One Of The Worst New Year's Eves

#1
Coug

Coug

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 14, 2012
Messages
20,579
Likes
11,544
#1
As a family we had to have the talk about putting the family dog down and unfortunately it happened to fall on New Year's Eve. Naturally it completely overshadowed the festivities of the night. There's nothing like toasting in the new year with glass of champagne and tears in your eyes. I've only done that one other time that I can remember and it involved a combination of a break up with a girlfriend and too much liquor. So I sit here contemplating the whole scenario for even longer until the vet opens in the morning. She's a 75lb, 15+ year old Shepherd/Huskey mix. She's been a fantastic, loyal, and loving dog. We are going to miss the hell out of her. Here is a pic of her.

345tbe.jpg


I realize losing a pet pales in comparison to what some others have gone through or are currently going through during the holidays and my deepest condolences go out to you. I just needed to vent and anyone else that had a crappy holiday is more than welcome to vent here if you feel so inclined.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 3 people
#2
#2
Hey, that's a family member and losing her is hard. Went through that a couple years ago, I feel for you. Like everything else, time just has to go by. Hang in there.
 
#3
#3
So sorry, Coug. We have gone through that twice in the last few years, and it really hurts. Time helps. Try to be thankful for the loyal years of companionship she blessed you with.
 
#4
#4
That really sucks. Holding them while the Vet puts them to sleep is a horrible feeling.
 
#5
#5
My thoughts go out to you Coug and hope you have a great 2016! This Holiday Season was much better for me than it was in 2014. My Mom had a stroke on Christmas Eve 2014 and Praise God is recovered now.
 
#6
#6
A Dog’s Plea

by Beth Norman Harris

Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I might lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me learn.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when the sound of your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.

Please take me inside when it is cold and wet, for I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.

Feed me clean food that I might stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.

And, my friend, when I am very old, and I no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having any fun.

Please see that my trusting life is taken gently. I shall leave this Earth knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 4 people
#8
#8
Sorry for you loss, Coug, not many things in life are harder than saying goodbye to a good dog.
 
#10
#10
Sorry to hear. We're going to be going through that eventually in the next few years. Our dog turns 14 in a few months and even though she's doing fine and a smaller dog, we know she's in that time frame where her health could turn bad very quickly. Plus she's already showing signs of slowing down and I think her hearing is starting to go.
 
#14
#14
Sorry to hear. It's a tough thing to have to do. We had to do it a couple of years ago.
 
#15
#15
Man I am so sorry to hear this. I just went through this with the little guy pictured to the left. He was a rescue and had been mistreated but once I won him over he was the best. I only had him eight years or so but he was like other posters have said, family. I held him in my arms as the vet did her thing and I am not ashamed to admit to crying like a baby and I will soon be 63 years old.

On a side note... If there is a Rainbow Bridge he has it well marked and claimed it as his own and dug up the green fields trying find the moles. RIP little buddy...
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 person
#16
#16
Thanks to everyone for the kind thoughts and wishes! It's definitely not been easy.

davethevol said:
That really sucks. Holding them while the Vet puts them to sleep is a horrible feeling.
Click to expand...

I'm fairly sure it ranks way up there with the worst things you'll ever have to do in life.

VolFootballnut said:
My thoughts go out to you Coug and hope you have a great 2016! This Holiday Season was much better for me than it was in 2014. My Mom had a stroke on Christmas Eve 2014 and Praise God is recovered now.
Click to expand...

That's awful and I'm so sorry that happened. I really hope you're able to get that Christmas spark back and not have to have that overshadow your future Christmases.

VolsSportsFan said:
Sorry to hear. We're going to be going through that eventually in the next few years. Our dog turns 14 in a few months and even though she's doing fine and a smaller dog, we know she's in that time frame where her health could turn bad very quickly. Plus she's already showing signs of slowing down and I think her hearing is starting to go.
Click to expand...

I'd like to say sorry in advance. I can only go by my own experiences and to have a dog be a part of the family for so long just makes it that much harder to let go. The last dog we had was a schnauzer and she stuck around for 16 years.

NC_Orange said:
Man I am so sorry to hear this. I just went through this with the little guy pictured to the left. He was a rescue and had been mistreated but once I won him over he was the best. I only had him eight years or so but he was like other posters have said, family. I held him in my arms as the vet did her thing and I am not ashamed to admit to crying like a baby and I will soon be 63 years old.

On a side note... If there is a Rainbow Bridge he has it well marked and claimed it as his own and dug up the green fields trying find the moles. RIP little buddy...
Click to expand...

I'm right there with you! There wasn't a dry eye in the room. The vet and the assistant knew her as well and even they teared up. I'll be honest, so soon after it's hard seeing her dog bed and her food and water bowls sitting there without feeling it completely wash over you.
 
#18
#18
So sorry, Coug. davethevol's post rings true - I've had to do that twice. It is one of the most difficult things I've ever dealt with.

I understand your comments about it paling in comparison to the hardships others deal with, and I commend you on having that perspective. But, it certainly doesn't make it any easier to deal with losing a beloved family member, and I have no doubt she was just that.
 
#19
#19
I feel for you & your family. I had to put a dog down this summer and still miss him terribly.
They become so much a part of a family and losing them is painful.

It is evident from your post that she was a part of your family. You made a good life for her and will always hold good memories of her time with you all.

My condolences.
 
#20
#20
A friend sent me this when I lost my dog a couple of years ago...NC_Orange mentioned it in his post to you.

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent; Her eager body quivers. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: 1 person
New posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

VN Store



Back
Top