My Maxwell has died. (15 yo dachshund)

[Toespi]

Any prayers or thoughts to help at this time. I have had to let go of my little lion heart today.

[jch10]

I’m so sorry. I know he brought you much happiness as my two doxies do.

Always loyal, Maxwell waits for you at the Rainbow Bridge.

[Salamander]

I am very sorry for your loss.

If I had not read these after Halla passed, I think I would have gone mad.

Animals and the Afterlife
Kim Sheridan

There Is Eternal Life For Animals
Niki Behrikis Shanahan

Cold Noses At The Pearly Gates Cold Noses At The Pearly Gates
Gary Kurz

Biblical Proof Animals Do Go To Heaven
Steven H. Woodward

[Salamander]

Yeah, okay.

I lost it reading that.

My baby’s would-have-been 1st birthday is 6 days away.

We have another baby girl now but strangely, it has not really lessened my sorrow.

Halla was a bright little spirit in a big dark world.

[basil]

I’’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I know how hard it is to lose a friend like that.

[floralamiss]

Dear Toespi,

I carry your heart in my heart tonight - your sorrow and your grief. You have many FReeper brothers and sisters who have been down that road and are only too grateful and willing to travel along it with you during these sad and lonely days and nights.

That includes me, and I would bet, Maxwell is keeping close company with you too. Perhaps, freed from all infirmities and imitations, he is developing an even closer and deeper bond with you now, than he ever was able to do on earth.

God bless you, my FRiend, and God bless your little angel.

floralamiss

[ptshredder]

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. In my 58 years I've lost 8 boxers. The last two Samson and Tasha died 3 and 2 years ago. The grief was the last I wanted to feel in my life for my 4 legged friends. They were both just a little over 14 years when I had to have them put down. I said no more dogs.
Last December I decided life is too short to go without their companionship and unconditional love they give back. I work from home and my new Boxer I adopted in late January has been such a blessing. My life is once more filled with so much love and entertainment he gives. As much as I love my wife of 33 years, there is just something a dog gives back that humans in your life can not.
Took me almost two years to get back in the game and I'm sorry I missed that time that could have been blessed much earlier after Tasha died.
No idea if I'll out live my new Max but everyday I say a special thanks to my Lord for his new blessing in my life.

All my sympathies in your loss,

Paul

[chrisinoc]

My condolences for your loss.

[nobamanomore]

Yes, they are! I had two and lost them both last year, but replaced them with a young, wild, vibrant one, just as I have done many times. I think dogs live short lives so that you can prepare for future losses.

[Puppage]

And I bet the guy/gal owns the place, too.

[Wicket]

I love this story:

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience. The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker ‘s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion.

We sat together for a while after Belker’s Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ”I know why.” Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try to live. He said,”People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?” The Six-year-old continued, ”Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”

So sorry for your loss. Blessings,

[Toespi]

What a wonderful story and full of truths, even more so from a veterinarian who has seen the pain more than one would like to admit. We have our vet for twenty years, snickers our little girl dachshund who is hone and Maxwell who died tonight. Dr. Young left on a fishing trip today for a week, so a fill in vet, great young gal, helped us with Max. It was hard without Dr. Young there and tonight I am second guessing our decision. But it was best, kidney failure for over a year, sub q iv twice a day. His back was causing his legs to go out from under him and he would just fall on his side. Eating issues and he was vomiting today. The vet was very concerned about under the skin bleeding on his stomach area, that has just developed. But my little lion still had a twinkle in his eye as he layed there. Tell me Doc, did I do the right thing?

[lone star annie]

So sorry for your loss.

[berdie]

I’m so sorry.

I usually take a few moments, close my eyes and see them running, chasing a ball or just doing what they did when they were full of P and vinegar. It hurts for a minute...but I know in my heart that is exactly what they are doing. No longer shackled to infirmities.

I know they aren’t really gone because every so often a tuft of fur will show up from a dog who has left my care many years before. (At least that’s what I tell myself. :))

[katnip]

Tell me Doc, did I do the right thing?

Please don't do that to yourself. Of course you did the right thing! You love that dog and made a decision based on that. This is the end of a dogs prayer that I found and it gave me a lot of comfort -

"And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest...and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands."

[Danette]

We had to put our 16 year old mini dachshund down last year. I cried for weeks afterwards. It was so strange not taking care of him daily....felt lost. The hardest was how to deal with the quietness of our home. I think it's so unfair having to make the decision when to put a pet down. Guilt is a big factor after it is done. He fought the sedative and he fought the final drug. It was not a peaceful passing for Yoshi. I'm still having that nightmare. I know in my heart it was the right thing to do, but it still hurts. We opened our hearts again and now have a cat. She's brought contentment and joy back to our home. Mosi is a Maine Coon.

[Scarlet7]

Just went through losing my 14 yr. old Yoda in July and miss her every day so I understand your loss of Maxwell. You have my deepest sympathy.

[38special]

Sorry for your loss. My beagle, Ruby, is 15 1/2 years old and still kicking.

[Scarlet7]

Your experience with your Yoshi was my experience with my Yoda. It was so traumatizing I couldn’t bring myself to speak the words ‘She fought for her life’. I try not to think of those final moments but when I do I feel such sadness and guilt. I have other pets and I pray that I do not have to euthanize them.

[Danette]

(((Hugs)))

[berdie]

I have only had one dog that fought the end.

He was a husky/wolf mix that loved music (long story). My vet always played soft music. When I asked him to turn it off, the fighting stopped and he passed peacefully.

Sometimes, dogs, much like humans don’t know that it is o.k. for them to go.

Funny (weird..not ha-ha) side note...the song that seemed to cause the problem was Toni Braxton’s “Breath Again”.

Of course he also was a fan of Stevie Wonder and Molly Hatchet.