My Dogs Last Days

well I have had my Siberian Husky for 13 years now, which is more than expected for that breed. She has been such a great dog and has also had such a great life. My family interacted with her so much. She spent her whole life going for walks, running behind the snowmobile on the lake, spending cold days bundled up in a snowbank (which she loved!) In the last year she developed a tumor on her front left leg and a sist on the right leg. Both of which have grown in sizes that blow me away. The one one on her left leg you can see in the pic I have uploaded. That was in the very beginning, Now it has grown to a size that looks so painful to her. I didn't want to upload a pic of her now because I think it would give the wrong image of her. She was such a beautiful and loving dog and I want her to be remembered that way. Here is a pic of her. Not sure why I am posting this, I'm gonna miss her :( she goes to the vet Friday. :cry:
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Thank you for sharing the picture of your good friend. I am truly sorry for your loss. Those of us who have been captured by the loyalty and affection of a dog understand what you are going through. Yet, there is a responsibility that must be concommitant in that relationship. You are meeting that difficult responsibility and your friend knows the love that you have given and will continue to give. Good men make tough decisions. Knowing when to end the suffering takes an abundance of courage. The pain of the loss will subside, in time, it will get better. I've been there myself. The black and white dog on my avitar died four years ago and I still miss him. Good luck, be brave!!!

That sucks man! get her the most succulent bone you can find. It's such a tough decision to make, just know you are doing the right thing for both of you. She is gorgeous.

Carl

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I understand how attached you are i have a lab/german shepard mix and shes my whole world from the time i get up untill i go to bed shes always there waiting on me to com home and play and when i go to bed shes right there with me. she never bothers much with my little brothers or my little sister, shes never mean but she never bonded with them like she does with me. and to be honest i worry now whats gonna happen when i leave for the army so trust me man i know how your feeling. Be strong and know you gave her a goood loooong life.

That is a bummer. Our pets become one of the family. Condolences.

I think we are drawn to dogs because they are the uninhibited creatures we might be if we weren't certain we knew better. They fight for honor at the first challenge, make love with no moral restraint, and they do not for all their marvelous instincts appear to know about death. Being such wonderfully uncomplicated beings, they need us to do their worrying. ~George Bird Evans

I always dread the day you are facing now.
I've had to do it many times over the years, lastly with my 9 year old Great Dane 2 years ago.
And as hard as that day is, I never seem able to live without one very long:)
Yours sure seems to have had a great run, take comfort in that.
My condolences!

Oh man, that so totally sucks. I have 2 dogs, and my Golden is getting along in years now too. My friend had her cousin, they were born in the same place 2 months apart and he died of cancer in 2011.

My poor old dog is getting all lumpy and bumpy with skin cysts, she's getting over weight and has arthritis in her rear hips. She's the best dog I have ever had in my life.

I will be crushed when her times comes, but I will not hesitate to cease her suffering if it comes to that. I love her too much.

Darn dogs, they just don't live long enough.

We rescued a Lhaso Ahpso in 2010 who was just 3 at the time. They are best friends, and when Kayah goes, Jack will be totally heart broken just like the rest of us. We (SWMBO and I) are getting too old to get another dog to replace Kayah. The reality is that Jack will probably out live us at this point.

As with all things, we have to take the good with the bad. It is just reality, and reality bites.

Good luck with your girl. It's good she has known such love. Many do not ever know the love and companionship she has.

Best wishes man,

M

That's so sad :(

I met an awesome Siberian Husky just yesterday, walking to the grocery store. Seeing the dog wasn't aware of me when I was coming I gave a short whistle to let it know someone was coming. It then howled and started wagging his tail so much he almost fell over.
I know Siberian Huskies can be reserved towards strangers, but this one must have missed that memo. So I had to stop and say hello, and I got a thorough face wash. Clearly a very social dog and it had me smiling for a long time after I left.

thanks everyone, this is honestly killing me, she goes tommorow and she hasn't left my side all day. i swear she knows :(

What I did not tell you about the Black and White dog that died was this: We got another Shih Tzu a boy just like Panda. And the other night while I was shaving I heard a noise in my bed room. Next to my bed is a rocking chair. I sit on it when I practice my banjo. Well the chair was moving back and forth wildly. As I looked closer I could see my new boy sitting on the chair and rocking it as fast as he could, tongue hanging out with a smile on his face: "See what I can do, Dad?"
The point I want to make for you is this: Embrace the loss and the sorrow. She knows that you mean to do her well and to help her become a spirit to protect you and your family without the pain she now feels in her body. Be brave for her, she loves you and will never leave you.

