I had to put my dog down last night

[sweetroxie]

Last edited Tue Jun 19, 2018, 12:07 PM - Edit history (2)

It’s with a very heavy heart that I tell you all that my beloved dog, Roxie, is no more. l loved her deeply. She was 16 years and 4 month old so I must have done something right. Her last couple of years were fraught because of a slide into dementia and arthritis. So saying good bye to her is a mixed blessing. She is free now. No more pain. But I am exquisitely alone. When she was at her prime, she was a wonderful companion and a very, very sweet soul. A wonderful dog. My last dog. I am a dog person. It’s hard for me to feel whole without a canine friend at my side.

https://imgur.com/osObcek

Yesterday afternoon, I took Roxie to the park for a walk. Little did I know at the time that it would be our last. We had only been there briefly when I looked over at her and saw her struggling to stand up. Her hind quarters had given out. She had had this issue before, but always snapped out of it. So I was hoping. I managed to get her back to the car and then home. She was still struggling but was also quite stoic. I thought we might ride it out. But it was clear she needed help. All the vets were closed so I took her to an emergency vet who told me that her hind leg/hip was out of its socket and there wasn’t much to do except give her pain meds, but the issue was likely to happen again and again. We discussed putting her down. I didn’t wake up this yesterday morning with the thought that today would be my last day with my best friend, but life has a way of throwing curves. I decided that the time had come— as painful as it was to come to terms with that.

So we both move on: Roxie to Rainbow Bridge where she can run free once again and me? To who knows what. Needless to say, I am heartbroken and bereft.

Godspeed, Roxie as she travels the last leg of her trip through life. She was the best. And now she's gone.

[Luz]

1. I'm so sorry. Doggies are the best.

[targetpractice]

2. A dog on their master...

As young as I look,
I am growing older faster than he,
seven to one
is the ratio they tend to say.

Whatever the number,
I will pass him one day
and take the lead
the way I do on our walks in the woods.

And if this ever happens
to cross his mind,
it would be the sweetest
shadow I have ever cast on snow or grass.

— Billy Collins, poet

[RKP5637]

3. ...

[Ferrets are Cool]

4. I am so sorry for your loss

and as silly as it sounds, she looked back at you as she crossed the Rainbow Bridge and barked a thank you.

[Tikki]

5. Hugs to sweetroxie...

My user name is, also, the name of my sweet girl Tikki who I lost
5 years ago.
Like you, she was my constant companion. And, like you, I did
what was correct and let her go to cross the Rainbow Bridge.
Hundreds of hugs for you and please know the memories get sweeter with age.

Tikki

[Polly Hennessey]

6. You did everything right

and Roxie had a wonderful life with you and you with her. I understand “exquisitely alone”. Have been there many times. It is as if we are trapped in our grief and cannot escape. Thankfully, I have found my way out and gone on to love other dogs. Right now I have Caleigh, a rescue. Without my journey through grief, I would not have found Caleigh and others. I don’t know your reason for saying Roxie is your last dog but I hope that is not true. There is a dog out there somewhere that needs you. To have loved and cared for Roxie as long as you did means you are treasure. Bestow that love on another dog.

[Tom Rinaldo]

7. Pure love. Once touched by it forever changed

She lives in how she has changed you, but I feel for you over your loss.

[tblue37]

8. I am so sorry that you lost your dear friend. I always have the hardest time

accepting when it's time to let my animals go, and I tend to wait longer than I should, but helping them to a peaceful release from pain is the final loving gift we owe our precious pets.

You did what you had to do, for Roxie.

[Stuart G]

9. Sorry for your loss.

[Bayard]

10. So sorry.....

Roxie Mom or Dad. You gave her a good life and love, but its always so hard to do. I'm sure her last thought was of you.

[PearliePoo2]

11. My chest hurts and aches reading your beautifully written post.

I experienced almost the same exact situation with my beautiful Border Collie, Pearl (age 15-1/2).

It's been two years and I still grieve.

I wish you peace. May your memories of your sweet Roxie soon always bring a smile instead of tears.

[beaglelover]

12. Mine too. Tears welled up in my eyes. Dogs are the bestest creatures ever created.

[RainCaster]

13. You have my prayers and sympathy

As a lifelong dog lover, I have had to make that difficult choice too many times. It's never easy.

[a kennedy]

14. Such a hard thing to do.......she IS in a better place.....

[MustLoveBeagles]

15. I'm sorry

This was a beautiful tribute to Roxie.

I lost my precious Schatzie two years ago this August. I still miss her but am glad she's no longer suffering. The grief doesn't go away completely but it gets better with time.

[herding cats]

16. My heart breaks for you.

I know the loss you're feeling and I'm so very sorry.

