A Sad Day Ahead

[Jeff P.]

I haven't posted on the wreck in quite some time so many of you may not remember me. It's in times of pain, however, that we like to share so that our grief might be less. This is one of those days for me and my family. A few weeks back our Golden Retriever Mariah started to throw up with increased frequency. She became more and more lethargic as the days went by. We took her to the vet a few days ago and it appears that the diagnosis is not good. We're not 100% sure but it appears to be cancer of the liver. There is little we can do for her at this point. She's had severe arthritis in her hind legs for over a year now and can barely get around. We will most likely have to put her to sleep this very evening. Many of you may not understand that bond between a good dog and a person but to us she is like another child. She is such a lover. My heart is heavy and I cry as I type this. It hurts so much. Just keep me and my family in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you my friends,

[Upscale]

It's a really tough thing to go through, losing a loved pet. In the past, I've had to put down a German Shepherd and then a cat. The cat was almost 20 years ago and it's only just 10 days ago that I've adopted another cat because it looks so much like the first one. And now I'm reminded of all the times the previous pets made me laugh, because this one is doing the same things.

You know it's the right thing to do and something you have to do. Even with all the heartache, I know you know that you will be relieving your dog of a great deal of pain an anguish by helping her move on. It's selfish to do anything else. You'll see her again. My condolences are with you.

Dave

[Norman D. Crow]

You surely have both. Many of us have been there, and you have to concentrate on loving them enough to have mercy.

[Glen]

My thoughts are with you. I have bee postponing the inevitable my self. I had a vet appointment for tomorrow for my 16 1/2 year old Newfoundland mix, but I cancelled it. It is sad to lose a friend who is the only one in the world who believes me to be perfect in every way.

Glen

[Swingman]

We had to put our 14 year old GR down last year ... rest assured that you are doing her a favor. Get a grip on yourself and, if the vet will allow it, hold her head in your hands at the end. It is a very peaceful process and you will be forever glad that you've paid her that homage.

[Art Ransom]

I have traveled that road too many times. It's not a dog but a loved family member that gives unconditional love. .

[bf]

Jeff, I think you've had a pretty good life if this is one of the worst things you have had to experience. I can understand when people write a eulogy about when their Dad dies on this board, but a pet? You are claiming to need prayers when there's so many people in the world worse off than you are? How about buying a new dog and thanking God that you've had such a wonderful, trouble free life. This is has got to be one of the most melodramic posts I've ever read.

[DAC]

"Just keep me and my family in your thoughts and prayers. "

and they are.

Anyone that has lost a pet, you might want to check out:

Disclaimer: Not with'em, don't sell for'em...just passing on information.

best of luck,

Darwin

[Jeff P.]

A trouble free life? No. My father was brain injured in a bike accident and to this day (23 years later) is unresponsive. My mother fought cancer for 17 years before succumbing to it. I was with her and held her hand as she died. My grandparents are all dead. I don't think this qualifies as a trouble free life. My dogs, however, have helped my family through all these times. They give us unconditional love and ask nothing in return. If you don't understand this relationship then please just don't reply. To the rest of you that have replied...thanks much.

[Dave Hinz]

Every one of us who are "dog people", and who have had to make that phone call, know exactly what you're going through. It's tough, but you have to do what's right to stop her from hurting.

"Sheba" was a great dog - at age 15, though, she was just wore out, and the time had come to make that phone call. The vet came out to the house, maybe yours will do that also. I think it was easier on her that she died in _her_ chair, with a milk-bone in her mouth.

Hang in there. It gets better, eventually.

Dave Hinz

[Dave Hinz]

Fuck off.

[alexy]

If your vet will let you, be there for the end. Our vet made a house call for our Golden, and rubbing her ears as she got the shot, and seeing how peaceful the end was gave me great comfort. With our current dog, I would do it sooner to spare him some of the pain that our Golden experienced in her last week.

