Heartache (picture added)

[Ysabel Kid]

We had to put our dog, Copper Penny, to sleep today. While I was traveling on business this Thursday she let out a pain-filled yelp while my wife was home. She collapsed and couldn't move her back legs. She has had back/disc problems in the past (like me). My wife rushed her to the vet. The did an x-Ray, and it looked like two other discs had herniated. They gave her pain, steroidal anti-inflammation and muscle-relaxers, but she just didn't improve.

The vet said we could do a MRI ($2,500), and spine surgery ($6,000 - $7,000), but no guarantees on the results. We love our little Copper (a daschund; the breed has back problems), but just couldn't justify this for a 12 year-old dog.

So we had to make the gut-wrenching decision today. We brought her home afterwards, and Y2K and my daughter helped me bury her in our yard, her home, where she will be home. My wife is devastated; Copper was her dog, and adored her. My wife has lost her Dad and dog in the space of six weeks, and Y2K goes off to college in a week and a half. Life sucks.

Our pets sure become part of our families.

Copper was such a good and loyal dog. She will be so mussed.

[gregg]

Sorry. Think we all been there. when we lost Gabby girl with my stove up back and neck I rented a small back hoe . hundred bucks job nicely done. last thing I could do for her.

[Chuck 100 yd]

Sorry to hear that friend. They do become part of the family.

[marlinman93]

Nothing tougher than losing a pet! We swore off any more after losing the last two about 3 months apart. Just can't go through it again!

[Grizz]

so very sorry for your loss

[Blaine]

I wish I had the right words..... I don't, but perhaps prayers for your comfort will help.

===========================================================

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...

[cnjarvis]

So sorry for you and your family YK.

I went through the exact same thing with an 8 y.o. Scottie 3 yrs ago. It still breaks my heart. Take solace in the fact that you were able to give her what she wanted most in the world: a family that loved and cherished her.

Prayers for you and your family.

[Montana_Jon]

Sorry for your loss, but the pain and suffering is over for her. We had to make a similar choice with our old collie, who had gotten crippled with old age and blind.

[gamekeeper]

Sorry to hear this Jay, take heart in the fact that at least you gave her a loving home and she returned that love aplenty. No one can do more.

[J Miller]

Loosing a furry family member hurts like nothing I can describe. I'm sorry for your loss.

Joe

[piller]

Sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort sent.
I have had dogs die, and it is never easy. What has helped me most has been to get a new puppy. It has helped to finish one chapter and start another. Each dog has been different and unique. They are not replacing the last one, but becoming a new part of life. I still miss one particular dog more than any other, but they all have given love and companionship freely and without reservation. Dogs are a gift from the Almighty.

[Pete44ru]

.


Remember the good times with her, as it will help.

And, yes - they REALLY are man's best friend.


.

[mikld]

I cannot forget the day I was convinced I had to "do the right thing" for my dachshund Annie's "quality of life". She too had back problems, but I would have gladly carried her anywhere she wanted/needed to go. I would have spent my last dime on her health, just as I would for my daughter. One vet visit cost me $1200 but I didn't give it a second thought. Annie was the first dog we owned that wasn't a "junk yard dog" with a job (she was a gift for my wife, but I became the alpha male of our family and she treated me as such). I have not been able to get another dog since Annie died, maybe because I couldn't make that choice again if/when a vet gives me that "quality of life" bull sh**...

And please, no "you don't want your pet to suffer" replies...

[Bill in Oregon]

Kid, your wife is getting hit with a triple whammy. So sorry. I hate to even suggest it, but the loss of a dog can hurt worse in some ways than losing a human. Those who have lost a pup will know in their hearts of which I speak.

[Rusty]

Sorry to hear of 3 losses so close together. It sounds like your wife will need some extra care and handling for a bit.

Where is Y2K going to college? Far from home?

[rjohns94]

Praying for you and your family

[Ben_Rumson]

So very sorry to hear this



We nearly lost ours 6 weeks ago .. Our little dog had a heart attack right in front of my wife...Rushed him to the vet & "Lil Basterd" LIVES! Acts like nothing happened but has lost a step or two... Vet says his days are numbered... This will be our last dog Just thankful for his joy ..

