Putting my dog to sleep - page 1 -

• Putting my dog to sleep by Michael on 12 Feb, 2009 13:50
• I found out two days ago that my 13 year old boxer has late stage heart failure.  She has been drastically deteriorating this week, and we have made the difficult choice of having to put her to sleep tomorrow (Friday).  It sucks! She's  MY dog, not the families, and it just sucks!  She's had a good life, she's been a wonderful pet, but her time has come.
  
  Because of the nature of my work (K-8 teacher) I work in a very estrogen enriched environment.  I don't have too many dude-friends.  Kinda retarded to say it, but you guys are kinda it.  I just needed to share about my dog.  Thanks (between this and the wife developing MS, it has been a crappy year.)
  
  You guys are awsome.
• #1 by Mikekoz13 on 12 Feb, 2009 13:57
• Michael-
  
  I had to put MY most beloved Greyhound, Lager, down two years ago this week. It was one of the most painful things i've ever had to do. He was a good old boy that I had for nine amazing years but when he got bone cancer I refused to let him suffer so I could have him longer.
  
  I held him very close as the doctor administered the meds, and I spoke softly into his ear telling him how much I loved him. I gently laid him down and sat with him for a few minutes alone before I left him.
  
  It was a terrible experience but one that we sometimes have to do as pet owners if we really love them.
  
  Good luck tomorrow Michael and please know that at least one SBG will have you in his prayers.
  
  I remember Lager all the time and think about how when he was a younger hound I took him everywhere with me. We shared a lot of cheeseburgers together over the years.
• #2 by Michael on 12 Feb, 2009 14:03
• Thanks Mike.... thoughts and prayers appreciated!
• #3 by Ghost1988 on 12 Feb, 2009 14:06
• thats sad  . both your stories.
• #4 by b.driscoll on 12 Feb, 2009 14:49
• MICHAEL, very sorry to hear about your dog, I  have a dog and it would be terrible to lose him. They are a part of the family and we grow very attached to them. You  and your dog are in my prayers    GOD BLESS!
• #5 by Paul on 12 Feb, 2009 14:51
• Mike, my heart goes out to you bro.  I have had to have two pets put to sleep over the years and it doesn't get easier.  They are our companions and members of the family.  My prayers out to you for support at this time.  
• #6 by The Scottish Ambassador on 12 Feb, 2009 15:03
• This is just awful. Feelin it for you m8 
• #7 by hammerdrill376 on 12 Feb, 2009 15:47
• Hey Michael,
  
  Man I am really, really sorry for what is happening in your life. We have lost several pets and I understand how attached you can get to them. My prayers for what is going on with your wife as well.
  
  John
• #8 by hammerdrill376 on 12 Feb, 2009 15:50
• By the way..its not "retarded" to share with others on here. I have shared some really personal stuff on here that I would not tell anyone else. So its a safe environment my friend.
  
  John
• #9 by time2shine on 12 Feb, 2009 16:07
• Sorry to hear that, Michael.  I'll keep you and your family in my prayers.
  Like Hammer said, this is one of the best places to vent; plenty of support.
• #10 by TANK25 on 12 Feb, 2009 16:28
• Hang in there bro. You are in my prayers.
• #11 by MLNHD on 12 Feb, 2009 16:29
• Michael ~  I'm saddened to hear it's time to put your old buddy to sleep.  Those who've never experienced this don't fully understand.  I certainly do -- I've been there with our beloved Basenji and it IS very difficult even though you know you're doing the right thing.  
  
  Remind yourself that this is the last kind act you can do for your old buddy, after years of you looking out for him and him giving back all that unconditional love.  With time, the memories will ease the emptiness.  Hang in there.    
  
  My sympathies.  
• #12 by schro on 12 Feb, 2009 16:39
• Michael,
  I am saddened to hear of the loss of your dog and your wife's condition. As one Nor Cal SBG to another, you're in my prayers.
  
  I actually took my dog for a 5 mile walk earlier today before reading your post and then posted this after the walk...I can only imagine how lonely my walk would have been without my Miko.
  
  Hang in There.
  Schro
  
  ps - agreed, it's not retarded to share with the SBG crew.
• #13 by 20, bald, and loving it on 12 Feb, 2009 16:58
• I am sorry to hear about the dog and your wife. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
• #14 by PigPen on 12 Feb, 2009 17:19
• Very sorry to hear about both situations. I had two very good dogs pass within about a year and a half. One I had to put to sleep and the other just passed overnight out of nowhere. I miss both dogs very dearly, they were great watch dogs and awesome family pets