The hardest decision I ever have to make

[Prolix]

What a depressing topic. Thank you so much for sharing.

[Bamko]

Mathy,

and yet, when the time comes, I will make the trip with him, and pet him as he wanders off into doggie heaven, rather than suffer beyond reason.   

[verden]

It is depressing, and real. Has to be discussed, as it is very hard on people to even consider this. I have had something like 10+ dogs and 8+ cats in my life. This is one of the reasons I do not keep pets anymore. Whichever decision you make, its a hard decision.

[Pizik]

It is depressing, and real. Has to be discussed, as it is very hard on people to even consider this. I have had something like 10+ dogs and 8+ cats in my life. This is one of the reasons I do not keep pets anymore. Whichever decision you make, its a hard decision.

The happiness and companionship they bring far out weighs the sense of loss when they are gone (imo).

[Mathy Stockington]

I know no can tell me when I have to do this, but I wish I knew so that I do not take away some of his good life and I do not make him suffer to much either. The thing is I know it will happen, but doing it a the right time is so important to me.

[Anumesa]

I would say that as long as you can adjust your lifestyle to take care of your dog's needs then he/she still has some time left to enjoy with you. When its at the point that your dog cannot have any good moments even with you taking care of it and adjusting to its disabilities to the best of your capability i would say its time..

For example: My other dog whom i have had since i was about 5-6 is pretty old, she just turned 14 and her hips have deteriorated to the point that she just cannot handle stairs anymore. However, she still loves to play with us as long as she takes it easy, and we just carry her back end up or down the 3-4 steps to our deck when she needs to go outside or come back inside. She has learned to wait for us whenever she needs to take a few steps or get into the car to go to the vet because she knows she cannot do it by herself. When we are away at work or school we have set her up a bed in front of the woodstove (her favorite spot) so she can just snooze the day away to her heart's content.

[edit] I should mention though that if this decision were up to me, i could never make it. It would absolutely break my heart and i am too selfish..i would want to keep my puppy until the very end

[Mathy Stockington]

There is a bridge connecting Heaven and
Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because
of it’s many colors. Just this side of the
Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows,
hills and villages with lush green grass.

When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place.
There is always food and water and warn spring
weather. The old and frail animals are young again.
Those who are ill or injured or maimed are made
whole again. They play all day with each other.

There is only one thing missing. They are not with
their special people who loved them on Earth. So
each day they run and play until the day comes
when one – and sometimes several at once – suddenly
stops playing and looks up! The nose twitches! The
ears perk up! The eyes staring! Then this one,
or two or more, suddenly runs from the group!

You have been seen, and when you and your
special friend or friends meet, you take each into
your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again
and again, and you look once more into these special
eyes. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together,
never again to be separated. We’ll see you at the
end of the Rainbow Bridge someday.

This poem is for everyone who has known the love of special member of your family, your pet.

[Mathy Stockington]

I wish to thank all of you who have supported me in this horrible situation. My family and I elected to put Blue to sleep this morning due to organ failure. Our hearts are filled with anguish at the loss of our family member. 



Blue
12-9-1993 to 3-7-2009

[Lolitra, Celorrim Purrty Twins]

Lolitra hugs Mathy.  No words are suffice. 

[Roled]

Oh Mathy~may good energy surround you and your family and your Dear Blue, and peace of heart for loving Blue so fully. May comfort and great compassion surround you.
Roled Rolak

[Anumesa]

Such a beautiful dog...Mathy i am so sorry to hear about your loss, i am sure that your Blue is in a much better place now, free of suffering and pain. You have my best of wishes for you and your family 

[neko kyouran]

hmm.

It had a full life.  (Look at the positives!)

Have a dog in a flower pot to cheer you up!

[Mathy Stockington]

I want to thank all of you who had kind words for my family and I during this terrible time. Some would say he was only a dog, but for us he was more then that. He was totally dedicated to us, he protected us, and he was more special to us then some people we have known.

I wish all of you could know this kind of love from a devoted pet. There is nothing like it.

neko, a special thank you for making me smile through the tears.

This is not enough I know, but I lack the words to say all I feel.