General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsJust had my 15 year old Collie mix Arlo put to sleep
He was a very good boy. A champion walker and great companion for my daughters for over 14 years. We got him from the shelter at a year old. His first family took great care of him, and he came prepackaged as the family dog.
My daughters got him involved in agility, and, while he didn't love it, he loved doing it for his girls. Somehow through the persistence of my oldest, he won a title and a bar.
He got to do his favorite things on his last day. He went to our local nature reserve, the key trail location that took us one of many different wonderful directions, and the art museum with garden that allowed him to still walk around but be close to the car if he couldn't make it back. So many interesting smells.
He got to see Girl Scouts doing a project at the nature reserve. He always loved little girls. He was so happy.
I miss him very much.
Hassin Bin Sober
(26,325 posts)soothsayer
(38,601 posts)Nevilledog
(51,080 posts)I've suffered such losses and have never found words that helped...but a hug did.
JanMichael
(24,885 posts)With us for 16 years. Still hard to talk about. Such a huge part of our lives. Sucks typing this...
skip fox
(19,356 posts)SheltieLover
(57,073 posts)Healing vibes on the way to you. 💗💗💗
May you find peace in your treasured memories.
yankeepants
(1,979 posts)stillcool
(32,626 posts)Bayard
(22,061 posts)Its so hard to lose our fur kids. I've lost so many over the years, and it never gets any easier.
The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,674 posts)I have no doubt that he was a very, very good boy.
blogslut
(37,999 posts)They are so good, our animal friends.
blue neen
(12,319 posts)We had to have our 15 year old Papillon put down over a year ago, and we're still not over her.
BComplex
(8,036 posts)nocoincidences
(2,218 posts)like a great dog who was loved and loved his family in return.
Meowmee
(5,164 posts)Of beloved Arlo😿
Run free sweet Arlo ❤️🐾🌈
I still miss my beagle pup from childhood.
badhair77
(4,216 posts)Weve had to say goodbye to several pups. They are family, arent they. I wish you peace and wonderful memories of Arlo. It sounds like your family gave him a good life and you are all the better for it.
femmedem
(8,201 posts)I know you will miss him for a long time--he was family--but I hope it comforts you to know you gave him a happy life right up to the end.
11 Bravo
(23,926 posts)I've had dogs in my life since I was a kid. For my money, they beat the shit out of humans.
As a child, we always had a pooch; and as an adult, the only time I haven't had a dog was from 70-72, when I was otherwise occupied.
Dogs are the best, and I send you my deepest condolences.
lillypaddle
(9,580 posts)the grief I know you and his girls feel. So sorry.
mcar
(42,302 posts)Arlo sounds like he was a very good dog who made your life happier. I hope your memories bring you comfort.
I'm so sorry
Always so hard to lose a pet, they are really part of a family,
RIP Arlo
beaglelover
(3,466 posts)The good memories!
mnhtnbb
(31,382 posts)It's been 4 1/2 months since I had to say goodbye to my Snowy and I miss her every day. Just back from my first trip to the beach without her and I talked to her every day. She will be in my heart forever just as your very good boy, Arlo, will be in yours.
sharp_stick
(14,400 posts)He sounds like the best of good boys.
onecaliberal
(32,826 posts)WhiskeyGrinder
(22,326 posts)I know what a joy they can be. May the memories be a comfort.
ProfessorGAC
(64,995 posts)That's super tough.
Take care, x.
phylny
(8,379 posts)I know you gave Arlo a better life than many humans on Earth have.
milestogo
(16,829 posts)Hugs to you and your family.
MissB
(15,805 posts)I understand the feeling of loss. Sounds like Arlo had a great last day.
UpInArms
(51,280 posts)I am so sorry for your loss
RIP Arlo
MLAA
(17,282 posts)Goodheart
(5,321 posts)Midnight Writer
(21,745 posts)Take comfort in knowing you took him from an uncertain life at the shelter to a loving home where he was happy and cared for.
skylucy
(3,739 posts)jls4561
(1,257 posts)When dogs leave us, they go to the sky. They end up being created as new stars in the Orion Nebula. They join the bigga dog and the little dog, and they all chase things across the sky at night. And who knows, there may be burgers (or even bacon!!!) as the constellations disappear over the horizon.
I lost my beagle friend Jake in September. It comforts me to look at the stars at night. I'd like to think Jake will be greeting Arlo soon.
catbyte
(34,373 posts)malaise
(268,930 posts)I cried for a month after putting down Roots
CottonBear
(21,596 posts)His spirit will live in your heart
TruckFump
(5,812 posts)Stinky The Clown
(67,790 posts)No matter how many we lose, it never gets easier.
He sounds like a great dog. I wish you peace.
