I've been struggling over writing this for over a week.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/862298659886359413/Last Tuesday we made the heart wrenching decision that it was time to
let our Bosley go. He had stopped eating, was sleeping 22-23 hours a
day, needed to be carried outside and then back in again. Liz and I can
still barely talk about it. I find myself getting out 5 cookies for
treats instead of 4, or two insulin hypos instead of just one.
Bosley was with us for something over 12 years and knew every dog and
cat we have ever owned. We had just gotten Dulcinea as a puppy to be a
companion for Sancho, our first Cavalier, and were taking her to puppy
school at Pet Smart. Sancho was not about to be left alone, so he came
along to class just to watch. The staff at Pet Smart realized we were
sort of Crazy Dog Folks. One day we arrived for Dulci's class an a
clerk came running up to us to tell us there was an adoption day going
on and they 'had one of your kind of dog!'. So naturally we had to go
look. In truth, Bosley wasn't a Cavalier, he was a King Charles Spaniel
(aka a Charlie), but we always considered him an honorary Cavalier. We
made it out of the store without him, since we had just gotten Dulci.
But the next day the Mrs. called me at work and said she just couldn't stop
thinking about 'that dog'. So I called Pet Smart, got the number for
the Shelter and called them. Turns out they had making bets on when we
would call. They brought him back to Pet Smart the next week and he
became out Bosi Bear.
He had been rescued from a Puppy Mill where he had been standing stud so
his life could have been worse, but it hadn't been great. When he came
to us he didn't have any idea how to go up or down stairs, he would come
if he were called but it was a slink with his tail between his legs. He
very quickly realized that his life had changed for the better and
wanted to do everything he possibly could to get our approval and love.
And he never stopped.
Shortly after we moved back to Ky he was diagnosed with diabetes. Our
vet told us that the average expectancy for diabetic dogs was 3-5
years. Bosley was going on 9 years a diabetic. We've been aware that
old age was catching up with him, but have been in denial. But last
week we couldn't deny any longer. It was one of the hardest good-byes
we have ever had to go through.
Run free, full of energy and no aches or pains at the Bridge, Bosi
Bear. Say Hi to Sancho and Dulci and Maggi for us and let them know
that we will be along presently. We love you dearly and miss you terribly.
= new reply since forum marked as read
Been there and still missing terribly. Good memories help with the grief
diabetes for so long. 
We only had one dog, a big Dalmation that we raised from puppyhood. I called her my third daughter. She would lie near the door when I went out and would go mad with joy when I returned. She brought so much love to all of us!
It was awful when she died. I cried for weeks. One day, months afterward, I was out driving, running errands, when I saw a young woman walking her Dalmation. Her dog had very similar markings to ours. I rolled down my window and called out what a beautiful dog she had. She smiled and waved back.
Several blocks away, I pulled over and bawled my head off. She was so special. I still miss her, though our animal-keeping days are long over.
I wish you happy memories through your tears........
Losing my dog was the single worst thing I ever experienced until my dad suddenly died 4 months ago. Please take care of yourself even though it will be hard for a long, long time. I found out how big a club I had joined when my baby died. Talking with others helped a lot.
I hope you find comfort in the many happy memories he left behind.
Remember the life he was saved from and the love and joy you gave each other.
Letting them go isn't easy but watching them suffer is harder.
I've gone through it several times and am about to go through it again with one of our rescue cats. Cancer. She's in no pain yet and is still eating and alert. She has SCC of the face. I can't bring myself to say the name of the tumor.
Sorry about going on but just got to typing.
You have my prayers, thoughts and condolences.
wonderful life and cared for him through his diabetes with love and diligent care. (My Cindy has diabetes in her later years). May the memories of the good times together stay in your heart and bring a smile.
You and your wife sounds like wonderful people who have been great parents to several fluffy babies.
I wish peace for both of you in this hard time.
So sorry for this deep loss.
I also lost my sweet angel rescue pup on 31 July. I have trouble finding words. I do know how you must feel. Till we all meet on the Rainbow Bridge.
