heavy hearted today

[gravely_hillbilly]

if i never give a word of good advice on this wonderful forum,please listen to this. Don't take your pets for granted and if you have any doubts,get a second opinion. had to put my dog to sleep and it has been the worst thing i've ever dealt with. i've lost family members,but didn't have to second guess myself about giving them the best of care. i'm beating myself to death for listening to the vets advice about not needing heartworm medicine and now the best friend an ole country boy could ask for is gone.have your dogs checked if you haven't been giving heartworm preventive. the poor dog went so fast and was just too weak to put him thru the rigors of the killing of the heartworms,so i had him put to rest.thanks to all of you for your support and suggestions. give your buddies a hug for me.

[Dennis OH]

sorry for your loss

[glenn27]

My Buddy_ I grieve for you--I've held my hound's head in my lap, when they gave him the final injection--and I cry'ed all night....

******
Sleep easy--Old Friend--we'll be there in a few years to run and play with you....You are in no more pain/you are not hungry or thirsty and everything will be back to perfect.... And all you really wanted was someone to spend a little time w/ you---and sometimes--US --Humans are tooo busy...
Da%%#n Shame!!
******

Thanks...

[gravely_hillbilly]

thanks guys and glenn that's part of what's killing me. sometimes i didn't take the time for just a rub behind the ears or just toss a rock for him to chase.i should have noticed he wasn't as active as he usually was....on and on.he gave more than he got and i'm just sick over it.wasn't a dry eye in the vet's office,even the vet got choked up. thanks too glenn about the WH. he's real close to me and i may jump in the bidding near the close of the auction. :thanku:

[jodyand]

Sorry for your loss. They become part of the family and its very hard to lose them.

[wanna_be_farmer]

I feel for you man. Sorry for the loss.
Rory

[Dan 2N]

Sorry to hear that you lost your buddy, it a hard thing to say good by.
Dan 2N

[USN_ED]

Really, really sorry to hear that "gravely". Hell, if you were here I'd give you a hug and a hand-shake. Having to have a pet put down is a very very difficult thing to do. It just makes ya feel awful. Damn awful.

[SunHawk]

PapaTinkerer,
It's never easy when they go. It hurts just as much whether they are youngsters or oldsters, critters you've bred and delivered, or rescues you've taken in and saved from a fate certain. And please, don't be hard on yourself. You did the best you could and you showed him the greatest form of love anyone can show another living being -- compassion and dignity.

Only time can ease your pain, but I hope the following will give you some comfort ...

Beyond The Rainbow

As much as I loved the life we had and all the times we played,
I was so very tired and knew my time on earth would fade.
I saw a wondrous image then of a place that's trouble-free,
Where all of us can meet again to spend eternity.

I saw the most beautiful Rainbow, and on the other side
Were meadows rich and beautiful -- lush and green and wide!
And running through the meadows as far as the eye could see
Were animals of every sort as healthy as could be!
My own tired, failing body was fresh and healed and new
And I wanted to go run with them, but I had something left to do.

I needed to reach out to you, to tell you I'm alright,
That this place is truly wonderful, then a bright Glow pierced the night.
'Twas the Glow of many Candles shining bright and strong and bold;
And I knew then that it held your love in its brilliant shades of gold.

For tho' we're not together in the way we used to be,
We're still connected by a cord - a cord no eye can see.
So when you need to find me, we're never far apart
If you look beyond the Rainbow and listen with your heart.

cg - 1995

[lt230s]

Gravely,
Sorry to hear about your loss. It's never easy, because they are family. I got 2 big lugs and they're getting up there in years.
May God bless your and yours to get thru this rough time.

[gravely_hillbilly]

not to be a broken record,but this is the best on the net. thanks so much Sunhawk for the poem, i copied it and am going to have it printed with a picture of Hoss and thank you to all the others to for the words of encouragement. ED, i'd take ya up on the handshake and probably come out of drinking retirement to have a crown with ya, thanks.

[John Deere Addict]

Gravely, I read this post just before going out to do chores. As I was feeding and watering my dogs I thought about how you must be feeling...Gosh, I've lost a couple of extra special dogs too. I gave them a little extra playtime before putting them to bed and of course a hug like I always do. I know how you are feeling, but I'm gonna paste a poem I found quite a few years ago when my wife lost her lab Tusa....it made her feel better and maybe it will help uou out as well. Never forget your loyal pet and remember all the good times you provided for them.....God bless.


