My sweet 14 year old Chocolate Lab died in my arms last night....

I'm not sure what I will do without my baby boy. We used to go everywhere together and he loved everybody. He was very smart and knew lots of tricks and commands. At 14, he possessed an amazing wisdom. He could anticipate my and my hubbie's every move. He was thoroughly enjoying his retirement swimming, hiking, walking, going to the farmer's market, watching me make sock monkeys in the park with my friend's six year old, eating his two gallons of home-made food I made for him every week. He was literally out trying to hump a 2 year old dog in the park just a couple of weeks ago. He'd been a little sick lately, but otherwise in amazing health. We thought it was a touch of arthritis in his hip. He never let on that anything much was wrong until the last possible minute. I was away on a business trip all last week and so my hubbie had to deal with this alone. He was amazing, the care and tenderness and strength he showed almost tears me up as much as thinking about my sweet boy being gone. The vet found tumors - lots - between his colon and spine. They were pressing on almost all of his internal organs. There was nothing the vet could do, and at his age I would not have put him through much. We thought we might have the weekend with him, but the good boy that he is, he made this incredible effort to stay around long enough for me to get home and spend the evening with him and see him off. He made it so we didn't have to struggle with putting him to sleep. This was a truly remarkable dog and I just feel so bad and good at the same time. The two things are never separate, even though I know it will get better. I truly truly lost my best friend.

I adored the old dog post on here recently and I just wanted to share this with all of you because I know a lot of you really understand what it's like to spend so much of your life with such a good good companion, cat, dog, mouse, hamster, ferret, snake, toad, chicken, horse. Animals are so beautiful. and life is so beautiful.thanks

At the end of the day, that's what it's all about.

Peace.

:hug:

I send you my love and sympathy. Two years ago tomorrow, I lost my beloved Tucker who was almost 19, in very similar circumstances. She was fine almost until the end. It's so damned hard.

:hug:

with a precious doggy girl experiencing much the same, I read your post with tears... I know my remaining time with my precious girl is meant to help me prepare, but how on earth can one ever prepare to lose something so very precious? My thoughts are with you as I hope they will be with me in the coming weeks or months.

All the best to you luvspeas and your husband. I believe totally that your boy stayed with you long enough for your return to say good bye. Dogs are truly blessed creatures.

he always saw daddy as alpha. Either way, it's sweet.

My lab was 15 when he crossed the bridge, in my arms too. He had tumors and cancer, but I decided to let nature take it's course at that point until he wasn't enjoying life anymore. Before I found all this out, I had a major surgery, and found out a week after my surgery about his tumors. He lived about 2 1/2 months after that diagnosis, and I'm pretty sure that he had to make sure I was OK before he gave up the ship.

I started to volunteer for a lab rescue shortly after that, becaused the house was sooooo empty without him, but I didn't want the committment or to get attached yet. I eventually kept 2 of the dogs that I fostered, I loved them all, but I felt no attachment to most of them. I did it partly for my 15 year old lab, and partly for me. It was a great thing to feel like you helped another dog find their forever home. :hug: :hug: I know how bad you are hurting right now.

The missing him will not go away.

My best friend was Muffy. No one was ever that loyal to me and no one loved me that way.

I can still see him looking right into my eyes and licking my noise as he took his last breath.

Oh it still hurts.

I will pray that you find comfort in the memories that you shared with your precious one.

:cry:

It was a gift. Hubbie was trying to get a little shut eye on the bed, and I was on the floor with the dog. He was panting panting panting, then his breathing changed from a series of pants, to a series of easy shallow breaths, then panting then a little space. It became very rhythmic. I woke up hubbie and told him I thought he would want to be there. He just got more peaceful and the breaths got farther apart. He was peaceful.

When my wonderful vet said that Muffy only had a few weeks to two months to live,I was crushed.

He told me that I would know when it was time to put him to sleep.
I almost screamed at the thought of it and called my vet back and told him that I could not bare the pain of watching him be put to sleep.

I am so thankful that my Vet took the time to talk to me and encourage me to be there when Muffy said his final goodbye to me.

