Put down a FRIEND

[roffey]

Originally Posted by lathehand

Very sorry to here that .I'm struggleing to make that disison myself.If it wern't for my old girl I would be all alone

... and we keep them around for us, not the dog. Don't get me wrong, I have had dogs my whole life and have been down that road. It's a decision we make and a difficult one. I have a 10 year old husky. Him and I are best friends, some time I look at him and think will I be able to do it when the time comes.

[Destroyer]

Ridge, if it's any consolation at all, just remember that what you did was really for him. Did you want him to suffer more? Keeping an animal in pain when there is no reason for it is cruel. I had to do the same thing to my beloved Sasha a few years back. There is almost nothing so hard to do. I too held her head in my hands as she went, and I cried like a baby after she was gone. But I knew in my heart that it was the right thing to do, and that she was no longer suffering. You did the right thing my friend. Rest easy Max.

[jasoncooperpcola]

I am sorry for you Ridge. This was hard to read....
I wonder how much longer my 14 year old beagle girl has. And i wonder how I can cope with losing her.

[RidgeRunner]

Originally Posted by roffey

... and we keep them around for us, not the dog. Don't get me wrong, I have had dogs my whole life and have been down that road. It's a decision we make and a difficult one. I have a 10 year old husky. Him and I are best friends, some time I look at him and think will I be able to do it when the time comes.

That picture looks a lot like Max. We had no idea his breed when we found him.
The Barbie dolls Max got to were often missing hands and feet, much to the chagrin of my daughter. He would chew anything, his chewing prowess legendary. He had a awful habit of taking off on me too. Such a curious dog, into everything. Lots of Max stories/memories.

Thank You ALL for your support. I was second guessing myself at one point in the process.

[Road King Cole]

It's always a tough decision, something you don't want to do but really should do.

Had to make the call before myself, don't second guess yourself.

rkc

[Blue_Runner]

Hey Ridge, sorry man, you did Max a great service by taking him in and being his buddy all these years. Providing him things to chew on and presenting new challenges - which it sounds like he was up for a good "escape" challenge. Max knew he was loved. You did the right thing.

My dog is 6. At 5 she went down on her back. $4 grand worth of surgery and 2 months later she was all better. Never thought I would'a thrown down a serious chunk of cash like that but I still almost cry thinking about losing my best buddy too early. 14 is a long long time.

[bradford]

You did the right thing. Max appreciates the long life you let him to share with you. When the time is right another one will find you.

[cfelton]

I'm really sorry my friend. I've had to do the same thing too many times, hurts like hell, but there is worse things than dying sometimes. Watching them suffer and not being able to help is worse! Remember the good times, it seems to help.

[reelapeelin]

Breaks my heart for you, Vic...no question you did the right thing...from the moment you decided to keep him to the time you decided to let him go...I'm like you...holding them on the way out is the least we can do...they give so much and ask so little...wish I had known him...sounds like a special guy. Steppin' up like you did for him, from the 1st day to the last proves you are the man I've always thought you were. Always proud to call you friend.

[Hal380]

This is a poem which I ran across and pass it on when a friend has had to say "Goodbye to his friend", you may have seen this before, but this came to mind when I read your post.

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....

Author unknown...