Time has come to say goodbye to my dog

**delawarerick** · 02-01-2016, 08:35 AM

A quick update on Bruce my Scottish Terrior his knee got better but his liver got worst. Took him to a Dr who put him on some meds but it seemed to excellerate his liver disease. This is perhaps one of the hardest days of my life. Tonight a Dr will come to the house and put Bruce down. I gave him the best I could and I just can't seem to get a grip on this. He has not ate for 3-4 weeks he drinks water but he is just skin and bones. He does not seem to be in pain but he is fading and I do not want him to suffer. Abandoned as a young dog and abused we gave him the run of the house and our hearts. His buddy Princess will be left alone they have been together since the both were rescued by my wife and myself. Thanks everybody for the support and specially Tux who has been supportive and gone out of his way to ask his friend about some of the problems that have come up. Rick

**Baja170** · 02-01-2016, 08:52 AM

Very sorry to hear. Our fur kid is so HUGE for my son and for my wife and I. My thoughts are with you on this very sad day.

**tux974** · 02-01-2016, 09:11 AM

Rick, Sorry to this thread about Bruce...

Buddy very sorry to hear the day has come...

Feel good about the life you the wife have and family have provided him!!! It is never easy no matter how much you prepare yourself.
You can be sure he will be waiting for you guys at the end of the Rainbow Bridge!

**moparbarn** · 02-01-2016, 09:39 AM

Rick, we had to put our dog Lanie, a Neapolitan Mastiff/American Bulldog cross down due to cancer a little over a year ago. One of the hardest things I have ever had to do, regardless of what was best for her. I found this then, I hope it helps you now.

It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them, and every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are.

This is tough, I'm sitting here typing with tears in my eyes, remembering Lanie & thinking of what you are going through.

**Baja170** · 02-01-2016, 10:09 AM

Originally Posted by moparbarn

It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them, and every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are.

That is beautiful and so true. It is great to have a friend that is always happy to see you and always happy no matter how bad your day has been they are the one constant that helps you through the rough times in your life and love you more than anything and are always there for you. I feel for you sir. We have had dogs all my life, when I was born my mom had two, every one of them good but some a part of you. Saying goodbye is something you have to do and it sucks. Remember the good times and the great moments you and your fur kid had together and know you are doing what you have to not what you want to for them. Giving back to the one who loves you so dearly in their time of distress.

**moparbarn** · 02-01-2016, 10:33 AM

Originally Posted by Baja170

That is beautiful and so true. It is great to have a friend that is always happy to see you and always happy no matter how bad your day has been they are the one constant that helps you through the rough times in your life and love you more than anything and are always there for you. I feel for you sir. We have had dogs all my life, when I was born my mom had two, every one of them good but some a part of you. Saying goodbye is something you have to do and it sucks. Remember the good times and the great moments you and your fur kid had together and know you are doing what you have to not what you want to for them. Giving back to the one who loves you so dearly in their time of distress.

"Dogs don't lie about love" My wife has this on a t shirt

**rock** · 02-01-2016, 11:16 AM

Most of us have been there and they are tough times for sure but they don't compare to the good your pet brought into your life. Gotta remember the good times.

Rock

**Dave Strong** · 02-01-2016, 01:09 PM

So sorry to hear this Rick. My heart goes out to you.

Dave

**specboatops** · 02-01-2016, 01:59 PM

Dogs sure pull on our heart strings don't they. Sounds like you and the wife gave him a great life, Kudos to Tony (Tux974) not hard to believe he would reach out and try to help, good guy that cares about the animals...

**hometown45** · 02-01-2016, 02:07 PM

My condolences.

**LongShot** · 02-01-2016, 02:57 PM

Very tough decision. I have two old boys, a Boxer and an English Bulldog. Both rescue dogs. Have given them much of my time and money but they have given more back. Arthritis, breathing problems and various injuries over the years are taking their toll. I was seeking help knowing when to make the call to have them put down. I am not there yet but know at 10 and 12 years old it will be soon. I didn't want to be unprepared on that visit to the vet that said take him home and make him as comfortable as you can. I read an article that said if they don't eat, don't drink and have more bad days than good, they are telling you it is time for them to leave you on your own and it is OK. I know that doesn't help right now but Bruce can't take care of you any longer.

