Tomorrow Will Be A Tough One

[Jimd]

I type this with tears in my eyes. Tomorrow, I have to put down our beloved Welsh Corgi, Charlie. The cancer is just too advanced, and his breathing is so labored, we just can't bring ourselves to allow him any more suffering.

God, why is this so difficult!! Every time I'd look at him today, the tears would come. Explaining it to my 5-year-old daughter wasn't easy, either; my wife took care of a lot of that this morning. But this afternoon, we all had a cry session, and it's really tough when she says, "Daddy, I don't want Charlie to go to heaven yet." It rips my heart out. My 14-year-old is also pretty upset, as is my wife. But the little one is really tearing me up.

We got Charlie 11 years ago, on the day that my wife had her first miscarriage, which makes this all the more sentimental.

Guys, the hour of dread is 0900 tomorrow (Wed.), so I humbly ask that anyone who wants to, please pray for us and for Charlie. I don't often ask for prayers, but this one will be tough, I'll be going it alone. My wife can't bear it, and I won't subject my children to it.

[nathan310]

That's so sad!:(

I'm sorry to hear that.

[jeff189]

My condolences to you and your family.

[KSDbass]

Your family and dog are both in my prayers.

[The Mastiff]

Hang in there Jim. I held my girl Jack russell in my arms as she went to sleep. I owed her that much for all the love and good times she provided me and my family.

Make charlie feel loved and protected his last waking moments as he is drifting off to sleep ( two stage process)

It is one of the toughest things to do, but you owe them the best you've got.

Don't forget to tell him to hang around heaven and wait untill you get there to find him. Joe

[WhyNot]

Jim,
I went through the same thing with my collie almost three years ago. She was with us for for almost 13 years. We got her when she was just a few weeks old...Still do not have guts to get another dog.
What helped me to get through was a thought that unlike people dogs have a chance to be spared from suffering when pain becomes unbearable. This is the best you can do for Charlie right now.
Take care,
Mark.

[silverback]

I feel your pain!
We had to put one of our cats to sleep in March, it was damn hard.
You are in my thoughts.

[dialex]

Dear Jim,
We've been together in this Forum for how long? More than I can remeber anyway. You shared with us your stories and your art. You told us about many of your friends to whom, lust like you, life wasn't too kind.
And now fate seems to give you another blow. A dog is one of the best man's friends God ever created. He fills your lives with his unconditioned love and devotion. All he ever wants is some food, a pet and the privilege to stay with you. I know you will always remeber him fondly and for Charly, in his simple animal mind, this is enough.
We'll keep you, your familly and Charlie in our prayers.

[Dr. Snubnose]

Prayers sent for you and your family Jim....Doc

[The Deacon]

Jim, your family will be in my thoughts and prayers today. As someone who has "been there", I know how difficult making that decision can be, but can assure you that Charlie will feel no pain.

[224477]

11 years make a time one becomes a family member, for sure. Sorry to hear about your loss.

[EarthDog]

Jim,

I'm so sorry to read of your family's pain and loss.

God bless you for having the courage to stand by your friend.

[Hannibal Lecter]

My Dear Jim,

Prayers sent - PM incoming... :(

--------
Hannibal

[spydutch]

I feel very sorry for you and your familiy Jim.

Went through this a couple times myself so I know your pain buddy.

Take care and hang in there man.

[tonydahose]

sorry for the loss of one of your family members, for he is one. at least he will go out with you being there for him. take care.

[snuffaluff]

awe heck man... I hate this type of thread as it makes me sad as well. Prayers sent on this tragic day for your family.

Do you have plans on another pup soon?

[Jimd]

Thank you guys so much, I'm so blessed to have you for friends.
Charlie went peacefully and quickly this morning. I took him to McDonald's and bought him a saugsage mcmuffin with egg and he enjoyed his last meal. We talked for a while and I told him I was sorry for the not-so-nice things I'd ever done to him (thankfully, those were very few and far between). I think he forgave me.

The vet was really super, very soothing and caring. It was over in less than a minute, and I cried like a school girl.

My kids are taking it extremely well; my wife and I explained everything about this several times. I'm amazed at how reslilient our 5 year old is. It reminds me how blessed we are to have both of our children.

Charlie-Boy, I always will miss you! You'll always be our Top Dog, and nothing will ever replace that. I'm glad I could be there, holding you, as you took the leap into your next adventure. I just with the Goddamned tears would stop!!

[Tank]

I saw this thread a little late. :(:(Sorry for your loss Jim, that is the toughest thing to do but from what you said the best thing for Charlie, I wish you and your family the best and prayers sent.

[David Lowry]

Thank you guys so much, I'm so blessed to have you for friends.
Charlie went peacefully and quickly this morning. I took him to McDonald's and bought him a saugsage mcmuffin with egg and he enjoyed his last meal. We talked for a while and I told him I was sorry for the not-so-nice things I'd ever done to him (thankfully, those were very few and far between). I think he forgave me.

The vet was really super, very soothing and caring. It was over in less than a minute, and I cried like a school girl.

My kids are taking it extremely well; my wife and I explained everything about this several times. I'm amazed at how reslilient our 5 year old is. It reminds me how blessed we are to have both of our children.

Charlie-Boy, I always will miss you! You'll always be our Top Dog, and nothing will ever replace that. I'm glad I could be there, holding you, as you took the leap into your next adventure. I just with the Goddamned tears would stop!!

Jim,

I'm sorry I'm late to the thread. I'm glad that it was over quickly and that you got to be there.

It's difficult to hold a friend you love in your arms while the life goes away. I know personally how difficult this is. It's wierd and sometimes it seems that you feel the life leaving.

Remember and cherish the good times you had. Animals are wonderful friends.

Later bud!

[Agent Starling]

Prayers sent, jimd. I read this posting yesterday but I had no idea what words to say. I'm glad you made it through this alright, and condolences for your dear canine friend. At least you know in your own heart that what you did was for the best.

Agent Starling

[devildogsniper]

sorry to hear you feeling down there jimmy oleboy.... just rember the good times

[Davis61381]

Jim,

So sorry to hear about your loss. I know the feeling, we just put down out 13 year old husky mix last Monday. It's a tough time and you are in my thoughts.

[TheKnifeCollector]

Oh dear!! I am deeply sorry to hear about this. My heart and prayers go out to Charlie, you, your wife and dear sweet children.
I am also going to include a poem that HAS helped me during difficult times like this. I hope it helps you and your family.


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 the 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 together, 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...

[Lost Jaguar]

Dear friend, I sympathize with you deeply. I have seen several of my animal companions go before me. It is never easy. I'm afraid most of the grief will be with you a while, then it will fade and be replaced with happy memories. But there will always be a little tiny bit of pain, just enough for you to remember how special that particular dog was. You will also be a little bit stronger, and so will your family. Our lives are marked with profound pain and immeasurable beauty. It seems we can't have one without the other. I hope you will reach that point soon where your friend is a pleasant memory.


And!

There is another dog out there, waiting for you to make him part of your life, and to add trememdously to yours.

Good luck!