Saying farewell to my faithful canine companion…
I don’t often talk about my personal life and much less use it as an excuse to not “do my job”, but today, I’m afraid I need to call in sick…
So yeah… sorry guys, but I will not be sharing a recipe today. Please forgive me. I just had to take one of the hardest decisions I ever had to take in my entire life: I had to put my old faithful companion to sleep and let him cross the Rainbow Bridge.
I’d known for some time now that this was coming, but I just kept putting it off. I just couldn’t bring myself to actually let him go. But he was getting really old and tired and had developed all kinds of health issues that made him look absolutely, utterly miserable. He didn’t look like he was in pain and still had the odd “good” day, but quality of life was a concept that just didn’t exist for him anymore. The poor darling had lost so much weight and had so very little muscle left on him, he could barely even walk anymore…
The thing is, though, he was my friend, my life partner, my protector, my ever faithful pal; He trusted me with every beating of his heart. Who made me God to decide that he had lived long enough, that it was time for him to go?
Such a hard thing to do, but still, I feel it was the right decision. To keep him by my side any longer would have been egoistical on my part.
Now I know this post probably calls for a poignant story of some kind, or at least a few touching, sentimental words about my late beloved canine friend and how he came into my life and how he made my days so much brighter, so much happier, how he made me feel safe by his simple presence. Truth is, I can’t even think of anything to say. I feel totally useless, crazy sad and all I want to do is cry my eyes out.
So today, I grieve. If you’ll allow me…
26 Comments on “Saying farewell to my faithful canine companion…”
I am so very sorry for the loss of your friend. I have had to make that decision twice- my 15-year-old Casey and 13-year-old Iggy. It is the worst decision, but a counselor who helped me make that decision the first time said something I will never forget. When the day comes, your little friend will tell you. You’ll see it in his/her eyes. I really didn’t understand it until that day came, and I knew -just like she said. It didn’t help with my pain, and there was the inevitable second guessing, but when it’s all said and done, we know we have only ever had our pet’s best interest at heart. Their lifetime is too short, but one day, we will fall in love with another one and do it all over again, because they are just so worth it. Hang in there. It will take some time, but it will be better. ????
Sending you love, peace and healing for the loss of your dear friend. <3
I am so sorry. I know this pain…had to go through it 4 times in 3 years with my dachshunds…the last one was as recent as 3 weeks ago. My heart breaks for you. Find peace knowing you did something selfless and what was the best for an absolute innocent being. Sending you love and light.
I have never had to make this decision but have read and heard about people that did. It is a rough decision to make. Pets can be like family members a lot of times to people. It sure hurts when they have to give them up. Take the time you need to grieve.
So sorry for your loss and for the hard decision you had to make – he looks absolutely adorable – and what a wonderful name he had. Look after yourself.
Sonia, you absolutely did the right thing….if he had lived outside, unfenced, he would have crawled off and hidden someplace so he could die alone…even if you’d found him, he would have refused food and water…it’s nature’s way of not making them suffer for so long….but suffer he would’ve, for 3-5 days….
And if God cares about the sparrow that falls from the nest, surely he has a place reserved for more than us humans…
Beautiful pictures of your beloved pup. You were both blessed to have had each other’s company for more than twelve years. I wish you ease of pain, peace and healing.
My heart hurts for you during this sad time. Sending you love, comfort, and a gentle hug.
Dear Sonia, my heart goes out to you a big time. Once i had to made the same decision. But see it from a different point. No suffering! Lovely lovely dog. Big hug to you xxx
Aww, so sorry for the loss of your beautiful boy. Such a difficult decision for you to make, yet such a loving and brave one…you absolutely did the right thing. Thank you for sharing this difficult time with us. Take all the time you need to grieve for your boy…we will be here waiting for you when you are up to it. Big hugs to you xo
Je suis de tout coeur avec toi! Tu es très courageuse et je suis fière de toi.
Je t’aime ma grande!
Maman
My heart goes out to you. So sad for you – so cry all the tears you have to cry and with time the pain will ease, you will cherish the memories, know you have given him the best life you could. We never forget these beautiful creatures and they walk with us always. Even if it does not feel like this now time does heal our broken heart. – Sending you strength
Love from Josie and her Kelpies from DownUnder
I too have felt this pain and sadness and it is excruciating. My sincerest sympathy for your loss and grief. It’s been 4 yrs since I had to put down my beloved Rottweiler Gretchen, 13 yrs for our Golden Jake and 14 yrs for our Pitbull Sheena. I still miss them all so very much. Your boy was such a handsome fellow in all the pictures and well loved by such a loyal friend he had in you. Take care. Lisa
Pets are part of our families. Letting go is not easy. My prayers are with you.
Sending so much love and care….cry your eyes out as long as you want…some losses we never “get over” right? Dreading the day when we lose our pup, now only three years old……
From your loving arms to God’s loving heart, your sweet pup is home…
Sonia, I’m so sorry! I’ve been on that path several times as well, it’s so hard, they are our best friends. I have no other words, but I am crying with you.
Chris
I’m so sorry you’re hurting right now. I have no doubt your sweet pup was loved tremendously and there is a hole in your heart but I hope you can fill that emptiness with the many years of happy memories you made together.
I cry with you. I’ve lost many dogs in my life and it’s very painful.
The last one: Cookie. She was my best dog ever. She passed away last march and I still miss her so much.
a big heartfelt hug from another dog-lover
Irma
Awww, Sonia, I am so sorry. And I’m crying with you. I loved a peek into your personal life, but wish it weren’t such sad news. The pain is real. Remember, all dogs go to heaven.
You’re in my thoughts. It’s so heartbreaking to have to let a companion go. Pets are such special parts of our lives, and they’re never with us long enough… A few weeks ago my cat died in my arms. I understand how incomprehensibly difficult it is to go through a loss like this and have to make the decision to euthanize.
So sorry to hear about the loss of your dog. I had a yellow lab for years and it was like seeing a family member die when we had to put her down she had cancer so I feel your loss but I smile when I think about the good times I had with that dog
Yes these pets become family and it is always sad when we have to see them go
I’m so very sorry for your loss. It is such a hard decision to make but best for your pal. I’ve had to make the same decision too. Hugs and prayers
We have had a few black labs over the past 40 years. Our last lab lived to 15! She was totally a part of our children’s entire life. We had to let her across the Rainbow Bridge and we miss the joy, laughs and smiled she brought to our lives each day. She is a beautiful part of who we are.
I have been in the same place. Once with Boxer Bella. Loved her with all my heart but she was so sick. Letting her go was for her but it broke my heart. Now I have had sweet Reba 10 years and she has filled my life with great joy. Both brindle Boxers and sweet as honey. Reba is turning white and I cherish each year with her. You are in my thoughts. Your pup will wait for you at Rainbow Bridge. Remember the good times to push out the sadness.