My dog died today
By mdesigning
@mdesigning (345)
Netherlands
January 5, 2009 2:08pm CST
Hi all,
I had a German sheppard as dog, usually they get 10-12 years old but mine was almost 13 years old! A few days ago with all the fireworks we left him in the hallway, where he always stays. Although he ran upstairs and hided there in a very small hall. It's very dark there too.
So we thought he couldn't stay there, because of his age he's too old and eventually could do his thing right there where we all could step in. So we called him to come downstairs. He struggled on the stairs and fel down, making a backflip and landed on the ground. He always had a difficult time to walk properly because of his weak hips.
Since then he has been sleeping alot. Yesterday he sat in front of me and gave me his paw, which he hasn't for years. I think he tried to say goodbye. So today we all decided to take him to the vet. Usualy he never allows anyone to pick him up but today he didn't bother anymore. We lift him in the car and drove him to the vet and put him asleep.
3 people like this
24 responses
@OOHCUTE2340 (761)
• United States
5 Jan 09
Oh, mdesigning, I am so sorry for your loss, pets are such an integral part of life. They teach us so much about ourselves and unconditional love. I know it must have been a very painful and difficult decision to have your friend put to sleep. But when the quality of life of our pets is in question it is the most loving and positive thing to do for them and for yourself. May your pets memories live in your heart, and when the pain of the loss subsides may you find a new companion not to replace the one lossed, but to begin again another loving friendship with our animal friends. Be safe, be happy, and joyful == oohcute2340
@Reesers (1387)
• United States
5 Jan 09
I'm so sorry for your loss. I had to put my 12 year old cat to sleep just recently. It was Christmas Eve, in fact. I know it's not an easy decision but it sounds like he had a long and happy life. It sounds like he knew and I agree that he was trying to say goodbye.
Lots of hugs to you and your family.
3 people like this
@annkenline (337)
• United States
5 Jan 09
I send you my deepest sympathy. Pets are a part of the family too. It was so hard and sad I bet. You can only think of the good memories you have!!!
1 person likes this
@MementoMori (237)
• Canada
5 Jan 09
It's always so sad to have to put a dog to sleep...I'll never forget when our family had to do so...I was 15, and so was our dog...My family got the dog right after I was born, so to me he was like a brother almost...Sounds weird, I know....
@yoursonlyurs (394)
• India
5 Jan 09
my deepest condolance to your family members and U.
a great miss at the start of the year
no words to console U....
@rowantree (1186)
• United States
6 Jan 09
I'm so sorry for your loss. It sounds like he was very well loved and that he loved you very much. I'm glad he had such a wonderful life with you and your family.
@Margajoe (4747)
• Germany
5 Jan 09
Sorry to hear that.
Though you did the right thing.
He did try to say good-bye.
Sounds to me like he was grateful too.
And now he has his peace.
No more pains in his hips and he had a good age.
Which means he had a good home.
Take care.
@TessWhite (3146)
• United States
6 Jan 09
I'm so sorry for the lost of your dog. I too had to have my german shepherd Shiloh put to sleep two months ago. Its hard losing a dog we are that attached to. Mine was only 7, but he had struggled with health problems since birth. They had told us he would live to be 5 to 7 years old. I'm glad you had so many good years with your dog, and glad he isn't suffering any more, just as mine isn't.
@srikool (936)
• India
7 Jan 09
:-(...so sad to know about this..dont feel for this..i too love dog the more..i too had the smae experiance i know what is the stage of your mind now..while i was in my village i had lot experiance with these kind of pet animals..thye are so cute and brilliant ..we cant forgot them in our life..have a good time
@ladynetz (968)
• Canada
6 Jan 09
That's so sad.
I have lots of sympathy for you, as this is not an easy thing to do , to put him to sleep.Even though I think he was good with the idea, and he was prepared for it. Dogs feel everything, without you telling them.
Now, you have to buy a puppy, to fill in the empty spot.
That's what I learned.
Of course, after a "mourning" time.because I'm sure you got attached very much to your dog.
@kheyashis (22)
• India
6 Jan 09
It is Very sad news mdesigning. what was it's name?
A pet dog is a family member too, - I think so.
So I feel sorrow 4 u & ur family too.
@aks0309 (9)
• India
6 Jan 09
hey friend
my heart felt condolences to you. I can only say that be strong as a loss of a loved one can only be overcome with time. Time is a great healer and i think that even if you lost your german shepherd,you should remember him by the good times you spent with him.
take care
God Bless
@stargazerzoom (28)
• Philippines
6 Jan 09
Oh its sad, i hope your dog did a great influence on your life. Take Care.
@lingli_78 (12822)
• Australia
6 Jan 09
my deepest condolences to you and your family... it is not easy whenever there is a member of the family passed away even though it is only a dog... but i think you did the right thing to ease his pain rather than prolong the sufferings if you didn't put him to sleep... i hope you and your family will be able to get over the grieving process soon... take care and have a nice day...
@mikeysmom (2088)
• United States
6 Jan 09
my sympathies to you for your loss. it is so hard to lose a member of your family. i hope you will always remember the good times you had together.
@chiaeugene (2225)
• China
6 Jan 09
it is really sad to hear it and the loss of your dog. i guessed he must has been a part of the family since it was with you for so many years. i used to have one too when i was a student and i was really attached to it. so i can understand your feelings and sadness and the sudden loss. now i think the family would suddenly feel empty for a while and i think maybe you can consider getting another
@cocooreo (705)
• Malaysia
6 Jan 09
My sincere condolence you and to your family. It so hard to see one of the family member leaving. I feel sad too. I do cherish every day that I have now with my family as well as my dogs as I do not know when will be the day that we will have to say good bye.
@morningstar369 (495)
• United States
6 Jan 09
I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like your dog had a very good and long life. I can say to you that your sweet dog was saying goodby to you. You did the right thing as it seems he was in pain and there comes time when your pet gives you a certain look which says, "I do not want to do this anymore". I think that pet owners need to realize it is not about us, when our pets are sick and everything has been done, whether it is old age or illness, it is about them and what is best for them. Bless you for thinking about your beloved dogs best interest. It isn't an easy thing and I always feel really bad about it, it is necessary to help them out of pain.
