rescue.
Mark - so sorry to hear about this. I can only imagine the pain of having to put down your "best friend". My dachshund is getting older and I too have thought about him not being around. It saddens me just to think of it. Your story of your memories and times together brought tears to my eyes. Looks like you guys created a lot of memories together!
Andy
Andy
Mark, I'm so sad hearing about this. Rudy was a great dog. I don't know if I should tell my 10 year old daughter that Rudy passed away. She still remembers walking him around the paddock at Summit Point when she was 5. He was a little taller than her, but was gentle and never pulled or tried to lead. I remember how Rudy would stand at attention and wait until you returned from your run. The only time we ever heard him bark was when Tim played with that RC car and Rudy wasn't too happy about having something that fast running around the shop.
Cherish your memories.
Cherish your memories.
Thanks, Chris. I did my best with him.
06-22-2010, 12:03 PM
#39
Rudy was a great companion. I feel your pain. So sorry.
That's the hardest thing with pets, they just don't live long enough.
Hang in there pal. The pain will pass.
Phil
That's the hardest thing with pets, they just don't live long enough.
Hang in there pal. The pain will pass.
Phil
06-22-2010, 12:06 PM
#40
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Mark, I'm truly sorry! I am in the same boat, my best friend has cancer, & only has a few months left, we have been trying to do so much with her. This really hit home, & I am feel your pain, & am sorry. At least you got 14 years! Looks like a great friend!!
We all know we will out live our pets, but we all think they will leave of old age, & not be taken from us, it SUCKS!!!
We all know we will out live our pets, but we all think they will leave of old age, & not be taken from us, it SUCKS!!!
06-22-2010, 12:09 PM
#41
Burning Brakes
Tears came to my eyes as I read this. It's a very difficult time to go through. I had to carry my lab in to have this done and I too was sobbing. You never know how bad it can be until the end. Best wishes to you and a speedy recovery. Time is the only healer for this one.
06-22-2010, 12:15 PM
#43
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Tears came to my eyes as I read this. It's a very difficult time to go through. I had to carry my lab in to have this done and I too was sobbing. You never know how bad it can be until the end. Best wishes to you and a speedy recovery. Time is the only healer for this one.
06-22-2010, 12:22 PM
#44
Nordschleife Master
Stealth - Do you think you'll be there when your dog has to go? I liked the idea of the vet coming to the house rather than having it done at a place that wasn't his home. It also allowed some personal time after he had died. I wish you all of the strength you can summon.
My last dog that I put down was the same as you, right in my arms, that was back in 1996, it still hits me today. Seeing the life leave him, is just something you never forget. I am lucky to have a big support group, & as you it seams your buddy touched a few lives.
It sucks, & you will hurt for quite some time, but it IS the right choice, & sounds like he had a great life! You did the right thing, & things will get better!!