__________________________________________________ _______________

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...

[Dad0850]

GH, sorry to hear of your loss. I know where you are at. I too lost a dear pet last year. Max was a Golden Retriever and Collie mix. We had him for 13 years and he was the smartest and best bahaved dog I ever had. And, I've had quite a few dogs. Sadly, he developed lung cancer and died in the arms of my wife as we were taking him to the vet be put down. He held on so long for us and we could tell that he was in really bad shape. He could hardly breathe. But, he did not give up until we gave up on him. Lord, I miss him, and it's been almost a year. Also, every now and then I call our new dog Luke, Max by mistake. You know, he still lives on in our hearts!

[gravely_hillbilly]

wow, and when i thought i was cried out. thanks JDA, i'll keep that one too. some people know how to put what's in your heart to words don't they? i'd say the dogs have as near to dog Heaven here as it gets. we have 28 acres,plus we're bordered by 600 acres of woods. live on a dead end street and next to last house. teenage girl to fuss over 'em and 2 young boys to run and play with 'em. they've never been on a chain and always seemed to know where the property ended,so they have always been free to roam the woods. but they always seem to think the best place was by a knee around the bonfires at night or sitting on the porch watching the sun go down.thanks again guys.

[Grateful11]

Very sorry to hear about your loss. Having to have our dog Snowy put to sleep this past Dec. after 17 years I know what you're going through. Time will help but he'll always be in the back of your mind I'm sure. We said we wouldn't get another dog but we recently rescued a nice pup from the pound.

[MowHoward2210]

Sorry for your loss, GH. I remember when we put our dog down when I was a kid, and then when I had to put our cat down. Two of the worse days in my life.

[drbailey]

GH , Its very sad to lose your your best friend , I lost three over the years . I had to have ole Lucky put to sleep. he had arthritis so bad , I had to carry him up and down steps. His last day he set in front of me crying for help. I couldnt take it anymore. Lucky was suffering to much. I got a vet to come in on Sunday and help my 14 year old friend. I held Lucky while he got his shots, I talked to him , telling him how great he has been , well you know what happened after that.
All we can do now is remember how wonderful they were, I think of my three friends often.
Im very sorry to hear of your loss.

[pigsitter]

My deepest condolences go out to you and your family.From the sounds of your last post I don't think a dog could have had a nicer place to be.Take care and we're here if you need us!

[raytasch]

My deepest sympathy.
ray

[06toro]

Sorry for you families loss.

[Hutch001b]

GH, sorry to hear of your loss. I've held several of my buddies heads in my lap while they took their last breaths, so I know what you're feeling. My deepest sympathy, Hutch

[simplelife]

So sorry for your loss. IT tears me up every time I hear of someone losing their best buddy. God gave us dominion over the animals and they have become our best friends.

Here is another post that I saved from sometime last year that was posted here when someone else had suffered a similar loss. It touched me enough to save it and print it with the picture of my buddy that has been gone almost a year now. Hope it helps. I can't remember who posted it or who authored it, but it hit me very deeply and I wish to thank whoever was the orginiator of it.

Dear Master,

You have been my teacher, my friend and most beloved companion. I was like your child, totally dependent on you for all my needs. But I never grew up and moved away as children do, I just grew to love and need you more each day, each month, each year.
I never went hungry because you gave me dinner and gave me water each day. When the weather was bad I found comfort in the warmth and safety of your home. I delighted you by learning tricks, but what you may not have realized is that I loved learning from you because I lived to please you.


The touch of your hand stroking my fur made my life worthwhile. Though I barked at noises in the night, the postman's footsteps and the ringing of the doorbell; the voice of my master was the one sound that I cherished most. Your moods became my moods. When you were sad or lonely, I nuzzled closer to comfort you .



There were times when you became upset with me because I soiled the carpet, chewed on a piece of furniture, or barked too much. But do not feel bad about those times when you scolded me - I needed to learn right from wrong, and I always understood when things weren't going your way or when you'd had an unpleasant day at work. There is no need for you to harbor guilt or remorse on my behalf.



You loved me and blessed me with more happiness than most animals will ever know. Instead of wondering what you could have done differently, remember the funny things I did and the happy times we shared together. Though it is hard for you to understand, I was ready to pass on from this life.



