Had to say goodbye to my buddie.

[M_ray]

After 14 years I had to say good bye to my buddie yesterday, not only was he getting very surly an unpredictable in his old age but he had some health issues so I needed to make the difficult decision to put him down. Although I didn't hunt him he still got up more than one covey of quail on our walks near the house over the years. I know this group of guy's will know more than any how I am feeling today. They are allways there for you ... when you get home from work, no matter how long you have been gone the feeling is the same! It could be 5 minutes or 5 hours they allways treat you the same!!! No matter how mad you get at them for what they have done they still come back with a desire for approval and love you like no other. I'll miss him very much ... RIP Jake I love you!

[rasbo]

sorry to hear that m ray,

[Wayne1]

Damn...  So sorry to hear for your loss...  Been there. I'm sure he left you with ton's of fond memories. Now there's only one thing left to say..  "Puppy Breath"

[WCTaxidermy]

Mray, I sure feel for your loss.  I looked at your wonderful picture of your dog and shed a tear.  That dog is identical to our 10 year old lab and we feel the same way about him as you do yours.  Don't forget, you will always enjoy the memories of your dog for the rest of your life.  You take care.  John

[bucklucky]

That sucks Mark.

[scoyoc5]

mray sorry to hear about the difficult decision you had to make I had to make the same decision 20yrs ago with a boxer that I had since I was a kid I still miss that dog!!!!

[Al Bundy]

Sorry to hear that man. It always sucks to loose a pet.

[buckhorn2]

You can tell by the look on his face that he had a special place in your family you must have given him many good years in a dogs life.  Sorry

[Ridgerunner]

Probably one of the top 5 worst things to ever have to do.  I feel your pain, that sucks.  Time will make it better.  There is a reason why they are called "Mans best friends", its becuase they are.  I'm dreading the day my girls time here is up. 

[ICEMAN]

Mray, the love in your heart will always be there. Tough decision. Been there. Always better to do this when the animal has some dignity, sounds like what you chose to do. Hang tough.

We started a diary on our computer when we laid our dog down. Each day myself, wife or the kids would add a thought to it....how we missed "lucky", or how we felt that moment. A great way to express yourself, and share with others. A great thing to read later.

Take care.

[Thenewguy]

Very tough man, been through it. it sucks

[Idabooner]

Sorry man, that's always tough M Ray, but it's just part of having a buddy dog.  I'm sure he appreciates not hurting anymore. Make it easier on yourself and get another puppy, you can't replace Jake but you soon will love the new one.

[gasman]

I feel you loss and pain, for i am going through the pain right now......

[M_ray]

Thank you guy's for all the kind thoughts  There obviously was allot more to the story but that was the short version and the point is it needed to be done the question allways is "Am I doing the right thing?"  Its tough for sure cause you feel helpless not knowing if it's the right time or that you may be cutting a quality of life short, but he has had no cartilage left in his knees for about 5 or more years now and his lungs were very full of fluid and would prevent him from taking too big of a breath without choking. He also was having difficulty keeping food down or in his system long enough to get anything from it. The pic I posted was of him about 6 years ago and he was very healthy still but near the end he was getting pretty skinny.

He was also getting very grumpy with the kids and their friends which was not like him at all, when he was younger he loved all kids so much he used to go greet them all as they came off the school bus! I allways said it was just and excuse to lick the peanutbutter off their faces!!!  Unfortunately it is the harsh reality of having a pet    Thanks again guys.

[Jerbear]

We are sorry about your loss.  They seem to have a special place in our homes and in our heart.  We hope the hurt heals soon.  The memories will stay forever.

Jerry & Cathie Wilson