Dr. G said that the owners that stayed with their pets to the very end were able to accept it better because they could see that there was no pain.

I will always love my Vet for encouraging me to be with Muffy.
In fact,when I carried Muffy into the examining room, I thought my Mom, who was 87 years old at the time, was going to wait in the reception area for me.

I turned and there she was following us. She loved Muffy so much I didn't think she could take it but she did and she was so grateful that she did!

Blessings ~ :cry:

What a wonderful life he had and how lucky that you and your husband shared it with him. I hope he'll always be with you in spirit and may he run through your dreams like a puppy forever.

My 15 year old black lab, Jackson, died in my arms on March 8th.
I miss him.
I have had many dogs, and I loved them all, but none lived so long,
and Labs are so special. What a gift his friendship was.

I have finally stopped expecting him in all the usual places
and I am almost ready to start the journey again.

I am a dog person after all.

It's not fair that our pets don't live as long as we do...

He sounds like he was a wonderful boy.

He must have loved you very much. Perhaps he still does, just from a different space.

It will be rough for you for a spell, and the loss will probably hit hard at some odd moments. So hard to not have that pal right close, especially a lab, bred to stay close. Talk to him. Somehow, he will know.

And know this: Love does not die when the vessel wears out.

Know many here will keep you in thoughts and prayers of many sorts. You know you were blessed. We all hope that will give you strength. Sweet doggies, such blessings. Good to be aware of that, it can give us the strength to deal with the huge holes they leave in our lives when they pass.

Goodbye, friend by Gary Kowalski is a recommendation I make to DUers who have had to part with a lifelong furry friend. It may give some small comfort when you are grieving.

Maybe your good boy will send another fine doggie your way when the time is right. Sometimes a great dog will just show up, like it knew the way to your house and life. Perhaps they get picked out special, as a way of reminding: love is eternal; friendship always worth the risk.

Strength to you and your husband. Thanks for sharing with us.

different animal so no associations, same amount of love.

well meaning people say to get another dog... i can't bear to hear that. To me it is like saying go get a new kid, or spouse or sibling when the other one dies. I know they don't mean it like that but people need to understand that to some of us it is JUST like that...

Rainbow Bridge


Just this side of Heaven is a place called The Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes over the Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all 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 or 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 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, the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are 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 to each other 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 the Rainbow Bridge together……..

It gets posted on each of these kinds of posts but it should be. Anyone who has ever had a beloved fur family member deserves to be reminded of this special piece and hopefully it provides some peace.

:cry:

eyes leak. Thanks. I will go hug my five now.

The next best thing is living a full and happy life and that's the most all of us can ever wish for. Celebrate his life and his memory and he will never be truly gone. Although you will always miss his presence, the good times will be with you forever.

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

:hug:

I know your sweet boy will be with you always. After all, those we remember are never really gone, are they?

He lived every minute of his life to love you and your husband.

Someday, there will be another pup that shows up at your house. He sent him.

:hug:

MV

p.s. Our chocolate Lab, Moose, sends slurpy puppy kisses.

But happy you got to say a proper goodbye to him.

He was obviously VERY loved and obviously knew that as he went. That is the best you could ever hope for - a great life, and a death in the arms of those who love him. A piece of your heart will always belong to him and only him. He is part of you still and always will be.

:hug:

Deepest sympathy :cry:
edit smilie

Our animals are our family members and their deaths hit us very hard. Take good care of yourself.

There is nothing like the love of a big old dog.

your kind words mean a great deal to me and hearing about your beloved pets makes me feel less alone. I'm so sorry for everyone who has lost their babies. It really is a an incredible experience to have shared so much with my pup. It's all worth it. It's so nice to know you are all out there thinking of me and your loved ones.

:hug:

:hug:

I'm so glad you were able to be there with him. They are such devoted companions, it's so hard when they are gone.

We lost our choco boy 5 yrs ago at 13 1/2 after several years of fighting tumors.