I don't remember the author of this quote, but it applies here.

"There is no pain so great as the memory of joy in present grief."

[mbusby]

38. Aeschylus

[ooky]

17. I feel your loss.

I'm sure it would feel exactly like you described it if I lost my dog. He is 7 years old now and I think about this often.

[Trek4Truth]

18. Same here...my girl made it to 16yrs and 11 months and I'm very proud of that. It's been

almost 3 years and it's been very hard. She too had arthritis at the end from tearing both her ACL's in her youth.

I helped her in her last years with harnesses and slings to help get in and out the car, up and down stairs and if she just needed a helping hand. I even got her a wheelchair for the last 6 months of her life and that really helped with her quality of life. But in the end she let me know that I have to go and it is very painful. 3 years later and still no dog. I just can't get one since I rent an apartment and I get discriminated against.

But I will have dogs again one day..nothing will stop me, not age, not money..NOTHING. I am planning for it all. When I am old I will adopt senior pets and I'm leaving money to take care of any pets left behind in my will.

For now I have filled my home with cats (5) and I've rescued some gerbils and hamsters so I'm doing what I can.
I also got into fish keeping right after my dog died and I'm very proud to say my oldest betta is 2 1/2 years old.

Please try to hang in there...what really helped me was I searched the internet "Pet loss quotes" and I printed some out and hung them around.

I also went to the website: https://www.rainbowsbridge.com/
Every monday they have a candle lighting ceremony (online) to remember our companions. There is also message boards etc there and you can do a write up of Roxie for the next candle ceremony. I went there to find solace but instead I ended up comforting others and that also helped me a great deal.

I know I won't fully be "over" losing my best friend "BRIDIE"...until I get another dog, nor will I be fully happy.

[vercetti2021]

19. I'm very sorry

Hardest thing that anybody could do

[Doreen]

20. My heart goes to you and Roxie.

I experienced close to the same with my service dog Shultz. He slid backwards down some stairs and slipped his vertebrae. I was able to keep him for a year longer until he could not move with any ease. It was hard not having him help me for a year and him having to stay home. You could always tell his frustration when I needed the help I needed and he was no longer allowed to help me.

[Vinca]

21. I'm so sorry. I don't think there's anything quite like the pain of doing what you had to do.

They give us unconditional love - an amazing thing - but it makes the sorrow a whole lot worse.

[mnhtnbb]

22. I am so sorry for your loss.

I am watching my 12 year old--probably last dog, too--approach this issue. She is losing her footing more often with one of her back legs. She also has a heart arrhythmia that several vets have told me could lead to sudden death.

When the time is right, maybe you can volunteer to do some dog walks at your local shelter? Or maybe even foster? Just a suggestion. I'm 67 and recently moved to an apartment. So when Snowy goes, I don't think I'll have another dog, either.

Hugs, my friend.

[Cicada]

23. I ache for you sweetroxie, bless you for loving your dog

[phylny]

24. I'm so sorry for your loss.

We recently euthanized dog #3, Jack, on 5/19. It is heart wrenching, and I can only imagine your grief.

My husband has a way of saying the right thing during this time. This is the third time he's reminded me, "He had a better life on Earth than most people do. You took the best care of him."

So it is for you and Roxie.

[bronxiteforever]

25. I am so sorry.

[TNNurse]

26. Never forget that it was an act of love.

[mvd]

27. I'm so sorry. They are family members. It hurts deeply

On May 24, I lost my Goldendoodle named Gordon at age 10 and the grief takes a lot of time. I still think about him a lot. Here's to Roxie and Gordon enjoying that fabulous place at Rainbow Bridge where they can run again, play, eat lots of treats and suffer no more.

[oasis]

28. Our departed pets leave us with such sweet memories.

My condolences to you for your loss.

[Sophia4]

29. I'm so sorry!

[Duppers]

30. I know and feel your heartache.

Roxie.

Hubs and I, now in our 70s, have our "last" furbabies too. We both don't want to live in an "empty" home when these two cross, so we've discussed fostering. There are millions of furkids needing temporary homes, so we'd be taking care of two needs, theirs and ours.

Perhaps, when your heart begins to heal a bit, you also might consider this.

Sending cyber hugs.

[colorado_ufo]

31. Very, very sorry.

[Gothmog]

32. I am so sorry for your loss

[ButSeeYa]

33. Hugs to you sweetroxie

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this — the last battle — can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close — we two — these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

[lunasun]

34. Condolences to you RIP now sweet Roxie

[CaptainTruth]

35. I'm so sorry.

[Botany]

36. You did the right thing although that doesn't make it hurt any less.

BTW you might want to consider adopting an older dog when and if
you feel up to it.

