You know what really sucks about dogs?

I agree with that one. I'm so sorry to hear you and your aunt lost your friend.

I've had several wonderful dogs - all gone now other than my latest one Ricky, who is really old, so I'm looking at saying goodbye soon again myself. I dread it and wish they lived as long as we do. But in many ways they are smarter so get through this obstacle course faster than we do. The good thing is that they will be there on the other side when we get there and are really patient so there's no need to rush.

That is sad, but true.
I give all my dog companions all the love I can, for as long as I can.

Awe, so sorry Kurt, it's never easy saying goodbye to our K9 companions. Quite frankly, I find it easier to say goodbye to people than I do animals.

I had a scare with my ole girl yesterday. Thanks goodness it was only temporary, but I didn't know it at the time.

Sorry about the loss Kurt. Having dogs myself who are my best friends who are now seniors...I always think about that dreadful day when it comes.

Dogs deserve a long life, that is true - but the thing about dogs is, most of the time they give us their all at being and doing the part of a dog while they are here - and we have to appreciate that...like them, unconditionally.

Sorry to hear that, Kurt, that's not something you get over quickly, or at al. Sympathies to you and your aunt.

You could look on the bright side and think about all the people who are stuck with dogs that are nothing but a nuisance. They are glad to see them die, lol . Sorry, sad but true. I was stuck with my daughter's little pest when she went to uni. Looked after her real good, but was glad when she died of old age.

Sorry Kurt. I know it hurts and nice words don't make it better.

My girl is still learning how to be obedient (like most children) but you couldn't ask for a more loyal and loving friend.

Hang in there.

Mark

Kurt:

I'm truly sorry for your loss. There is no greater friend than a dog.

Sorry to hear that Kurt. My husband and I do not want a dog because we have lost others and that is the saddest time. Pets become like family. If you love them they will certainly love you back.

Very sorry to hear about your loss. The love between an animal companion and her human is one of the most honest, special loves you can experience in this life.

I wish you and your aunt's hearts to heal quickly so you can enjoy all the memories.

Kurt,

Two years a go to the day, my last one lost his battle with cancer.
I still ... you know... when I hear a squeeky toy in Wal-mart,
see a Husky like he was (any dog really)... Sorry for the loss.

It is best to let them go with the least amount of suffereing.

Dan

Sal! I wish I could have hit the thanks button 100 more times! Bravo!

@Kurt.. I am so sorry Kurt. Like Kay said, it really does put a hole in your heart. But, it can put a smile on your face knowing that you and your aunt gave that dog a super life!!

~ Theresa

I'm so sorry to hear that Kurt. The really do become a member of the family, and not only does it hurt to have them go, but it is emotionaly painful to have to be the one to make the decision to "send them up."

When the 114 pound Great Pyrenees member of our family started having trouble getting up from the floor, I dreaded the coming responsibility. My wife and I were on a ski trip for a couple weeks last March, and when we returned home, and picked up our critter from the kennel, she no longer could stand on her own.

We put it off for 2 days hoping we could help her, but she was frightened, miserable, and in pain. It was time. My wife and I cried for weeks.

Eventually what helped the most was thinking to remember the good times with Stevie the wonder dog. We were her fourth family, and the name was given by the original owner. A better name would have been "Sassy," short for Sasquatch.

yep, this really sucks. before about 6 years my dog also died. After that I didn't buy a new one.

Sorry Kurt. It sucks. We've had to put one down for cancer, and one that was so old she was nearly blind and deaf. When her kidneys started failing we ended her pain. Those were two sad, sad days.

Thanks everyone (but one person)...

Just to be clear, it wasn't my dog. It was my Aunt's. But we live very close and I visit often. Without her dog, not sure if I'll visit nearly as often. She was a really special dog.

I just talked to her today and my Uncle just got a cold/flu today. I'm not sure it's just a coincidence that it happened the day after they put her down. I have a feeling it has as much to do with a heart ache as it does any flu bug, even though he'd never admit it.

I'm out of thanks...I'll try to catch up when I can...

I know how that goes Kurt. It doesn't have to be your Dog to miss him - I've had friends with dogs that I considered to be my friends as well...(I get them Christmas presents )
My sister used to have a dog that I only maybe saw once or twice a year, due to distance, but he was always as happy to see me as I was him. I had a special nickname for him (he always looked like he hated it, with a "I am not" look :rolleyes, that no one else ever called him - but he always responded to it when I did...he was a smart and funny little bugga...and I still fondly remember him from time to time...
It took my Sister years to get another one like him, but she finally did last year - (a Sheltie)

Commiserations on your loss Kurt. I've seen first hand how much of an impact a dog can have on people's lives.

