… to post today. We had to have one of our dogs (Lola) put down yesterday because of ailments caused by her 16 years. Maybe tomorrow. pl
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I’m sorry to hear it, Col. It’s a shame that many people can’t be as loyal as our animals.
My sympathies. So hard to lose them.
My condolences Sir.
So sorry about your dog, it is amazing how much we love them, even more how devoted to us they are.
Tough, tough day.
Have a German Shepherd who almost human in his understanding of his family-getting up in age, had spleen removed this spring because of possible malignency, suffered much pain, not a whimper. Month later had to go in to fix some issues related to earlier operation, much pain, not a whimper.
Fearful of day coming, which you just experienced.
Very sorry to hear this. Much sympathy on this hard day.
So much joy — Then an empty spot. Wishing you past the sadness.
My condolences. Our 14 year old dachshund won’t be too far behind.
SWMBO and I offer our humble condolences for your loss of Lola. We both know it will take far more a day to return to a semblance of normality, especially after 16 years of joyous companionship.
My first puppy, a border collie who lived 14 years, remains in my thoughts many years later, even as I play with my 1 year old border collie, Perla.
Our cat, now 17 years old, was diagnosed with intestinal cancer five years ago. She’s had to have a lot of medication, but has been a happy and lively cat for all this time. She had what appears to have been a stroke two days ago and was in the emergency vet overnight. She does not seem to be in pain, but is sleeping, not eating and not very aware.
I’m keeping her comfortable until my wife returns home Monday night. Keeping the poor cat going seems awful, but letting her go without her Mom being able to say goodby seems worse. Nothing feels right.
I am sorry for your Lola, for you and for your wife. I wish somebody could make me sure of the best course.
Pat, Sorry about your loss. They really do become part of the family.
She followed me about the house as long as she could, but in the last week it became impossible to deceive ourselves about the growing level of her pain. when she started to moan and have seizures that had to be the end. As Alan Farell wrote to me today,” I have buried men with less regret.”
Bill, only your heart can tell you what you should do. It’s an agonizing decision and it will never feel quite right. I’ve been there as I’m sure many of us have. My thoughts are with you.
Condolences Col. Lang. May you have only happy memories of Lola. I had a Sixteen year old Golden retriever and a fourteen year old chocolate Lab that I can never forget.
My condolences on the loss of Lola.
My condolences for the loss of your Lola. A dog’s stoicism is a remarkable trait–in fact, they are just remarkable creatures. We are lucky they chose to share their lives with us those thousands of years ago.
Col. Lang, I’m so very sorry for your loss of Lola after sixteen years of loving companionship. I had to stop keeping pets a couple of years ago — I’ve buried 6 and a part of me has died along with each one. I just don’t have the courage anymore to endure the heartache their illnesses and deaths can cause. Maybe I’ll get over it someday.
There’s an old episode of National Geographic called Those Wonderful Dogs that documented various roles they’ve played in war, work, disasters, sport and daily lives. I’ve never forgotten the last line of narration: “We give them our spare love, our spare time, our spare room, and in return dogs have given us their absolute all”.
If you’re keeping her comfortable, I think you’re doing the right thing Bill. In the past, I’ve done the same as you: thankfully Bustopher was able to hold on an extra day, and his dad raced home from the airport. The poor little guy got a few final rubs, and then quickly passed away in peace.
You’re probably in agony. Good luck.
Tough day. Condolences.
Been there. Road accident. Operations, didn’t work, had to call the vet in. Buried him under an oak and a lot of memories come back as I walk past. But it was the only thing you could do.
My condolences ces for your loss Col. Lang
Col. – My condolences on your loss of Lola. As painful as your decision was, it was the right thing for Lola. In time the memories of the joy that she brought you for 16 years will replace the sadness that you now feel. She was a lucky dog & you were a lucky man to share her life’s journey.
My condolences on the loss of Lola. We lost Jasper (Black Lab) five years ago after 14 years of great joy as he was family. Not a week goes by without a rememberance, though it used to be daily and will most likely become monthly, it is hard thus I wish you and your SWMBO easier days ahead.
It was good to hear words of Farrell as they shudder with a gravity not heard often but welcoming.
Alan Farell provided you with a very nice thought; one that touched me, as it must have touched you. Thanks for passing it on.
My condolences, Colonel.
Sir, My condolences Mrs. Lang and you on the loss of a family member.
It is devastating. You did the right thing. At least we have the ability to relieve them of their pain. I lost one Christmas Eve and have another one that the decision may have to be made soon.
” I wish somebody could make me sure of the best course.”
Its a heart breaking decision, to have your baby put to sleep or to let him die a natural death. I had a cat, Precious, who was my heart for 22 years. Old age gave her kidney disease which we fought off for 2 1/2 years. When nothing worked any longer the vet wanted me to put her down , he said she wasn’t in pain but was so weak and fading to the point she wouldn’t last another 24 hours. I felt like I knew what she would want…to die at home with me, not with a needle in a vets office. So I took her to bed with me and held her all night…at 6 in the morning she gave a little shutter and was gone.
If she had been in pain I would have done it differently but I am glad I didn’t have to.
All I can say to people facing this is, you know your companion best.. try and think what would he or she want?
For me a dog is a source of joy. The years of smiles and laughter they bring, the serenity of petting, the love in their eyes, outweighs by far the moments of concern you feel at their pain and the grief of their loss. Not everyone understands.
Sorry to hear Dear Host, never a good day.
I prefer the company of animals over humans any day.
She took the decision out of my hands. Went into breathing distress and did not wait for my wife to return home. Was gone this evening. As calico cats tend to do, she “did it her way.”
Control them? You’ve never had a calico cat. Pets don’t judge. They accept us unconditionally.
After making decisions like the one you just had to make many times over my long life, my heart finally became so metaphorically broken that I just can’t make myself get another pet–dog or cat. I have photos of the three Great Danes, the Rhodesian Ridgeback male and his sister, the Australian cattle dog, the Big mixed breed male who was his buddy, and the five cats who owned me and who all lived to around 20 years old or more placed all around my home. I look at those photos all the time and the missing them never goes away. I also often think about my childhood dogs and the horses I loved as I grew up on a small farm. There is no way to calculate the way animals have made my life more worth living.
According to Christian tradition, we were given “dominion” over the animals. I think they were given dominion over our hearts to make us better people.
So very sorry for the loss of your friend.
Big Hugs to you and yours.
Very sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Lola. May she rest in peace. Hopefully enjoying herself in pet heaven.
Sorry for your loss Bill. My husband was in your situation about a year and a half ago with my old kitty. Vet didn’t think she wouldn’t make it until I got home because she wouldn’t eat. My husband thought to try giving her some milk. That did the trick for 2 days (surprising the vet) until I got home. Sat with her for a couple of hours and then we took her to 24 hour animal hospital that euthanized her sister the year before.
I’m so sorry for your loss.