Sad day at my house...

James Hart · #1 08-20-2008, 07:02 AM

One of my dogs is at the end of his road... we've made the call to put him down and are taking him in a couple hours.

Tiller has been fighting cancer for the last 4 years or so. He just turned 12 the end of last month. This week he's starting to show pain and hasn't been able to keep food or water down for the last couple days

Here he is at 10 months old
(the tan one about to bounce on me)

at 2 years old with his kitten Alien

he has always loved our cats, but Alien is his
(one on his back)

here he is about 7 years ago

and about 30 minutes ago enjoying his yard one last time...

Looking at the shot, he's not looking too bad... it's been a rough call to make since he's always been such a loving and easy going animal.

FL Knifemaker · #2 08-20-2008, 07:08 AM

Sorry to hear this. I know the pain all to well. Prayers and positive vibes headed out.

DaveDeVille · #3 08-20-2008, 07:11 AM

James , sorry to read about the pending loss of such a cool and loving friend ...
but you're doing whats best for him .

he can't tell you about the pain , so you have to take care of it for him ....

he looks extremely happy and content in all the photos ,
you must've been a good friend to him , too ...

peace,
dave

jomahu · #4 08-20-2008, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James Hart

that's a hilarious pic.

sorry, man. good vibes to you and yours. be extra-sweet to Alien, since i'm sure it will be difficult.

ROON · #5 08-20-2008, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James Hart

and about 30 minutes ago enjoying his yard one last time...

I am so sorry to hear this James.

wld3 · #6 08-20-2008, 07:22 AM

It certainly sounds like the right call, though I know that doesn't necessarily make it any easier to make. My sympathies bro.

James Hart · #7 08-20-2008, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jomahu

that's a hilarious pic.

yeah, it's one we have hanging in our livingroom.

Here is another good 'Tiller and his kitteh' shot

Thanks for all the comments and well wishes... it's gonna be a long lonely day

Intune · #8 08-20-2008, 07:23 AM

Quote:

it's been a rough call to make since he's always been such a loving and easy going animal.

Then do your best friend right by easing his suffering. He gave you & the fam 84 dog years of love & companionship. He'll be chasing rabbits & kittens pain-free soon. Please remember that you are doing the right thing, especially if you start feeling guilty in some way. I've had to do it twice over the years.

I'm sorry.

Big Joe · #9 08-20-2008, 07:26 AM

Can't let them suffer... You're doing right by him.

I'm so sorry to hear this. I still haven't gotten over losing my bean this spring.

vinny · #10 08-20-2008, 07:30 AM

I'm very sorry for your family's loss. You all will have my prayers for your peace & comfort during this time. We've been through it a few times at my home too & it never gets easier.

Philbiker · #11 08-20-2008, 07:46 AM

So sad to send a good friend off to the Rainbow bridge. My condolences.

from http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm

Quote:

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

jady · #12 08-20-2008, 07:52 AM

That sucks James......

You are doing the right thing tho, I'll be sending some prayers your way today bro.

RWP · #13 08-20-2008, 08:00 AM

James I am so sorry.

VJP · #14 08-20-2008, 08:01 AM

So sorry to hear that. These threads always get me (thanks for making me almost cry at work).

Those are some great pictures. You'll have lots of wonderful memories. Good luck getting through the day today.

theNoseBleedKid · #15 08-20-2008, 08:04 AM

Makes me a sad panda.

Barkless Dog · #16 08-20-2008, 08:04 AM

Very, sorry to hear this.

He will be in your memories

James Hart · #17 08-20-2008, 08:06 AM

thanks everyone

**JayAmel** · #18 08-20-2008, 08:08 AM

Don't know what to say, James, that is indeed very sad, but I figure out you're doing what is best, despite the sadness this causes.

tZer · #19 08-20-2008, 08:09 AM

My heart is breaking too. I had to do the same thing a few years ago with my best friend of over 14 years, Hershey. She'd been sick for a long time, losing weight and growing weaker, but when the day came that it was clear her quality of life was gone entirely I knew it was more cruel and selfish to let her continue to suffer just because I didn't want her to be gone. I know it was the right thing to do but that doesn't change how gut wrenchingly painful and heartbreaking it is to do it.

I am sorry you are going through it, man. You are doing the right thing.

**tommyr01** · #20 08-20-2008, 08:10 AM

James,

I am sorry that you have to do this. It's already been said but I'll say it again, you are doing the right thing. You have given him many years of Love and Happiness, feel content in that thought.

Prayers are with you,

Ari