I had to have my dog put to sleep today!

[QBWeaver]

Our old lady, Scooter, finally had enough of her pain and suffering this weekend so I took her to the vet this morning and she was put to sleep.

I really love our vet. He wanted to do it himself since he's been her doc since we got her. She even gave him a kiss. She knew it was time to go and she knew he would take her out of her painful body. No whimpering, no concerns. Just deep sleep

Now she's out of pain and she can enjoy swimming and playing in the water whenever she wants too. I picture heaven for her as filled with a lazy river for her to swim in and lots and LOTS of racquet balls for her to chase.

I miss her already.

 

[qjakal]

My deepest...

sympathies QB, and may your time of grief pass quickly. It's the hardest part of being a companion to such sweet souls...they pass all too soon. Letting go is so hard, and I've been unable to stay with some due to my own weakness and sorrow. May a new puppy come to you when you're ready, and hopefully there will be dogs in our afterlife...heaven would be poorer without them. Q

 

[TicklingDuo]

Sorry to hear of your loss, QB. It's always tough to lose a pet, I remember in 1983 when my dog ran out of the yard and got hit by a car. I'm sure there are plenty of folks here who can indentify with this. Once again, sorry to hear the news.


Drew

 

[venray]

Three dogs for me over the years. Haven't been able to bond with another.



Ven

 

[Ayla ny]

QB, I'm so sorry. they really do become a member of the family.

 

[desdemona]

QB - I know we chatted about Scooter and how you were dreading this time...I'm glad the decision could be made in such a fashion and that you had as positive experience as you did under the saddest of circumstances. As a vet, euthanasia is part of the job I loathe and dread, yet I know that I can bring some comfort to both my clients and their animal companions by allowing them to have this final moment - and make it as peaceful as possible. Scooter is in a better place...and painfree. Your decision is a beautiful and humane one - I never envy one who grapples with that final call. If you need a hug, I'm here 🙂 Des

 

[QBWeaver]

Thank you everyone for your good wishes. Scooter really is in a better place now. When I get her ashes back I'll leave part of her at the race track since she enjoyed the races so much. The other part I will leave up at the Russian River where she had the most fun playing in the water and chasing the kids.

I'm fortunate enough to have two other lovely dogs, both girls. One, our border collie named (appropriately) Laguna Seca. And the other is a stray that we decided to keep. She's a Pit Bull mix named Talladega. Talle' just came to us about a month ago when we were going to be foster parents to her. We wanted to find her a good home and we have. She's staying here with us.

Both of the girls are wonderful watch dogs and are getting along famously. Talle' has taken on the role of my personal protector and just about scared the dickens out of a guy who came to the door today! She's in training now and is learning very quickly for a 7 month old baby.

So everything happens for a reason. Talle' came at a time when I knew Scooter's days were numbered and the extra protection has proven to be quite timely as well. Plus I think Laguna would have gone nuts without any company around so the girls are good for each other.

Sometimes it amazes me that we're not as kind to our fellow human beings who are in such pain and suffering as we are with animals. That was an incredibly peaceful way to go.

Thanks again everyone!

 

[Dave2112]

QB, I am so sorry about the decision you had to make, even thought it was for the best. Many people don't understand how close we can become to our pets. I have a veritable ark going here, and they're all like my children. My sympathies.

 

[njjen3953]

QB, I am so sorry to hear about Scooter. I know that when I thought it was Rocky's time, it was vey difficult and I did make the decision that if he had no quality of life left that putting him down was the mercifull choice. I did not have to do this as he seems to be doing ok, but I know it is just a matter of time.

I feel for you.

Jen

 

[MistressMia]

QBWeaver, I'm terribly sorry that you are going through this. You have my deepest sympathy. I just got my puppy and can only imagine what you are going through emotionally.

Be well and please take the time to heal. BIG TICKLE HUGZ from me and Neil.

 

[Slappy McGee]

I'm really sorry to hear about your loss, QB. I haven't been around much lately, mainly out of lack of anything interesting to say.... but i really know what you must be going through because just last month i had to have my dog put to sleep because of cancer. It was one of the hardest things i have ever been through.