When my Mum and Dad retired, they did all the usual things like travel around the world etc.. When that was done they became very listless and it has to be said were just waiting around to die.

My brother and I chipped in together to buy them a dog (Jack Russel). Since then they've got a new lease on life. Both of them take him for regular walks so are getting a bit of exercise themselves. Their outlook has also improved dramatically, and they're both noticeably happier. I reckon it's added a good few years to their life expectancy.

And, oh yeah, the dog is spoilt rotten

My first dog, Kane, was the most intelligent animal I've ever seen. My friends would talk to him like he was my kid when they were around. I got masses of flowers and cards when he died, that indicated that my friends actually THOUGHT of him as my kid.

Love doesn't know species.

I had to put down 4 dogs in a 2 year span.
The last was the worst.
I bawled my eyes out.

There is a holistic vet on the 'net that wrote an ebook called "Longer Life For The Dog You Love."
She says there is no reason a dog shouldn't live to be 25.
Your Purebred Puppy, An Honest Guide to Purebred Dogs and Dog Breeds

Sal,

Thank you. I'll try the dandelion.


Paul

Dan you made a very good point!

I was only commenting in here as a pet owner! Signature disabled for this thread. Sorry Kurt

Very sad ... sorry for you.
I had a dog too, lived for about 12 years.
But ye, all things "die".

Sorry to hear that Kurt I know the feeling. I use to own a cockerspaniel and a Rotweiler, and when he had to put them down it was one of the saddest days of my life.

Sorry to hear that

I would say it gets easier as time goes on, but I will never forget the sadness I felt when my parents told me that our dog had died. He was a German Shepherd and the most loyal dog I have ever met, he would have done anything for our family and protected my little sister from the 'monsters under her bed' (her words not mine!) she was very young when we had him and he followed her everywhere

I was no longer living at home when he died and my parents waited 2 weeks to tell me because I was pregnant at the time. I cried for days and I still miss him.

We have a gorgeous Boxer and I know my daughters will be devastated when she goes, but hopefully that won't be for a few years yet.

I had a rottie with the same issue couple years back. Loved that dog and had her from since I was a kid and she was a puppy and we sort of grew up together. One day my folks had her put to sleep because she had a hip infection and couldn't walk anymore and I didnt find out until afterwards.

I feel your pain on that one.

Man, that connection we get to our animals is pretty intense. They really are our best friends, so I feel for you. Real sorry to hear this..

This is getting too depressing
Go give your dog sum love

I'm so sorry Kurt.

I've said goodbye to my fair share of non-human family members and it's absolutely heartbreaking.

It sounds like she was much loved and had an amzaing life.

Thank you Sal for creating that award. It saved me from writing a post that may have led to a temporary ban!

I was sent this from a friend and I thought I would share it with everyone because it so true ...

A Dog's Purpose: from a 6-year-old.

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 and 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."

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

*When loved ones come home, always run to greet them;
*Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride;
*Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy;
*Take naps;
*Stretch before rising;
*Run, romp, and play daily;
*Thrive on attention and let people touch you;
*Avoid biting when a simple growl will do;
*On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass;
*On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree;
*When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body;
*Delight in the simple joy of a long walk;
*Be loyal;
*Never pretend to be something you're not;
*If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it;
*When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently;

There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You
surround yourself with good people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the positive. Think good, happy thoughts!

Falling down is part of LIFE... Getting back up is LIVING...

I ran into a link that reminded me of this topic. A guy gets reunited with his dog 10 years after they were separated.

Man Reunited With Dog 10 Years Later | ABC News - Yahoo! News

Dog Years | Cesar Millan

Sorry to hear about your loss, Kurt. I would say get another dog. I find the best thing about them is they don't question the love we give them. We all need more of that.

You can look at them Skipper...

but the Cupcakes are for the Cat :p


Barney had a hard time finding anyone to play fetch with...

@MoneyMagnetMagnate
I had a dog that every time we walked by would sniff bronze sculptures of donkeys/miners like the donkeys might be real animals.

Hey Kurt, I was ready to put up a huge fight with you when I read the title! I'm very sorry about your dog, I can only imagine how you feel since both of my dogs are still alive and I fear the day I will have to say goodbye to them. Again, very sorry for your loss.