Lost a companion and friend today

[woodworker]

I won't forget comforting my dog on the floor of the vet's office before they had to put her down. The vet, who had known her since she was a pup (and thought that she would likely die a decade earlier from Parvo), walked in and started tearing up, so he excused himself and came back after regaining his composure.

Apparently, even those who have been through it many times can have the same reaction (though he was definitely a Dr. Doolittle type). It's tough. ...but that's because it's such a damn blessing.

Take care.

[RFC]

Its hard to do, but you did the right thing. When pets are terminally ill and in pain, and we take heroic measures to prolong their lives, we are doing that for ourselves, not for them.

[biker72]

Been through this a few times myself Peter. Have a couple of beers and remember the good times. I'm so very sorry for your loss.

[Gsinill]

Sorry to hear Peter.
Been there too many times myself and will be there again.
Take comfort in having done the right thing.
RIP Cleo!

[Elefantino]

Thinking of you, Peter.

Friends are friends, furry or otherwise. They'll always be missed but also you'll always remember the good times!

[Ken Robb]

Been through this several times. We weren't sure we were doing the right thing when we adopted Eric while we still had our 17 year-old bichon but they got along ok during their meet/greet at the pound so we brought them both home. The good surprise was how much perkier the old guy was with a new housemate. Maybe that was because he had lost his 16 year-old brother a few months earlier.

Now, for the point of this long story: through our tears as we drove home from the old guys last trip to the vet Leslie and I agreed we were very happy NOT to be going home to a quiet, empty house. Sure enough, we opened the door from the garage and there was Eric at the top of the steps wagging his whole body. This mad a sad time less so. I know some folks need a time of mourning but that's not what works for us and there are SO MANY cool dogs needing homes we couldn't wait to get another.

[shinomaster]

My most sincere condolences for your loss. Over two years we lost our beloved Max cat, and then my much adored Leo White Paws. I still miss that Leo..

[GonaSovereign]

Dogs are the best. I’ll raise a glass to your pup tonight.

[fmradio516]

I hate this. When this happens, it really makes me want to just not own a pet, but they make me happy. Im sorry for your loss.

[El Chaba]

It's like losing a family member, because that's what it is....

[xnetter]

Condolences :-(

I have been there before and will be again. Our lab is only 5 but I already dread her getting old.

As others have said, cherish the good memories and then find another one. Lots of awesome puppers out there that need loving homes like yours.

KJ

[GScot]

Sorry to hear. It's rough. Lost a friend just last year and my running buddy is 12 now. He was still ready run to 3-5 miles every day until about 6 months ago and we switched gears to hiking. I hug him every day like it might be the last but fortunately he is still doing pretty well.

[tv_vt]

Sorry for you, bud. I miss all of our pets who've passed on. Special creatures.

[El Chaba]

I lost this kook about two years ago. Part of my job involves being "in the field" outdoors and I would try my best to have him with me on those occasions. He had a great long life for a dog of his size (almost 16 years) and only his last month was hard on him. You know the day will eventually come, but you really are never prepared...I still miss him-some days even moreso, but at this point it's mostly very fond memories....

[mcteague]

Many of us have been through this and feel your pain. Its always difficult to decide whether to get another pet soon after. Dogs lives are so short lots of folks just can't put themselves through it again. I've been through it three times but cannot imagine life without a dog. Hang in there.

Tim