I happened with me too, my old family dog had stomach cancer and had to put her down. We did it at my family's house and we holding her and petting her as she went. I then buried her in the yard. We put up a little memorial there.

I feel for you.

:cry: I knew it'd be difficult - but it was far more than I ever expected. The reason it feels so bad is because it was so damned good having him.

I treasure the memories of the abundant Good Times and Joy of the best friend I ever had. :hug:

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

I'm so sorry for your lost. The spiritual connection between humans with dogs is simply priceless, they greet you with 100% organic love when one arrives home after a bustin day at work or play. Their intuitive nature is second to none especially when their greetings is spontaneous and willing. The sharing experience is unique, beyond any words...Forever More...

peace and low stress to you and yours

Joker, my black Lab died in my arms trying to get him to the vet.

I do think it was best? He was with me! I am sorry for the loss :(

I am so sorry. We lost our black lab last month. She was such a good dog. What a beautiful tribute you wrote to your boy.

Please know my thoughts are with you, and I know how difficult it is. There's nothing quite like the relationship of a person and their dog.

:hug:

Awfully hard to say goodbye to sweet old friends like this.

:hug:

Grieve not,
nor think of me with tears
But laugh
and talk to me as if I were beside you.
I loved you so . . .
'Twas Heaven here with you

-- Isla Paschal Richardson

We lost our beloved big dog at about the same age. Even though we have an 18-month old perennial puppy now, along with a manic little shrimp of a beagle, I still miss the big guy. I always will.

:hug:

I lost my baby girl, Bridget, one year ago. She was 15 years old. Best dog I have ever had. Hardest decision I ever had to make but I know it was the right one. Now we have our newest puppy, Hiro, who happens to be a choco lab. OMG, how fast they grow! Peace and love, TMD

and the time will come when you realize that and perhaps it will console you somewhat. I know what you and your husband are going through and you have my sincere condolences.

Sam

Just these ... for you.

:hug:

Yeah .... lots of us understand.

Dogs define the terms "unconditional love" and "service".

Here's a cousin of your big guy. I am sure you'll recognize the heart, the smart, and the need to please.





Good dog.

I hope he went peacefully and without pain. :hug:

Cancer seems to be an epidemic among cats and dogs in recent years, and I wish we knew why. :cry:

It is wonderful that you were able to give him such a wonderful life, and that he had a chance to give you so much love in return. I hope you have many, many wonderful photos, mementos, and lots of great memories. :)

I hope you and your husband are well. :hug:

My German Shepherd Max passed away not quite a month ago...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=8635368

I still have a female Shepherd that's going to be four next month and we're going to get another male puppy sometime this summer.

But it's rough to lose a pet you love, especially when he's been a part of your family for such a long time.


:hug:

He took all the love you gave him with him, and he left behind all of his love. That love will be with both of you forever. You will be together again when the time is right, and in the meantime he'll still be with you every day.

Animals truly are the best.

Happy passage over the rainbow bridge, and big :hug: to the humans who will miss him.

He will be greatly missed, but you have wonderful memories that will keep him alive in your heart.

:hug:

i lost my 14 year old female chocolate lab over a year ago. i had to put her to sleep--she had cancer of the spleen. i still miss her.

:hug:

You are the epitome of what being wonderful pet owners is all about. I'm glad you had him for all these years, and yours is a wonderful send-off. :hug:

losing a beloved pet is so heartbreaking and sad .... :hug:

I know the heartbreak. At 13 years old, I just lost my fantastic Farnsworth. The huge 24 pound cat that was just my closest companion. I spent every moment of his life with him. He even got lost in the forest for several months as a kitten. We went on a journey together, from property to property. He was more like a dog than a cat, chasing rocks, and more a bark than a meow. A master death machine for moles.

And it was similar in that he was healthy, and then had some tumors, and then a little later he was going and then gone in just a few days.

You know, my life, and your life will never be the same. It has been almost a year, and I think of him almost all of the time. What would he be doing right now. How we would have enjoyed my new place.

There is one thing that I come away from this with. It is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.