[Solly Mack]

37. I'm so sorry. They're family and it hurts.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

39. oh dear dear sweetroxie....my heart....... 💔

I have been there. I wish great comfort comes to you... whenever you need. I pray that you feel your baby’s heart in yours.
😪💔😪💔😪🙏🏾

[pazzyanne]

40. sweetroxie, I am crying tears of sympathy as I type this.

Know that you gave Roxie everything that your love could supply her in life. Know that she loved you unconditionally. And know that she loves you for your courage to release her to the Rainbow Bridge and it's freedom for her. Best wishes for you when you begin to heal and can take joy from the memories you and Roxie created in your life together.

[blueinredohio]

41. Sorry for your loss. Putting a pet down is hard

and in my opinion watching them suffer is just as bad. Wishing you happier days.

[Downtown Hound]

42. We put our 16 year old Whippet down a few weeks ago

It's always so hard. They give us so much love and joy and we wish they could live forever, or at least as long as we do. Peace and light to you.

[Drahthaardogs]

43. That sucks. We've all been there and know your pain.

Prayers for you and Roxie

[sinkingfeeling]

44. Hugs to you. I, too an looking at my last dog, who's also blind and deaf. I

expect to face your situation within the next few months. He's 16 as well. Like you, I will be lost without him.
RIP, Rosie.

[jalan48]

45. We had to put our Jack Russell down last year. I remember my last walk with him outside the vet's

office. It left a big hole in my heart and still does but it will get better. Loss is a very hard thing to deal with, hang in there.

[packman]

46. I think we weep for the hole left in our lives

when a loved one passes. Its an empty feeling that you only come to realize that the one who left filled it each day.

Your act, as was many of us here, was an act of love. Peace

[irisblue]

47. I am so sorry. I have known that pain

Roxie 🕯️
sweetroxie,

[Hangdog Slim]

48. So sorry

I had to say goodbye to my dear friend Bridie the Australian cattle dog November '16. I still miss her terribly. My heart goes out to you.

[applegrove]

49. That is the worst. Vibes to you all.

[nini]

50. So sorry it's so hard to do but the most loving you can do

A little side note.. my mom died about 6 weeks ago and had a wild ride to 'heaven' about 2 weeks before she died. I've been with people who have died before and know how they see their loved ones who have died before them etc. but this was wild. Long story short.. she called out to our dog we had as I was growing up. She was so stinking happy to see that dog and of course I was thrilled too She kept telling me Spot was running around and so happy.

Your mentioning Rainbow Bridge triggered that to me. I told my my mom my pets sure as heck better be there when it's my time!

Peace to you. May Roxie's memory live in your heart forever.

[DarthDem]

51. Oh, So Sorry to Hear That

Roxie and you sound like you had a a beautiful relationship. Best wishes.

[FuzzyRabbit]

52. So sorry.

Losing our four legged companions is so painful. The pain does diminish, with time, but the good memories of them remains.

[donkeypoofed]

53. You WILL see Roxie again

Please know that Roxie is safe & happy with her maker, running around happily, waiting for her mummy to arrive- which may be long in earth years, but in God's time it will be but the blink of an eye. God loves her too and would NEVER take her away from you for ever. I always say that if there are no animals on Heaven, I'm not going -take me to where my pets are and give my family and loved ones my warmest regards, but I wanna hang out with my animals! And when it is your time to cross over, Roxie will be the 1st one to greet you!. Animals have pure souls and make it back home immediately, where she will be waiting for you. Take a measure of comfort in that.

[cilla4progress]

54. Last dog?

Last edited Sun Jun 17, 2018, 02:28 PM - Edit history (1)

Without knowing your circumstances, I hope you will reconsider!

I am dogless for the 1st time since freshman year college when we weren't allowed dogs in the dorms (which rule I broke...as long as I could). Our last dog died at 14 last Fall.

It's been hard, especially since I know how much I could use their unconditional love, acceptance, grace, and joy in these dark times.

After some upcoming travel, it will be my no. 1 priority to find an older rescue dog or 2 to live out my old age with! Can't wait.

Blessings, regrets, and love your way, sweetroxie!

[pnwmom]

67. That was my thought, too. When we lost our beloved first dog, I wanted to get a new one

in a few months because it was the best time of year for having to do potty training. My husband had thought we should wait longer, to get over it. But getting the new puppy turned out to be just what we needed, to move through the grief.

[nolabear]

55. I made the same decision recently. It's hard to do the right thing.

But we did. They needed us to help them. My sweet Merrily and your Roxie were lucky girls. They were loved in this life and loved out of it.

My other dog (named Roxy btw) and I send appreciation and love.

