Posted on 03/01/2005 9:51:21 AM PST by baltodog
We adopted him from the pound when he was a puppy just under four years ago. He immediatley fit in with our family with no "adjustment". Our kids named him Balto, after the famous dog from the Alaskan tundra.
We have a huge yard and his body was made for running. He was happiest when chasing squirrels or rabbits.
He was my faithful companion, never leaving my side when I was at home. Duke, the Lab, lives for the kids. Balto lived for only me.
He developed a very quickly degenerative bone condition in his hind end only three weeks ago.
We recognized a very slight limp and took him to the vet. They prescribed pain killers that he only rarely needed.
On Friday afternoon, we noticed that his knees "clicked" when he walked. By Saturday night, he could barely stand.
By Monday morning, he was doubled over in pain.
We took him to the vet, where he died in my arms with a sigh of relief.
All pet owners empathize with your grief.
Over the years we have had the sorrow of losing loved dogs and cat that were almost like family members. They were replaced by others, but always will be remembered and treasured for the gift of their presence in our lives.
One day at a time.
RIP Balto.
Right now I'm living with the most wonderful dog I've ever adopted. He's half chocolate lab and half Weimaraner. He was rescued from a horribly abusive situation when he was about three years old. He's the most absolutely loving, attentive dog I have ever known. The only thing about him that really upsets me is the terrible pain I know I'll suffer when he dies.
I know what you're going through, and give you my full sympathy.
I am so sorry! Dogs are precious.
I'm so sorry for your loss....
I forget who wrote this but it's so pretty...
"The greatest comfort we can take, is to reduce the amount of ignorance, cruelty and suffering in this world.."
You showed your great love for Balto, by removing his suffering..and he knows what kind of love that took...
Ms.B
Sorry for your loss.
I had to have my best friend put to sleep. 6 year old Cocker, best dog ever. Started acting listless, turns out he had histoplasmic anemia. We tried for a week to get his blood count up, but he started shutting down internally so we had to let him go.
Staring into his eyes as the doctor gave him the injection, he licked my face just before his eyes glazed over. That was the hardest thing I've done yet.
We buried him on my inlaws farm, that was his favorite place to chase rabbits. I still stop by his grave when we go to visit.
We've got two Cockers now, bith great dogs. But ther will nerver be another Buddy.
Oh man, I am so sorry,
but he is probably playing with your Dad and trashing the kitchen ;)
A pet is just as much a part of the family as a son or daughter or a brother or sister. Not one day goes by that I don't get a good belly laugh or two from my sweet little dog Toby. I know I will cry when his time comes. I truly believe these pets are God's gift to us. Enjoy every minute with them. I do.
I've cried at four deaths. My father and three dogs. I have no idea why I get so emotionally attached to my dogs, except that they want nothing but affection (and food), and I'd rather spend the day with one of my dogs than most people I know.
Oh how sad.............I'm so sorry. I know how much it hurts.
He sounded like one heck of a cool dog. take care.
We are very sorry to hear of your loss.
Those of us who are lucky enough to have a furry friend to share our lives know how deeply the loss is felt when they have to leave us and we have to stay without them.
Remember that there are other companions waiting to join your family, as close as the nearest rescue shelter. When the time is right, you'll know it. We did.
Gypsygirl, a rescue roughcoat collie mix joined us almost a year ago, shortly after Samantha, our rescue golden brittany mix, went to the field by the rainbow bridge. We miss her still but Gypsygirl needed a home and we needed a dog to share ours with. We're both better now.
OB & LSA
You saved his life and gave him the good life, a loving home. That's all they want or need.
Sorry for your loss. They should live as long as we do...
How very sad you must be. I share your feelings.
Last Wednesday, we had to put our beloved Bulldog down. He would have been eight on March 28th.
Our dogs bring so much joy into our lives and so much pain when they have to go -- but the memories are so sweet.
I share your sorrow. We lost a great dane to some thing very similar. We called her Sugar 'cause she was so sweet. She lost all bladder and bowel control and we had to put her down too.
We still have our other dane, Duke. Duke grieved for days. He'd stand on the deck and howl for her.
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