re: FINAL UPDATE: Life with our Katrina puppy has come to an end… sadness inbound.

quote:

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Just didn't want to put her oozing facial tumors on the board.

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There isn't anyone here (or at least on this thread) who would hold that against your dog. We're not that type.

FROM FRIEND TO FRIEND

You're giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.

But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.

So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic, that will
Once more make me whole.

The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it's the only way.

That strength is why I've followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I've loved you all these years...
My partner 'til the end.

Please, understand just what this gift,
You're giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I've lost,
And all my dignity.

You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it too.

So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that's within you,
To now grant me this appeal.

Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.

And don't despair my passing,
For I won't be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I'll stay.

I'll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I'll run,
...a young dog once again.

In Memory of Asta, Feb. 1997
(c) Karen Clouston

My “Buddy” is 13 years old, so this is coming for me shortly. I think it is the unconditional love and sheer joy of seeing you every day, that makes this hurt so bad. Sorry for your loss.

I lost my almost 18 year old chihuahua yesterday. He was fairly healthy up until the end. He didn't see or hear as well, and had some arthritis that required meds for the past year, but he still got around and was the boss of the house.
He started to go down a couple of days ago, but was still eating and going out to pee. But he was losing balance and acting really confused. His breathing had become quicker. I woke up yesterday and got him ready to go to the vet. He passed on the way. The doc said it was likely a stroke.
I started a thread last night, but scrubbed it. I just couldn't do it.
His name was Moose, but he would answer to Buddy or Bud as well. He got all of his 17+ years and went out naturally with no noticeable pain. I told a friend that he hated veterinarians and wasn't going to let them put him down just out of spite.

My condolences on your loss. A good pup is hard to beat, but a good one who has been with us for so long is irreplaceable.

I feel for you because that type of bond is rock solid and can’t be broken. It won’t be long before my oldest Pug, Ole Man Pops, crosses the Rainbow Bridge.

Yep. 18 years.
He did well most of his life, but gave us a scare or two the past few years. Actually, he had become quite dramatic in his older age. He limped around and wouldn't get up for a couple of days once. Would eat fine and all, but only if we brought it to him. I was preparing myself then. Turned out to only be a small thorn in the pad of his foot. I wouldn't have bet a nickel on him at that point, but all it took was a vet and a pair of tweezers and he was as good as new.
That was over a year ago. I think he did stuff like that for entertainment.

Sorry for your loss brother

Sorry to hear this. Always hard to lose a member of the family.

Hugs to you and family

She's a pretty girl

There’s a saying I heard from our vet years ago when we had to put our 15yr old Golden down. Don’t know if he made it up or if he got it from somewhere but it goes like this:

“One of God’s greatest gifts to mankind is the love and companionship of a dog. One of his cruelest jokes is they rarely outlive us.”

Don’t know why but that’s always stuck with me. We’ve always had amazing dogs. Some before we had kids. Two that grew up with our kids including the golden. And now we have 2 relatively young dogs again and unless something happens to me, I’ll have to eventually go through it all again. We’ve done it 5 times already and they never get easier.