Our time together was short, but if we'd had fifty years together, you still would have not been ready for me to leave.



So please, Master, share your life with others. Do not refuse the opportunity to give another lucky pet the love you have given me. No other animal will ever take my place in your heart, but there is another one who needs you and will grow to love you as much as I did.



I am now at peace and no longer feel pain. You gave me a wonderful home and a happy existence on this earth. So please be happy - go on with your life and give your love to others.



Although I no longer share your world, I will always live in your heart, and you in mine.



Farewell, Dear Master

[dumaspup]

:sorry1:

[Edward]

if i never give a word of good advice on this wonderful forum,please listen to this. Don't take your pets for granted and if you have any doubts,get a second opinion. had to put my dog to sleep and it has been the worst thing i've ever dealt with. i've lost family members,but didn't have to second guess myself about giving them the best of care. i'm beating myself to death for listening to the vets advice about not needing heartworm medicine and now the best friend an ole country boy could ask for is gone.have your dogs checked if you haven't been giving heartworm preventive. the poor dog went so fast and was just too weak to put him thru the rigors of the killing of the heartworms,so i had him put to rest.thanks to all of you for your support and suggestions. give your buddies a hug for me.
sorry for your loss

note to fellow dog owners; not all heart medicines get rid of all worms! Check the package! At least I didnt know that until thispast year. Had been giving my lab the same hear med all along only to find out it doesnt kill whipworms!

[simple_john]

gravely, im so sorry to hear of your loss...

as you said... its a hard hard thing to do.... in my opinion, one of the hardest - but in many cases one of the kindest things you can do for your pup.... they are like members of your family... maybe better than some members...

heartworm is a tough way to lose your pup and hard on them.... im sure it hurt to make that hard decision... know your pup is pain free and running somewhere... waiting to be rejoined w/his family...

[Argee]

:ditto: On what everyone else said....Sorry for your loss GH...I know it's hard to take!

[Matt N TX]

GH
I've been worrying about you and your dog. I'm so very sorry. How are your kids holding up? Sometimes they don't know how to express their greif, or deal with the death of a pet. There are a couple of good kids books that you can get at any library. One of my favorites for a time like this is "The tenth good thing about Barney" , and my wife found a good one the other day called "I will always love you" by Hans Wilhelm.

Toughest decision there is. I'm so sorry. Prayers to out to you and your family.

Matt

[Artpb]

Sorry to hear of your loss, they teally are part of the family.

[Jim_WV]

Very sorry to hear gravely, I've been there and understand your sorrow.

[Ken N Tx]

Sorry to hear of your loss, they teally are part of the family.

:ditto: :ditto: Sorry for your loss..

[gravely_hillbilly]

here's a pic of Hoss in happier days. (fawn colored one) bad view i know,but any guesses on his parentage? thanks again for all the heart warming responses. MattnTx,thank you for the book suggestions. the smallest one and i went for a walk in the woods today and we heard a noise in the brush. he said "get him Hoss" and then the cold hard truth hit him and he started bawling (me too). even when we were burying him,neither boy seemed to be fazed,but i know it seemed surreal to me too. just couldn't believe there would never be Hoss running around,so i think today was good for him in a sad way. :thanku: again guys. it's getting better.

[Milwaukee]

Well I am sorry for your loss. Hoss will be in Heaven and watch you with family :fing32:

[Rocko]

Sorry for your Loss

[simplelife]

even when we were burying him,neither boy seemed to be fazed,but i know it seemed surreal to me too.

Well, I'll have to admit that when my 27 yr old son and I buried my buddy Rufus last year, it was the first time in a long time that we had hugged each other and both were in tears. And that is from a family not known for showing their feelings enough. That day Rufus brought my son and I closer together than we had been in a long time. I will remember and cherish it always.

Let the healing begin.

[gravely_hillbilly]

Let the healing begin.[/QUOTE]



the healing has started mostly from all the support here and thank you for your great poem too. it's getting to the point we're telling the "remember the time" stories and having a few grins. going to be going to the local shelter and see if i can find another that seems to have his parentage. he'll never be replaced,but i'd like to save at least one from a bad fate in his memory and for the boys to have another to grow up with. you can bet your money this one will have heartworm preventive on a regular basis. :fing32: