~:~:~:The Doggie Thread!!:~:~:~

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  • mrussel1
    mrussel1 Posts: 30,879
    Honestly this was the hardest thing we've ever had to do. Kasey went into Pooch Heaven on Friday...which was also her 16th birthday. I loved this dog so damn much. I really hope she knew what she meant to my wife and I. We went with the "better to do it a week early than a day late" approach. She was going downhill pretty quickly over the last month or so. But had a couple decent days at the end so we decided it felt right for her to go out on a high note. She had Chick Filet and McDonalds (which was an even bigger treat as she's been on a really strict boiled chicken diet for over two years--not even treats and stuff) and she had one last walk at a lake nearby. It was a good day. Everyone always says it, but it's so true that dogs are a part of your family. And we don't have any kids so she was like our only child. It sucks. But I think she had a really good life. House feels so empty and quiet now. 






    Sorry man.. handsome dog.  Always sucks.  Glad you got 16 years.
  • Poncier
    Poncier Posts: 17,870
    Aw man, I'm so sorry Juggs.
    Such a brutal decision to have to make. 16 is a pretty good run, but that doesn't make it easier.
    She will be missed, but she'll always a part of you and Mrs. Juggs.
    This weekend we rock Portland
  • mrussel1
    mrussel1 Posts: 30,879
    Poncier said:
    Aw man, I'm so sorry Juggs.
    Such a brutal decision to have to make. 16 is a pretty good run, but that doesn't make it easier.
    She will be missed, but she'll always a part of you and Mrs. Juggs.
    Mrs. Juggs?  Sounds awesome. 
  • Wobbie
    Wobbie Posts: 31,246
    Very sad to hear this, Juggler.

    I've been through it a few times...it's awful but will get better with time.

    I always post this because I've found it to be 100% true:


    If you’ve ever loved an animal, there are three days in your life you will always remember.  The first is a day, blessed with happiness, when you bring home your new friend.  You may have spent weeks deciding on a breed.  You may have asked opinions of many friends or done research finding a breeder.  Or, in a fleeting moment, you may have chosen that silly looking mutt at the shelter, simply because something in its eyes reached your heart.  But when you bring that chosen pet home, and watch it explore…when you feel it brush against you for the first time, it instills a feeling of pure love you will carry with you through many years to come.

     

    The second day will occur years later.  It will be a day like any other.  Routine and unexceptional.  But, for a surprising instant, you will look at your longtime friend and see age where you once saw youth.  You will see slow deliberate steps where you once saw energy.  You will see sleep where you once saw activity.  You will begin to adjust your friend’s diet and you may add a pill to her food.  And, you may feel a growing uneasy feeling until the third day arrives.

     

    On this day, if your friend or your higher being has not decided for you, then you will be faced with making a decision of your own on behalf of your lifelong friend.  Whichever way your friend leaves you, you will feel as alone as a single star in the dark night.

     

    If you are wise, you will let the tears flow freely as they must.  If you are typical, you will find that not many family and friends will be able to understand your grief.  But, if you are true to the love of the pet you cherished through many joy-filled years, you may find that a soul, smaller in size than your own, seems to walk with you at times, during the lonely days to come.  At those moments when you least expect anything out of the ordinary, you may feel something brush against your leg.  And, looking down at the place where your dear friend used to lie… you will remember those three significant days.  The memory will be painful.  As time passes, the ache will come and go.  You will reject it and embrace it and it may confuse you.  If you reject it, it will depress you.  If you embrace it, it will deepen you.  Either way, it will still be an ache.

     

    But, there will be a fourth day when, along with the memory of your pet, and piercing through the heaviness in your heart, there will come a realization that belongs only to you.  It will be as unique and strong as our relationship with the pet we have loved and lost.  This realization takes the form of a Living Love, like the heavenly scent of a rose.  This Love will remain and grow, and will be there for us to remember.  It is a love we have earned.  It’s the legacy our pets leave us when they go… and it’s a gift we keep with us as long as we live.  And until we leave, perhaps to join our beloved pets, it is a Love we will always possess.



    If I had known then what I know now...

    Vegas 93, Vegas 98, Vegas 00 (10 year show), Vegas 03, Vegas 06
    VIC 07
    EV LA1 08
    Seattle1 09, Seattle2 09, Salt Lake 09, LA4 09
    Columbus 10
    EV LA 11
    Vancouver 11
    Missoula 12
    Portland 13, Spokane 13
    St. Paul 14, Denver 14
    Philly I & II, 16
    Denver 22
  • The Juggler
    The Juggler Posts: 49,590
    Thanks guys.

    Wob--I shared that with my wife last night as well. It helps and it is very true. Thank you. 
    www.myspace.com
  • mrussel1
    mrussel1 Posts: 30,879
    I did not know Wobbie was such a softie.  
  • The Juggler
    The Juggler Posts: 49,590
    mrussel1 said:
    I did not know Wobbie was such a softie.  
    Only with dogs. Canines...to the layperson. 
    www.myspace.com
  • My condolences Jugg, I think the portrait on the wall is really lovely xxx
  • Fifthelement
    Fifthelement Lotusland Posts: 6,965
    Honestly this was the hardest thing we've ever had to do. Kasey went into Pooch Heaven on Friday...which was also her 16th birthday. I loved this dog so damn much. I really hope she knew what she meant to my wife and I. We went with the "better to do it a week early than a day late" approach. She was going downhill pretty quickly over the last month or so. But had a couple decent days at the end so we decided it felt right for her to go out on a high note. She had Chick Filet and McDonalds (which was an even bigger treat as she's been on a really strict boiled chicken diet for over two years--not even treats and stuff) and she had one last walk at a lake nearby. It was a good day. Everyone always says it, but it's so true that dogs are a part of your family. And we don't have any kids so she was like our only child. It sucks. But I think she had a really good life. House feels so empty and quiet now. 