I just hope you have the support and love around you to help you through this difficult time.

 

[BigJim]

You have my deepest sympathies Jan. I've lost two dogs, a collie to a broken hip and a labrador to cancer. I know what a wrench it is to lose a pet that feels as beloved nearly as a child. I'm glad you still have some canine companions, that's a good thing and I wish you much love and joy with them.

 

[shark]

Sorry to hear about the dog.One of the better ways to cope is to realize the fact that you were doing your friend a favor by not making the worst linger on.

 

[Haltickling]

I'm so sorry, QB! I hope you've got other pets, too, or maybe think about getting a new one. No replacement, I know, but they are a real help keeping you healthy and sane.

 

[Daumantas]

My deepest sympathies, QB. Remember him fondly.

 

[QBWeaver]

I got home today and already received a beautiful card from the Vet filled with his own wonderful memories of Scooter. Gosh those folks are incredible.

In the card was this and it's very touching.... (Have Kleenex handy!)

The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of Heaven is a placed called the Rainbow Bridge. When an Animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to the Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows, hills, lakes and streams for all our Special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of good food, water and sunshine and our friends are comfortable.

All the animals that had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again. Just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, someone who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver, suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carry him faster and faster.

You have been spotted and when you and your special family friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long from your life but never absent from you heart.

Then you cross The Rainbow Bridge Together..........


I feel blessed to have such a caring Vet and his group there at the clinic. My other two girls are doing fine although they are looking around for Scoots and don't understand why she's not here. Both the girls slept with me on the bed last night and we all woke up cuddled together. That was a wonderful way to wake up this morning... surrounded by two pups.

 

[JoBelle]

awww, Jan,
Sweetie, I'm so sorry to hear about your 4-legged baby. They are indeed a companion and a source of comfort when the rattled humans around us just don't know what we need.Empathy with fur as I like to call 'em.

That little bundle of energy you call Scooter is bounding around somewhere in this existence we share. Probably chasing my recently departed Conan. YES I SAID CONAN! So what if he was a wimpy fluffy feline furball. 😉

Here's to the next little pup who gets a piece of your love.
Jo

 

[QBWeaver]

Thanks Everyone for your lovely thoughts and emails. They mean more to me than you could ever know.

I know Scooter is in a better place now. She's out of her pain now and I know that painful body of hers was wearing her down. So she's up there with Conan and all our other pets who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge just waiting for the time when we move onto that spiritual plain they are enjoying.

God Speed Scoots! I love you baby! Thank you!

 

[GuitarPeteTklr]

My Condolences, QB

My deepest sympathies, QB...take comfort in the well-founded notion that Scooter both respects and thanks you for your decision. Death can sometimes be one of life's most tender mercies. That is one of many reasons why the Chinese celebrate death, in that it actually implies a healthier "rebirth" or "afterlife." Scooter, I, and others here in this forum commend you for your vision and compassion in putting Scooter's need for absolution from pain and suffering above an otherwise natural inclination to cling to your need to have Scooter remain on, only to eventually see a less merciful end. Scooter, I, and the other animal lovers here again praise you and hug you for your courage and thoughtfulness, QB

Huggles,

GuitarPeteTklr

 

[BigJim]

I got home today and already received a beautiful card from the Vet filled with his own wonderful memories of Scooter. Gosh those folks are incredible.

In the card was this and it's very touching.... (Have Kleenex handy!)

The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of Heaven is a placed called the Rainbow Bridge. When an Animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to the Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows, hills, lakes and streams for all our Special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of good food, water and sunshine and our friends are comfortable.

All the animals that had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again. Just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, someone who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver, suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carry him faster and faster.

You have been spotted and when you and your special family friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long from your life but never absent from you heart.

Then you cross The Rainbow Bridge Together..........


