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.

[Nibble]

{{{{{HUG}}}}} ♥♥

[mrs.chappie]

So very sorry to hear this sad news. Wish I had some words to help ease your pain. (((HUG))) xxx

[paddywak]

I'm so sorry to hear that jack has gone, but I'm glad to hear you stopped with him to the end.When we lost Max I couldn't bear the thought of losing him but I couldn't bear the thought of him being alone with strangers at the end and he went to sleep with his head on my knee. I know you'll be feeling rotten at the moment but bear with it and eventually you'll forget the sad times and start to think of the happy times and soon you'll be able to remember him with a smile.

[ttfn]

You have written about 2 very lovely and lucky dogs, islasmum.
I salute you for having the honesty, selflessness and courage to do what was right for your beloved pets. My thoughts are with you and the Belgian Shepherd - if you were near me all of you would be very welcome in my house. Take care of each other and enjoy those memories ♥

[askyourgran]

Oh dear I'm all teary now it's such a hard decision to make, but only you know how much he is suffering. It would be for the best if he is showing signs of dementia too, 15 is a good old age. I hope you'll be OK tomorrow.

[Jillius]

my heart goes out to you. We had to make the same agonising decision to have our beloved 15 year old dog put to sleep just before Christmas. It was terrible but he had cancer in his leg so we knew he wouldn't get better. He was very lucky to have had such a wonderful loving life with you. I will be thinking about you xx Just remember you are doing this because you love him. Very sad to hear about your other dog too, but it will bring comfort to know they will be together again.

[Psybbo]

ttfn says it so well for all of us. Much love x

[jules77]

Thinking of you. x

[tinkerbell23]

Just a cuddle from me... So so sorry x

[ruthann58]

big hug from me xxxx

[masma]

Sending love and cuddles from me and Coco xxxxx

[murraymints]

so sorry.. not such a difficult decision though..when you love so much... ♥♥

[chi-chi66]

So sorry he has now gone, but in time you will have the happy memories to
think of, the same with you're other baby, laughing and crying.

Give you're lovely german shepherd lots and lots of extra cuddles, and each other. xx ♥♥

[tenrec]

I will be thinking of you tomorrow. You will know you have done the right thing, although that doesn't always help to know that.

[islasmum]

There is absolutely no way I could mark any of the replies "The Best" - you have all been so sympathetic and kind and made lovely comments which I will treasure. We all (me, OH, Isla) thank you very much. I wonder how many dogs out there tonight will all get that extra cuddle - and they all deserve it for bringing us such joy. Good night everyone and thank you all again.

[naomi24]

Goodnight, Islasmum. Much love to you.

Naomi. x

[mrs.chappie]

Hope you manage to get a good night's sleep lass. x

[lankeela]

Night night Jack, sleep peacefully. Your mum will have a very wet pillow tonight, I am sure. Big cuddles to Isla, she will help you through this.

[dawny0311]

My heart goes out to you!

[KitKaat]

So touching, i know how you feel as a dog lover myself. Sorry to hear about it :( <3