[Judy2]

The inevitable for dog owners happened today. I had to make that horrible decision to say goodbye to my 15-1/2 year old Bichon Frise. Living alone, she was my constant, faithful friend 24/7 and this house seems as empty as the hole in my heart. My two friends took me and Susan to the vets to see if anything could be done to help her. Last night she was incontinent in bed which never happened before and when I put her down on the floor she could barely stand up and just staggered aimlessly around in circles.

She went downhill so fast -- last month she was okay except for her eyes, but turns out she had anemia, failing kidneys and congestive heart failure. Last Wednesday she fell right down on her stomach with legs stretched out, then vomited. The vet thinks it was probably a heart attack. From then on she began having labored breathing, shook all over, so I had the feeling the end was coming. I stayed with her for the first injection until she was unconscious, but then left since she wouldn't know if I was there or not then. I've decided to get her ashes, not to make a big deal here in the house (keep them tucked away) and when my time comes, I'd like them put in with me. I know it's not really her, but then it won't really be me either! At least I feel I did everything humanly possible for her, but the failing kidneys was the final straw. Nothing could be done and she was miserable.

NO MORE PETS!!! I can no longer take care of them properly since I'm in this stupid chair, and I never want to go through another day like today. My eyes feel like they're burning in their sockets from crying so much. I know she was a dog, but being an "animal person" plus being alone made this especially difficult.

Hope I didn't depress you too much. It helps a little to "talk" about it.

Take care........

[Snoopy]

Aw Judy I'm sorry.

It's so hard to put down our furry friends but you did what was best for her. She is at peace now and no longer in any pain or discomfort.

I understand.....we have had 4 dogs in 25 years and I am the one who takes them to the vet to be put down. I always stay to the very end.

[tovaxin_lab_rat]

Oh Judy I am so sorry. It does happen. Been where you are 3 times. It is a tough decision, but it's one we know we have to make at some point.

Here's a Poem just for animals.

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...

[Chris66]

I'm sorry, Judy. It's never easy, but for those of us who know we won't be getting other dogs to help us to move on from the loss, it's doubly hard. I grieve for you, and share your sorrow.

Chris

[SallyC]

Judy Dear, I am so sorry for your loss of your companion and furry friend. I am so sad for you.

It's a bit soon, but you may consider getting a fully trained, service dog. I'm not sure of the cost, if any to you, but it may be worth looking into.

[MSacorn]

Judy
I'm so very sorry for your loss. I feel your pain and the quietness of the house must seem overwhelming. Trust your fur friend is at peace and is still keeping an eye on you. Thanks for sharing your loss. Lots of hugs and understanding. Please take care!

[marcstck]

My deepest sympathies on your loss. I lost my beloved Labrador Retriever, Stella, this past December, and I still miss her awfully. Crazy as it sounds, I still talk to her sometimes even though she's not here. Let yourself go through the grieving process. It's not easy, but eventually you'll be left with only happy memories.

[Judy2]

Thank you all for your love, understanding and kind words of encouragement. It's comforting knowing there are others who know that gut-wrenching, lonely, guilty, miserable feeling of having to say goodbye to our faithful friends who have given unconditionally for so many years. Nothing seems "normal" now, but I know that time will soften those sharp edges of the loss of Susan.

LeeAnn -- You're very brave for staying with your pooches until the very end. I couldn't have held it together any longer.

Cheryl -- Thank you for your kind words and especially the poem, Rainbow Bridge. I've read that before and my personal belief is that it is true. My loving God who created all creatures, wouldn't allow that special bond to be broken after so many years.

Sally -- I've thought about a service dog in the past. However, he/she would still require all the usual things any pet does -- walks, vet visits, "shedding" clean up, any mess clean up, etc. It would be different if someone else lived here to help, but as of now, I don't think it would work. Thanks for the thought though!

Chris -- You're sooo right. Knowing there will never be another special furry friend in our lives does make it even more difficult. In my "former life" with kids, husband, activities, work, to take care of, the loss of a pet was awful, but this seems especially hard to take since it was just the two of us for so long and there won't be another. I'm sorry you're in the same boat, but know you really understand. Thank you!

Beth -- Yes, I know in my brain that Susan is at peace now with no more pain and her body renewed to it's young energy, etc., but my heart is just so empty. Everywhere I look, I expect to see her. Thanks for your hugs!

Marc -- I'm sorry for your loss of Stella too. No, I don't think it's crazy at all talking to her. After doing it for so long, it's only natural and helps us feel "connected" even though they're no longer here. It's a feeling only we "dog people" can understand. Some say "snap out of it, she was only a dog". NOT!!

Whether right or wrong, I've cried more and felt worse with Susan's passing than I did for my own parents. Of course there were "issues" with them too, but something about that unconditional love, complete trust and wanting to be constantly close to you, just tears me up. The only thing in my life that could be worse would be the loss of a child/grandchild. Thanks so much again for all your thoughts and prayers. Time is a great healer.

I did find a website for people who have lost pets. Think it's called petloss.com and it's associated with Best Friends Animal Society in Utah. It's a no-kill facility which I've donated regularly to for years. They were one of the organizations that helped animal rescue after Katrina in New Orleans and Mississippi.

Hugs to each one of you..........

[Taffy]

Judy,

Sorry for your loss. I know that it hurts. I think you have a good idea of hanging onto the ashes and having your sweetie laid with you. Just make sure someone knows of your wishes.

[lady_express_44]

Very sorry to hear of your loss, Judy.

I have trained my German Shepherds from pups, but lost both of them due to 1) an overdose during surgery and 2) and hip problems. This time though, I got a Jack Russell that was 1 1/2 yrs old and trained already. He is demanding, but his needs are simple; throw the ball!, throw the ball!!, throw the flippin' ball!!! I can handle that, and he "gets" that this is only a summer routine.

Maybe a slightly older dog that needs a home would be perfect for you? The company is good . . .

Cherie