Hey Arlo. Woof, buddy!
nuxvomica
(12,421 posts)Not everyone finds the place in themselves that Arlo showed you. That gift will not leave you, and in that way, neither will Arlo. Peace.
MOMFUDSKI
(5,500 posts)I still miss all my dogs and remember the sorrow their passing caused.
elevator
(415 posts)We know we will at some point have to part with them and it is always very tough on us. But, we do it anyhow because we know the incredible joy that comes from having a loving relationship with an animal. There is nothing like it, because it is totally undemanding. They give us their love with no strings attached. We know they love us and we make their lives better for having taken them into our homes.
My wife and I have have three dogs and two kitties and have lost a couple in the past year or so. And though it is very difficult for us, it is always a blessing knowing that they pass on without undue pain or worry.
Hang in there amigo.
MOMFUDSKI
(5,500 posts)There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.
Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie--
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.
When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet's unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find--it's your own affair--
But...you've given your heart for a dog to tear.
When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!);
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone--wherever it goes--for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart for the dog to tear.
We've sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve:
For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-time loan is as bad as a long--
So why in Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?
dlk
(11,552 posts)Im glad Arlo brought you and your family so many years of companionship and joy, and Im very sorry for your loss.
Alacritous Crier
(3,815 posts)PlanetBev
(4,104 posts)Those of us who love our animals so much know that some day well all have to face this loss.
From time to time Ive wondered if its worth the pain, but the answer is always yes. To have a pet is to love and love us back is what makes us fully human.
My deepest sympathies to you and your family, exboyfil.
crickets
(25,962 posts)You gave Arlo a wonderful life and a very sweet last day. May the pain fade swiftly, leaving you with many wonderful memories to comfort you.
warmfeet
(3,321 posts)For Arlo! A happy dog forevermore.
Illumination
(2,458 posts)how heart breaking that can be exboyfil. Shelter pets are wonderful! You had a special bond because of the competitions, etc. You gave Arlo a wonderful life!. ..
mountain grammy
(26,619 posts)pazzyanne
(6,547 posts)Thank you for giving him a wonderful last day. Thank you for caring enough to do the hardest thing. Safe trip over the Rainbow Bridge, Arlo.
- to good memories!
OAITW r.2.0
(24,455 posts)Done it a few times, myself.
you know where it's time, but it doesn't make it any easier.
BigmanPigman
(51,584 posts)My little girl was with me for 17 years but left 5 months ago tomorrow. I miss her as much now as I did then. It isn't getting any easier. I hope you handle it better than I am.
birdographer
(1,323 posts)I always like to think that if they could send us a message, it would be "Thanks for everything! I had a great time!"
Try to be glad that you had the privilege of knowing him and having him in your life, and you will never forget him.
Trueblue Texan
(2,425 posts)I know that heartbreak. I wish you healing and ease of your sorrow.
Demovictory9
(32,449 posts)StarryNite
(9,443 posts)R.I.P. boy. You will be greatly missed by your family and now the world is a sadder place without you.
Ilsa
(61,694 posts)sad situation. I have two dogs and I love them both. One is getting up there in age.
Susan Calvin
(1,646 posts)I don't know what else to say.
calimary
(81,220 posts)We gave her the same kind of goodbye-day after she'd been increasingly in decline. Actually a couple of 'em. She couldn't walk anymore by the end.
STILL hurts. STILL hurts. And that was last July (2019). STILL miss her.
Virtual
NurseJackie
(42,862 posts)Algernon Moncrieff
(5,790 posts)There's never a lack of treats, but there is always a rabbit to chase.
I'm sorry for your loss.
Grieve for whatever time you need. When you're done, go visit a rescue.
enki23
(7,787 posts)She was a very good girl, a pup we helped rescue from Waveland Mississippi in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina. Of course we had named her Katrina. She had ridden out the hurricane in a dumpster. She was so sick, and full of parasites, but we nursed her back, and she lived fifteen glorious years. Most of them she lived alongside her adopted sister Annie (a shelter rescue) and nearly thirteen of them with our son. Unlike her namesake, she had nothing but love to give. She lived for years at each end of the Mississippi, a couple near the middle, and her final five out in the Sierra foothills. We thought she could have a couple more, but I guess that was wishful thinking.
I'm sorry for your loss. And ours. It's really damned hard.
rdking647
(5,113 posts)Its never easy
It fucking sucks. 2020 can go fuck itself
BobTheSubgenius
(11,563 posts)Our Cairn, Ozzie (see what my wife did there? ) is coming up 13, and we know his remaining years might well be counted on one hand.
He's already had pancreatitis, which almost killed him, and could easily come back, apparently. People are almost always surprised at how old he is. Looks 6, acts 10.
It sounds like you have the high points of his life in your mind and your heart. That's what you hold on to.