[40RatRod]

56. Thank you for sharing.

I am so sorry.

[Ginger42]

57. So sorry

However long we have with our dogs, it's never long enough.

[BigmanPigman]

58. My heart is aching. Your poor baby and poor you!

Try to take care of yourself. This is a tremendous loss and you should be devastated. Sometimes you may be forgetful or clumsy, but that is normal. Be kind and gentle to yourself since this will take time!

[avebury]

59. Sorry for your loss.

It is hard to make the decision of when to stop adopting dogs because there is always concern for what happens if your dog outlives you. I finally decided to adopt an older dog and we have now been together over two years. I will play it by ear on whether or not she will be my last dog. It will depend upon how old I am an my health when the time comes to help her cross over. For now, we have a wonderful relationship.

[shenmue]

60. Very sorry

[roody]

61. This song comforts me.

[snacker]

62. The breaks my heart.

Everyone who has every loved a dear pet feels your pain. Sending hugs.

[redstateblues]

63. I feel your pain. My dog Daisy is 16 and struggles

With arthritis in her hips. I dread the day I have to say goodbye. Thanks for sharing.

[murielm99]

64. I am so sorry.

It hurts when we have to do this. They give us so much unconditional love.

[radical noodle]

65. I am so sorry!

Losing a furchild is a bit like losing one's heart.

[LakeArenal]

66. Dog Is Love.

Roxie has met so many well loved pups on the other side. Such great doggies.


RIP (rest in play) in dog heaven. The only heaven there is btw.

[liberalmuse]

68. I'm so very sorry.

She had an exceptional quality of life being your sidekick and vice versa. She depended on you until the end, knowing you would always do right by her, and you have.

You are not alone, because so many of us have gone through what you are going through now. Your life with this beautiful creature was worth the pain and loss you are feeling now, even though it might not seem like it.

[Judi Lynn]

69. It was an act of mercy to spare Roxie increasing suffering.

Dogs are gifts to human beings, bringing learning in love they never would understand otherwise.

They deepen people who are capable of loving and growing.

Best wishes to you.

[smirkymonkey]

70. Oh no! I am so sorry! I know how painful it is to lose a dog.

They are your heart and soul. I am up here at my sister's house watching her kids and her 1 year old Swissy who is also named Roxie. She is just a beauty! I am so sorry that your Roxie has passed but she will always be with you. Me and my family have lost many dogs but they are always with me in spirit and I never forget how much I have loved them.

It will hurt for a while, but someday her memory will be a great comfort to you. Sending my kind wishes to you.

[Upthevibe]

71. I'm so sorry to hear this....

I'm happy that the two of you had so many wonderful years together...I know that The Rainbow Bridge provided me with comfort as I worked through my grief when I lost my little one in 2012. I was able to commiserate with others.

[Soxfan58]

72. Thank you

For knowing when the time came to end her suffering.

[sweetroxie]

73. Thank you to everybody.

It has really touched me that so many of you have acknowledged my loss. I have lost 7 dogs in my life---5 of them rescues including Roxie. The loss never gets any easier. I know I will "recover" some and I also know that my heart will ache for a long time.They say that it takes at least a year to go through a mourning cycle because you need to go through all the time touchstones that life provides: the last walk, the last birthday, etc. and only then can you begin to not have everything trigger your pain again. I think this is true.

In my case, I say that Roxie is my last dog for many reasons. I have a life-threatening disease (kidney failure) and several heart issues any one of which could kill me. I'm 76 so my days are numbered anyway.

Over the past 2 years I have been suddenly hospitalized quite few times. During those times, the worst thing for me was that I had to leave Roxie and scramble to find her care. This was enormously stressful for me and almost prevented me from doing what I needed to stay alive. It's that sense of my mortality that makes me feel that it's selfish for me to bring a new dog into my life again even a senior dog. So I grieve my doglessness as I look at every shadow and imagine that it's Roxie coming in to check on me.

[RandomAccess]

74. How terrible. I'm so very sorry.

I share your grief.

But I had an idea. Maybe not the right time to proffer it, but I will hope it's okay. Instead of thinking about life without a beloved canine companion, might you be willing and able to foster??

[peacebuzzard]

75. So sorry for the loss of your long time companion

And angel.

[BigMin28]

76. I had to do the same

this past Monday with my beloved boxer Max. I am heartbroken and bereft for you also. Hugs to you. May Max and Roxie be running free together.

[Raine]

77. I'm so sorry

Companion animals are family and the loss is so painful you made the right choice though for Roxie, she'll be waiting at the bridge for you.

[Different Drummer]

78. Very sorry for your loss!

[disillusioned73]

79. RIP Roxie..