[2ndovc]

So sorry Jay. It is such a hard thing to deal with.

I dearly hope things settle down for you all.

jason

[RIHMFIRE]

Hang in there.....

[Old No7]

So sorry to hear the news Jay...

Only you will know if this poem will bring your wife any comfort...

I found this back when I worked for a vet company (author unknown) and it's been appreciated by many folks I've shared it with.

Take care,

Old No7

I Haven’t Left You – (A Dog’s Tale)

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying, You found it hard to sleep.
I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.
I was with you at the shops today, Your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care.
I want to re-assure you, that I'm not lying there.
I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said " it's me."

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.
It's possible for me, to be so near you every day.
To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."
You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew...
In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning
and say "Good-night, God Bless, I'll see you in the morning."
And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.

I’ll have so many things to show you,
there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out...
then come home to be with me.

[Ysabel Kid]

Sorry. Think we all been there. when we lost Gabby girl with my stove up back and neck I rented a small back hoe . hundred bucks job nicely done. last thing I could do for her.

I probably should have done that, or had Y2K do more of the digging. My back is paying the price for this, big time.

[Ysabel Kid]

I wish I had the right words..... I don't, but perhaps prayers for your comfort will help.

===========================================================

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...

That was very nice. I will share it with the Mrs. It will help. Thank you!

[Ysabel Kid]

Sorry to hear this Jay, take heart in the fact that at least you gave her a loving home and she returned that love aplenty. No one can do more.

That is what I've told Mrs. YK, and myself for that matter. No dog was more loved or spoiled for her 12 years on earth. She hit life's jackpot for sure.

[Ysabel Kid]

Loosing a furry family member hurts like nothing I can describe.
Joe

You are 100% correct Joe!

[Ysabel Kid]

Kid, your wife is getting hit with a triple whammy. So sorry. I hate to even suggest it, but the loss of a dog can hurt worse in some ways than losing a human. Those who have lost a pup will know in their hearts of which I speak.

I was thinking this as well. I think, for me anyway, it boils down to the ability for a person to understand what is happening. My FIL, who passed on Independence Day, would never have wanted to die like he did. He was ready to go, and made that clear. I miss him, but I'm happy for him that he didn't linger and suffer.

A dog cannot understand these things. When I looked into its eyes, I just wanted to comfort and protect it. I could not.

That's one of the parts that hurts the most.

[Ysabel Kid]

Where is Y2K going to college? Far from home?

He's going to Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC. About 90 minutes without traffic, so close enough for anything he needs, but far enough not to have us in his hair. Should be about ideal, but I am still going to miss him every day.

[Ysabel Kid]

So sorry to hear the news Jay...

Only you will know if this poem will bring your wife any comfort...

I found this back when I worked for a vet company (author unknown) and it's been appreciated by many folks I've shared it with.

Take care,

Old No7

I Haven’t Left You – (A Dog’s Tale)

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying, You found it hard to sleep.
I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.
I was with you at the shops today, Your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care.
I want to re-assure you, that I'm not lying there.
I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said " it's me."

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.
It's possible for me, to be so near you every day.
To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."
You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew...
In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning
and say "Good-night, God Bless, I'll see you in the morning."
And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.

I’ll have so many things to show you,
there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out...
then come home to be with me.

Another good one to share with Mrs. YK! Thanks!!!

[JohndeFresno]

So sorry, Jay.

Sending you a PM with some hope for condolences to the family.

John

[BenT]

Sorry to hear that.

I had to put my 16 year old dog down in May. His hips were shot and had to help him get up every morning. Even after scheduling the day with the vet and knowing it was coming. I still left the vet office teary eyed. Buried him in the horse pasture with all the other previous pets.

[AJMD429]

Our 'pet graveyard' is alongside the shooting range, and covers about 50 ft by 200 ft.... lots of dogs, cats, goats, and even a few chickens raised for 4H (and killed by raccoons).

For me, the dogs are the only ones I really tear-up about.

But, as others have said, a long life lived well and without much pain, is something to CELEBRATE, not mourn. Same for humans.