Lost a Best Friend Today

[msbhammer]

Wow, dont know where to start. one of my best friends for 10 years will be passing away today. SHe's been a great loving dog, great with kids. Just a good all around dog. She wasnt eating for the last two weeks. Lisa took her to the vet, where they found a 10 pound infection growing inside her. They operated and she recovered, but soon after started going into confulsions. Everytime they try and wake her up now, she goes back into confulsions. Vet thinks a blood clot went to her brain. At this point there isnt much we can do. The operation was $1600.00, plus an additional 100 bucks days over the last 4-days. Still getting over the loss of my rotti that I had for 14 years. I put her down 2 years ago. Man, it feels like your killing one of your own kids. Lisa and I will be going to the vet shortly to put her down and bring her home and burry her next to my rotti.


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[tsubaki]

Hammer you know what ya'll got to do.
Ya'll have gone well past what most pet owners will do.
Why do we keep them around, this one is ten years of joy, that's why.

[Stinky_Hooker]

So sorry buddy. You know its the right thing to do. Cherish what yall had man. :'(

[Blue_Runner]

Oh God, that is just disheartening as crap. Sorry buddy. :'( :'( :'( Sounds like she led a good life at least. May God bless her soul.

[C YENSEN]

Sorry to hear that buddy.....hope today goes as well as possible and it is a peaceful end to I am sure what was a great life. Cherish the memories ;)

My deapest sympathy to you and your family

[Shawsee]

I know exactly how you feel and something like that isn't easy to cope with. Nothing anyone can say that will take the heartache away. All our sympathy from our family here in Connecticut Hammer.

[willy]

Lisa and Mike sorry for your loss, many times there myself but does not matter, each one hurts like the first.. Be comforted in the fact that you did everything humanly possible and she had a good life with you guys.

[Franco]

Sorry for your loss my friend.

[Pipe_Dream]

So sorry, Hammer... Be strong, and take comfort in the knowledge that she had a great life with you and you'll be together again one fine day.

[Seacrets]

So sorry.

[msbhammer]

Lisa and I would like to thank you all for all the kind words. This isnt something you post on a boating forurm, but Lisa and I consider you all close friends and almost family. I'm holding up good. Lisa on the other hand is a total mess. Zoey was a great loving pet that had a great life at the beach. She's home now burried under a nice shaded tree. I'd like to share a few more pics. of Zoey just before she pasted on.
Thanks again guys.
Mike and Lisa.

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[THEFERMANATOR]

I know what it's like. I was in your shoes almost a year ago to the day. Mine was 13 and got a brain tumor. She went down hill so fast I didn't know what to do. I took the loss of her harder than I do when I lose a family member. Family loves you because there family, but our 4 legged companions love us for us.

[TunaHead]

I've been sitting here looking at this screen for five minutes and I can't think what to say. The situation just brings back a lot of memories. Stinky is right you are doing the right thing for your friend. My thoughts are with you and your family.
TH

[parishht]

Sorry for your loss, I know how you feel,
I've had to put down a few friends in my time. :'( :'(

[Pipe_Dream]

Bless you, Mike & Lisa. My heart goes out to you.

[rb437]

So sorry to hear about this. Been there recently myself. I still haven't gotten used to walking in the front door. I keep expecting a friendly greeting from the old mutt. The only comfort comes from knowing I did the best thing for her.

Rick

[macojoe]

Well I was here reading this and thought well thats life, Then got to the last few pic's and got tears in my eyes :'(

Take Care guys!!

[Mulv80]

Sorry Mike.

[Bygracealone]

Hammer,

I was once told by somebody that when you bring a pet into your home you're inviting a small tragedy into your life. Indeed, this is true. You're at the tragic part of it now. Knowing this why do we do it? Well, you have 10 years full of reasons why.

We had to put down a dog a couple years ago and we only had her a short while, but it still tore us up. We have a 10 year old lab now and I'm dreading the day we have to put him down. That day will come (Lord willing, I will outlive him) but until then I'm going to make a special effort to enjoy every moment we have with him so that I will have plenty of memories to bring to mind when he does finally go.

Hang in there buddy. This is something that only time will heal.

My heart goes out to you and the Mrs.

[bradford]

Family loves you because there family, but our 4 legged companions love us for us.

Well put.

She's in a better place now and smiling down on ya'll for your love and companionship through the years. You'll meet up again on the other side. God bless.

[Airslot]

Mike & Lisa, sorry for your loss. I've been down that road a few times, and I'll go there again if I'm lucky, because I will always have a dog. You'll make it through the tough times, and you'll remember that it was all worth it, then do it again.

Good luck and take care,

'Slot

[Kajun]

sorry to hear about this hammer.......no need for her to suffer anymore....ya'll doing the right thing.

[charlie_the_tuna]

that blows dude.
been there, done that.
gonna do it again eventually.
hang in there.

[charlie_the_tuna]

oh my god.
i'm so gay.

[lumberslinger178]

my heart goes out with ya :-[

[charlie_the_tuna]

heres a shot of me and stupid. (stupid is the one in the black fur).
if she doesnt stop chewing sh!t up she will be joining your dog soon ham.


http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c305/fishmaster63/DSCF0027.jpg

[chumbucket]

Mike and Lisa; Very sorry for the loss of your family companion. That really Sucks! :'(

[Monkey Butler]

Mike, so sorry for your loss.

