Today was probably the worst day of my life ever. I have been dreading this morning for a long time. We had to take one of my bestfriends, one of my boxers Andy, to the vet today to get put to sleep. She was 11 years old and I have known her almost my entire life. She has been living with cancer for about a year and in the past week it finally beat her. Its been so hard without her. My other boxer Rocky who is also 11 is so sad to lose his girlfriend. Probably the hardest part of all was when I got home to see Rocky search and search trying to find her. I have been heartbroken all my day. It feels as if half of my heart got ripped out of me as I watched her slowly drift to sleep. She was the goofiest and happy dog I have EVER known. No matter the circumstances her little nub never stopped wagging.... even as I leaned down and gently kissed her and told her "I love you" for the last time. She was such a mother to me, all my other siblings, and my other dogs. Ive been blessed to never have lost such a close friend or family member until now. Sadly yesterday was her 11th birthday too. I did not know this until I pulled out her papers to write it down on her stone. Im just happy I can knowingly say she lived her 11 years to the fullest up to the last minute.
Your thoughts and prayers would be greatly appreciated as I recover from this loss.
You will always be in my heart Rocky's Bell Adrian!!!

I am so sorry for your loss , its never easy to make that decision but your loved one is no longer in pain (hugs coming from across the miles)...I understand and feel your pain , I wish my words could help but only time will do that ....

I am so very sorry for your loss.....so very sorry

I have an 11 year old standard poodle who's getting close to that point... I am so proud of you for making the decision that was best for Andy and not holding onto her just because it was hard to do. There are days where I'm rubbing down the Old Man's hips because they've locked up on him and he's barely able to make it down the stairs to his dog run and I wonder if it's time. I hope I can do it as gracefully as you did when the time comes.

*hugs*

- Andrea

Awww, I'm so sorry for your loss. Having just put down our almost 14 year old Golden this past May I unfortunately know exactly what you're going through.. it's so very difficult but please know that you made the right decision and did what was best for Andy.

*Big Hugs*

I am so very sorry, I also lost my best friend to cancer and I know how hard that is. My biggest ((((HUGS))) go out to you

So sorry to hear about your boxer Andy. It is such a hard thing to go through We had to put our first dachshund Rocky to sleep after almost 17 years. He was one of the family and came with us on our moves overseas and then back home again. Just remember all the love she gave you and one day you will see her again. I will keep you in my prayers, Julie

Oh my my---another one to have to make that decision...I did myself, which has been 5 years, but I can't seem to forget that I'm the one that said "lets do it", because there was no hope left either....
I do understand your pain, and so very sorry you had to deal with what we dread the most of making that decision....I know Andy would be proud that you let her go....She knows she was loved up til the end...

Bless you and the family on your loss....

I know how hard it is, but you know that you did the right thing, and I hope in time the pain will lessen and leave only the good memories.

I am so very sorry. I know there are no words that will comfort, but know that we all empathize with you and will send lots of healing thoughts that this hurt will pass quickly for you.

*Huge Hugs* Zach....I know exactly how it feels to lose a loved one, I'm so sorry! You were so supportive when I lost Arnie, and if there is anything I can do, please tell me. I'm here for you, and I'm crying for you.....

You know, two years ago we had to put my dog, Sucia, to sleep, she had a tumor in one of her teats and it kept bleeding. So we made the painful decision to put her down. She had been in our family for 11 years, we adopted her from a shelter. I held her as she went to sleep, and I just kept talking to her....and I know what you mean, that last "I love you" hurts so bad.

I'm really sorry for your loss, and I can tell you that you never will forget Andy...the pain does eventually ease, though. *hugs*

Thank you all so much for your kind words. It means so much to me. Today was so hard for me but all of your support helps ease the pain.

Oh COSMO i am so sorry to hear this... My shadow, who was my very best friend for like 15 years came down sick last may and still it feels like it was yesterday when I had to have him put to sleep...
Bless your heart for doing the right thing no matter how hard it was for you to do it...
You and Rocky is my prayers and I hope you can feel the strength and love I am sending from the net..
It will take time..
Again I'm sorry to hear about this..

I am so sorry for your loss. We have all been there and know exactly how you feel and it hurts us so much to see someone hurting this way.

It will take a long time for a wound like this to heal, but I will pray for your pain to be eased.

I am so sorry too to hear this, it hurts so I know.
Big huggs to you! They are here for short of a time
and sre so precious. My heart really goes out to you...

