Old Lab struggling/ how to know when it’s time

[dewandgin]

RIP Sam. I have had to do it to many times. It sucks.

[blackveltbowhunter]

RIP Sam. Condolences.

[TVHunts]

My Condolences...RIP Sam

[Rob]

Always a tough call. 

Glad you had the time with him and I am sure he is as well.

[2MANY]

We have all been there.
Good luck.

[gaddy]

A few times for me over the years, never gets easy. The memories will last your life time though. I still remember my first lab as a kid, and every one after. Love them all and remember each one when I watched the new pups that came into my life. Sorry for your loss, Look forward to the next chapter, you will see Sam again, in one way or another.

[KFhunter]

If you find yourself asking the internet if it's time, it probably is.

dunno why we do it, but then puppy!

[Zardoz]

Darn,.....this really tears me up because I'm not looking forward to losing my two great buddies...

[Westside88]

If you find yourself asking the internet if it's time, it probably is.

dunno why we do it, but then puppy!

A lot of truth to this. I think when I initially asked the question I was picking up on the subtle signs that he was declining quickly. I really believed that he would make it through summer decently, but I must’ve been picking up subconsciously that my buddy of almost 13 years was nearing the end. We’ll be getting a puppy when the time is right, but not ready quite yet

[Skyvalhunter]

Ty for sharing

[KFhunter]

If you find yourself asking the internet if it's time, it probably is.

dunno why we do it, but then puppy!

A lot of truth to this. I think when I initially asked the question I was picking up on the subtle signs that he was declining quickly. I really believed that he would make it through summer decently, but I must’ve been picking up subconsciously that my buddy of almost 13 years was nearing the end. We’ll be getting a puppy when the time is right, but not ready quite yet

I lost a dog too young (cancer or something like it) and went and got a replacement puppy, it looked just like her!  but wasn't....I lacked the motivation to train her properly, too soon to do it all over again having spent so much time and energy with the last dog.  So don't recommend you get one that looks just. like. Sam..... get a different color if staying with labs, maybe get a female, but give it time. 


What I do now is stagger the dogs getting a pup every 5-6 years, after all two dogs is always better than one.

[AL WORRELLS KID]

The Power of the Dog by Rudyard Kipling

There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.


Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumor, or fits,
And the vet’s unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find – it’s your own affair, –
But … you’ve given your heart to a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!),
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone – wherever it goes – for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear!

We’ve sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent,
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we’ve kept ’em, the more do we grieve;
For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-time loan is as bad as a long –
So why in – Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

(Over the ages, it hasn't gotten any easier.)
 Doug

[AL WORRELLS KID]

Well, the Lord has a dog now, I just sent Him mine,
The old pal so dear to me.
And I smile through my tears on this first day alone,
Knowing they’re in eternity.
Day after day, the whole day through,
Wherever my road inclined,
Four feet said, “Wait, I’m coming with you!”
And trotted along behind.
.....................................Rudyard Kipling

[HillHound]

I am sorry to hear that. At least he is in a better place than it sounds like he has been for a while. No more suffering. No you can reminisce on the memories of him when he was in his prime

[boneaddict]

THis thread should come with a warning sign.   Oh my goodness.