And then there is the ultimate thought. Perhaps, just perhaps, behind one of those black holes in this universe, there is conservation of spirit. What the hell, there's conservation of momentum.

May your memories be good.

May your sweet loving companion now rest in peace, free of pain.

:hug:


Sonia

My 7 year old Black Lab is one the biggest joys of my life.

I have never met another Lab that didn't remind me of mine. Their whole demeanor is only understood completely to someone else that has owned one.

May your memories of him follow you forever.

Last year my 13 year old Stoli (Golden-Newfie mix) died in our arms, peacefully. And I don't know how much longer my 12 year old Duffy (Golden-Lab mix) has left. But so far, between the two of them it's been 14 years of love and devotion.

It's true; they fill places in your heart you didn't know you had.

no doubt your baby boy will be forever in your heart and that you provided a wonderful life for him while on this earth. when my dog passed, it helped that i donated all his unused medicines to a pet shelter so they could use what was left for families who have no funds for such expensive medicine and such - it made me feel better that i did something - just a thought in case you had started any treatments.

also, hope that time helps as it did with me. expecting a jingle to come running at me when entering the door of the house or backing up carefully in the kitchen assuming someone below was lurking does eventually move away - but the love you shared will remain.

We have a big old guy too and I dread what I know is coming. It makes me cry just thinking about "life after Rufus". I hope he goes as peacefully as your guy with both my husband and I there to see him off. My heart goes out to you and your husband in your grief.

Your story brought me to tears. I often wonder what I will do when my Bailey goes...He is 8 now, so I hope to have another 6 or 7 years with him. God Bless...

We lost her a few months back. Aren't we both lucky to have had so much love.



:hug:

Your tribute to your boy was lovely. I'm probably not one to tell you things will be better soon. My 8-yr-old JRT died 12-1-08. I'm still actively grieving him--never far from tears. Treasure your memories and and appreciate the time you had with him. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

I've lost pets, and it's so heartbreaking. Time will help.

I know just how you feel. It's been almost a year since we lost our little guy. He too made the choice to slip away peacefully with us by his side. I miss him every day, but I try and concentrate on the great gift that having him was rather than the loss. Some days that's easier than others.

It sounds like your fellow was a terrific old guy. :hug:

for sharing that. My wife and I went through the same thing four years ago with our fifteen year-old chocolate Lab girl. Two Christmases later my wife bought me a beautiful little puppy and she's with us now. Every day she reminds us how easy it is to be happy just having good companionship and a dog who loves you.

I'm very sorry for your loss.

.... he is 3 and all full of fun ..... the son is now 14 and taller than me (his dad).

the pain you feel is from the love and bond between a good dog and his family .... letting you know how much
your dog loved you.

My good friend from who I got my labs once told me ...... 0 -8 is doggie time, 8-10 is senior dog time, anything
beyond 10 is a bonus ..... 14 years is a very good run for a lab ..... you must have done well by your lab.

:hug:

It's like tearing off a piece of yourself every time.

we rescue ferrets. Their lives, although bright, are very short compared to canines. We say goodbye to our sweet babies far more often than we would like. Our grief is salved with the knowledge that we have given them the very best life they could have. And that our lives have been made better by their companionship.
Our thoughts are with you.

I'm glad he got to go peacefully.:cry:

I'll be thinking of you, thank you for sharing your baby boy's story (remarkably like mine's just over a year ago...).

goodbye!!

May he RIP!!!

and so happy and grateful that you gave your boy such a wonderful life and so much love. His holding on until you were home...what a tribute to how much he loved you and knew you loved him.

There is nothing like the loyal, true love of a lab.

Godspeed to your puppy...:hug::hug::hug::cry::hug:

A beautful mix who looks like a cross between a golden and a setter. She is limping badly, but still hanging in there.

I truly hope she will pass that way too; I don't want to make that decision ever again.

Condolences on your loss.

selfish tears, I guess... my springer spaniel boy turns 9 in a couple of weeks (most people that see hom for the first time still call him "puppy") and I shudder at the thought of losing him. :hug:

I know it is so painful right now. I am glad all of you had wonderful years together.

