Capt. James H. Callahan Posted January 26 Share Posted January 26 As it stands, tomorrow morning we are going to put our 19 yr old Pom down. She's almost totally blind and deaf, gets lost in the house even more so when we put her outside to potty. We often have to go out and guide her inside, sometimes have to pick her up and carry her in, and she pitches a fit being picked up. Tough call. You'd think old dogs would have the decency to just up and die. Sadly it all to often doesn't work that way. Our vet is giving us some ACE we can give her in the morning so taking her in hopefully will not be too traumatic. It just SUCKS! JHC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dantankerous Posted January 26 Share Posted January 26 Sorry to hear this. I've been through this twice recently. Never an easy decision, but needed. We found a vet who makes end of life house calls so the poor animal can at least pass quietly at home, in familiar surrounding, with family. I like to think that helps the animal in some small way at their end. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Sage, SASS #49891 Life Posted January 26 Share Posted January 26 Yep for sure! I had to put my Lab Molly down a few years back, she was 13. Her head was in my lap when she went. Had her cremated and scattered her ashes in our pond where she liked to chase the fish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cypress Sun Posted January 26 Share Posted January 26 Been there and done that too many times. It doesn't get easier, no matter how many times it's been. You're being the best friend to your best friend in her final moments of need. It'll be traumatic for you and those who love her. Remember her as she once was and don't be afraid to cry. I know I have tears in my eyes right now and I don't even know her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LawMan Mark, SASS #57095L Posted January 26 Share Posted January 26 So sorry. Unfortunately, that time does come. We had two put down three years ago, and they still are loved, and remembered often. Prayers said for your beloved pet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt. James H. Callahan Posted January 26 Author Share Posted January 26 https://www.bartleby.com/364/335.html The Power of the Dog, Rudyard Kipling Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdeacon Joe Posted January 26 Share Posted January 26 It always hurts. When we had to put April down back in May we were able to find a vet that would waive the fee, except for the cremation fee. She had been coughing a lot, and the last day straining her head up to breathe, Lisa was a wreck when I got home from work, having spent the day trying to sooth April. We took her in her favorite bed, so she knew something was different. She did hold her head out the car window a little, something she loved. We cried a lot, but knew we had done the right thing. I still sometimes expect this when I get home from somewhere: https://youtube.com/shorts/AdvXFIxhWf8?feature=share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cold Lake Kid, SASS # 51474 Posted January 26 Share Posted January 26 We've had to do it too many times. It helped them when we were with them when they went. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt. James H. Callahan Posted January 26 Author Share Posted January 26 3 minutes ago, Subdeacon Joe said: It always hurts. When we had to put April down back in May we were able to find a vet that would waive the fee, except for the cremation fee. She had been coughing a lot, and the last day straining her head up to breathe, Lisa was a wreck when I got home from work, having spent the day trying to sooth April. We took her in her favorite bed, so she knew something was different. She did hold her head out the car window a little, something she loved. We cried a lot, but knew we had done the right thing. I still sometimes expect this when I get home from somewhere: https://youtube.com/shorts/AdvXFIxhWf8?feature=share Some years ago one of our most beloved dogs Mr. Shorty had a bad heart valve and congestive heart failure. One night I was up most of the night with him when he was gasping for air. I should have took him out and shot him, but just didn't have the guts. Hoped he'd die before morning, he actually got better. He had another attack a few days later during the day, and I had to take him on the last ride to the vet. That's the hard part about Windy. Other than being blind and deaf she's in pretty good shape physically for such and old dog. She still LOVES to eat! JHC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Clark Posted January 26 Share Posted January 26 Dang hard to face, but she needs you to be with her till the end. Remember the good times and that she’ll be waiting for you on the day you cross over. It’s the toughest part of loving them. We’re sending knee mail for you Capt! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T.K. Posted January 26 Share Posted January 26 Sorry for your loss. It's a hard decision to make but it comes down to quality of life for both you and your furry loved one. I lost my little Gigi January 1st after 17 years. Take heart knowing that she will be waiting for you when you get to Heaven. She'll come running up to greet you, Perfect in every way! God bless TK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Okie Sawbones, SASS #77381 Posted January 26 Share Posted January 26 But think of the many years you shared. Lots of memories. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eyesa Horg Posted January 26 Share Posted January 26 Sending our sincerest condolences, been there too many times ourselves. Thankful we were able to help stop the suffering. It is never an easy thing to lose our furry kids. Prayers up for you folks. Eyesa & Ellie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dantankerous Posted January 26 Share Posted January 26 With my last little girl to leave us, and it was rough, I thought at least she died not cold, not scared and not hungry. It was very peaceful. We were with her. She probably died "better" than 99.9% of all other living beings on the planet. That does give some comfort. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forty Rod SASS 3935 Posted January 26 Share Posted January 26 2 hours ago, Capt. James H. Callahan said: https://www.bartleby.com/364/335.html The Power of the Dog, Rudyard Kipling That's one I meissed. Thank you. Losing a dog is hard and it never gets easier. You have my condolences and prayers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Riot, SASS #13748 Posted January 26 Share Posted January 26 I am so sorry for your loss Captain. I wish I had the words to make this better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdeacon Joe Posted January 26 Share Posted January 26 5 hours ago, Capt. James H. Callahan said: https://www.bartleby.com/364/335.html The Power of the Dog, Rudyard Kipling Thanks. That gets saved. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt. James H. Callahan Posted January 26 Author Share Posted January 26 Hope it works out that way Joe. JHC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt. James H. Callahan Posted January 26 Author Share Posted January 26 https://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/just-for-fun/a-man-and-his-dog-go-to-heaven/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt. James H. Callahan Posted January 27 Author Share Posted January 27 Windy (no mis spell) got her name when I came home one day when the wife was gone. There was a pet carrier that had a note "Meet Shorty's new best friend" So I take this little tribble (for you Star Trek fans) out, she fit in the palm of my hand. I'm like " I THINK this is supposed to be a dog." She got her name cuz she farted twice in a minute or two! JHC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt. James H. Callahan Posted January 27 Author Share Posted January 27 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt. James H. Callahan Posted January 27 Author Share Posted January 27 Windy when she was young and pretty. She changed colors about 3 times. JHC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canton Chris Posted January 27 Share Posted January 27 My sincere condolences, words can’t ease the loss but know that both of your lives were better for loving each other… Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sedalia Dave Posted January 27 Share Posted January 27 Condolences. Been there many time and will likely be there a few more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Original Lumpy Gritz Posted January 27 Share Posted January 27 I can't see the screen now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bad Bascomb, SASS # 47,494 Posted January 27 Share Posted January 27 For several posts, this was to me academic and a philosophical discussion. Then you posted her photos....... Had a traumatic and unpleasant experience at 10 years of age losing our puppy, and could never allow myself to get into a similar situation of experiencing such emotions again. Prayers for your comfort. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Painted Mohawk SASS 77785 Posted January 27 Share Posted January 27 19...that's certainly a great innings, I feel for you , it's bloody hard but you know deep inside you are doing the right thing..best wishes Pard. we have Lost 3 four legged mates in the last 2 1/2 years, never easy.!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
watab kid Posted January 27 Share Posted January 27 you have had more years than i might have imagined with your partner in life , i went a bit over 40 years without a dog , now dont get me wrong , i have no issues with dogs , on the contrary when i was born there was a german shepard next to me that was my faithful companion and protector for six years , that one was my dog after that i had a couple more - lost one to distemper , then i went away from home and having dogs , not until my first wife bought a peek - then two -was i so attached again , but they went with her , sad on one hand but relieved on the other , so now all these years and marriages later , my current wife decided we had to have a dog - yorkie [sp] he is a great dog , two years old and all i can think of is what happens down the road ? i lost so many and i