My darling labrador

[islasmum]

I feel very upset and distressed - I have had to make the decision today to have my gorgeous, lovely 15 year old labrador put to sleep tomorrow. I feel that he is not enjoying his life now, he has arthritis in his back legs but he seems to have dementia as well - he keeps on walking from place to place and just stopping - mentally as well as physically, I think. I know that to everyone their dog is special, but he really is.... he didn't really want his food tonight, so for this evening he can do exactly what he wants - he's had a bit of cheese and is asleep on the sofa - he had to be assisted on, and we will help him down when he wants to go out. We've known for a little while that this day would come, and I'd rather let him go now, than wait until he was really unable to have any quality of life. What's hard to take is I had to have my younger labrador put to sleep three weeks ago - she had a stroke and she couldn't walk properly, and between the vet and I decided that the best course of action was to have her put down - then and there which was a bit of a shock, but the best in the long run. What I worry about is my belgian shepherd - she's already lost her play mate, now she's going to lose the pack leader as well - she's happy to come with us to most places and stay in the car, or is allowed into a few friends' houses - fortunately we are not terribly social, so don't get out a lot.

I feel better now I've written this - sorry it's rather long and waffling - unfortunately every time my OH and I talk about Jack, we both well up; it's going to be awful for a while, but then we'll have lovely memories of him too.
Thanks for listening.

[Brinjal]

Poor old boy. Poor you. Thinking of you.

[chrissa1]

So sorry for you islasmum. I went through the same thing in January with my old black Lab Charlie. You are doing the right thing for him. Keep strong tomorrow. I'll be thinking of you.

[Greedyfly]

Poor you. Poor dogs. It absolutely broke my heart having to put my loyal lab down. He was bitten by another dog protecting me and got a bad infection. I felt so bad putting him to sleep but he was suffering and I loved him. Just remember your doing the right thing and with regards to the dog who has lost his friends. I can only suggest showering him with as much love as possible and keeping an eye on him. I had to brother cats once and one died the remainder kitty pined for months it was hard but like people they move on. Best wishes.

[bookaholic]

You have had to make the hardest decision, wishing you all the best for tomorrow.

[lankeela]

I'm sure you have such wonderful memories, think of the good times you have enjoyed together and know you are doing your best for him. I got a message today that a dog I bred was put down today, also fifteen and although the owner has eleven other dogs he was that dog in a lifetime, took her to Crufts twice in agility and many many awards. I was very proud to see him run at Crufts and know how much he meant to her. Her home will be very empty tonight and I have shed a few tears as well. Stay positive and think of the good times.

[marval]

So sorry to hear your news, just know that you are doing the best for vhim


Time to Go

The time has come I think you know
the Lord is calling so I must go
I love you so much; I wish it wasn't so
I wish I could stay; I don't want to go

You're the best family a dog ever had
so kind and gentle, never mean or mad
I'll never forget the day that we met
I was so lucky to become your pet

You opened your door and showed me your heart
I'll never forget you; we'll never part
You loved me and cared for me over the years
you taught me everything and took away my fears

The Lord is calling now I must go
but before I go I want you to know
I know it hurts to lose a friend
but I'll always be with you even to the end.

Written by John Quealy

[islasmum]

Thank you again everyone and thank you for the lovely poem marval - that's bautiful.

[Tilly2]

I sent this to prgoyd and it relates to you as well. best wishes to you for tomorrow.
I know exactly how you feel. I have had four of my 'babies' put to sleep over the last thirty years and it is so hard to do. You just have to keep thinking that it was for the best and you let them go because you loved them so much. When I lost my last german shepherd, my staffie was so bereft and so we took him everywhere with us and never left him alone.
About four months later we got another german shepherd rescue dog and they were perfect together. Life goes on and lots of lovely dogs need caring homes. Its early days but you might, later on, be able to replace your beloved Lloyd with a staffie that needs a lovely home. Take Peggy to meet the new dog and see how you go. I know that you feel devastated but you will move on from your sorrow. Believe me.

[B00]

Awww no, isla, just finished work and seen this. Awful awful thing you're having to do, my heart goes out to you, it never gets easier does it?

Only thing you can do is console yourself you were his true friend to the end and did what was best for him.

He's had 15 happy years with you, your memories of them in the days/weeks/months/years to come will help you get through this.

Thinking of you

xxxx

[ladybirder]

Hold him tight as he slips away. XXX

[rowanwitch]

Sadly losing them is the price we pay for loving them... just hold onto how good his life was with you compared to so many others out there... knowing a day too soon is better than an hour too late...

[888sally888]

Feel to sad for you - typing this through tears. I had to have my 17 year old put to sleep 7 years ago and it was awful. Vowed never to have another dog but here I am with my 5 year old Bedlington snoring on my bed.

Thinking of you xx

[Pegoyd]

I am so so very sorry, I know what your going through, we had to make the awful, heart wrenching desicion on Monday to have our beautiful 10 1/2 year old Staffie Lloyd put to sleep......he went down rapidly in 3 weeks, we really were not expecting for him to be gone..

Its extrememly hard and I seriously dont know how im coping, well im not, im just existing....but I have been told it is the kindest thing you can do for our beloved special furry family members...

I cant really give much support as I dont know what I can say to you as I am hurting myself at the moment so my words are probably not going to help, all I can say is im thinking about you and I know how you are feeling, its awful just awful xxxxxxx

[Kiki-frog]

How awful. It's a terrible decision to make, but you know you are doing the right thing. And not easy for your other dog either. Thinking of you. x

[jd_here]

Think u know islasmum that you're making the right decision, tis 3 years now since we had to do the same to our beloved Westie, still miss him like mad. Be strong, thinking of you.

[wolf63]

I feel for you - you love Jack and you are willing to end his suffering before it gets too much for him. It is a kind and loving act - pity we can't do it (legally) for humans.

Continue to talk about him - the funny stuff and silly things that he did. My first dog died in 1988 and I still find myself smiling at some of his escapades.

Jack was a dog and his life was one of fun and love - what more could a dog ask for?

[islasmum]

Thank you all so much for your kind wishes - it is truly appreciated.

At 2.45 this afternoon Jack was put quietly to sleep - we'd already had long cuddles (and many tears shed) on the sofa this morning and thanks to a very efficient and sympathetic team at the vets surgery his passing was swift and painless, he died peacefully in my arms. R.I.P Jack.

[Pegoyd]

RIP Jack xx

[DTCwordfan]

Remember and cherish those good times that you had together.

[naomi24]

xx