Had to put down my 16yr old golden today

[Snowlover]

Man what a tough thing to do. Me and my 9 year old girl had the toughest time. It has been coming and we knew it, but it was still hard. She just took a quick turn for the worse last night and needed to be spared any pain/suffering. My daughter and I had a little sob session @ bedtime tonight.

Big tough snowmobiler/hunter...... had a hard time talking to the vet. Words did not want to come out. Thankfully, they are used to it and made it as pleasant as it can be.

Here is Joey about 15 yrs ago. Both of the kids in the pic are grown and out on their own. My young daughter @ home is doing fine, but still sad the dog is gone. She is happy that Joey is now chasing balls again and is with her sister that her cousins owned.

 

[AKSNOWRIDER]

feel for ya..had to do that 5 yrs ago with a 16 yr old black lab...promised the kids we would get another when the time was right...9 months later we got mariah ..an old world german shepard..she has been a joy to our lives...it is amazing how much love one can feel for a pet....

 

[theultrarider]

You have my sympathies. I have been there too. It is never easy. Make sure to keep talking with your little one, you think it was hardd on you, it was really hard on my boy.
Tim

 

[Tumble]

Sorry to hear that its to bad when something like that happens. We had to put our cat down a few weeks ago 18 years old, not like a doog though but still really hard she was in pretty rough shape.

 

[MOONMAN]

It's always tough... We went through the same deal with a 16 y.o. golden a year and a half ago. We have always had 2 or 3 goldens at a time, great companions! our human kids are 7 y.o. twins and I dread the day Flannigan and Kelsey head to rainbow bridge!

At least our last goldie only wanted to fetch the ball and didn't care about being petted or anything else... made it a bit easier.

Puppy time!

 

[teeroy]

that sucks man, sorry to hear that. we have a 12 yr old golden that has slowed down quite a bit the last year or so. will be a sad day when he lays down for sure. got another golden a few years back, he's 4 now and turned into a great hound.

oh, and if you haven't already, don't read the rainbow bridge deal. it'll have you sobbing all over again

 

[framus]

So sorry to hear, thats alot of years to have with your buddy. Be happy that you had them. It sounds like she had a great home and a good life. Those 16 years must have been a very full life. At the end it was important for her to hear your voice even though you had a tough time of it....Good luck


Theres alot of folks that dont spend enough time with their four-legged family members. Please teach your kids to include some time each and every day...they give their love unconditionally and it's one of life's hardest lessons they leave us so soon.

 

[89sandman]

sorry to hear that, our black lab is getting up there, he's almost 14 now and still doing good. i dread the day he's gone, been my buddie for quite some time. i feel your pain...

 

[POLZIN]

I have 15 year old golden that is nearing the end as well! I am dreading even the thought .Sorry for your loss

 

[Gimpster]

Lost a number of 'buddies' over the years too. It's not easy on the heart.
Get another ASAP !!
It helps in many ways

----- Gimpster -----

 

[Crazy 8]

Sorry for your loss. It sucks. Our 13yo mut (who survived being ran over by a pickup and a combine) finally decided that there was a better place for him this fall. He left during the night and never came back. That's the only thing I hate about living on the farm...dogs know when it's time, and leave to do it. There was absolutly no closure. I just hope it was quick. Never did find him. Here's an email I got yesterday...

Remember that they can't do a lot of things for themselves and that they depend on you to make their life a quality life!

A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS:
1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch.Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

 

[Sako7STW]

Crazy, thats awesome.

Sorry bout your loss Snowlover. You may have lost a family member but you will never lose the memories.

 

[winter brew]

Sorry to hear

 

[AmericanOutlaw]

He is your friend,your partner,your defender your dog.
You are his life, his love, his leader.
He will be yours faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart.
You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.
-Anonymous

 

[RideGuy]

I know how hard it was for you to do but you did the right thing. I believe that it is our way of showing unconditional love back to the one who gave us unconditional love all those years by easing their pain in a humane way.

I think it is selfish to hold on too long and not in the best intrest of the dog. I'm sure you are full of mixed emotions but I'm sure you gave your dog the best life she could of had.

Getting another dog is good medicine. Your old frined can not be replace BUT a new friend can heal a broken heart and fill an empty space that was once full....

I feel for your loss and wish you and your family the best!!!

Hugs

 

[Good to Go]

Ivan,

Tough part of life. Sorry to hear, and good for you in sharing the tears with the little one.

There's just something about them dogs that grabs the heart...

 

[GODEEP]

bummer. I def. feel your pain. I've lost 3 in the last 5 years.. RIP ol boy..

 

[KFD070]

Sorry for your loss. Very hard thing to do even though you know it's the right thing to do.
We had our 16 year old Silky Terrier put down last year. Holy Crap that was hard. About 2 weeks later as the pain was easing a bit we get a card from the vet with our dog's paw print in it and the words..."thanks for being such a great Mom and Dad." Love Poncho.
Okay.....waterworks!

 

[bailer]

This is tough to read. My gal is 13 and still doing well. Just hard to know it is coming as she is my entire family.
My condolences.

 

[MN_Nole]

sorry for your loss, I am unsure if I can ever have to make the decsion. My Golden and GSD are my kids, as a single guy. My heart feals for you, in what you had to do.
God speed on your dog to where he now belongs.