MuseRider
(34,105 posts)We had to put our 10 year old Standard Poodle down 3 days ago. We lost our other also to cancer 10 months ago. They are such important members of the family.
Sending warm vibes to you and yours. Lovely ending for your boy, brought warm tears here.
kpete
(71,984 posts)Arlo sounds like such a sweet dog
We lost our dear sweet Roo in June.
She was the best companion and we miss her everyday day.
Her last day was much like Arlo's - visits to her favorite trail, always close to the car.
take care,
kp
Delphinus
(11,830 posts)mecherosegarden
(745 posts)I know how much it hurts to lose a loved companion.
MustLoveBeagles
(11,591 posts)Arlo sounds like a great dog.
theaocp
(4,236 posts)The balance struck between the joy they bring and the pain from their absence can be harsh. I'm glad you had the joy for so long. May your pain be short.
SayItLoud
(1,702 posts)KentuckyWoman
(6,679 posts)He was lucky to have your family.
seta1950
(932 posts)It is always heart wrenching 😢
leighbythesea2
(1,200 posts)Dogs are furry angels. Impressed by the agility, its not easy but looks so entertaining. Theres no day you wont think of a good dog who you miss. But it sounds like a long well-cared-for life.
lucca18
(1,241 posts)Thank you for giving him a wonderful life.❤️
Captain Zero
(6,802 posts)and talk to Arlo about all the things you saw, and the feel of the air, along with the smells you noticed.
It helps.
The first few weeks are hard.
We lost our collie the first week of September.
Take Care.
arkielib
(117 posts)It sounds like Arlo had a great life and was loved very much.
gademocrat7
(10,654 posts)ancianita
(36,023 posts)Hope your happy memories of him get you through.
Gothmog
(145,130 posts)I am sorry for your loss. We said goodbye to my bearded collie when he was 15.5 years old
DesertRat
(27,995 posts)You gave him a good life. Rest in peace, good boy Arlo.
sinkingfeeling
(51,445 posts)Maru Kitteh
(28,339 posts)What a good boy. I'm so glad he had you - and your family too.
Different Drummer
(7,613 posts)MizLibby
(289 posts)Arlo was a special gift to your family as you were to him. Love to you all, Laura
jeffreyi
(1,939 posts)And good for you, too, for not waiting too long.
peacebuzzard
(5,167 posts)no words can express this loss of an angel companion.
I am sorry your loss of Arlo.
ooky
(8,922 posts)As a dog owner and someone who knows the love of a dog and what good companions dogs are, I understand and identify with the grief you are experiencing. Hang in there.
Blue Owl
(50,349 posts)vercetti2021
(10,156 posts)Raine
(30,540 posts)they're more then pets they're family, so much pain to lose them.
Skittles
(153,150 posts)Grieve not,
nor speak of me with tears,
but laugh and talk of me
as if I were beside you -
I loved you so -
'twas Heaven here with you
~Isla Paschal Richardson
peggysue2
(10,828 posts)My husband and I have had six dogs over the years. The current doggie is just under 2 years old. But the other five lived to ripe old ages and each one had to be put down when the time came. It never gets easier. It is the worst part of having a pet, a furry companion, a surrogate child with tail and paws.
Condolences.
It sucks!
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)I know how heartbreaking this is and my heart goes out to you and your family. Please accept my condolences. May your dear Arlo rest in peace.
Chili
(1,725 posts)I know it doesn't help to read this right now, but I know how you feel. My two girls right now are dogs #7 and #8. The previous 6, all rescues except the first, broke my heart when I lost them. There's just no way to shut that pain off.
But what I did after losing #2 I'll always do for the rest of my life, as long as I'm lucky enough to take care of all that love they give us. I gave myself a week to grieve, which I usually fell short of... because around day 4, the search for the next love takes over. It was never to replace the love we lost, not possible, our babies cannot be replaced. But bring in a new confused scared rescue who needs all the love she can get? Yes, I used them to distract... and of course, during all that chaos, I fell in love. I know our hearts are little organs, but I have 6 dogs and a cat in there, and will always have room for more.
Wishing you the best, and hope the pain lessens and you find peace.
niyad
(113,259 posts)comfort to his beloved family.
Laurelin
(522 posts)but I'm glad Arlo had his last perfect day, after 14 years of love and puppy happiness.
Withywindle
(9,988 posts)Thank you for your vivid and loving description of sweet Arlo, it sounds like you and your family gave him a wonderful life, and he went out as he lived - loved and full of love.
It's the price we pay for loving them. It always floors me, how much it hurts - and yet how it's still worth it.
Violet_Crumble
(35,961 posts)He had a long life and knew how loved he was *hugs*
Rhiannon12866
(205,211 posts)I've been there and it never gets any easier. Arlo sounds like such a special pup - and he was so very fortunate to have had you....