I am very sorry to hear of your loss.
I had to put my own dear friend down just over a year ago,& I still miss him. He had cancer which in the end just overwhelmed him.
He was a rescue dog with the sweetest nature.
We now have got a new dog he is a sprocker which is a Springer ,cocker spaniel mix.
Alfie is shaping up really well.

Sorry to hear that. I had to do the very thing 2 months ago to one of the three here. The boys were VERY bummed as were the rest of the "pack". Just last week god put us in a place to get a very young black lab female. She has since helped bring life back to us and while it still hurts thinking of Duke, we are all recovering from the loss of out family member. Remember the good times.
Paul

I am so very sorry - I have a husky cross (my avatar) and I know the sheer unadulterated joy that you get from these highly-intelligent, challenging, beautiful-natured dogs. I can only imagine how sad it must be to see your dog go.

James.

I am so sorry you will be losing your dear friend and companion. I apologize for offering unsolicited advice but I have found that having the vet come to the house makes the process quite a bit less terrible for everybody involved. If somebody offers that service in your area I would highly recomend it.

I am so sorry to hear this. My deepest condolences. My baby is about 8 as best we can tell and I can't imagine losing her

I have Buddy the wonderdog, he isnt worth spit, but he has been the most loyal companion for just shy of 15 yrs. He has tumors, bad eyes and hips, overweight and has a hard time, but damned if he isnt happy to see you or get in your way. I have had many dogs in my life but I think Buddy will be the first to go to the vet when the time comes, I am getting too old and too soft to do this myself.

They give us unending love, devotion, and comfort. In return, we make a promise to never let them suffer.

What a lucky, happy pup, to have a human who is willing to look after her needs, before his own happiness

A smile, and a scruff ruffle for your friend. Peace and ease for you both.

My friend, you will be in our thoughts tomorrow when you have to say goodbye. :(

Take comfort in that she will no longer hurt, even though that pain is transfered to your heart, it will pass in time, unlike hers.

Good luck, and God Bless, you and her!

M

Man, this made my eyes water & choked me up just thinking about your pain right now. It is amazing how much of your heart a pet can capture, to me they are my children since I don't have any human kids. Today is a sad day, but I commend you at the same time for not letting her suffer. This alone shows how much you love her. My prayers are with you and your family.
God Bless

I just wanted say thanks again for everyones replys, It really means alot to me. I showed this to my mom this morning and she almost ruined my laptop with tears :( She wanted me to say to all of you how thankfull she was for your kind words. It kind of blew her away, hopefully now she understands the whole forum thing. Anyways, the day is here. I think I forgot to mention my dogs name which was pretty bad of me. Her name is "Dawson". She will be leaving us this afternoon around 5:00. She will not be leaving me and my familys hearts though. So again, a very big thank you from me and my whole family :)

Bummer.

It really takes it out of you when their time is up.

I lost my old buddy of 16 years a few years back. Got him when he was 6 weeks old. He and I trucked the lower 48 for ten years together. He started slowing down and I got off the road and took a day job. He went deaf and later blind from cataracts. He had arthritis and he still met me at the door every evening when I came in from work. He slept beside my bed at night. It's been six years since he left. I still step over where he used to sleep when I get up at night every now and then.

Wife talked me into getting another dog. I did, but it ain't the same.

I know how you feel.

Hang in there.

I pray that it went as well as it could despite it being what it is. I hope you were with him until the end.

Hug Dawson as she leaves. As difficult as this might appear, you will never regret holding her at that time. God bless!

its hard to lose a loved one and i know you love her alot, you being willing to take her to the vet shows that you truly care. She lived a good life with you. take comfort in knowing you made her happy for so long.

I am sorry for your loss friend. :(

Dawson was a lucky girl to have such a loving family. Hang in there friend. Such a great loss. I'm so sorry.

I know your pain. I put J.S. Bach down some time ago, but reading your story brought his passing right on back. These things aren't easy. Take care Pal.

Always tremendously hard for those left behind yet it is the kindest thing we can do for our beloved animal companions when the end is at hand. I feel your pain. Fill your head with all the good times together.