lizcam

Oh my, Liz. My heart goes out to you. I had to have my best doggy friend Stormy put to sleep in November, and she was just seven. She had bone cancer and it was very aggressive. I took her in early in the morning and they let me be in the room with her when they did it. It was heartening knowing I was the last thing she saw in this world. I had her cremated and her ashes on are my mantle along with a small ceramic containter with a lock of her hair. Time heals, but it will be a while. Just remember you are giving her a gift we cannot have for ourselves. You are keeping her from suffering, and that is precious. Remember, its not goodbye, its "until we meet again"

The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who 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, 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 quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special 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 gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Liz.... I'm so sorry
Having had my own pets pass away I know you're numb from the grief.

Go ahead and take a few days off for a good family cry, we will be waiting for you.

Donna

I'm so sorry to hear about Spirit. Thunderhawk and Donna have both written more eloquently than I can; but I thought I'd let you know I'll be thinking of you.

It's hard to truly understand the importance of a loss of a pet until you've gone through it yourself.

I'll bet you gave that dog the best 15 years possible.

So sorry for your loss.
jim

:-( I'm so sorry.

Oh dear. My condolences, liz. I had to euthanize my cat Mango last fall, he had cancer. I got some consolation from the knowledge that he'd had a great life, was adored by almost everyone who met him, and that I couldn't allow him to suffer. I still cried a lot though.

Sometimes, I think, pets pass between being pets and being members of the family. I've had fish, underwater frogs, and two guinea pigs, but none of them have ever connected with me like my one and only dog. He was a member of the family, and had to be put down about 3 years ago, november 11. I wont ever forget him, and I know it's the same with Spirit for you.

Good luck, Spirit, you will be missed.

My heart goes out to you, really. I have two dogs. We got the younger one 3 years ago because the elder is getting on and really, although it seems hard, getting another pet is the easiest way through. You have someone to replace your friend, who was and will be always with you.
My condolences, i wouldn't wish it on anyone, i dread the day when i have to say goodbye to my dog.

liz i really feel your pain. i still miss smokey and rocky..... i will be thinking of you.

Liz:
My heart goes out to you.
My dad has just had to have his dog put to sleep after a Heart attack and that has affected me badly. She was my late mothers dog and I feel another great sense of loss with her passing.
My own dog is now 11½ and we thought we were about to lose her on Sunday evening. Thankfully she's recovering.

People who don't look after animals as part of their family do not understand exactly how much emotional investment you place in dogs. Thier simple Love, Loyalty and Trust in us is a tremendous gift. Even after the worst possible day at work her delight in seeing me come home is enough to break whatever dark mood I'm in.

This will sound hard but after losing two other dogs the best possible thing to do is to adopt another and cherish it in the same way.

Mike

Sorry to hear of your loss. Pets do become part of the family and we get truly attached. when i was young i remember my dad having to carry our dog to the vets to be put to sleep..heart-breaking times.

I think i can safetly say that all of our hearts go out to you.

Klaus

Hey you should have mentioned it in the forum I'm sure a lot of the people on there have had similar experiences that they'd like to share.

Myself, I've never been lucky enough to have a pet like that but then I've never been unlucky enough to have to say goodbye. My partners German Shepherd Kazzie had to be put down on very short notice a few months ago and unfortunately she could not be there at the end. Her horse Sparky also died a couple of years ago and she wasn't there to say goodbye either. It hit her very hard losing two of her best friends like that. So whilst I can't really appreciate how difficult it is for you I have been there for someone in your situation so you have my sympathies. Hope you feel yourself again soon

Sorry to hear that Liz.
Lost my dog whilst I was away (at Hogmanay) over new year 2000-2001 :(

We were never quite sure how old he was- given he was a rescue dog, but we had him 12 or more years (Since I was in first school anyway)

I hope to have a dog again once I move out, and I hope you can find another great companion someday.

RIP Spirit.