[81mm]

Look, cheer up!! I'm an old grisel'd Special Forces master sergeant, and a life long cat man.., but a dog has been there sleeping with the herd several times. Thinking in military terms, the saga of the resurrection is that we will be raised from the dead and live again.., and not only live, but reign as Rulers over any number of "cities." When I must "put to sleep" one my children, or have died in the line of duty.., I extend the same promise to them that God has extended to me..! That wherever I wind up, they shall also be there in the future as I will have the power and authority to "make it so." It seems to help knowing we will see and love each other again.., and they will run, leap, and jump with the joy of renewal, and youth!! So cheer up.., hold your eyes straight and do what has to be done. When my Maincoon Teddy got kidney problems and was suffering so much.., he understood what hed to be done..! I gave him a full military burial in the backyard right where he used to lay and guard his territory! Now he is waiting quitly swishing his tail for that blessed day of renewal..!! That's been my standing general order for Stinky, Tonya, Teddy, Poncho, Tina, Emily, King Henry.., and myself.. for our team reunion to come!!

May His peace be with you..., and toughen up.., get'n old ain't for sissies!!

[John Thomas]

"Jeff P." wrote in news:LTMYe.31544$ [e-mail]:

Jeff,

You certainly have my thoughts and prayers.

We lost our Golden about 15 years ago (and two other dogs in the meantime). Our vet knew his name long before he could remember ours! In time, the pain will lessen, and you'll remember the happy times. We still laugh about some of the things they all used to do.

Hang in there, and take care ...

[Roger Haar]

Dear Jeff,

I still cry at times for my Golie Girl who died

15 months ago. Her social anxiety matched mine and we were soul mates. I miss all of my past dog even though I have two great dogs now. You and yours have my thoughts, sympathies, and prayers.

Peace, Roger Haar

********************************************** "Jeff P." wrote:

[Lee Michaels]

"bf" wrote

Melodramatic??

I can not imagine a more insensitve response.

It makes me wonder what kind of person you are and how you respond to other people's pain and difficulties. Tjhe loss of any loved one is a major event and very stressful.

I have had to do the same thing with both family dogs and cats. It ain't easy. But it is necessary. It ultimately is an act of love and caring. It is the least you can do when they have loved you so well over the years. I occasionally still call my present animals by the names of their beloved brothers and sisters from the past. This indicates to me that they are not forgotten. But loved, remembered and cherished.

Be well Jeff. Tough this one out. I feel for ya.

And when the time is right, welcome another canine friend into the family. It will be a move appreciated by all.

[Ken]

Hi Jeff I know how bad it is when you lose a friend like Mariah, and I totally understand the depth of feeling. I lost my GR Chance just over a year ago under remarkably similar circumstances. After 10 1/2 healthy years he suddenly could no longer hold down any food. The vet did what he could but surgery revealed cancer and the Dr put him to sleep while I was with him. I cried as if I was eight yrs old again ,when I lost my first dog . Your Mariah reminds me of what a great friend Chance was as I am sure Mariah has been to you. I still miss the damn dog, but have been blessed with 10 yrs of wonderful memories . My thoughts go out to you and Mariah as you say farewell . Ken ...... through tears and with a smile... god damn dogs people beware never give to a dog your heart to tear - R Kipling

[Jeff P.]

Thank you Lee. Three years back we had to put down my springer spaniel. I thought to myself that I wouldn't want another dog but when I came home from work the next day and he didn't meet me at the door I knew I had to have another. We'll wait a bit for the hurt to go away and then I'm sure we will indeed welcome another into the house.

[Jeff P.]

Thanks Dave! I couldn't have said it better myself.

[Jeff P.]

LOL. That actually does help me. I like your attitude. I've had people laugh at me when I tell them that I believe God will bring us all together again when our lives end but to hell with them. I do believe I'll be with them again and that does indeed make it somewhat better. This too shall pass but for now... ah hell.