RIP, Ben. The Fastest Dog in the Dogpark

[holtjv]

Nov 10 1993 - 30 minutes ago. Jesus...this sucks.

[tangerine911S]

Sorry that really sucks. My family is preparing for the last days of our pup (16 yrs old). That can't be easy he looked like a sweet dog.

[KFC911]

Man, I hate to see these threads...you have my sympathy, and yes it sucks to put an old puppy down .

[dtw]

So sorry. He looks like he was a Good Boy.

[widgeon13]

Sorry to hear this, 15 years was a good run, obviously he had a loving caring master!

God speed

[billybek]

Lots of character in that dogs face!
Sorry to hear of his passing and of your pain.

[holtjv]

thanks, guys. I'm just steeling myself for when the daughter gets home, who had an idea this was happening today but not sure. For those of you with young children, you know how quickly they key off your emotions--not that I'm denying them.

I've got to say that knowing when to do it seemed to be so vague and hard to determine until the right time. He was a good damned dog. The pic above was taken in san diego at the beach where he'd joyfully leap over the waves to get the ball.

[Buckterrier]

I've posted this before but it always fits...
FROM FRIEND TO FRIEND
You're giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.

But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.

So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic, that will
Once more make me whole.

The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it's the only way.

That strength is why I've followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I've loved you all these years...
My partner 'til the end.

Please, understand just what this gift,
You're giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I've lost,
And all my dignity.

You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it too.

So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that's within you,
To now grant me this appeal.

Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.

And don't despair my passing,
For I won't be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I'll stay.

I'll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I'll run,
...a young dog once again.

My sincere condolenses

[masraum]

my sympathies. I hate to hear about other folks losing their friends almost as much as I hate to lose my own.

I also hate seeing the "lost dog" signs.

Remember the good times.

[targa911S]

What a face! I feel for you and your family. 15 years is a good long time. A testimonial to all the love he has gotten over the years. Man I know that's harsh. We are still crying here from the loss of Big Henry on Friday. Notfarnow's dogs are gonna get fat from all the sandwiches.

[Seahawk]

What a mug. The only thing better than looking at that snout would be petting it. I bet you guys had fun...it's written all over Ben's face.


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[Ronbo]

He looks like he was a great dog. I'm sorry.

[rammstein]

I think it will be ok to be sad with your daughter. You aren't going to be able to fake it anyhow.

It is tragic that dogs don't live as long as we do. Sorry for your loss.

[pwd72s]

Damn...not another one! Too many sad guys here..loss of a loved pet.

[targa911S]

what was his deal? just old?

[holtjv]

Originally Posted by targa911S

what was his deal? just old?

Yeah, just old. He had a very, very active life then his hips and back legs started atrophying, if that's a word. Got senile, wandered around the house, lost most of his sight and hearing, then today had some kind of seizure and couldn't stand up and had probs breathing. I knew it was imminent, but as I said earlier, you can tell when the time is right to put him down. He wasn't in pain, I don't think, and he's been on serious pain meds for a couple months, but he had nothing left--

Our criteria for putting him down was when he couldn't get up. He was such a dignified dog it killed him, in the end.

thanks...Jack

[lm6y]

Damn, another friend gone.

Sorry to hear this Jack. The only reason it hurts, is because you care. Ben sure looks like he got every bit of love he deserved, there was a lot of love in his eyes.

RIP Ben

[9dreizig]

that sucks, , my hearts with you.. I just had a bit of good news, talked to my ex and we agreed to postpone putting my guy down , he's having a good day and only real problem is his incontinence.. .sorry don't want to hijack this thread,,
All this pain associated with losing a good friend almost makes me not want to get another dog.....

[MOMO3.2]

Holtjv:

I am sorry for your loss. The look on Ben's face says it all. I am certain he was a loving, happy companion. He had the love and affection of his human family and no doubt lived a great life.

It is hard to imagine now, but the sadness and pain will eventually subside. Hang in there.

As a person that has loved and lost dogs, I have to believe that their spirit will be waiting to guide us when we, ourselves, pass into the "great beyond."

Dogs are truly one of the great gifts we enjoy here on earth.

Mike

[crustychief]

Sorry to hear about Ben. At least I know Luke ( my lab of 16 years) and Big Henry have a new friend.