Honoring a lost friend.

[dbhost]

I posted this on LJ's in the wee hours yesterday morning, and just wasn't able to get over here to share this with you. (Sorry, my head was scrambled)...

At 12:00 midnight., our beloved yellow lab Deacon developed severe respiratory distress. We took him to the Animal Emergency Hospital in town. He was previously diagnosed with inoperable Laryngeal Paralysis. The event today was the final crisis distress from the paralysis. With no alternatives that would give him any quality of life back, we made the most humane decision we could muster.

Deacon took his last breath at 2:55 A.M… Deacon was 14 years old.

I have lumber from one of his favorite trees from the back yard. The top section of the white oak. That will be part of his urn…

He is already greatly missed.

[pelligrini]

Sorry to hear about him. It's always tough to loose a pet that's been with you so long.

[cabinetman]

http://zeppspetcare.com/?page_id=6
.

[dbhost]

It's funny, I've had dogs before, but this one was special... He wasn't just a dog, he really was a member of the family... And he made not having children somewhat easier to deal with.

It was a little depressing this morning getting ready for work, sitting down in the big chair in the living room to lace up my boots and not having to pay the price of at least 5 minutes of ear scratching and belly rubbing to get him to move off of my boots... (He's done that for years...).

I know it's not the same as dying, but I wonder if parents having children move out, to suddenly find a quiet home go through something similar...

[cgallery]

I know it's not the same as dying, but I wonder if parents having children move out, to suddenly find a quiet home go through something similar...

Yes they do (speaking personally, of course).

My 12-YO black lab is showing signs of his age. He has been with me nearly 24-hours a day since I got him as a pup. So I know where you're coming from.

I am so sorry for your loss.

[Shep]

Sorry to hear about your loss. At least you were able to say goodbye. A while back our 12 year old golden retriever, Bud, was fine when my family left for a week long vacation. While we were gone, Bud's kidneys started to fail him. My Grandma had to make the tough decision to have him put down. It wasn't easy returning home with a family member gone. I certainly feel your pain.

[LarryG]

Dave, it is always distressing to read threads about lost furry friends, and this one is no exception. I know from my own experience that in time the pain will pass and only the good memories will remain; but I know too that words like those are not a whole lot of comfort just now. We all be thinking of you and your buddy Deacon during these first difficult days.

[Uncle Cracker]

It takes courage to do what you did, but our friends depend on us to spare their suffering. Condolences to you and your family, and hopes that you will make room in your lives for a new friend from a shelter near you. There are so many that need us now.

[Ed62]

You made the right decision. It's always very hard to lose a pet you've had for a time. Sorry to hear about it.

Ed

[Turaj]

Very sorry to hear about your loss! I can certainly understand how hard the decision was for you as we had to do something similar just awhile ago, but know that it was a right decision and there is no reason for our friends to suffer. My condolences to you and your family.

[os1kne]

I'm sorry for your loss. I had to do something similar about a year and a half ago. It takes a while to get over losing a pet and adjust to the new routine.

[Hoover]

Sorry to hear of your loss.

[Richard in Smithville]

I'm sorry to hear about Deacon. Saying good bye to a family pet is never easy. I'm sure he is in puppy heaven waiting for you.

[RAFlorida]

Dave, many of us here at BT3

share your sorrow. Even though they may appear to be less intellenge as us humans, they are full of love, forgiving, and bring happiness to us. Mike's post with the "...Rainbow Bridge..." is something every pet owner should have framed on the wall. "...but never absent from your heart." Deacon will always be part of you. No amount of words can bring back your friend and family member, but we feel for you sir.

Roger

[lrogers]

I sure hate to hear this. You have my deepest condolences. Loss of a family memeber is never easy.