doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Goodbye old friend!

New Years has not started off well for my wife and I. Yesterday, we had to put one of our Springers down. In a selfish way, I was hoping she would pass away during the night to save us the anguish of that final step. But it was not to be so yesterday we said our goodbyes. The sad fact is our other Springer is a litter mate and I fear we will be going through this again all too soon.

I knew you since
first being born,
So many years ago,
But now that dreaded time
has come,
When I have to let you go.

The years went by so fast,
Oh, where did they go,
I would have stopped the clock
had I only known.

So long old friend!

So sorry to hear. It's always tough. Many of us can relate too well.

Yes, so sorry to hear of your loss. It is one of life's toughest decisions.
I too had to have my companion of 8 1/2 years put to sleep due to cancer. I decided it was time Dec. 23rd as he had not eaten or drank anything the day before. When I changed his water hoping he would drink, I noticed it was tainted red.

Max

Very sorry to hear this. It's very hard. Our oldest springer is nearly 15 and we're at about the same point, will have to do it soon. Here are a couple of my favorite pics (scanned) of her.

Jay

Sorry for your loss. They do become a favorite part of our "family" and even of our days. I am sure everyone misses your baby. And we all want to go in our sleep at home if possible. Still we are kinder to our pets than we are to ourselves sometimes as the end. She went with care, dignity and love to a place where she is waiting for you. Better have a few of her favorite treat with you next time you see her.

My father had to have his last golden put to sleep not long ago. At 90+ he is unwilling to start over with a young dog. But living by himself he needs the company so I am looking for another golden for him. Funny when you want an old dog they are in short supply then when you have one at home someone seems to call every few months with one needing a home.

I can empathize fully. I had to have my 14 year 8 month old Lab put to sleep two days before Christmas. Cancer. Fourth one. Doesn't get easier. A shame dogs have such short lives. I'm not going to get another one. Don't want one to outlive me.

Sorry to hear that, Gunsaholic. Many of us have been through it and while its not easy, the grief that you and your family are feeling right now will with time change into a warm, fuzzy feeling of great memories.

Its hard right now because you care. And because you care, your dog was lucky to have you and to have had the kind of life that a hunting dog should.

Oregon outdoor writer of another era said it best in his piece about the loss of a beloved bird dog- In the very first issue of Gun Dog, some while ago, I read it and was touched deeply- "Where to bury a Dog"-- Reading it will not heal the "torn heart- if I can borrow a line from a Kipling poem from the 1890's that deals with the same loss, albeit in a different style--but I have kept it with that issue, as I have kept the collars, tags, whistles and either FDSB or AKC registration papers from: Molly, Dixie, Montana, Duchess, Murphy, Rommel and more recently, Khartoum-- all gone, none forgotten-never!!

I am sorry to hear about your loss Guns. I've lost a lot of beloved hunting partners too. When it comes down to the decision to let nature take it's terrible course or bring things to a peaceful end, only a dog's closest friend can make the call; and it is never easy...Geo

Eyes getting blurry here---had to put down my Lab mix last year--house feels empty--doc says I should go for brisk walks--with what?. Looking for a middle aged dog, since I'm 75, can't handle puppy enthusiasm too well, but all I can find are 2-3 year olds in the shelters.