was always so painful , i think my take-a-way on this is that if you never have them your life is diminished by everything they gave you in the time you had together , the pain is meant to remind you why you enjoyed them so much , i would not have chosen to have a dog again not wishing to go through the end but ill never regret having the one i have now - or the one i was born with ......he was my very best friend in the world in those few years we had together , Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yazoo City Gal Posted January 27 Share Posted January 27 Hold her and love on her and tell her sweet stories of wonderful memories you have of her! Lot's of face kisses too! It's going to be hard Capt. but she will have you to comfort her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Slim Chance Posted January 27 Share Posted January 27 The Grave I will be the first one to admit that I am not a poet, but I penned the attached the day we had to put our dog down. The old man walks slowly across the yard The weathered shaft of a shovel held in his calloused hand. A spot has been chosen, under the oak tree where many a day was spent in the sun. Those days are gone, stolen by the passage of time He starts digging, marks out length and width Shovel by shovel the hole is dug, the corners clear, the bottom leveled. Tears moistening the soil as the task is finished. The last service he can do to honor a dog loyal through the years The bundle is carried across the yard by a son grown Tears flowing freely into his gnarled beard Grief fulfilled, honoring a life spent with his dog He is lowered gently to his final resting place Wrapped in his blanket, his favorite toy between his paws. One last caress, one final pat. Go free my friend Run once again, released from the bondage of illness and age We slowly fill in the grave Scoop by scoop Then stand around, reluctant to leave our beloved friend The sun is setting, darkness is settling around the yard A Final Rest Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Original Lumpy Gritz Posted January 27 Share Posted January 27 You'll meet again I have several waiting at Rainbow Bridge for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt. James H. Callahan Posted January 27 Author Share Posted January 27 1 hour ago, Jonathan Slim Chance said: The Grave I will be the first one to admit that I am not a poet, but I penned the attached the day we had to put our dog down. The old man walks slowly across the yard The weathered shaft of a shovel held in his calloused hand. A spot has been chosen, under the oak tree where many a day was spent in the sun. Those days are gone, stolen by the passage of time He starts digging, marks out length and width Shovel by shovel the hole is dug, the corners clear, the bottom leveled. Tears moistening the soil as the task is finished. The last service he can do to honor a dog loyal through the years The bundle is carried across the yard by a son grown Tears flowing freely into his gnarled beard Grief fulfilled, honoring a life spent with his dog He is lowered gently to his final resting place Wrapped in his blanket, his favorite toy between his paws. One last caress, one final pat. Go free my friend Run once again, released from the bondage of illness and age We slowly fill in the grave Scoop by scoop Then stand around, reluctant to leave our beloved friend The sun is setting, darkness is settling around the yard A Final Rest That's very nice, thank you. I've buried quite a few pets. The last ones we just left at the vet, mostly due to time of day and logistics. We left Windy with the vet too. I should have buried her in the back yard, but I didn't. As your poem alludes, burying a pet is if anything more traumatic than having one put down. My wife had a little yorkie/pom mutt when we got married. Peanut lived to be 14 or 15 and eventually would up with bad diabetes and we had to put her down. We buried her under the apple tree in the back yard and it d*mn near killed us. The apple tree finally died last summer too. It was old when we moved here 25 years ago. JHC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickasaw Bill SASS #70001 Posted January 27 Share Posted January 27 it is never easy to lose , a critter ,that think you are the best thing ever I have a pack waiting , for me , as long as I go where they are I am good with that I miss everyone of em , ever day I have lost a part of me with each of em Chickasaw Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt. James H. Callahan Posted January 27 Author Share Posted January 27 Everything went pretty well this morning. Thanks to everyone who posted. It was a help. One more pic and I'll quit. Me and Windy from a couple years ago testing a new Christmas blanky. Back when she would sit with us........now and then. Sus amigo, JHC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calamity Kris Posted January 27 Share Posted January 27 Prayers up for comfort. Been there many times ourselves. Enjoy your memories and know she will continue to live on in your heart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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