Losing a dear friend

[BrokenBackJack]

Our chocolate lab Zoey would be 7 on January 15th but we don't think she will make it. About 2 weeks ago we took her to the vet as she had blood in her urine. Figured bladder infection and got some pills and we took her home. Couple days later as we were playing on the floor i felt her glands under her chin and they were really swollen. Took her back into the vet and they did some more tests and sent some in to see what it could be. Vet figured Lymphoma major test came back inconclusive but said more than likely Lymphoma. Vet said she would give her 2 weeks to 6 months max. Well about 10 days later and her glands are huge under chin and between her legs. This morning she is not moving very good at all and you can just see it has taken its toll on her.
This is very hard on us too and hoped i wouldn't have to go through this again as we both get so attached to our pets and they are just like our kids. Few years ago we lost my brides oldest son, then a year later we lost our shih tzu Lacy, now 3 years later we will lose our Zoey. These little buggers have been with me through all of my medical problems and always there to give you love no matter what.
All i know for sure is we won't be getting another pet as it is just tearing our hearts apart. They mean so much to us and we love them dearly but at my age I can't keep going through this. This might sound stupid to some but anyone with pets know what they mean to our family.
I know in the next couple of days we will have to make that dreaded trip to the vet to put her to sleep and i pray to God that she will go peacefully! Zoey has never given us any problems other than barking at people when they come to the door but being raised on the farm before moving to town that was a good thing. Many good memories and i don't want our dear little friend to suffer no matter how hard it will be on us.
Give your loved ones all the love you can as it comes to an end way too soon as life is way too short!

 

[johnr]

Sorry to hear, I put one of my Labs down at about that 7 year old mark. Still think about him from time to time.

 

[Downrigger]

Very sorry to hear.

 

[fish-r-man]

My condolences, there is nothing harder than letting a good friend go.

 

[Kurtr]

That sucks just went through it and has to be one of the hardest things a guy has to do even when you know it is the right decision. Sorry man

 

[NDSportsman]

That sucks to hear. My pets are my kids and it hurts like hell to lose them.

 

[LBrandt]

Tears shed and prayers sent. I know what its like and it brings back memories. Why cant they live as long as us?

 

[Retired Educator]

Fully understand how you feel. What is ultimately your choice about a new dog don't forget this, "Every pet has brought you a huge amount of memories. Does the love of your dog overcome the grief you are feeling?" Only you and your wife can answer that question. Memories do serve a purpose.

 

[WormWiggler]

My heart aches for you, it is the worst part of pet ownership. They give you their all, sometimes I think if they gave less maybe they could stay longer. Take some credit knowing you gave your pet the love he gave you..

 

[luvcatchingbass]

Sorry to hear.

 

[Rowdie]

I put my down my first dog a year ago last June. I'm not sure she would have made it another day. She had went blind, and had a kidney disease. She was struggling to breath and couldn't eat or drink. It was hard, but seeing her suffer was worse. She was 13 and very smart. Not hyper like my other springers. She never chewed anything up. She did hitchhike to Bismark once while out fishing. Well worth the memories, but if the grief of the loss is getting to be too much then thats for every owner too decide. I have a 10 year old male that acted like a pup until last summer when we got a another pup. This new pup is a typical springer. Its going to suck in a few years as the old guy is finally starting to show his age. I got two male cats out of the same litter that are a year younger than the old dog, they will be missed too. They've given us some laughs too. They take all the other dogs out of our yard. Sounds like someone is killing a dog lol, and when I go to the door, the cats are all fluffed up and dogs are heading out. But they cuddle that 10 year old springer like its their best friend. He growls at them to leave him alone, they don't listen.

 

[Walleye_Chaser]

Really hurts to read that. So sorry for your loss. Just remember they will no longer be in anymore pain. And I believe they love you just as much as you love them.

 

[Lapper]

Making that decision is the last great show of love we give our pets. So good for them, so damn hard for us. Prayers of peace headed your way!

 

[ndfinfan]

So sorry to hear, completely agree that our pets truly are part of our family. Next to losing a child, spouse, parent, or close friend...losing a dearly loved pet is heartbreaking. Thinking about/praying for you and yours.

 

[guywhofishes]

Ouch - that sucks. Sorry to hear that.

 

[Captain Ahab]

I was in your shoes two years ago. My buddy would have just turned 8 about a week ago. I fed him a whole bag of beef jerky on the ride to the vet and cried all the way home. Best wishes.

 

[Jigaman]

I have a almost 13 year old golden retriever that is basically our first child. Dreading that day like no other. Sorry to hear this BBJ.

 

[snow]

Dang I knew I should'nt opened this thread...You'll do the right thing Jack,as hard as it is its the best thing you can do for your pup,can't let her suffer anymore than she has already.Be strong my friend.

 

[nytebyte]

They are one of the family-Sorry to hear that.

 

[gonefshn]

I think NDA should create a separate section for us to pay tribute to our past beloved friends.