Today my wife and I had to do a hard thing. Our beloved half-Rottie Lab went to sleep for the last time. It broke our hearts but Delta had cancer. She had already survived one operation, but there was nothing anyone could do when it once more came back. Delta was 11 years old and had been with my wife for ten years after the dog had been rescued from a bad home. She was a big dog at near 90 pounds but was really a sweet coward. Almost everything would send her into hiding, although her bark would scare anyone. It was so deep it would rattle the windows. With my being so hard of hearing she helped me stay aware of when people were around. At times her innate cowardice made her seem very neurotic at times but her usually sweet disposition made up for it.
Delta was a member of our family and we all miss her terribly right now. Making that decision to stop her pain, has torn both of us up, even though we know it was the best for her. I know in time the pain will fade. She wasn't the first pet to sneak into my heart and I doubt she will be the last. In my heart I know that someday I'll be reunited with not only her the mob of other dear small ones who has gone on before her. Just at this moment my tears seem to fall every time I find myself looking for her and remembering she isn't here anymore.
Hugs!
grover
Comments
I can feel your pain
And can sympathise. For more than a decade, a German Shepherd Nichols was living with my family, providing laugh, comfort, and love. I literally grew up with him, as I was no more than 10 years old when he was first introduced to us. For the better half of my life, he was there for me... But two years ago his dwindling health made him nearly unable to move around at all. It was the same hard thing we had to do. I can only hope that whereever our beloved friends are, they are happy and are watching over us as vigilantly and selflessly, as they did in life. We will never forget them, or cease to love.
Faraway
Faraway
Big Closet Top Shelf
Where you can fool around like you want to and most you get is some bemused good ribbing!
Oh, grover!
My heart well and truly goes out to you both. I had to go through that once and I know how wrenching, how heartbreaking, how simply and utterly awful it is to be faced with making that choice--and then the grief afterward. There is no easy way to lose a beloved pet, but that is one of the hardest.
I didn't know Delta personally of course, but I can feel your love and your pain through your words, and I'm shedding tears for her (and you) now. You have my deepest sympathy.
Hugs and tears,
justme
I'm sorry for your loss
When I lost Brittany about a month ago now *sigh* the one thing I was grateful for was not having to make that decision. I can't imagine it, although I know I would have had she been suffering. I think making that choice is an extreme display of true compassion and selflessness.
All My Best...
Frank
It helps sometimes to...
think in terms of :
http://rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm
I Know How You Feel
I lost my dog, Mac,to cancer when he was eight. We had the vet remove a growth on his side, but it came back and grew from the inside until he finally succumbed one night. I was heartbroken but I believe, as you do, that I will be reunited with him and the others that have stolen my heart over the years. Someone tried to tell me that animals go to a different place when they die, but I do not believe that at all. I believe they will be there waiting along with my loved ones who have passed. I share your loss and I know that time will heal.
Hugs,
Jen
Our animals are part of the family also
I feel your loss grover however I'm sure she is in doggie heaven and not suffering!
When you both feel up to it I recommend a new puppy which I know will appreciate your love and respond with the same and bring you lots of joy as your Delta did.
LoL
Rita
Age is an issue of mind over matter.
If you don't mind, it doesn't matter!
(Mark Twain)
LoL
Rita
Brave pups & tough decisions
Grover ~
Sorry to hear of your loss; you have my condolences and deepest sympathies.
Your words and situation remind me of so many tough decisions friends have had to make over the years; as difficult as it is, sometimes the kindest choice is to prevent the months and months of, to them, incomprehensible pain and suffering that they would have to go through until they succumb. It sounds like such a cop out when I write it like that, but I know that if my pup (he died in my arms at 13) had been diagnosed with cancer, I'd have made the same decision you did.
My dog,a small to medium sized terrier mutt, was from all appearances a coward as well - until one of us, his pack/family, was threatened. Then he'd put himself in harm's way without hesitation. Bravest little coward I've ever seen. Still miss him after 20 years.
YW
He conquers who endures. ~ Persius
Fly Free, Delta
Ummm ... I'm sorry if that sounds like an ad for an airline. *sigh*
I'm sorry to hear about Delta, but it sounds like you did a good thing by not letting her suffer any more.
All I can suggest is getting another pet sometime soon. The new family member won't take Delta's place but he or she will help you concentrate on life instead of death.
Hug
- Terry
It's always hard
When the time for the decision comes, all you can do is be there for them as they have been there for you. My little pooch is huge company for me but even at my age, I will probably outlive her. It is the tragedy of pets that part of their job is to remind us of our own mortality.
Hugs,
Erin
= Give everyone the benefit of the doubt because certainty is a fragile thing that can be shattered by one overlooked fact.
= Give everyone the benefit of the doubt because certainty is a fragile thing that can be shattered by one overlooked fact.
*hugs!* (T_T)
I'm so sorry for the loss of someone who grew into your family. It hurts, I know, and you and yours have my deepest sympathy. I'm glad you were able to soothe the pain that she never really understood, but likely was bearing stoically, as dogs ever do. It's hard for you, but a kindness for her.