We are suffering the loss of our best friend, companion and soulmate, too. We lost him 1 month ago yesterday. He was a 12 1/2 year old Wheaten Terrier. Like you, I have been cooking all his food for almost 4 years. Like your boy, he was also very smart and knew lots of tricks. We even taught him to say "Obama" when we'd ask "who's the president" .Actually he would say "Ma-Ma-Ma" :)

I have wanted to post a thread about him, and what happened to him as I have been grieving so hard there were times I couldn't take it... My grief has been compounded because this was unexpected, though he had been having some problems, like your dog. He died 2 days after having his teeth cleaned, and he died alone in a cage in an animal clinic. (I want to add, I allowed the vet to talk me into this against my strong instinct to the contrary-now I have to struggle to forgive myself and the vet) ...No matter what the ending is it is agonizing. I feel and share your pain and wish you peace and strength in the coming weeks...

What is getting me and my husband through this is a lot of praying and long walks in state parks , surrounded by nature... We are leaving tomorrow for a camping trip in a place we camped with our beloved dog many times, since he was just 6 months old. We have had him since he was 7 weeks old... he is my pride and joy, my dear, sweet boy. He taught us what unconditional love really is, and I gave him all the love I had... I feel he is still with us, but so miss his physical presence.

please pm me if you feel the need to talk

We lost our beloved Bristol the day after the election (never sick a day in his life, doc said it was an aneurysm) and now we are enjoying every day with our 16 yr old Old English....every day is a gift. After losing 3 dogs in the last 5 years I've come to one conclusion....the pain of their loss is worth it when you compare it to the unconditional love that they give you. It does get easier, but the tears are part of the process. A day will come when the memories of your baby boy will make you smile instead of cry.

with so much love in your heart, please give another deserving dog a home soon. When our 9-year-old cat died suddenly and unexpectedly (found him dead in our yard one day before we moved) the kids were devastating, and so was I. Yes we grieved, and planned to wait a long time before considering getting another animal. But a week later, when we passed a pet store window with just one kitten all alone, my daughter talked me into bringing it home.

It was the best decision we ever made. Joy and laughter soon replaced the emptiness in our hearts, and while we will always miss Boots, the new kitten made it impossible to dwell on grieving. We've since added two cats and a golden retriever to our household, and with my daughter (now grown) moving back home last week, we now have an additional two cats (4 total). We've been through a couple of pets in between, and learned that each is special in its own way, and while none can ever replace the others, each provides companionship and has its own special personality.

My golden is now limping and I dread the day when her time comes, but know absolutely that though she was my first dog, she won't be my last. Retrievers amd labs are wonderful animals and our lives are so much richer for them.

Gosh, I can't imagine what you must be feeling. What was his name?

We've been blessed with a wonderful Golden Retriever we named Bella. She moved into our house in January, and your story made me worry about how I'll cope with losing her someday. She'll be 8 months old on Monday and already I know she can never be replaced. Here's a pic of her taken on Cinco de Mayo. I need to go hug her again. I'm sending good thoughts your way.

for so many years. Hugs to you.

I think of every time I read of a beloved pet's passing. At first it seems unfair that we outlive them but then I think of how they would mourn our absence. There is no good way to say good-bye. I'm so sorry you've lost your wonderful family member.

(We have Labs in our family, too, and they are getting up there in years.)


http://geneseevalley.homestead.com/JenRobDogs.html

Among the best things about them is that they know how much we love them and do not judge. You should be comforted knowing that your wonderful friend knew that your love and care of him were absolute.

And what a great gift that he waited for your return and then left quietly while lying in your loving arms.

I lost one of my cats last year. I knew that it was coming as she had an inoperable and very fast-growing tumor. Never having been faced with a foreknowledge that I would have to have a pet put to sleep, I was so dreading the day when I would have to make that decision. But that day did come, when there was simply no joy left in one of the most joyous kitties I'd ever known and her eyes begged "Why is this happening to me?".

