For those dog lovers, you should be able to relate. Back in Aug 92 my wife and I tied the knot. In early 93 we went to the Iowa Animal Rescue and found Dylan (we named him after Bob). He was estimated to be 9 mths old at that time and was a stray.

Actually, I was looking at big dogs and Karen said "Hey Randy, come look at this little cutie." I told her I would be over that way in a bit. Our neighbors had big dogs, English Pointers, and for some reason I wanted a big dog...

When I finally made it over to that area, Dylan's little black nose was sticking through the small cage and his puppy brown eyes won us over. We were lucky, as when we started checking him out and filling out the paper work, 2 other families inquired about him.

He has been the best dog, and was our first kid. Those dog owners will understand...

Anyway, he is now 18, and up until about a year ago, he could still jump up on our King bed that was very high. About 10 years ago he used to like jumping up on our pool table.

Health wise we have been very lucky. He has never really been to the vet for anything serious, besides his yearly checkups. I highly recommend people consider mix breeds, as they tend to have less issues than pure bread dogs.

We think he has a little dachshund in him, and possibly terrior or other collie breed.

Anyway, this last year he has slowed up a bit. In our last vet appt. they mentioned that he had lost a lot of weight and his kidney function test had gotten a little worse since the last visit. On a scale of 5 where 5 is kidney failure, he is like 2.5. The bad thing is that he just won't eat hardly anything anymore, and won't drink water as much. He is starting to drewl a little, which is normal for dogs where their kidneys don't work at 100%.

We have even tried people food; rice, chicken, mash potatoes, at the vets recommendation, and while it worked the first few days, now he does not want that either...

I think it is only a matter of time. We may have to make the decision to put him to sleep, which will be very hard for me...

Thanks for listening, it means a lot...Randy

Very sorry to hear this, Randy.

Awww, sorry Randy.

That sucks...... Sorry Randy.

Losing dogs is probably the greatest tragedy I've experienced so far. The people I've known who have passed I haven't really been that close to, but on the other hand, the dogs I've lost have been part of the family. It's rough stuff, but at least you can know you gave your friend a life full of love.

Our first child was a back yard breeder Golden. He was the best. He lived to 15. He got cancer. Dec 27, 2002 - he could not get up. I took him to the vet and she said it was time. She, me, the tech were all bawling. In fact I am tearing up so bad now....I have had to stop typing 3 times......Yep, Dog Lovers get it....

During a recent, and simular conversation, a freind of mine told me he'd rather put his old lady down than his dog, and he really loves his wife. I believe him.

I grew up on a farm and was raised with many dogs (some smart enough to actually gather cows with nearly no supervision).
This is one of the very few things that I miss of rural life.

Randy I know what you are going through. I have had 3 whippets in my life and one of them lived to 17. My current one Nikki is 13 and is just starting to decline. I don't know what I will do when I lose her. I am single and my son moved into an apartment of his own 1.5 years ago. Since then Nikki is all that I have as a daily companion. It will kill me to lose her, but I feel good knowing I have taken very good care of her.

I look forward to reuniting with all of my animals some day, and I believe that will happen.

I'm with you all on this one guys. In addition to the FOUR dogs we currently have, we have lost two in the last five years each being just a few months short of seventeen. It was their time but it certainly didn't make it any easier and we still miss them both terribly.

All I can say is read and remember the "Rainbow Bridge".

Hey Randy:
I certainly know what you're going through...we put Gus to sleep last August and I can't say I'm really used to the house being so empty as of yet. I won't say more about my own situation as I don't want it to take away from yours, but feel free to PM me if you wish. I've PM'd with some other dog lovers over the last several months.

I posted this in the "quotes" thread not long ago, but will re-post it here in case you missed it:

Blessed is the person who has
earned the love of an old dog."
- Sydney Jeanne Seward

I'm sorry Randy. My wife's best friend growing up was her German Shepperd. My wife was holding her when she finally had to put her down as an adult since she had the dog for 16 years. I feel so bad for you.

Sorry Randy. The problem with love is when you lose the object of your affection you are left with a gaping wound.

Dogs have souls. Your friend will return to the humming bubbly of the ontological everything. You'll go there too, someday.

Sorry to hear about this Randy, but I’m glad you felt you could share it with us. It makes this more of a community than just some internet forum.

Wow, 18 years. Dylan has had a full life. Its been a long time, but I still remember when I had to do the same for the dog I grew up with. Tis a hard thing indeed.