**delawarerick** · 02-01-2016, 03:31 PM

I really appreciate all the words and thoughts I find myself looking at the clock he has not gone out or moved much today when I went out he lifted his head man this is really tough. Thank you all for listening. Rick

**Robby321** · 02-01-2016, 04:29 PM

Tough day. Been there (too many times) and its never easy. My heart goes out to ya as having to say.."Goodbye old friend" Sad to hear this...

**Robby321** · 02-01-2016, 07:38 PM

Rick I need to tell ya story my last "little heartbeat at my feet". Dammit, I hate to hear this as its NEVER easy. But please take some "solace" from the dogs "point of view on there full, but too short life" you gave it.

I had to put my Golden down liver/stomach cancer 11 1/2 years ago and seems like yesterday. But there was a wildlife refuge here (Nisqually Wildlife Refuge WA) but no dogs allowed but I would go in the parking lot and she thought "WOW!..GOING FOR A WALK!". Said nope, but someday you will. Had two trails, one a mile long other 5 miles walk. When I had to do the needle (and ALWAYS BE THERE FOR THAT as the last thing she/he will look for is YOU, I don't care HOW tough it is, as the cruelest thing is to "walk away" as ya can't look to bear it...that pet only had YOU at the end, and to walk away?..)

But after I took her chain collar and tags off, she knew "time", and that last thing in life she saw was me. Then I (getting a little choked up here) took that damn collar and went to the refuge and did the 2 hour 5 mile trail, "jingling that chain and tags all the way" .."for her walk"

Anyway heres a pic when she was skin and bones taken one her favorite "woods walk" Almost had to carry her in, as wanted a "last pic". Then 2 weeks later its "time". Carried in the van, stopped the park, and she didn't what to get out. Her time was up on "keeping on" anymore.

But I was so torn up I had to write a "OBIT", HER life. The Vet a friend mine (has a boat slip just down from me) still has it in a "album" in the "room" where...the end comes. Rick, again, best I can say is "your thoughts I do not know, but your feelings I have felt". Be well and go get a new rescue "buddy" the other. Anyway..."a story"...be well my friend.

My Side of the Story

Hi! My name is Dusty. I'm a Golden Retriever mix that was a just a little too wild as a pup. My first owner let me go, and not even a year old, I found myself locked down at Animal Services in 96. As this big bearded criminal type came down the aisle, I put on my cutest face. Sure enough, he was to be my partner in crime for the next 8 years.

As I wasn't quite done being a delinquent pup, but smart enough to get what I wanted, I worked this guy like a puppet on a leash. I still liked to chew, so I did in his slippers. Sure enough, the size 13's from Goodwill soon showed. I craved something different, and then discovered tennis balls. I remember when he bought a Corvette from a neighbor, and when he brought it over, he had a grocery bag FULL of tennis balls that he tossed in the yard. Seems like a hundred to me. Only could get 3 at a time in the mouth and back to my pen, so it took awhile, but I was hooked. Then it was sticks. Couldn't get enough, and had to go to Frye Cove 3-4 times a week for more. I was pretty good at swimming, and fast enough to almost catch a seagull. Found out tennis balls float pretty good though, and the farther out the better! I was great at diving off the dock, but always managed a belly flop! And about that broken tooth...well...it looked like a stick to me. How was I to know it was a 20 foot piece of driftwood? I was hooked I tell ya, and needed SOMETHING to drag home.

And those walks every day and night. I really had the neighbors bamboozled and just no way they would turn down my request for a handout of whatever was available. Biscuits, toys, balls...what do you have? I'll take it. I'm still a little sorry about that homemade Christmas ornament I grabbed from under the tree of a neighbor. Hey, looked like a ball to me! The boss wasn't to happy with me when that was found in my stash. But it looked good with all the big pine cones I took from the street down below us.

And those van rides got me really going. Loved going to the bank, and that Petsmart thing.....I still think it was illegal, but every time we went back, the girls still gave me cookies on the way out! I was hooked on cookies too I tell ya. Had three different kinds in jars above the dryer. And you should have heard me "sing" for a can of Alpo. And I always waited for a pat on my head before I dug in. Hey, I wanted this to never stop.

But stop it did. Although I had a very full life and not even 9 yet, they told me I had cancer, and not long to live. Now I was really treated like a Queen! But I soon felt very old, and even when we went to the kind people at Steamboat Animal Hospital for a check up or weight check (remember my buddy distracting everyone, and grabbing a handful of those cookies on the counter)! I just could not get my mojo working. My body was giving out, but my mind was sharp, and I remember everybody giving me a big hug, a slight pain in my leg....and soon my pain went away. Everyone around me was tearful, but my pain was gone.