So we made the arrangements with our wonderful vet and wrapped her in a soft, comfy towel and took her in. She was alert and relaxed in the car, alternately cuddling close and peering at the beautiful, sunny day outside the window and I wondered if I was making the right decision or if I was robbing her of a bit more "good time".

And then, when we arrived, while the vet was in another room preparing the syringes, she looked up at my with those huge, loving eyes, and died right there. Even in death, she let me know that the time had indeed been right. She gave me that one last gift. Our pets are just amazing, amazing people!

If it's right for you, in good time you'll consider taking another friend into your life. The "new kid" I adopted from a good shelter a couple of weeks later will never replace Cleo. Never could. Instead, she has carved out her own spot in my heart right next to Cleo's and those of all the other cats and dogs who preceded her over the years and she enriches my life and that of her big sister every single day in her own way. I hope that this can happen for you, as well.

I've been cleaning up and deciding what to keep, throw out, and donate. I do that until something makes me break down then I quit a while. Some things it's harder to see gone (his dish and water bowl). Then I don't know what to do, leaving it's weird, but picking it up and putting it in the garage was hard.

I work part time in a little bookstore. It really helped to get out of the house. I started reading "Pack of Two", by Caroline Knapp and it was great at first, then had to stop - too much too soon.

A woman brought in the cutest little brown and white spaniel. I swear to god this dog just took one look at me and absolutely insisted on seeing me. Her owner brought her over and she just kissed and wagged all over me. She'd been in the rain and was a little stinky. I didn't care a bit. I had a nice conversation with her mom and she seemed to be paying attention to it all. I am certain that dog knew I needed that.

I'm coming to terms with being petless for the first time in 20 years. We are trying to think of new things we can do like a spontaneous overnight trip, swimming and biking (I used to take one look at the dog and think, Oh, we'll just go for a hike or walk instead), getting a nice rug, maybe a pair of shoes that are hard to walk in, etc.

A new friend will come along soon, I'm sure. I'm already lobbying for 2 kittens (no particular ones, just the notion).

thanks again to everyone for your kind words and I am really enjoying the stories. You all with older pets, please don't worry over what will happen. Just give your babies a giant hug for me.

And to whoever gave me a donor star - wow! thanks so much. I do love DU (even the crazies!), and I'm currently seriously underemployed and don't have anything to spare (also in debt!). So this means a lot in many ways.

So if you can give to DU - DO IT!

We lost our dear black lab mix last October. She was at least 9 - we don't know for sure because we she was a rescue dog (stray). I miss our walks most. Lots of big hugs, I know how hard this is.

ETA - I just read your update post (you posted just above me). Take your time. I threw away a bunch of old halloween costumes yesterday, but I still have things in the garage I haven't gone through yet. It does get easier eventually.

you for sharing and I'm so sorry for your loss. It sounds like your baby had a wonderful life.

Labs are amazing pets. My yellow lab thought she was a lap dog and slept on my feet when I was washing dishes.

I hope that you continue to enjoy your wonderful memories of him and I'm sorry that you didn't have more time.

someone in DU posts about their pet's last day with them.

We paid thousands in the hope that the enormous lump on his chest was not killing him.
then one night, we knew we could not let Rusty suffer any more.

We know it was for the best, but holding him, crying and trying to comfort him as the Vet put him to sleep was one of the most difficult things to do.
We owed him that much, he gave us so much.
I still miss you Rusty.


Luvspeas,

My condolences to you for your loss. Yes, animals make life a little more beautiful.

Rustydog

are all so fortunate to be around animals in our lives.

I have a 5 year old Black Lab and a Mountain Dog, They are my heart, Id do anything for my Boys.

I'm sorry.

You will remember him as clearly, and carry him with you into the rest of your life, as you do the human loved ones who have passed.

I know, because I do. I'm 49 years old now, and I carry a lifetime of dogs, cats, and horses with me.

I haven't forgotten a single one of them, and I still remember them with the same sweetness, and the same lump in my throat and tears in my eyes, as I did when I had to say goodbye to each and every one of them.

:grouphug: