Lab being put down Saturday

[svttom01]

I really don't know what to say. My first dog will be put to sleep this Saturday. I am really speechless and full of emotion and thought all at the same time. I am quite saddened but I know as well as my family, that it's time for him to go. His hips are shot and I can only be thankful he made it to 13 (he's a black lab). I really don't know how I'm going to take it. How have you folks coped? I have a couple other labs (with my folks for the time being) and have contemplated buying a new pup fairly immediately to love and cherish. Any ideas on making things easier would be welcomed. Thanks.

[PikeBayCommanche]

It is a tough thing but something that is always inevitable. If you love dogs you will find another one to be your familys new best friend. Your new dog hopefully will remind you of all the great times with your previous pal. Dogs are amazing pets and don't see me without one for the rest of my life.

[FishandFowl]

It will be a week ago friday that we put our chessie down. a difficult thing to do. He was 12yrs old and had cancer (lymphoma). I still look for him when I come home from work or get up in the morning. He always seemed to be right there to greet me.

The house will seem empty but know that it is far better that the dog does not suffer. It sounds like you had alot of good years with the dog cherish them and know that you gave the dog a good life.

We were there when bailey was put down I thought it would be very difficult but found it surprisingly peaceful. knowing he would no longer be in any pain. The vet was very sympathetic and waited until we were ready and said our last goodbye's. He won't be my last dog but he was a great hunting buddy and family member.

You kind of know that it is just time.

FnF

[huntmup]

01, I feel your pain, I had to put my first dog down 13 years ago do to cancer. We hunted together for 9 yaers. She lived a little past 10 years. That was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I still wellup thinking about her.

I did not think I would get another dog for awhile. About 6 weeks later a friend was looking for a home for his 6 month old chocolate lab. I took one look at him and said he's mine. What a great hunting partner and pal. He will be 13 years old in July.

At 9 years old he developed a degenerated disk and it mest up his back legs so he could on longer hunt. He's happy, full of love, and not showing any pain. So now he is just my pal. I don't even want to think about the DAY, but it will probely be sooner then later. He is 13 and he did hunt HARD for 9 years. Dam the flood gates the river is flowing. What can I say, I love my Dogs.

I did have to fill that void I had with no hunting partner. So the following fall I found a 9 month old yellow British Lab that was started. What an awsome hunting partner. He is 3 1/2 years old now. I keep telling my wife he will need a kennel buddy when Stinger is gone. That will need a little more work.

I guess I will also always have to have a dog.

Now on the light side. My wife said to me one day, you spend more money on the dogs then you do on me. I looked at her and without missing a beat I said, Well dear if you retrieved the birds as good as the dogs do I would spend more money on you to.

Well my kennel buddys are waiting I better go.

Never foreget a dogs love is unconditional.

Dan

[LABS4ME]

I feel your pain... I've walked that road in the past, and I know I will be on it agian in the near future. I have an almost 13 year old and an 11 year old...

Cheerish the memories of your dog, put a picture up of him in a prominant place. Don't rush into another pup... there is plenty of time for that, look long and hard to find a suitable pup to stand in for your old dog, that is the best honor you can give your old dog... that the pup you are getting to fill his shoes, was chosen to "fill his shoes"!

Good Luck!

Ken

[fishroger]

Its a tough deal. You know when you get a puppy that some day you will have take them to the vet to be put to sleep. Its a terrible feeling. I had to put down my 14 year old dog last year, it had tick disease and started having bad siezures and I didnt want it to be in pain, I had no choice. It licked my hand as the vet put it to sleep. I still think about it. Got a pup two weeks ago, a yellow lab. Its full of it and keeps me busy. It uses the old dogs beds and toys. Im looking forward to walking the fields and forests and hunting with my new dog, but I never forget my old dogs and the good times we had, there great companions.

[Harmonica Bear]

I sympathize with your situation, I’ve been there. It’ll be sad and hard that’s just the way it is. You know you are doing the right thing and what’s best for your bud and that is what is most important during this time. Remember the good times as well as the bad, because they aren’t so bad now. You’re a dog guy, you’ll get another and you’ll know when the time is right. My heart goes out to you and your family. HB.

[jigging-matt]

Sorry for what you have to go thru. Had to put my 14 year old Basset down last October. One of the hardest things I've had to do. Looked at dogs for a while, but the wife said no more dogs. A couple of weeks ago we went to look at some puppies and came home with a new Brittany Pup. Couldn't be happier. Sometimes the right dog just finds you. Don't rush to get a new one, you'll find the right one when you are ready.

[lawdog]

01 I just lost my beloved Buster in February so I can totally relate to how rotten it feels. I still think of him often, in fact, have to plan his ash burial now that the thaw is on. I don't think there is anything that makes it better but time...

Feel for ya dude.

[bigdog]

Had the unfortunate experience of doing this a couple times and after years you still miss them. But, you forget their mistakes and they all shine in your memory.

You need to think ahead now as to what to do afterwards.. They have some nice urns available. Mine are in a Walnut model with a picture holder on the front, so I can kept them near. My last one, they made a plaster cast of his paw for me. Kinda nice to have as I look at it tonite. Each to his own, but you need to figure this part out ahead if time

You have my sympathy, I hope I don't sound blunt, this is tough to write.

[setterguy]

Really sorry to hear about your friend. I am not looking forward to the day when my buddy has to go, he is 11 and still full of energy so I hope I have a little more time....Condolences .

[burl]

My first lab made it 13 years before he got to the point he could not get up and walk any more,was realy hard bringing him to the vet to put him down.He was a once in a lifetime hunter that people talk about,was the first dog i trained from a pup.Wish i would have got his ashes from the vet and placed at some of the slews we hunted.My last dogs i have pictures and some videos to remember them by.Burl.

[fishnhooks]

svttom01,

My thoughts are with you. How are you doing?

"hooks"

[svttom01]

The weekend was pretty rough, thankfully I had one of my other labs with me to keep me company and cheer me up at home. I know I don't post here a lot, but I check the forum regularly and definitely appreciate all of the thoughts and prayers.

[delmuts]

it sucks when one has to do that. ( i did it a year ago) as with loosing any family member,time is the best thing.even with a new puppy, you will find yourself thinking back to your other dog for a while.just hang in there, anad keep looking forward to all the great times you will have with the other dogs or your next puppy! del