Here It Is....

[Don_Dom]

I make a point of not crying to you guys about women. I've found strength in embracing this community and, simultaneously, working on my own game. It works perfectly, really.

But I find myself in a different situation right now.

I may have to put my dog down tomorrow. And it's got me all kinds of fvcked up.

He's a 13 year old beagle. Still follows me around like a pup. Best goddam dog ever. They don't make em like this anymore.

He's not in pain....he's just out of it. A neuro thing they think. Going to see a specialist for this stuff tomorrow. Just can't stand to see him like this. Best Goddam dog in the world. Seriously.

I can handle a lot of sh1t. Not so sure about this, tho.

 

[Packers2010]

It will pass in time man. I hate my dog, but i would be a little upset if he died. you have had him for 13 years. that's a long time and a lot of memories.

just give it time man.

 

[Atom Smasher]

I feel for you, bro.

It's part of the cycle of life, and unfortunately when we have a dog we go in knowing we're only going to have them for 13-15 years tops.

Just remember the great times you had, the nice life you gave him, and the inevitability of a pet's passing at around this age.

Remember that up to this point you have handled everything that life has thrown at you, and you WILL handle this, too.

 

[n52]

Pet's dying create the worst kind of pain, especially when you have to have them put down. I had to have my dog (who I'd grown up with a lot of my life) down at 17 years of age. It was really heart breaking because he was such a good dog never put a foot wrong, very protective of the family against any intruders. I personally didn't want to take him to the vet as I think putting an animal down via lethal injection is horrible and it just causes un-neccessary stress for the pet.

I knew a local game keeper who had a bolt gun and would put down horses for trainers etc so I had him do it, and believe me or not it I'm honestly so happy I made that decision. We took him on a long walk and let him run about free and happy doing what he did normally and when he was bent down in the shrubery smelling the floor that was it, the game keeper walked over put the gun on his head and pulled it. It was an instaneous death and all happened in the blink of an eye.

To be totally truthful I am very happy we did it this way as I know the last memories of him are where he was happy running about and had no idea what was about to happen. I don't get anymore animals put down any other way as I believe its the most humane way, you know if I was going to be killed I would sure as hell prefer to not know when it was coming and being instantly killed at a point of happiness.

Sorry for your loss. One day you may find another dog on the same level, as I have done too, but as you know they will never be that dog. They do however have their own traits you learn to love too.

 

[Tictac]

Unconditional love and devotion is hard to come by. A dog can do that though.

Look, I was a combat soldier for 6 years - saw and did some awful stuff. Putting down a pet can tug at your emotions like nothing else in this world.

If you and the pros decide it's the right thing for the dog, at least you know that you are doing what's best for the animal.

 

[IndeedSir]

At 14 we had to put down our family dog. Dobermann. We got her when I was 2 years old and I grew up with her. She almost killed a dog that bit me once, we had to hit her over the head with a plank of wood to get her to let go of the neck of this other dog. But eventually she aged and she couldn't stand on her back legs anymore and was very clearly suffering. I held and stroked her as we euthanized her. Was just so happy to see she would no longer be in agony. There is no love like a great dog. Sorry to hear it man, hearts with ya.

 

[SmooveMooves]

One of the best quotes I seen on SS was

" A dog is more capable of love then any woman you'll find "

Power through man.

 

[MtnMan]

In my opinion, a dogs love is the purest kind of love. Literally unconditional. You have all the right be be messed up. The hardest thing about dogs is that you know you are going to outlive them and thus have to say goodbye to them. Time will heal it, but its going to suck real bad for now. Stay strong.

 

[Don_Dom]

Thanks guys. Really appreciate the kind words. Condolences to all you guys who've dealt with this before. I've lost family, friends and other pets, just never had to put one down before and it's just a bit much.

Good news, it looks like we are out of the woods for now. He has a vascular problem that can be stabilized with meds...will know more next week. The bad news is he likely won't make it much past 6 months to a year. But at least we still have some time and I can be preparing while keeping a close eye on his quality of life. He's still able to do everything he likes to do, this incident just slowed him down a bit is all.

You guys are right. When people say "if you want companionship get a dog" I think that's usually a slam on people but, really, it's a complement to dogs.

Sorry for the goofy title...I was hammered and a complete mess when I posted. Although it occurred to me that this is probably the most concise, non rambly, not way too long post I've posted here in forever. Go figure. LOL

Thanks again.

 

[Don_Dom]

Oh, one thing I forgot to mention. During my annebriation and general brick $hitting of the past week I found myself wanting to call my ex after being NC for 7 months. Completely NC aside from a couple emails about some business mail that came for her that were short and completely on-topic, that is.

Bad juju. I thought I was completely over that one and I haven't quite decided if the urge was because she was part of his family for so long and felt like she should know, or if it was more of a need to talk to her about it kind of thing. Which bothers me because I shouldn't be thinking that way. Exes are the last people you need in situations like this.

Regardless, I didn't break NC and I'm not going to, but it definately gave me pause that I considered it.

 

[DragonBlood]

Feel you bro. Losing a dog puts a huge hole in your life but its important to look at all the great times you had. It happens to us all and Im sure if your feeling this down you gave your old beagle a very good home.

As an aside I find it very hard not to get a new dog when something like this is on the cards.

 

[MtnMan]

Feel you bro. Losing a dog puts a huge hole in your life but its important to look at all the great times you had. It happens to us all and Im sure if your feeling this down you gave your old beagle a very good home.

As an aside I find it very hard not to get a new dog when something like this is on the cards.

this may not apply to your situation, but I like to get a new younger dog when the other dog is getting older. A lot of older dogs will help the new guy integrate into your life, and often show them the ropes of being a good dog for you. I have this ancient hairy mutt who is dumb as a box of rocks, but she is basically buddah. She is the best mannered animal ever, and she her aura basically calms puppies down and shows them how to behave.
Probably not in the cards for you, but might be worth considering.

 

[GS750]

Had to have my Lab/Chow mix put to sleep a few years back. I'm a dog lover so I know they are the only ones capable of unconditional love. Women...are not haha.

 

[Don_Dom]

Very sorry to hear that, GS750.

Yeah, I was going to get another dog a few years ago just for the reasons Mtnman mentioned, but wasn't able to at the time. Kind of missed my window with this one, I think, but will definately do that next time around.

Vet said the same thing Dragon did...With these types of dogs its usually the heart or kidneys that want to go with age. If you got this far you probably did it right getting here. I'm just glad we know what the situation is and have a better idea what to expect.

Yeah, if women were capable of loving like dogs we wouldn't have the problems we do. Although, if you really consider that, it might be a whole other problem entirely. I've never listened to the clock tick wishing a dog would hurry up and leave already in the morning. Not actual ones, at least. ;P