Mud-club
Chat & Social => The Bar - General Chat => Topic started by: Bush Tucker Man on January 04, 2006, 14:06:36
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We took the sad, but kind, decision to have one of our Dogs put to sleep this morning.
We've had Jack since September 1995, after bringing him home as a 9week old Puppy.
Oh, how we laughed as he ducked, whilst passing under the bridges on the M62.
Soon that timid little pup became the centre of our lives, we even changed cars to accomodate him.
(Gypsy was introduced (as a rescue from the NCDL in Leeds) to keep him company.)
Jack was big for a Collie, fitting somewhere between Labrador & Alsation sized, but always a daft lad.
Recently he'd been suffering from diarreah & losing condition, so blood-tests were under taken, lowered blood counts & Albumen was diagnosed.
An Ultrasound revealed a tumour on his Spleen & the thickening of his Bowel wall,which in a Collie is either Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or Cancer
We couldn't request a Biopsy to prove this as he was too poorly (by this stage) to have survived the procedure; well, he wouldn't have healed properly.
I was told about the results on about the 20th of December & broke down on the shoulder of the Night-Sister at work & was sent home early to go & get him.
He came out of the vets surgery like nothing had happened
He was highly dosed with steroids & anti-biotics for a couple of weeks in the hope that it was simply IBS
I went down to him this morning & found him laying cold & wet in his own urine, not having the strength to move..
I managed to get him upstairs into the kitchen & he passed water again not even knowing he was doing it, then laid down on the spot.
A brief discussion followed & the Vet was spoken to.
We took him to the Surgery & went in............................
He passed away peacefully in my arms licking my face.
I'm glad Joanne drove as she was a bit more 'together' than me, as I'm not ashamed to say I cried all the way home.
In fact I am as I write this.
I'm sorry for perhaps causing a few moist eyes out there, but it's helping me by write a eulogy for him
Dogs (http://community.webshots.com/album/96560012JhZsnj)
My last proper photo of him (http://community.webshots.com/photo/96560012/536465733ltXpxc)
Jack. 16th July 1995 to 4th January 2006
Gone, but not, forgotten.
My friend for over 10years
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im sorry to here what has happent
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BTM i know how u feel i lost one of mine 2 months ago and that was a very hard thing for me as i raised him from pup to dog my thoughts are with u
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Sorry to hear that Richard, we all know how special pets can be in a family or just company for people, having to part with them is very hard, having gone down that road myself a few times over the years
But the time was right and he had had a long and happy life, and its a lot worse to see them suffer if we know that there is nothing more that can be done
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Richard,
I don't quite know what to say, it sounds like you haven't just lost 'a dog' you've lost a family member.
In the picture he looks so loving, he will be sadly missed.
My thoughts go to you and your family.
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it sounds like you haven't just lost 'a dog' you've lost a family member.
Believe me, that's exactly how it feels. We lost ours to cancer last year. Still brings tears to my eyes when I think of her.
Thoughts are with you BTM
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sorry to hear about your mate btm
lost both my dogs a couple of years ago and still not ready to replace them
mark
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Very sad news Richard.
Losing a long time canine freind is always heart breaking.
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I am so sorry! :cry: Had tears running down my cheeks after reading your eulogy.I`m sure you will never forget him
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Jack the lad R.I.P...........................
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Sorry for yourself and family.But you know you made the right choise
ive seen what happens when someone who calls themselves "a dog lover"
carrys on a pets distress for the sake of thier own comfort.And i know its small comfort now but you done the right thing bud.And as i found out when i lost my mother at what was a very young age for her and myself it does get better with time
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You know how to make a grown man cry Richard!
Sorry for your loss, I've had to do the same myself too many times over the years and I know how much it hurts. You'll never forget all the good times you had with him though :)
All the best
Simon
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Sorry to hear about the loss... But it was for the best, as many have said already. (I hate sounding like I'm repeating what others say :lol: )
Not sure what else to say other than what has been said already. :(
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Thankyou everyone. It's nice to know that you all care
'rangiewoman', 'Hightower' & 'Slimer'
I was crying too, as I read the responses, & your own admissions to tears.
'Steel'
Sorry, but when you were on AOL 'IM' this afternoon asking about insurance, this is what I was writing at the time.
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'Steel'
Sorry, but when you were on AOL 'IM' this afternoon asking about insurance, this is what I was writing at the time.
That's fine. Don't worry about it, because this is much greater importance anyways. :wink:
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I just wanted to add my condolensces, I know I don't know you well as I am new to the forum but my thoughts are with you. I am still mopping the tears and just wanted to say, hold on to those good and funny memories and he'll always be with you.
Take care Debbie x
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Sorry to hear that BTM. I can relate to that exactly as a similar thing happened to one of my mums dogs some years ago.
:(
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:( really sorry to hear that BTM
mates dog had to be put down earlier this week. i know i`d be gutted if anything happened to milo (our german shepard)
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Sorry to hear the news Richard, it is a case of loosing a member of the family and very hard.
We went through a very similar experience about 3 years ago with our Rough Collie who had been with us for over 14 years............... yes I wept as well.
I swore we would never get another
but last September ........................ look what happened :D
(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b28/CrewCab53/2005_10220010.jpg)
Dave
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Another one reduced to tears here. I know exactly how you feel. I have to say losing my last dog was worse than losing some family members. I swore I could never replace him untill nearly 2 years ago swmbo found alfie tied up in a field at 7am in febuary.
It does get easier. Sounds like you did the right thing.
Rest in peace
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Very sorry to hear of your loss we also recently lost our very loving labrador our best wishes to u all
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I went through the same two years ago this comming May. Zak was our german Shephard. He also had declining health similar to your Jacks.
The day I took him down to the vets the receptioninst didn't put 2 and 2 together so left us waiting for about an hour in the reception area. It was so hard seeing him walk in as though nowt was wrong , then sit there shaking hands every thirty seconds to get another fuss whilst I choked the tears back.
Eventually we were called through to the Vets room. He went to stand and coulnd't lift his back legs and dragged himself in, If he hadn't of I'd still be questioning my santity today. It's as though that hour was intended to help me come to terms with the fact I was doing the right thing. The vet was so appologetic for keeping us waiting.
I still miss him to bits and will always remember the daft things he did...like the day I left him with the garage door open from our utility room to give him some extra space. I came home to look in the garage and couldn't see him, just greyness... daft sod had only gone and shredded a bag of cement and had a right old fight with it. When I eventually saw his outline move in the greyness all that really could be made out was two black eyes and his drying slobber. Took flippin ages to get the cement out of his nose and the set bits around his mush.
I think we can take satisfaction knowing they have had full lives, and will be laughing their tails off at all the stuff they have been up to when comparing notes in that big open kennel in the sky!
We still have one dog and I'm just coming around to the idea of another. We will never replace them, just be lucky enough to care for more of them over time.
Richard you've done the kindest thing a dog owner can do for their dog, putting the dog first before yourself. I'm sure Jack in good company...just hope theres no cement laying around if Zaks knocking about.
Lee
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:'( condolences, not sure what else I can say
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I'm sniffling here too Richard; I've also had to make that awful decision, and it's heartbreaking! My deep condolences to you and your family :(bigcry):
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My sympathies - we went through the same thing twice within 6 weeks last year - two 16 year old whippets that hadn't been apart from birth. At least you're able to gve pets some dignity at the end - unlike both my father and grandmother, who both spent weeks in hospital last year before passing away.
Good year 2005 - I for one was glad to see it over
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sorry to hear about your dog and friend. Its never easy to let them go but at least you know he is no longer in pain and is ducking everytime he gos under a cloud.
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Bad news BTM, Rufus my Dog had to be killed before Christmas, not nice at all.
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Kindest regards BTM we,ve not had to make that sort of decision as our last went in his sleep, i dont envy you i know though how much of a hole in your life losing a much loved pet can leave
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sorry to hear about your loss BTM
I know what its like as had to have our dog (mongrel cross rescue dog from local shelter)put to sleep the year before last.
Worst part was telling out 3 young kids what had happened 3 weeks before christmas.
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Feel for you Richard. Had to have my Alsation, Kelly, put to sleep 2 years ago. She was 13 and definitely my dog. Even though we now have the 2 Border Collies I still miss her.
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yes the same as all above, i know i would miss my lab dearly if she went. joe
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Thankyou all once more.
My biggest fear now is that Gypsy will 'go down hill' rapidly ifshe starts pining for him.
At least she's not refusing to eat yet.
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Sorry for your family loss Richard.
Its not nice, espiecially when you have to make the decision yourself.
When i lived at home we had 4 Labrador's in pairs of two over 20 years.
The first 2, a chocolate and a golden where great with us when we were kids.
The chocolate one fell of off the White Cliffs of Dover (cried for a week, i was only 10) and we got a black dog.
The golden went next. Old age kicked in and she lost the use of her rear legs through cancer.
She was put to sleep.
We got a black bitch next.
These 2 dogs were my best friends through school.
The bitch went first (?) which took us by supprise and, a short time later, the dog went too.
My father buried him in the garden with his bed, lead and ball.
I miss them like crazy and constantly talk about getting dogs of our our now.
We have'nt yet because i feel we dont have enough space for dogs at the moment and would'nt be fair on them.
Chin up mate!
I know its hard.
*wipes tear from face from the memorys*
:(
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mine and simon's first dog was collie cross 'ben', having no kids at the time he was like a baby, we then had another dog to keep him company but unforunatley as the children came the other dog did not like it and we had to let him go when he went to bite one of them (they were not doing anyything) ben started to lick his front leg fetched his fur off, we were going to the vets every 2 days, he'd had tests for just about anything until i asked if he could be lonely being the only dog, the answer yes after much talking we fetched ella 2 days later he had stopped licking his leg and never did it again.
unforunalty 4 years ago this feb ben had a tumor in his mouth we decided to let him go as nothing could be 100%, we still sometimes go to shout him.
thinking of you
simon and debbie
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Sorry to hear about your loss, made me miss my old pup.
