LEGEND My Dog ROCKS!

[VegasRam]

Mari and I had to put our 14 year old lab down yesterday. Everybody's dog is the best dog ever - I get that, and actually, I believe it. Reason isn't important, but she was in obvious pain - spine/hip problems - and it was time. Fortunately (a relative term), my Vet is a friend, and he came by the house, so we were with her at the end.

I added an office on to my house in 2006, and have worked at home ever since, so Mari, Roxy and I have basically been together 24/7 for a long time now. I've had to put dogs down before, but this time is as painful as it gets. Maybe it's my age (67 in a couple weeks), but I don't think so. Read a lot on the web yesterday about grief over losing a pet, and would recommend that to anyone dealing with this. Crying is not an option either - it is required.

I don't usually share this kind of stuff, and don't know how cathartic it is (if at all), but the attitude of all the members here is unique as forums go, and and I just felt like honoring Rox.

Y'all give your dog a hug - he or she probably deserves it.

 

[-X-]

Man. I am so very sorry for your loss and obvious pain. That's the worst heartache imaginable as far as I'm concerned. I've had to do that twice in my life and I don't think I can handle a third. My Molly (also a black lab) isn't getting any younger and I dread the inevitable. Absolutely dread it.

That really sucks and I genuinely feel your pain. And I know it's not much of a consolation, but you spared her much suffering, and that kind of mercy blows regular love out of the water. Much respect for caring that deeply.

Again. So sorry, man.

 

[-X-]

Fuckin all welled up now, and i took your advice. Hugged the hell outta her just now.

Damn.

 

[Selassie I]

Sorry to hear about Roxy. That's such a hard thing to go through as a dog owner. They are really part of the family.

I can tell from your avi that she was lucky to have you as her Pops. You did what was best. She won't be suffering anymore.

Bless you guys.

 

[ozarkram]

So sorry. Had to put down my German Shepherd A few months ago wont go into details don't want to take away from your grief. But I do feel your pain my friend.

 

[Prime Time]

Thanks for sharing your grief with us. It's personal and hard to do. Had to put down one of my two dogs, Zachary, two years ago. He was a few days short of his 15th birthday. I waited until I got outside the vet's office before bursting into tears in the parking lot. Dogs don't talk and don't complain. They're just happy to see you when you come home. In a way they're much easier to bond with than our fellow human beings, and therefore such a great loss. Peace and strength to you and your loved ones in this time of sadness.

 

[Rmfnlt]

I'm so sorry for your loss... I had a dog like Roxy (it was a Golden)... hurts... cried all the way home from the vet the day he left us...

Hang in there!

 

[Tron]

Very sorry to hear man. Have no idea how I'll be able to handle with losing my Alice someday. Hugs and more hugs tonight.

 

[Dieter the Brock]

Dude sorry to hear about Roxy.
Sounds like a cool pooch
I went through the same thing last year when my English Bulldog of 14 years died in my arms
I didn't know i was sobbing uncontrollably until i told the vet I had to leave the room, all it sounded like was baby drivel - but somehow the vet knew exactly what i was saying.
It's really tough man, wish I could help in some way, but we just need to manage to go forward with their memory
Take heart in the fact there is another pup out there that needs you both just as much as Roxy
I got a new puppy soon after, a 5 month old Yorkie and she's turned into my best friend!

 

[CGI_Ram]

Thanks for sharing, Vegas.

Obviously, she was a great companion.

Love is love. You loved her. It's hard to deal with a loss like that.

 

[Ramhusker]

Sorry man. Dogs love deep and unconditionally so it's hard I know. Hang in there for awhile and then go bond with a new pooch. Guaranteed, Roxy's love will shine through those eyes too. My Molly will get the extra hug tonight.

 

[jrry32]

It's tough. Worst for me is that I didn't get to say good bye to Flash. He passed while I was at college in another state. It's been 3 years and I still miss him. I wish you the best. You lost a member of the family and it hurts.

 

[IowaRam]

Always sad to read these stories , my family have always had dogs ( German Shepherds ) , and sadly , we've had to put a few down over the years . like you , our dogs have always been house dogs and huge parts of our family , there are few things in life tougher then having to do the right thing

 

[Prime Time]

It's tough. Worst for me is that I didn't get to say good bye to Flash. He passed while I was at college in another state. It's been 3 years and I still miss him. I wish you the best. You lost a member of the family and it hurts.

My beagle's name is Flash. He just turned 8 a few months ago and I don't want to contemplate what life would be like without him.

 

[Pancake]

Very painful I know. Keep the memories is all you can do. Maybe there is another pup out their waiting to join your family. Maybe a rescue.

 

[Dodgersrf]

Sorry to hear.
The loss of a long time pet shouldn't be underestimated. Especially a dog.
Shed many tears over the same thing.

 

[RhodyRams]

So very sorry for your loss Vegas. My boy is 13 now and starting to have trouble getting around. Have had him since he was born and he is like a son. No parent should have to see their children pass.

 

[fearsomefour]

It sucks.
I thought I was passed feeling badly when a pet goes away. Last dog got very sick very quickly and we had to put her down....from first visible symptoms to the drive to the vet was about 2 days.
It got to me for a bit, cried ect.
Whatever you feel is yours to feel.

 

[VegasRam]

Thanks guys - your responses mean a lot, and have helped considerably. May revisit this thread in a month or so, but will leave it with this.

X remarked that he wasn't sure he could go through losing a friend a third time - I obviously get that - my wife said the same thing yesterday.
But the trade off - 14 years x 365 = 5,110 days of the joy dogs bring to us vs. 2-4 weeks of pain is worth it. That's just how special they are.

We will be getting another dog, and as much as I'd like to get a puppy, there are too many rescues out there in need of a home. Just seems like the right thing to do.
Probably learned this from Roxy.

Hug your dog - if you forget, check my avatar. Thank you all again.

 

[VegasRam]

Dude sorry to hear about Roxy.
Sounds like a cool pooch
I went through the same thing last year when my English Bulldog of 14 years died in my arms
I didn't know i was sobbing uncontrollably until i told the vet I had to leave the room, all it sounded like was baby drivel - but somehow the vet knew exactly what i was saying.
It's really tough man, wish I could help in some way, but we just need to manage to go forward with their memory
Take heart in the fact there is another pup out there that needs you both just as much as Roxy
I got a new puppy soon after, a 5 month old Yorkie and she's turned into my best friend!

You went from an English Bulldog to a Yorkie? Turn in your Mancard immediately!

I have a good friend, riding buddy who has a Yorkie named Harley. Very cool dog - glad you found her.
I just expanded my rescue list.