We are about to be heart broken...UPDATE - it will be tomorrow
Last edited Mon Dec 11, 2017, 12:29 AM - Edit history (1)
Our last surviving dog, Mocha - nearly 14, our sweet chocolate lab - is nearing the end, and we are at that most difficult decision.
In our 37 years of marriage, we've had four dogs - Heidi (magnificent, gentle German Shepherd) for 12 years, Zoe (goofy silly loveable black lab mix) for 12 years, Buddy (even goofier rescue chocolate lab, big block head, a savior in our family, coming along just when he was most needed), for 13 years, and now Mocha.
Mocha came to us as a puppy - the ONLY time I ever read the classifieds, and at a time we were feeling very low, a listing for "free pure bred chocolate lab to a good home" showed up - we got there at 8 AM - Mocha ran into my lap, and he became ours. She sings when the piano is played, loved her walks - really loved Buddy, tolerates our cats, loves to eat.
Well, Mocha can only take the briefest of walks - today she stumbled - her legs all gave out - when she was eating a treat - I had to carry her to put her on her bed. She is on regular Phycox and Rimadyl. She's been to the vet, and really it is all just about comfort.
At this point, it is about quality of life - and of all the things she loved to do, she really can't do them any more - she is still eating but it is hard for her to stand - and hard for her to squat.
We've been through this enough to know the time is at hand. It is going to hurt so much - where Buddy was closest to my wife, Mocha and I have the special bond. We will do what we need so that she doesn't suffer - she's given us so so much.
Once we get through this part of things, I will post some pics - just can't do it right now.
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Mocha has given it her best. She hasn't been able to walk - her front paws bend under and her legs can't hold her up, her back legs can't support her any more and cross. I carry her outdoors to pee, carry her onto her bed, upstairs at night so she can crawl under our bed to sleep. She eats very little, doesn't want to drink - we've seen this part before, and it is the hardest.
And so, we will take her for her last ride in the car, and the vet will send her on her next adventure.
Oh, do we have memories, and pictures. No better dog is possible, and Sue and I appreciate all of her 13 1/2 years.
I will probably do a blog with some pictures when I can get myself together again.
Thanks - heartfelt thanks - for all of your many, kind messages in this thread.
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I've had dogs and cats. It's heartbreaking. I'm so sorry.
This is brutal. Sending positive thoughts your way.
I can tell she was as lucky as you were that you found each other and had so many years of quality time.
Faced this 8 yrs ago with our beloved huge B.C. She must have been a tad mixed because she was very tall and a bit more heavy than most bc's.
Just last night I found a lock, a final lock, of her long fur I kept. I sat looking at pics of her and crying for an hr. We loved her SO much.
You have my deepest sympathy. We do what we have to do...with love.
We have a Lab now and are getting a 2nd after C'mas. They're so special.
All you can do is give her as much love as you can in the time remaining. She will be greatly missed, but wonderful memories of her will last your lifetime.
Time will heal the pain.
As an animal lover myself, I have been unable to avoid the heart-wrenching pain and emptiness of losing one, and I expect I never will. Take good care of yourselves.
to lose family member, I do understand your pain
There are vets who will come to your house, and that's what we'd thought we'd be doing. But what happened at the end was that we'd brought our dog to a hospital, where we learned he had terminal cancer. He was much more comfortable there in an "oxygen kennel" than he'd been at home, so we decided to leave him there overnight.
The next day we went back with all three of our children, and were able to spend a couple hours alone with him in a room. He was so happy to see us. And one by one we said our goodbyes. At the end, my husband sat in a chair and the vet gave our dog the injections while he lay in my husband's arms.
A terrible, wrenching experience, but the hospital turned out to be a very supportive place for all of us.
I know how hard this is and hope you have a similar experience.
Just putting this out there, but you know your own dog. I've been there, my friend, and these are the toughest decisions. I still tend to second guess myself from years ago even though I knew I was doing what was right at the time.
My dog turned 11 this year, hard to believe since he is my puppy - the only dog I've ever had since I was a kid that I didn't adopt as an adult. Fortunately, he's small - and pretty healthy - but it still startles me to think of his age.
My heart goes out to you, my friend. Mocha was such a fortunate pup to have found you...
Take care of yourselves and Mocha.
That's the hardest part of having furkids. I pray Mocha will have a gentle journey and may your happy memories of her mend your broken hearts.
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She sounds like a wonderful dog and I know how heart-breaking it is to lose them.
Means that we will have to one day watch them go - and that it will hurt like hell.
I feel your pain and know the loss, but I wouldn't live without a dog if I had any choice in the matter.
You probably feel the same.
I hope your girl Mocha doesn't suffer unduly and I suspect that you will know the time when it comes.
I wish that you and your wife can pass through this pain still holding the love in your heart needed to save another animal and provide her with a loving home.
Peace.
nothing can take away that pain. They bring us so much joy and don't ask for much in return. You have given her love and a good life and you will one day be at the point of remembering her with fondness and not sadness. For now, you gotta do what's best for her and hang on to your wife. I'll be thinking of you both.
our family is never the same again without them.
For they are family and we make a place for them in our lives and our home becomes that much more a home with them around.