Well, it finally happened. Our 15 year old puppy had to be put to sleep due to severe heart problems. We got to be with her up to the end, and she died in my arms.

It was hard enough dealing with Old Navy's passing, and now this, just before Christmas. I think it's one of the few times I ever saw my DH break down and cry openly. Now the old sorrows have been re-opened and I'm having a really rough day.

I came here, knowing that others here have pets in their lives, and that you would understand.

I am so sorry. When my dad died a number of years ago, I was able to hold it together pretty well and could accept the fact that he had been ill and was finally at peace. But when I lost my beloved dog a few years ago--and he was old and frail too--it just about broke my heart, even though I knew he was no longer suffering. Losing your dog so soon after Old Navy makes it especially hard for you and your husband. I'll be keeping you both in my prayers. ((((Gentle hugs))))

I'm so sorry sweetie. Losing a pet is very hard. No matter how old they are, they are always babies who need us and love us unconditionally.

I know how it feels Deb. You met my baby. She was 18 and she died at home in my arms in August. just before I lost my brother.

It's like losing a family member, which she really was.

I'm glad you were with him. And it does make Christmas a little less happy.

Oh Deb, I am so sorry about your dog. I have furbabies too, a cat and a dog and they are priceless to me.

My dad used to tell me that I should give my husband the same attention I give my dog. I told him when my husband starts greeting me at the door, jumping on me and smothering me with attention, I will consider spoiling him too.

My sympathies, hun. My heart aches for you and your husband.

Thank you for your responses. We're holding up considering... but I still can't look at my open closet because I expect Panda to be laying there sleeping.

Little things make me sad... like fishing stuff from under the bed and found one of her dog bones....

And you know what else? We are still finding toothpicks that Old Navy would lose. I swear that man carried a full box of them everywhere he shuffled!

Dear Deb,
I'm so sorry for loss. I can totally relate.
I had to put my 14+ pup to sleep last April. I still get sad when I come across an old bone in the yard.
I still have a bag of her toys I can't get rid of.
Peace
Eileen

Deb:

so very sorry for the loss of your puppy! It truly is a sad time of year to lose any one close to us!!! I still remember being sad over Old Navy!---amazing how close we do get with them little pupsters!!!!!

When I was growing up we had to put down our little family dog named "Nibbles" on Christmas Eve...I got to hold her at the vets and she was finally being loving to me....(she was truly a hateful little doggie...she would attack!!!! she did have this evil side---mom loved her & thought she was the bestest dog EVER!!!!---)

know that my thoughts and prayers and many hugs are sent your way!!!

xxoo
karen

Deb,

When I was a teenager we had a dog when I lived at home. But since, no animals except fish and birds. We had to put that dog to sleep. We were of course all very upset. It was the first time I had ever seen my father break down and cry.

I'm so sorry that you and your husband have had to go through this so close to ON's passing. Seems like we are constantly being tested huh on how much more we can take. Bet Old Navy though is having a ball with him up there and both laughing cause you're still picking up picks!! What is it with toothpicks and people with AD. I find them on the floor by my Mom's recliner constantly. When I get me some money, I may just invest in kleenex and toothpick companies!!

Jackie

Isn't it amazing? Mom leaves toothpicks everywhere also. What is really fun is when you step on one that has a pick at both ends. Anyway, just had to laugh at that, however;

I also know how hard it is to lose a pet. My husband and I have had to put down three dogs for different reasons and each one was like losing a family member. We have one left and hope she last for a few more years.

I'm sorry, Deb, I remember all too well holding our Toby in the final minutes at the vet (pancreatic cancer), I made a scrapbook of pictures of him about 6 months after and I still open it every once in a while and remember what a good friend he was.

Mom was still in the very early stages at that time and she was beside herself without him. Our animal friends love us no matter who we are or what we've done - I think that's why losing them is so hard.

I was doing so well in dealing with the death of my beloved 'puppy,' until a received a condolence card from the veterinary clinic. All the staff signed it, and the ones who sat with us in the room while Panda was with us, wrote that they were crying, too. Even now, thinking of what they wrote is bringing tears to my eyes.

I talked with one of church members who is a veterinarian, and told her about Panda. I asked her to keep her eyes open for any of her clients who might have a small dog that needed a new home. Surprise of surprises, she said she might have just the one for me.... a 5-yr-old silky terrier that was attacked by other dogs in the home and they had to amputate the right front leg. She said that someone would contact me in the near future about it. So, here's a prayer hoping that the new owners will permit us to adopt their little baby.

Good luck Deb. I haven't yet got to the point of wanting another cat to replace Mickey. Everyone is telling me I should or I will. But to tell the truth, I am looking forward to the day I can be sitting here and think I'd like to go here or there and not have to wonder what I will do with the pet or who will take care of Bill if I go.

We waited 1 week before we adopted our current dog. I kept looking for Toby everywhere, finding his bones and toys - I was a mess every day. Of course I still missed him, but it did help me to cuddle with another dog.

Deb, I so hope you get the dog. It will certainly help heal your heart to love another furbaby.

I agree with the statement made that a pet loves us know matter who we are or what we have done. We can certainly take a lesson from animals, I think.