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My thoughts are with you too BTM, I had a tear in my eye reading ur sad story.
We lost our golden retriever in febuary 2005, after a illness lasting a couple of months and then having to make the hardess decesion of all, but at the end of the day we couldnt let her suffer any more.
I still miss her, she was only 8 1/2.
We had her cremated, her ashes came back in a lovelly wooden casket.
We bought a large ceramic plant pot and a large standard rose bush, and burried her under the rose bush. Its due to bloom from june each year, the month of her birthday.
Nothin to be ashamed of in sheeding a tear, i know i shed plenty.
Take care.
steve
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:cry: Damp eyes here too Richard - very difficult time. Ben the 2nd (our 9year old Collie) passed away pretty much the same 6 months ago - he now resides in a casket amongst the Corgi Superhauliers on the living room shelf :(
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I can't find any words that seem right. My thoughts and sympathy are with you Richard.
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Sorry for your loss Richard. I've just been looking at the photos and he looked like a cracking dog.
Different people deal with these things in different ways - me, I would go out tomorrow and get a new puppy. You'll never forget your loss but your old dog would not want you to be unhappy.
Keep your chin up,
David
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Sorry to hear of your loss BTM, Judging from the photos he looked a right old rascal......... :D
Last September we had to put the wifes Yorkie down, (scruffy) had suffered from epilepsy since birth, had a good run for 7 years......SWMBO
cracked up in the vets, I just about made it out the door before I cried.
God knows how I'm going to react when one of my Border Collies get to that stage of needing a vet for the last time.......
Again my condolences for your loss
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Richard , regards your other dog fretting , I don't know if it will help but Our Sally (Collie GSD cross) has been relatively ok since Zak passed. The day I took Zak we were going to Gaydon for the weekend. I took him in the Morning to the vets, then up to Ma and Pas for the burial along side his brother (mum had another GSD from the same litter).
It was really difficult to carry on but we have young kids and they were looking forward to a long weekend in the Caravan. We took Sally with us, I think it was just the distraction we all needed. I couldn't have cared where we went at the time but we were all together as family looking after Sally. She's been fine but I often wonder whats going on in her mind, damn if only they could speak! Give yours pleanty of love and attention and some extra special days out, I'm sure she will bounce back.
Give her a big hug from us!
Lee
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A friend sent this to me when our border collie died before xmas ......
Says it all .....
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep
Then you muct 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.
Feel for you hun
jan xx
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jan =D> thats lovely made me think of my harry who i lost two months ago who is always with me and BTM when harry left me he left behind tessa who lost a bit of her spirit but like us she is starting to come round she has come closer to me and is on my heel all the time it will be fine richard chin up matey
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A friend sent this to me when our border collie died before xmas ......
Says it all .....
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep
Then you muct 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.
Feel for you hun
jan xx
That is lovely. Trust a Lass to sum it up for us. Its true aswell, its the last act of kindness you can do for the old b*****s, I wish i'd taken Rufus to be killed myself and regret not doing really.
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BTM
my thought's are with you mate.
Dazza :cry:
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BTM, really sorry for your loss so glad i'm in the office on my own as i've creid all the way trough the pages, know how you feel had to have my german shepard (Toby) put to sleep a few years ago, I did the same thing took her to the vets in my arms & kissed her as she fell into the 'big sleep' carried her home & beried her in the back garden so she is now forever part of england, had her for nearly 15 years, dont feel shy about crying for you best mate, after that we swore we would never ever have another as didn't want to go through it again, but hey have a look here he's now 18 months old still amased at how much unconditional love they can give,
Your's in tear's John.
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Richard
Deepest sympathys from an old Jeeper. I still remember the hurt I felt when my Jack Russell had to be put down...If its any consolation time is a healer
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Richard,
My thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Jim
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Sorry to hear that mate........I can't imagine what I'll be like when my dog goes........
chin up
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My sympathies to you Richard :(
The only pets I've had (except a Gerbil when I was little!) is two cats that we got as tiny, tiny kittens (brother & sister) from our neighbours, about 7 years ago.
A couple of years ago it was noticed that Poppy was forever drinking water, including from the kitchen taps and seemed to be rather thin. Seemingly very quickly after that, she became very lethargic and uninterested in eating, etc.
A visit to the vet suggested that she had a kidney complaint and tablets (for the rest of her life) may sustain her. We were told to start the tablets immediately and things should improve ... unfortunately they didn't and it came to the point on the following Sunday when we decided to take her to the emergency vet.
I drove there telling myself that there was hope ... some other tablets, a bit of intensive care ... but the decision was soon made to let her go rather than prolong her agony. She was "put to sleep" while I held and stroked her.
I held it together until the vet said "I'll let you have 5 minutes to say goodbye" ... :cry:
The kids were fine about it, helped us bury her in the garden and plant "poppy's tree" (it's not a tree, but that's what they call it :wink: ).
Freddie (Poppy's brother) was a bit weird for a few weeks but soon settled down again and is still going strong.