Tough day at the vet.

[gassy]

My appointment with vet was for 8:00 this morning-- I was running late. Didn't want to end the last walk. She sniffed the same trees, and her back legs once again collapsed while stopping for a pee break. I finally lifted her into my car. Rolled the windows down, and turned the radio off. I was hoping for traffic, and I got it.

The vet was kind. Explained every detail about the procedure, including the clay cast of her paw print that they'll be sending. Asked if I wanted to be with her for the duration of the procedure. Of course I do. The panting and shaking stopped immediately, and 5 seconds later it was done.

As I left the room a complete emotional mess, I was greeted by the terrifying bark of a Doberman in a black Darth Vaderesque muzzle waiting for his appointment. It made me smile.

My wife found Farmer shivering in a Chicago animal shelter 15 years ago. She was picked up on the south side of Chicago, eating garbage and skinny as a rail. Tough start for a puppy.

For the next 15 years, Farmer was there for us. Unconditional love indeed. Slept on our bed every night for 15 years. I'll feel that void tonight and probably won't sleep well. She helped us raise 4 kids; so gentle and compliant with years of ear pulls, wearing sunglasses, and Matchbox cars driven on her back. My daughter painted her nails once, and I'll be damned if she didn't look fabulous.

Good girl, Farmer.

[Rodsrsr]

Im sorry for your loss. 2014 has been a bad pet year for me so far..I understand.

[masraum]

My condolences. I have a hard time reading these posts. Sometimes i don't even click them. I'm not looking forward to the two times we have to go through something similar.

[fanaudical]

I'm sorry for your loss; there's no replacement for a great dog (every one is special).

[LeeH]

Sorry. Good on you for staying until the very end.

[billybek]

Sorry for your loss.
Hard day for you and your family.
She deserved you being there until the end.

[mikester]

My condolences of course but it is always nice to have the memories of a fantastic companion to look back on.

I can remember many of mine fondly over the years. They just don't get nearly enough time with us but the time they do get is so wonderful.

A dog named Sam when I was born was my father's best friend and he watched me like a hawk until I was about 13. An amazing dog.

I had a dog named Sandy who we rescued from an abusive neighbor who was lead away in hand-cuffs. She was the most gentle and happy dog and stayed by my side until I was in my 20s.

I had a Golden named Sammy which my mom and I traded for a few years - she was a wonderful dog. I remember when mom brought her home. I was in my 20s and not living with her but took her for about 5 years when things were rough for my mom. She took her back when her life settled down.

I met my wife and became fast friends with her Maine coon BK - he died of cancer at about 18.

My mom's other dog - Emma recently passed at about 15 (she had been Sammy's friend and more recently was Abby's friend). Abby is now kind of alone with mom's cat.

I have another Sammy (honestly it isn't me naming all my dogs sammy - I haven't named a single one) who is a very sweet yellow lab of about 4 years old. We rescued her and when I'm home never leaves my side. When i am not, she watches for me at the window. If I am gone for a few days she's kind of a mess.

You were lucky that Farmer found you when he did.

[Don Plumley]

I know your pain. godspeed Farmer

[on2wheels52]

End game is near for ours also.
Jim

[Porsche-O-Phile]

I hate these threads - they always hit so close to home but if there's an upside they always remind me of my dearly departed four-legged family members which I guess helps ensure they won't ever be forgotten.

It's a cruel twist of nature that our animal companions live shorter lives than us but again if there's an upside it's that we can provide good homes and good lives for several in our time here.

I love each day with my pets and I dread the day they won't be able to be with me any longer. It makes the time so precious because it's so short... Every moment counts. Cherish them.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Porsche-O-Phile

I hate these threads - they always hit so close to home but if there's an upside they always remind me of my dearly departed four-legged family members which I guess helps ensure they won't ever be forgotten.

It's a cruel twist of nature that our animal companions live shorter lives than us but again if there's an upside it's that we can provide good homes and good lives for several in our time here.

I love each day with my pets and I dread the day they won't be able to be with me any longer. It makes the time so precious because it's so short... Every moment counts. Cherish them.

Amen O-Phile.

Godspeed Farmer and sincerest condolences for your loss, Gassy. She is now out of pain and running free....

[Gretch]

real nice eulogy. Thanks for the post.

[Rikao4]

RIP Farmer..
like other's I don't want to open these..
but I do..
I've felt the hurt and loss...
and will again...
so if they come running into house wet...
I don't get angry or upset..
drying them is a joy..
as the tears that I must dry someday..
will come soon enough..

Rika

[nota]

I really wish the breeders would work on LONGER LIFE
not the LOOK OR SHAPE OR MARKINGS of the dog

but I only own mutts
as at least they donot have the inbred problems

[VINMAN]

I'm so sorry. These threads are the worst.

[foxpaws]

Farmer loved every ear pull, sunglass putting on, car tracking and nail painting moment, because they love completely.

She gave her best, it is nice to see you and your family returned all the love, and gave her the best...

[Flat Six]

Thank you for sharing. Sounds like both your family and Farmer were very lucky to have found each other. Godspeed.

[matt f]

My condolences Gassy.
Unfortunately if we don't ever go through the pain of losing our beloved buddies, we would have never had the joy of their companionship.
Rest in peace Farmer, you're a good girl.

Matt

[flipper35]

Our condolences too. Those are the best dogs, the ones you find that need a good family and they pay you back with compound interest.

When you get another, take your time and wait for the right one to come along.

[Craig T]

I'm so sorry Gassy. It is a very sad and heartfelt eulogy. Thank you for sharing.

My heart has been broken more than once by a dog's passing, but I see a little of every dog I've lost in every new dog I adopt. There's some consolation to that for me.