"That" day, the one that is inevitable but hard to deal with...Putting one of our 2 oldest dogs to sleep today...

[biomedtechguy]

So about 13 years ago or so my wife and I took our only dog at the time, Cocoa, a chocolate Lab, camping with us in Mississippi. My best friend and Mopar brother and his wife were at the nearby state park, but Devine Providence had other plans for us, our reservation fell through where they were, but we found a spot at a nearby "24 hour ATV park". We had told the owners of the park, regular "salt of the earth" folks, that we didn't go anywhere without our dog.
So she saw that we were good pet parents, and told us "we had to see someone" about a mile up the road. There was a chocolate Lab mama dog, Mocha, and she was "full of puppies".
About 2 months later, my wife came home with all 6 of the puppies, I was working at PETCO as a Dog Trainer, and I was able to adopt 4 of them out to good homes.
We kept Tony and Bitty.
They have had a great life. Tony is doing OK, but Bitty has been sick for at least 6 months. We've been to several different vets, spent over $5k on a total GI scope and surgery, and pills, Vitamin B12 injections, special diets, home cooked blends, you name it.
Friday she stopped eating and barely drank water, won't get up, and she is in distress. We gave her IV fluids over the weekend, and I had to leave "the decision" up to my wife, at least to "say it first" but today's the day she crosses the Rainbow Bridge.
Thanks for letting me get this out here.
I'm really OK with it, because I've seen it coming.
Better days, pics of Bitty, Tony is a little darker, and Laney is the black dog:

 

[fesser]

I feel for you. One of the hardest things there is to do.

 

[440 4 speed]

When we had to put our dogs to sleep, we always tried to think of the good times we had. Feseer is right.

 

[Cheapsunglasses]

It’s definitely a tough day. You gave her an amazing life.

RIP Bitty, you were a faithful companion.

 

[eldubb440]

thousands of good days vs a few tough ones....... 13 is a great run, but these days are the worst, and we all sign up for it........you have my sympathy

 

[biomedtechguy]

Hey, thanks to all of you.
It's a good thing, I believe, when you see it coming and can plan some time and a peaceful departure.
We have 2 Labs that are about 14 months old, named Korben and Leeloo, Tony, Bitty's brother who is 13, and Laney who looked like a Lab puppy and as an adult has always looked like a "little Lab/mutt". She is about 10 years old.
I'm not sure how well I'm going to handle Tony's time, I pray for God's strength and comfort, first comfort and peace for Tony, and for me to get through that day, whenever it may be.
Tony and I are really close, just his ways, and that makes it more difficult, or at least it could.
Ultimately, we have to do what's right and best for them, not for us, and that includes knowing when to let go.
There's no doubt about today being the day to say "till we meet again" for Bitty.

 

[themechanic]

I feel you, brother. Dogs are one of God's greatest creations and gifts to man. It's very caring and humane what you're doing for Bitty.

 

[Carcinogen]

Deepest Sympathy, it is hard.

Pet’s are helpful in more ways than be counted, hard to imagine Life without them.

 

[PlymCrazy]

Never easy. But the time we all get with our furry friends is worth it. Even though we know how it will end one day. I’m sure if the pooch could talk to you she’d thank you for the life and companionship you gave her. God bless you in your decision to do what you gotta do here.

 

[Hey-O]

Never easy. But the time we all get with our furry friends is worth it. Even though we know how it will end one day. I’m sure if the pooch could talk to you she’d thank you for the life and companionship you gave her. God bless you in your decision to do what you gotta do here.

X2, I'm never at a loss for words, but, these things bring me to my knees. God speed and prayers sent!!

 

[VANDAN]

Just saw this now, and feel for you all. She's headed to that place, where she'll be waiting for you to Greet again. Take peace in Her suffering ending, and Keep her memories at heart...

 

[Grabbergreendream]

Sorry to hear. Thinking of you guys with a heavy heart.
May she rest in peace.

 

[Charles Cook]

So sorry to hear your baby is sick. We all have to let go sooner or later and yes sir it is tough. I lost my little buddy a month ago and boy is there a void in my life. But I know he will be ok and waiting for me when I get there. RIP Bitty.

 

[Wojo68]

I am very sorry. Hey-O said it perfectly

 

[cosgig]

My heart goes out to you and your family, but hearing your story, I too believe that all of your dogs are living the best life they could possibly hope for, and knowing that you did everything to make their life, and yours, the best they could be. Saying goodbye will be hard, one of the hardest things you’ll ever have to do, but it will come with peace and comfort in your hearts, knowing that she is now pain free and waiting for the day she sees you again. You did a great job with those pups, I hope you know that they think the world of you and your family. They understand way more than we think.

RIP Bitty, you did your job well, you’re leaving your people in good hands….or paws, as the case may be.

 

[Big Bad Dad]

My sympathy to you and your family. It's gotta be hard. We only have one dog, and he is aging and starting to have issues. The day you speak of, is going to break my wife's heart. And mine too, but I cannot admit it... I'm the grumpy old fart that fusses at the dog all the time, but feeds him goodies under the table...

 

[Curiousyellow71]

Sorry to hear of your loss Bio, love and spoil them while they are here...I say.

Sounds like you did just exactly that.

 

[Budnicks]

I'm truly saddened to hear this Steve,
you're a good honorable man
you (the wife, rest of the ppack) have my deepest & heartfelt condolences
'goes out to you & all 'her' humans & dog friends'

a more loyal friend or companion you will never find

as you know I'm a true dog guy
I like dogs more than many humans of late

May Bitty RIP, all dogs must go to heaven
& it never gets any easier either...

IMO their only real fault (if you can call it that) is they don't live long enough
they leave us too quickly, steal our hearts & minds

 

[69 Sleeper Bee]

Very sorry to here this and I know it is tough to go through. My thoughts and prayers to you and your wife in this trying time.
God speed Bitty !

 

[gtx6970]

I feel for you. And offer my condolences

We've done 2 dogs. easily one of the hardest things Ive ever done. A 13 year old male and an 18 year old female. Both Labs The 1st one ( the male ) shook me to my core and I actually think I went thru some depression because of it. He was my buddy. We got him when he was maybe 2 months old