I really wish I could think of something deep and thoughtful like some of the other guys but what can I say?

I know nothing is humorus today but I hope your back to getting a kick out of the Monkey soon.

[Skools_Dual]

Hammer i'm so sorry to hear this i know how you feel and there's nothing that helps when it's a pet, good luck and hang in there, theirs a pup at the pound that would love for someone to take them home i'm sure. but never will there be a replacement. good luck my friend.

[Blue_Runner]

That saddness will slowly turn to happy memories...I know it don't seem like it now but it will. That was one lucky dog to have you and Lefty and your other rat dawg companion for so long. A lot of dogs never will get to see 10 years and have loving owners like ya'll. The two of you cared enough to pour hundreds into her recovery when some people would have just gave up. I admire your humanity and I know the ol girl appreciated it.

I second checking at the pound if you get another dog - thats where I got my lil "rat dawg" and she is my bestest girlfriend ever.

[charlie_the_tuna]

or you could replace her with a minnie pinnie. . . . .

now where would you find a min. . . . . hey wait a minute. . . .









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[Monkey Butler]

Here's a some pictures that my daughter took of our dog Abbey.

http://www.monkeybutler.com/boat/temp/sad_abbey.jpg

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http://www.monkeybutler.com/boat/temp/chillin.jpg

[Blue_Runner]

Monkey she looks an aweful lot like my pound dawg. I don't think my current pictures show the likeness but I see my dogs face in those pics.

[Monkey Butler]

Blue_runner,

We call her a used or second hand dog. There used to be a local pet shop that sold mostly fish and gerbils but would also get dogs from the pound to put in the window to attract customers. They would sell them for $30 plus shots. She had been sold once to a family who named her China. They brought her back saying she was unmanageable. When we got her she was about seven months old and had absolutely no personality. But eventually we grew on her and she came around and is now a really incredible dog.

One day I was changing clothes and casually took my belt off and she almost ran straight through the back door. Once I figured out what was going on my blood boiled and I wished I could track down the first owners.

[msbhammer]

Thanks again guys for all the kind words. After burrying her today, I was pretty exhausted and just slept for teh rest of the day. Things are already differnt. After waking up, I normally have to step over her when climbing out of bed. She always sleft on the floor next to me. I hope to get a second dog in the future, but not just yet. Our next dog will be like all the others, saved from the pound. I've always had an interest in the Grayhound rescue. So it's something to think about when the time comes for a second friend.
Thanks again guys. ;)

[THEFERMANATOR]

This is a poem the vet sent me after I lost my baby last year.


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. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him 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....

[msbhammer]

That was nice Therm. Thanks, Lisa will enjoy reading it. ;)

[Blue_Runner]

Touching poem Ferm.

[cfelton]

Really sorry to hear of your familys loss. I know how ya feel, we lost two inside cats within a few months apart. Everybody says time heal all wounds , but it takes alot of time! Weve got 3 dogs outside and 3 cats inside and almost all were from the SPCA or strays. It seems they make the best pets. Go on down to the pound an find you a new friend, they will really apreciate a loving family like yours.

[reelapeelin]

Just caught up w/this thread...sittin' here w/tears wellin' up in my eyes ... when I read the 1st post and realized what it was, I felt like a SPEAR went thru my chest ... this is the kinda thing that makes this such a tight group here ...

Mike, you and Lisa are some pretty special people, and Zoey was lucky to have spent her life with you loving her and caring for her...and doing the right thing for her in the end. Can't avoid mourning the passing, but make sure you celebrate the life she had and shared so loyally with you...

[Carl]

Sorry to hear of your loss. Pets have a special place in our hearts and homes.

Ferm - Nice poem. Someone had given us that poem a few years back.


Carl

[V20Twin]

sorry to hear of your loss hammer

[frayed_knot]

So sorry to hear of your loss bro. We have been there too, it hurts, alot. Time has a way to ease the pain, and all that remains are the good thoughts and memories of your pup. We have 3 doggies right now, and I know that in time, we will feel the pain again. But until then, we have fun with them and scratch their ears. Someday, I'll post some pics of them. They are good for nuttin, but they make me happy.

[Zebra]

Lisa and Mike sorry for your loss. Zoey is a great name. I heard once " Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole" Again sorry for your loss...

[randlemanboater2]

Hammer,

I had to have both of my labs put down over the last year, we had them 15 years. *I know how you feel.

The 17 year old cat will be next I guess, that will suck too.

[chesapeake_dreamin]

I'm so sorry to hear about your dog, I have no idea what to say other then I've been in your shoes and it's not an easy place. All my best to you and lisa both
Mark

[msbhammer]

You guys have been great. Lisa and I sat down this morning and read the postings you guys listed. They were vary kind. I couldnt read the last few post. I had to get up and leave the room for awhile. Lisa and sat down again and read the post. Sounds like we all been down this road before with loving pets. Lisa was really happy and surprised with all the warm replys.Like REEL said, we are a real tight group of guys here. ;)

[Mac_Attack]

I'm sorry! When I think of your dog it brings back memories of us losing our dog. Billy Mac :'(

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[reelapeelin]

Only time my girls ever saw me cry was after my 14 yr old lab died a few years back...these dogs are special critters...they steal yer heart and ya don't know it til they leave ya ...

[Sean]

Sorry you had to go threw that and for the loss of a best friend. Those last few pics were hard to look at.
Good luck