Our Scottish Terrier, Angus (my mother is >ever< so imaginative in naming pets -_- ), was with us for about 12 years, and is the wont of that breed, was so intensely loyal it was almost funny to watch. He was insanely suspicious of people who came to the door, and insisted on being there to approve of them before they were allowed inside; once in, he would follow them like a shadow, making sure they didn't threaten >his< family. He was gentle but stubborn, heroically loyal, and he knew his own mind better than anyone--human or animal--I've ever met. By the end he had become so arthritic that we did not notice the onset of cancer until it was far too late to treat. Sadly, and yet deeply, deeply thankfully, I was able to hold a dear friend as he fell asleep and passed on, and felt the tension and pain finally leave him. I miss him terribly to this day nearly three years later. For the first year afterward I could not have fairly dealt with another pet, and since then I have lacked the money (even the surety of enough to pay for food and care) to get another.
I hope you are able to find another animal with whom to share part of your life once you are able. Until then, take your time and remember your Delta. Eventually, you'll be able to smile when you do.
-Liz
By the way, Rotties have been some of the gentlest, nicest
dogspeople I've ever met, and Labs some of the happiest. (^__^)-Liz
Successor to the LToC
Formerly known as "momonoimoto"
Hugs, Grover
At a time like this there is really nothing I can say that will ease your pain. Pets become special people to us because they give us something we all crave - unconditional love and acceptance. When was the last time your pet ever looked at you and said "You aren't going out dressed like that!" Well, maybe a cat, :-) Our pets become more than members of our families, they become co-residents of our heart.
I've had a good cry for your loss while remembering some of my own faithful friends. I don't suggest going right out and getting another, you can't just fill that emptyness in your heart by plugging in a replacement. But someday you will find another friend who will make his or her own way into your heart, and you will find you are once again happy.
I went outside once. The graphics weren' that great.
I too, feel your pain and loss.
Through the time that you and Paula and I have become friends, I grew to know Delta and Zoe (Bill the cat) as well. A year ago, when I had to do the very thing you were forced to do yesterday, you and Paula were there for me through the worst of it. I hope I was able to perform the same function for you.
Grover, your wonderful, touching story helped me get to sleep that first, lonely night after my cat was laid to rest. I wish I was able to do the same for you and Paula, but all I can say is that I am here for both of you. If you need someone to talk to, if you need a shoulder to cry on, if you need someone to get mad at, I'm here, and I always will be.
Be well, my cherished friends. You will meet Delta again, you know that. When you reach that beautiful field and are reunited in love, then you cross the Rainbow bridge, together again, forever.
Hugs and love,
Cathy
As a T-woman, I do have a Y chromosome... it's just in cursive, pink script.
Thank you
Thanks everyone for your kind thoughts and advice.
Hugs!
grover and family
Unfortunately this means my entry for the contest probably won't be completed. Just right at this moment my heart just isn't in it.
Dear Grover,
I think I've felt your pain. On April 20th, we had to have our biggest girl dog euthanized in a local vet's office. Rocky was 14. We held her while she went to sleep then died. I'd never done that before. We were both crying our eyes out.
We then took her body to be cremated. We have her ashes. I was more or less back to regular (I've never been "normal") in a month. Kim is still having major grief, heartache, depression and self-loathing mourning Rocky's death.
I thought about blogging about it here, but I didn't feel up to it. The situation felt too private and writing about it too painful.
Well wishes during both your mourning.
Renee
Hugs and Bright Blessings,
Renee
I feel for the two of you...
This day is comming to us as well... We just don't know when. *sighs*
All my best to you,
Annette
hugs for you both!
I won't go into my whole story, but yes, the same sort of awfulness & tho' 6 months ago it seems so recent. Sigh. My sweet Gojira (the terror of lizards and baby quails) looked just like our little friend in the hat box.
~~~love, Laika
Well shit, I guess it really CAN happen here..,
.
Condolences
Sorry to hear about Delta. Pets become like family to their owners(or tenants if you have cats). In my entire life, I've only once had a pet dog. Cats have been abundant, Sam, Sam II, Missy, Felix, Spike, Cleo, Tenten, Eponine, and Misay. Tenten I had the longest. Tenten was a lap cat, the joke being he never met a woman or Polish priest's lap he didn't like.
The last year he was alive, we didn't have the heart to put Tenten to sleep. A few days after Christmas 2006, he passed away. We all cried.
Einstein described insanity as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting the result to change. Was Albert a reader of TG fiction then?
Daniel, author of maid, whore, bimbo, and sissy free TG fiction since 2000
What the world needs is more geniuses with humility; there are so few of us left.- Oscar Levant
Pets and Final Sleep
Grover,
I sincerely sympathize with you on the hard decision to have you beloved pet's suffering ended. At the age of 11, she has had more than likely lived a full life and from your words she was loved. I too had to end the suffering of a pet over three years ago. But the thing that made it harder on me was the fact I hadn't even had her a year before she was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor. She was 13 1/2 months old when I had to put her to sleep. It was like taking a 7 year old child into a doctor and having it put to sleep because it had cancer. I know it is a bad example but that is how I felt. She had been suffering horribly for three months before I had to end it. I loved her as my child and was devastated to have to do that to her. She never got a to live a full life, unlike your pet. I still pine for her since I really do miss her. I replaced her two months later with a new pup, but she will never really be forgotten for the rest of my life. Even when my current daughter passes, I will be saddened by the passing. If you love your pet, you will know the agony of the passing regardless. When I had Sophie put to sleep, I was given the following poem, that I will share with you and everyone else.
Goldie
Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone
here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and
hills for all of 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 animals who had been ill and 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 and
times 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 tighter, but the day comes when one
Suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are
Intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from
The group, 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 together 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 Rainbow Bridge together.
Author unknown