I feel blessed to have such a caring Vet and his group there at the clinic. My other two girls are doing fine although they are looking around for Scoots and don't understand why she's not here. Both the girls slept with me on the bed last night and we all woke up cuddled together. That was a wonderful way to wake up this morning... surrounded by two pups.

Jan, I am the world's biggest softy and that post literally brought tears to my eyes. I hope Slippers and Ben, my Collie and Labrador are in that corner of doggie Elysium now. I am so gonna break down when I meet them again.

 

[MadKalnod]

I just lost my grandmother recently and unexpectedly, so these words that kept rattling around my head may be of help to you as well, QB.

"Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter..." - Yoda

"We will meet again, in a place where no shadows fall..." - Delenn

 

[QBWeaver]

I'm so sorry for your loss of your dear grandmother, Mad. I hope you have peace in your heart now that she's moved out of her aged body into wonderous eternity.

And Jim... I was trying to read that note out loud to my son and his fiancee last night and couldn't make it through without lots of leaking. But leaking is a good thing. I like to call it Liquid Love. I also know that there were many other family members on the other side to welcome Scooter and play with her. They'll probably want to send her back though because she'll wear them out playing ball all day long! LOL

I miss her but I'm glad she's not hurting anymore.

 

[kwildoctr]

...........QB, I wish there was something I could say that wouldn't sound trivial, especially following so many other elegant expressions of sympathy & love. From personal experience, I can attest to that miraculous feeling of bonding with an animal, particularly a dog; & I also know the profound sense of loss when the inevitable time comes for them to go away. But let's face it - how many of us would trade away the time spent & the memories acquired to avoid the pain............?

If you EVER need anything.........

R

 

[desdemona]

Amazing poem, isn't it? I got majorly choked the first time I read it...and I have a collection of others that clients have sent me as they cope with their loss. I don't mean to move this thread up to the top as a reminder of a painful day...but I did want to comment that I think it's wonderful that you have recently adopted another abandoned animal. And while your new acquisition in no way replaces or diminishes your love for Scooter, it is so admirable to see you spread your love to another deserving pet who will benefit from a terrific home. Not everyone can even consider more than one pet or adopting another one late in another pet's life. And some can't even bring themselves to adopt another after the event of losing a beloved companion. But your capacity for love is a wonderful demonstration. Bravo!

 

[BigJim]

Jan, when my first dog Slippers was only about a year old, (and I was only five weeks older than her) my parents got rid of her at my mum's request because she was so "messy" around the house. She went to a farm first, but when she tried to escape out of the barn they kept her in, the woman threw a fit of hysterics because she thought Slippers was going for her. 🙂rolleyes: 😡 )

When my father rang up to see how she was getting on in her new home, the RSPCA told him about the incident and said because she had allegedly "attacked" someone, they were going to have to put her to sleep. Knowing that Slippers felt guilty even biting a bone, my father immiediatley flew into a rage and revved off down the road to the kennels, leaving most of his tyre tread on the tarmac.

He arrived at the RSPCA and told them he was taking her back and was'nt going without her,even if he had to cut through the fence with wire cutters at midnight and steal her back! (His exact words!)

He walked into the dog compound and saw her lying miserably in the far corner, ignoring all the other dogs who were playing around her. My father had a particular ululating whistle for her that he uses for all our dogs and I use now with mine and when he shrilled it out, her head came up in disbelief and looked around. After a second she decided it was just wishful thinking and lay her sad old head back down again. He whistled her signal again and this time her head shot upright, (No, I know that's not in my imagination! I really did hear it!) Then she saw him and came hurtling across the compound at him, knocking him flat on his arse and drowning him with a deluge of licks.

Reading the "Rainbow Bridge" I was reminded so intensely of this scene and I am so looking forward to this happening again. At this moment I am like On the 11th of May this year, she will have been gone 10 years and yet I still feel a real surge of emotion whenever I think of her. She was my childhood friend and playmate and I love her to bits, still.

At times like this, when you're feeling low because of the loss, you just have to remember that it's the price you pay for loving them so much. When you think of the returns you got on the price of that investment...it makes it all worthwhile. 🙂 😀