I think that was a fair exchange.................

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**hometown45** · 02-01-2016, 08:06 PM

Originally Posted by Robby321

Rick I need to tell ya story my last "little heartbeat at my feet". Dammit, I hate to hear this as its NEVER easy. But please take some "solace" from the dogs "point of view on there full, but too short life" you gave it.

I had to put my Golden down liver/stomach cancer 11 1/2 years ago and seems like yesterday. But there was a wildlife refuge here (Nisqually Wildlife Refuge WA) but no dogs allowed but I would go in the parking lot and she thought "WOW!..GOING FOR A WALK!". Said nope, but someday you will. Had two trails, one a mile long other 5 miles walk. When I had to do the needle (and ALWAYS BE THERE FOR THAT as the last thing she/he will look for is YOU, I don't care HOW tough it is, as the cruelest thing is to "walk away" as ya can't look to bear it...that pet only had YOU at the end, and to walk away?..)

But after I took her chain collar and tags off, she knew "time", and that last thing in life she saw was me. Then I (getting a little choked up here) took that damn collar and went to the refuge and did the 2 hour 5 mile trail, "jingling that chain and tags all the way" .."for her walk"

Anyway heres a pic when she was skin and bones taken one her favorite "woods walk" Almost had to carry her in, as wanted a "last pic". Then 2 weeks later its "time". Carried in the van, stopped the park, and she didn't what to get out. Her time was up on "keeping on" anymore.

But I was so torn up I had to write a "OBIT", HER life. The Vet a friend mine (has a boat slip just down from me) still has it in a "album" in the "room" where...the end comes. Rick, again, best I can say is "your thoughts I do not know, but your feelings I have felt". Be well and go get a new rescue "buddy" the other. Anyway..."a story"...be well my friend.

My Side of the Story

Hi! My name is Dusty. I'm a Golden Retriever mix that was a just a little too wild as a pup. My first owner let me go, and not even a year old, I found myself locked down at Animal Services in 96. As this big bearded criminal type came down the aisle, I put on my cutest face. Sure enough, he was to be my partner in crime for the next 8 years.

As I wasn't quite done being a delinquent pup, but smart enough to get what I wanted, I worked this guy like a puppet on a leash. I still liked to chew, so I did in his slippers. Sure enough, the size 13's from Goodwill soon showed. I craved something different, and then discovered tennis balls. I remember when he bought a Corvette from a neighbor, and when he brought it over, he had a grocery bag FULL of tennis balls that he tossed in the yard. Seems like a hundred to me. Only could get 3 at a time in the mouth and back to my pen, so it took awhile, but I was hooked. Then it was sticks. Couldn't get enough, and had to go to Frye Cove 3-4 times a week for more. I was pretty good at swimming, and fast enough to almost catch a seagull. Found out tennis balls float pretty good though, and the farther out the better! I was great at diving off the dock, but always managed a belly flop! And about that broken tooth...well...it looked like a stick to me. How was I to know it was a 20 foot piece of driftwood? I was hooked I tell ya, and needed SOMETHING to drag home.

And those walks every day and night. I really had the neighbors bamboozled and just no way they would turn down my request for a handout of whatever was available. Biscuits, toys, balls...what do you have? I'll take it. I'm still a little sorry about that homemade Christmas ornament I grabbed from under the tree of a neighbor. Hey, looked like a ball to me! The boss wasn't to happy with me when that was found in my stash. But it looked good with all the big pine cones I took from the street down below us.

And those van rides got me really going. Loved going to the bank, and that Petsmart thing.....I still think it was illegal, but every time we went back, the girls still gave me cookies on the way out! I was hooked on cookies too I tell ya. Had three different kinds in jars above the dryer. And you should have heard me "sing" for a can of Alpo. And I always waited for a pat on my head before I dug in. Hey, I wanted this to never stop.

But stop it did. Although I had a very full life and not even 9 yet, they told me I had cancer, and not long to live. Now I was really treated like a Queen! But I soon felt very old, and even when we went to the kind people at Steamboat Animal Hospital for a check up or weight check (remember my buddy distracting everyone, and grabbing a handful of those cookies on the counter)! I just could not get my mojo working. My body was giving out, but my mind was sharp, and I remember everybody giving me a big hug, a slight pain in my leg....and soon my pain went away. Everyone around me was tearful, but my pain was gone.

I think that was a fair exchange.................

Damm onions...