    My deepest condolences to you and Mrs Juggler.  Kasey was a beautiful soul.  I’m blessed that I got to watch her grow with you through this thread.  May you find some small comfort in your memories.
    "What the CANUCK happened?!? - Esquimalt Barber Shop
  • The Juggler
    The Juggler Posts: 49,590
    Thank you again, guys. I really appreciate it. We miss her so much. My wife's friend got us these windchimes as a way to remember her. I thought that was such a great idea!
    www.myspace.com
  • Fifthelement
    Fifthelement Lotusland Posts: 6,965
    Thank you again, guys. I really appreciate it. We miss her so much. My wife's friend got us these windchimes as a way to remember her. I thought that was such a great idea!
    I love that idea! Chiming a gentle reminder that she will always be with you.❤️
    "What the CANUCK happened?!? - Esquimalt Barber Shop
  • Bentleyspop
    Bentleyspop Craft Beer Brewery, Colorado Posts: 11,394
    I wasn't sure if I wanted to post this but after 2 weeks of thinking about it and Long Road playing on PJ Siriusxm I thought it was time.
    2 weeks ago Bentleys Excellent Adventure came to an end. He was almost 17. He was mostly deaf, the hips were shot, and the vet a year ago said he had a tumor. And every few months he would have what could best be described as a neurological event. But he would recover and we would go on albeit slower and slower. After the most recent event I came to the decision that it was time. Getting him to 17 or even just a couple of more weeks wasn't going to do him or me or anyone any good. I made the appointment for the home euthanasia vet through tears but once I did it a weight seemed to lift.

    On his last night he got some of his favorite food which he had not been allowed for a couple of years. Steak, popcorn,  and some ice cream. We were up early and spent some time outside. The vet showed up and 20 minutes later he was gone. After 15+ years together it was over. We had climbed mountains together (including the highest in the continental U.S.) We had swum in rivers, lakes, and streams. We had visited and hung out in many many craft breweries and dined on lots of restaurant patios. He had chased bears, deer, elk, foxes, moose, sheep, and of course tried to herd some cattle. He enjoyed people, animals and car rides
    He will be missed.


  • mrussel1
    mrussel1 Posts: 30,879
    Sorry you lost your friend.  That last night and the morning when you know the vet is coming is the absolute worst.  
  • hedonist
    hedonist Posts: 24,524
    What a regal dog he was. You’ll always be Bentley’s pop. 
  • Poncier
    Poncier Posts: 17,870
    Man, another one so soon.
    Very sorry to hear of Bentley's passing. What a fabulous collection of photos (and therefore of course great memories).
    For a big dog getting almost to 17 is an accomplishment and a testament to how well loved and cared for he was.
    RIP Bentley, go have a romp with Kasey.
    This weekend we rock Portland
  • Sorry for your loss @Bentleyspop I can only imagine how much of a loss this is and how hard it is for you. Reaching nearly 17 is an amazing accomplishment and I'm sure Bentley lived his best possible life with you xxx
  • GlowGirl
    GlowGirl New York, NY Posts: 12,063
    I am so sorry for your loss. Bentley was magnificent. I always loved the photos you posted. His big blue eyes were so soulful. I can tell how much you loved and cared for him. I am sure he knew as well. I know how it feels to have that weight lifted. You just want them out of pain. RIP Bentley!!
  • Wobbie
    Wobbie Posts: 31,246
    oh, man….first kasey and now bentley.. those are HUGE holes to fill but I feel like you’ll both fill them (eventually) and, with the passage of time, your grief will be replaced with happy memories. you gave bentley a fantastic life. I’m very, very sorry.
    If I had known then what I know now...

    Vegas 93, Vegas 98, Vegas 00 (10 year show), Vegas 03, Vegas 06
    VIC 07
    EV LA1 08
    Seattle1 09, Seattle2 09, Salt Lake 09, LA4 09
    Columbus 10
    EV LA 11
    Vancouver 11
    Missoula 12
    Portland 13, Spokane 13
    St. Paul 14, Denver 14
    Philly I & II, 16
    Denver 22
  • Bentleyspop
    Bentleyspop Craft Beer Brewery, Colorado Posts: 11,394
    Thanks everyone for all the kind words and support. I knew the day I picked Bentley up from the Humane Society that the day would come when I would have to make that horrible painful decision. It's part of the contract. But once I made it the weight I had been carrying for more than a year seemed to lift. I have nothing but awesome happy memories of our adventures together. And I know he led the best dog's life I could give him.

    The background on my phone.. 


  • Poncier
    Poncier Posts: 17,870
    ^That's a great photo, like worthy of being in a dog calendar or something.
    This weekend we rock Portland