My dogs last visit to the vets this morning :(

[ginger ninger]

So sorry to hear what you've been through SR. All the happy memory's you have of him will help you all through this sad time. I'm sure Sam will love his resting place under the apple tree.
((((((((((BIG HUG'S)))))))) to all of you. xxx

[Pies]

Time to remember the good times you had,seemed to help me through the tough days

[kirsty b]

Big hugs for you SR.

Not a decision we have had to make yet, but one day we will and I know it will break our hearts too.

[chris]

Thankyou all so much for your kind words. Sorry I haven't been able to get on sooner but just felt really numb. Coming home from the vets without Sam and seeing his bed and bowls still standing there, I have to admit I sobbed like a baby and so did my daughters. It was all in all one of the hardest things I have had to do in a long time but the only consolation for me was that it was so quick and peaceful and the vet was brilliant. He had clearly given up and just lay there at the vets waiting to be put out of his misery.
We are going to have his ashes returned in 10 days and we have decided to plant the ashes by some apple trees. Sam always used to go mad for apples and would whine and whine if he saw us eating one until we gave him some.

Are you going to get another one? My dad came straight home and whilst still numb got rid of all his bowls, toys, bed, bedding etc as he knew it'd be too upsetting leaving it there.

[selfraising]

At the moment I'm thinking 'no'. OH has Parkinsons Disease and I work full time at a school so OH would have sole responsibility whilst I'm at work. However, I could see benefits for OH as it would be company for him and give him as well as the dog exercise. However, we are both not getting any younger, I am 49 and OH is 10 years olders so not sure it would be fair.

All Sams belongings have gone in the shed for now but there is a gap where his bed was and I keep looking at the gap expecting to see him there

We had a good chat last night and a chuckle about Sam as he was a spirited dog and always getting into mischief. He loved his food and I remember him once walking round the garden with a coco pops cereal box stuck on his head which he had found by the compost bin

[selfraising]

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...

Thankyou for these words, they made me cry but they comforted too. I am going to print them off when Sam is back with us and bury them with his ashes.

[MrsC]

Thankyou for these words, they made me cry but they comforted too. I am going to print them off when Sam is back with us and bury them with his ashes.

That's the 2nd time I've read that and my eyes have filled up x

[MagicLady]

Sending you huge hugs SR - we were in the same position 4 weeks ago with our beloved Digger. It's been hard (we had him for 11 years but he was about 13 - rescue dog so we're not sure how old he was when we adopted him). I've only just stopped opening the front door slowly to allow him to get his old bones moving and let me in - the good memories have been a comfort ...... I'm sure yours will be too when it's all a bit less raw.

I find the hardest bit the loss of company when the kids are at school (not such a problem at the moment, but I'm dreading September).

[selfraising]

I'm so sorry to hear that Magiclady and thankyou for your message. We had to carry our Sam outside towards the end because his back legs just wouldn't support him any more. I'm sure it will get better with time, just taking one day at a time at the moment and trying to keep busy.

[janeyo]

I hope it gets easier for you each day sf - gone but never forgotten. And irreplacable in their own right.
Animals are just as much part of a family as people and as such we, (if we are caring people and there are many out there who are not who say they are just a dumb animal) have to grieve for them as we would a person.
Too soon to be thinking of replacing him, but if and when the time is right you will know it.

Thinking of you xxx

[Hilary B]

Occasionally a pet has to be rehomed because an elderly owner has moved to a care home, or sheltered accomodation that won't allow pets. I've often thought that these pets would be happier with someone who is less than agile, because it is what they are used to.....
Just a thought, for when the conflict between wanting one, and the complications, gets to you.

[lettucegrow!]

So sorry to hear your sad news sr. It just shows how much we regard our pets as part of the family. They leave such a huge gap- but lots of happy memories.
That piece called Rainbow Bridge destroys me every time I read it but what a lovely thought.
Sending big((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))hugs of comfort.x

[miffy]

I know it's the right thing thing to do.

Bless you, it is the right thing but what a decision to make. Heart goes out to you as have been in the same position some years ago. Take care.xx

[selfraising]

What a kind and supportive group of people you all are. It really is like being part of a family on this forum. Thankyou all so much.

[Irie Jan]

Hi Ive just seen this thread! What can I say not a lot except I CAN FEEL YOUR PAIN! (((((((((((HUGZZZ)))))))))))))) I know what its like to loose a much loved pet. I have been through it a couple of times with my cats. the worst time for me was several years ago when I had to let my much loved Mogsey go! I had him for 20 years, as a young cat that was abandoned by his owners and he chose to come and live with me! I was honored he chose me because he became my best friend! He followed me everywhere, in the house and out! He would walk to the edge of the estate near the main road where I live every morning when I tooke my kids to school! No matter what the weather or how long I tooke to come back, there he was ready to walk me home again! He would follow me on my avone round so I was never called the avone lady, I was always called Cat Lady by my customers! lol Mogsey was more like a dog than a cat and I still miss him!

I fear it might not be all that long b4 Ihave to make that final trip to the vet with my old Esev, my other tom cat. He is getting on now is at least 16 year old I have had him for 15 of those years! Another strey I tooke in, he is getting skinny now and showing all the sines of old age setting in. After all in his years, he is at least 105 now, just like your Sam was! Remember one of our years is 7 to a dog or cat. I wish you all the best my thoughts are with you! xxxxxxxxx Bless up!

PS I just read that rainbow bridge thing, I have never seen it b4! Needles to say im blubbing like a baby now and not the least bit to admit it! It is a beautifull sentiment!
Here is a link to it if anyone wants to read it again from the web page!

<Rainbow Bridge>