A Pet's Plea

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep
Then you must do what must be done
For this, the last battle, can't be won.
You will be sad- I understand
Don't let your grief then stay your hand
For this day, more than all the rest
Your love and friendship stand the test.
We've had so many happy years
What is to come can hold no fears
You'd not want me to suffer, so
When the time comes, please let me go.
I know in time you too will see
It is a kindness you do to me
Although my tail, it's last has waved
From pain and suffering I've been saved.
Don't grieve that it should be you
Who has decided this thing to do
We've been so close, we two these years
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

I am so sorry. We had to put a dog down she had been with my husband for 14 yrs.It is so hard.

Thank you all once again.
Today was a little better, being back in school helped. I tried really hard not to cry today cause Andy use to get so upset when she saw me crying or sad. We've started a new routine with them so it doesnt seem like she is missing as much, but of course she never will be forgotten. Ive noticed its the smallest things that hurt the most like here she would always lay and how she would always be waiting for me when i got home. What hurts the most is when I go to sleep and go about the house telling all my critters night and that I love them is that I slip out her name out of habit. Though all in all its been a much better day.

Just know with time it becomes easier I lost my bestfriend to cancer also he was my little monstor a chihuahua I had him for 14 years after 2 years i still feel him climbing(sneaking) in bed with me which he knew was a no no but as he got older I could not resist letting him he stand there begging with those black eyes the thing i think about is he had to go he made my life while he was the best because of him he was a clown and unpredictable the pain is still there but i know he is without pain and I know he had the best life possible my thoughts and parayers go out to you I am so sorry for this loss it's never easy

Thought I would share some pics of my baby girl (Im hoping this works lol)

Click to view attachment
This is her and Rocky after a visist at the doggy spa (she LOVED it). This was taken in 2003 and Andy is the brindle.

I can only get 1 to upload... Not sure what Im doing wrong but atleast theres 1 pic of her

They are both beautiful! I love Boxers they are one of my favorite breeds. Such expressive faces.

I'm very sorry for your loss of your best friend. I have had to do that too a few times and it is so heartbreaking. I'm sending you hugs.... Your pain will ease with each passing day. Look at me I'm crying with you........Hugs....................

I soon too have to put my 11 year old cocker spaniel too sleep... in about a month my parents have said.. after they get back from a wedding in canberra... Today has been such a terrble year. We have lost a family member (my Uncle) to a heart attack, my Mum has lost her job and now making much less than before.. and soon our favourtie pet must go.. It almost brings me to tears thinking about it. You will get through it but it will take time, my thoughts are with you

Thank you all once again!!

Tara-- Sadly I can say I know EXACTLY how you feel. I will keep you in my prayers as you go through these hard times

I understand what you are going through - I've been there with 2 of my cats and its never easy to do. This is very tough decision but one made out of love and friendship. The last thing you want to do is watch your baby suffer even as you dont want to let go. Not only have I been there personally, but I often am there for others when at the clinic.

Kathy C's poem posted was released under the title "The Last Battle" and it always brings tears to my eyes.

Here's another one:

A Place in Our Hearts

The memories of precious friends
will never leave our lives,
For deep within our heart of
hearts. their spirits still survives.

Though time may bring us new
friends and help our hearts to
heal, there will always be that
one place that only they could fill.

This one gets to me every time to but it hits home at least for me.

May I Go?
By Susan A Jackson

May I go now?
Do you think the time is right?
May I say good-bye to pain filled days
And endless lonely nights?

I’ve lived my life and done my best,
An example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond and set my spirit free?

I didn’t want to go at first,
I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now
To a warm and living light.

I want to go I really do.
It’s difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can
To live just one more day.

To give you time to care for me
And share your love and fears.
I know you’re sad and afraid,
Because I see your tears.

I’ll not be far, I promise that,
And hope you’ll always know
That my spirit will be close to you
Wherever you may go.

Thank you so for loving me.
You know I love you too,
That’s why it’s hard to say good-bye
And end this life with you.

So hold me now just one more time
And let me hear you say,
Because you care so much for me,
You’ll let me go today.

AAAaaawwww glad I don't wear make up!! I've not seen the Can I Go poem before. Now my eyes are leaking all over the place. I'm snagging that for friends who are or will be facing that hard decision in the future. Thanks for posting that............