That really sucks, sorry to hear that Randy.

Thanks guys, Dylan is sitting on my lap resting peacefully right now. I gave him a little water using a medicine seringe as he has not be drinking much at all. The last thing I want is for him to suffer, and I know if he goes like this for another day of no eating or drinking, he will start to suffer.

The vet said Friday that his is very anemic right now, and he just has no energy and can't move to fast anymore. His back legs aren't what they used to be...

The whole family was just sitting around and kinda saying goodbye to him, the kids, as are me and Karen are having a tough time. But, we know it is for the best.

I will most likely take him to the vet tomorrow to put him to sleep. We plan to have him cremated, the guy that does it is very ethical. I was concerned I would not get Dylan back, but have no worries now. Takes a few days. We plan to get a nice box or something to put him in...

Thanks much everyone, it means a lot to me...

ps: when it rains it pours, as most of you know our sump pump failed the other day and our finished basement carpet/pad looks like we will have to rip it all out...there goes the Porterplex.

Much sympathy here bro'. I've been through this exact thing too many times myself.

Getting a pet is future heartbreak for sure. That's the reason I have none at the moment. At this point, I would rather have a kid. Hopefully they would outlive me.

But the joy animals bring into your life is really worth it when all is said and done.

You rescued that little creature and gave him a loving home and a great life. He will always be a part of you and your family. More people need to rescue animals from shelters rather than buy from pet stores.

He was a lucky dog.

Sorry to hear the sad news. Sounds like you have provided a very good life for him though.

So sorry to hear this, Randy. Our 'engagement' dog is 10 this year. She's a bit bigger than Dylan, so I doubt she'll last 18 years. You're lucky to have shared so much time with your dog. Enjoy the last days or weeks with him.

Randy, your post was very moving, and the many replies are just as touching. I like 2x6's spiritual philosophy. And grunt hit the nail on the head.

It sucks that love can lead to pain, but you will have a lifetime of good memories, and as has been said, you can take pride/comfort that you gave him a good life.

Ya its like losing a family member, its sad. My last dog was a pitbull. He was raised with kindness and was a very gentle dog. I socialized him with other animals and lots of people so he was entirely different than what people think of a pitbull, all the neighborhood kids loved him. He died after 14 years, a sad day.
Theres a movie out now called "Hachi", about a man and his dog. Its a very sad tale, but worth watching.

Randy, I'm sorry to hear about Dylan. Pets have always been part of my family, too, and it hurts losing them.

Well said, Mark.

Randy,
Mark is right - I did not mean to take away from your situation talking about mine. I have been where you are and my thoughts are with you......Rob

Yes; all dogs go to Heaven.

I'm very sorry to hear about this Randy, we've been through it before and we know we'll go through it again with our current dog, it really hurts.

Chin up!

Randy, I'm sorry to hear this. I know this is a hard thing to go through and please know that you and you family have my deepest sympathies.

-Dave

Sorry to hear. Losing my lab a few years ago was pretty tough.

Randy, I'm very sorry to hear about Dylan. It is one of the toughest things anyone can go through. If you and your family can handle it, stay with him until the very end, make sure he sees you and he knows that you are by his side.

Randy, your story is a truly touching one. I am still saddened by the strange emptiness in our house since having to put our dog down roughly a month ago. It's as if the entire spirit of our home has changed but it's slowly getting better. Although you never forget a best friend.

I'm one of those people that Mark spoke to recently. He was nice enough to share his experience in such a candid and understanding way that it truly helped us to realize we were doing a good thing for him and it also helped us through the day. I say "us" because his messages were so thoughtful and well thought out that I asked him if my wife could read them too because I knew she needed every little piece of help through the experience as well. I never thanked Mark publicly here because I wasn't sure if he wanted to share this with everyone but since he has now mentioned it, I feel better in telling everyone how much I appreciated his efforts.

I know I could never articulate myself as well as he did, but if you would like to chat, I would be more than happy to share what I can.

Thanks for all the kind words everyone, the family is gathering right now before I take Dylan to the vet and help him leave this earth. He has been resting on our lap resting since yesterday, only getting up a few times. He seems to be resting comfortably for now. God help me through what I'm about to do....

Sending positive thoughts your way... Courage...

Very sorry to hear, Randy.

Our two cats are very much our 'children' at this point, and I know how upset I will be when the time comes . . .

