Well that sucked.

[Gutpile]

Had to put my boy down last night. We had a family friend watching our 15 year old lab while we went camping and he was fine all weekend. I got back and saw he was sleeping which he did quite a bit since he was so old. Somehow he heard me (stone deaf) and came running (kind of) over to see me. He was just as happy as can be. As the evening progressed he was gasping for air and couldn't stand. I think the heat finally got to him. We decided to bring him in. The poor boy had had enough. He was a great dog but lost his hearing 6-7 years ago so I couldn't hunt him anymore. He was a frigging machine on those roosters. Sure gonna miss him. He made it 15 years and 2 months. Not bad for a big old hunting lab.

[jackelope]

sorry dude...that sucks. sounds like he had a great life.

[GoldTip]

Damn Gutpile, sorry to hear that.

[arrowflinger]

Sorry for your lost...............

[bigdave]

Sorry to hear that. remember the good times.

[backwoods_boy]

so sorry bud that's a horrible thing to go through...

[Caseyd]

Sorry to hear that...It is truely one of the hardest things i have had to do!

[alanger]

Sorry to hear that gutpile. its hard to do.

[rasbo]

thats a long time and some great companionship and memories.sorry to hear that..hope you get another and start a good friendship again

[Gutpile]

thats a long time and some great companionship and memories.sorry to hear that..hope you get another and start a good friendship again

Thanks guys. He was a great dog. Great with the kids and an excellent hunter. Unfortunately I'm done with dogs till the kids get older or move out all together. I knew the time was near but just didn't know what would trigger it. Poor dog was really hurting last night so I knew that was it. I think the heat coupled with the excitement of us returning was to much for him. 

[Machias]

Sorry to hear that.   

[bowhunterforever]

sorry dude...that sucks. sounds like he had a great life.

 

[singleshot12]

Very hard to do,, putting him down was the best thing you could do for him after 15 years of service.

[Wayne1]

Damn...  Sorry for your loss....just smile at all the good memories ya'll made together.

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....

[ICEMAN]

Gutpile, I feel for you. Really a hard thing to do, but you know you did the right thing. They sure weave themselves into our souls. Who would have thought that these itchy, hairy, sometimes stinky dogs could be so close to our hearts.

Take care friend.