Take solace in that you're doing the right and humane thing for Dylan. There's no reason to watch your best friend suffer. He's off to a better place.

And the basement. Sheesh. As if you didn't have enough to deal with... Good luck with that too.

Good luck and peace to you and your family.

Sorry to hear about your dog Randy, but it really is for the best. My family never had any dogs long enough to have them grow old enough to pass on, we moved too much and it always seemed that with the next move we couldn't bring the dog with us, you and your family have been very blessed.

Maybe this will make you feel better, in human years he is 126 years old, hes had a good life, he will be with you forever.
My grandpa is still alive, still has a sharp mind, but hes almost 100 years old. Everyone in the family knows he could go anytime. He doesnt want us to feel sad when he passes, he wants us to have a party. He says "Ive had a good run"

Randy, a thought I kept making myself go back to was:

"This is inevitable. It sucks, but we outlive our dogs. Doing this is hard, but not doing it won't enable him to live forever. He's going to go before I do, and soon, and nothing can change that. I can only help him to go out without pain and with dignity".

I would hope for the same when it's my time.

I too send my condolences. Anybody who has owned a pet that they have loved understands your pain. Try to take solace in the fact that you clearly gave Dylan a wonderful life and that you are doing what is best for him. He clearly was lucky to have found you and to have chosen you to be his family all these years.

That pretty much says it all.

Randy,

my condolences..Have solace that Dylan had a good life and loved your dearly. You did a good deed to have given him this life.

Randy, I pass along my well wishes. I've gone through the same thing numerous times; most recently with my golden retriever service dog who was with me 24/7. You've given him a great life, and he has reciprocated. If he could expressed his feelings to you verbally, as you are doing to him, his sentiments would be the same.

All the best to you and your family.

Cam

Crap... sorry to hear, Randy...

It'll be tough, but you're doing what's best for him.

Bren R.

Thanks again everyone! Well, it has been a difficult day for the family, but we all do feel better that Dylan no longer suffering. I think he only had a few days, if that, anyway had we let him die on his own. I was not going to let him go through that.

When I took him into the vet this morning I know he was not in any pain or suffering, just very weak from not eating/drinking that last 2-3 days. The rest of the family gave their last prayers, kisses, and goodbyes in the car before I went in for the procedure.

I've had other pets in the past, but have never been present when they put them to rest. I held up pretty darn good, and was able to hold him and look him in the face during his last quick seconds.

Near to where we live in the country, there is a very nice family owned pet cemetary that run a very ethical operation. They have dogs, cats, horses, etc. in the cemetary that rivals many people cemetaries I've seen. Anyway, we are doing a private cremation in which we will get Dylan's ashes back tomorrow in a very nice oak finished box with plaque/picture front that we picked out.

I could not just throw him in a hole in the ground like some do.... take care everyone and thanks again...Randy

I too have had this day, I don't cry for most (human or Dog)they are old, and it's time. I'm not a religious man, but I have to say.. When I put mine to sleep, I saw the "soul" pass from her eyes, I held her thru all, but when the "soul" passed, she was not her anymore but still clinically alive for a while. It was a defining moment in my life and seems as if the only time I cry is reminders of her.

Sorry Randy,
I always take my dogs in and stay with them during their final time. They have always seemed to understand what is going on and they have always seemed to appreciate me being with them. I have planted all three on my parents land under favorite trees and bushes. I don't feel bad because they have all liked the big yard where they are resting. Also when I go down there I have fond memories of them all.

I understand Steve. We considered putting him somewhere on our 3 acres,but we figured someday we might move and we didn't want him to stay or possibly get disturbed someday.

Again, so sorry for your loss. We have three cats, and I gave each one of them a special hug last night. The time we have with our beloved pets is too short. I try to remind myself to appreciate them every day.

Sorry to hear about your loss Randy. My wife and I had to do the same for a pet that she had for 17 years. I agree with your comment about mixed breeds and shelter dogs making the best pets.

Sorry for your loss. I certainly empathized with what you’re going through. I’ve loved all my pets as part of the family. I still remember the day our family first pet was euthanized; I was 9 years old, it was the first time I saw my dad cry ...fond memories in a way.

Hey Randy,

Just checking in to see how you and the family are doing?

Cam

Thanks man, things are ok. Still sad at times, but we feel a lot better that Dylan won't have to suffer and is in a good place now. I just placed a photo of him by his box on our fireplace mantel...

thanks, Randy