Thread: Farewell old friend

My older dog GWP Burl has lost most of the use of his back legs. Sadly he is also losing his quality of life and although we worked hard together pulling him out of holes, uneven ground, the river, up steps and lots of other things to allow him to hunt and fossick, the awful reality is that he is continually now at risk of an accidental and unpleasant demise. Sadly, I have had to make the awful decision to end it. Today he still happily gnaws on a bone and enjoys his feed and a short walk, albeit with me supporting him from falling and helping him to get upright in order to move. Burl wants mostly to be right by me at all times now and is distressed if I move away.

So today I have prepared his grave and tomorrow morning will see his final release. The hundreds of miles trekked together, pheasants, ducks, geese, deer and quail we have hunted together and the humour along the way, over the past 14 years will never be erased from memory.
I grieve. Burl is special. Good dogs become a part of our lives and spirit.
I hope he understands.

I pushed the "like" button, not because of what has to happen, but to acknowledge what has to be done...I took an old dog of mine to the vet this week after it's kennel mate gave it a bit of a towel up, nothing major, or so both the vet and I thought, vet gave it a shot of antibiotics and another of anti inflammatory, all seemed good...one hour later the dog vomited and died...gone, just like that.

condolences and rip Burl you will be free forever soon

I'm sure he will understand.

Sorry for tomorrows loss.

A much loved pet leaves a real crater in the heart when they go, the more so if it's your responsibility to do the deed.

Nodding. I have an old girl who has been a great companion for nearly 12 years, and the “quality of life” discussion is now happening. It’s never an easy one. We can only treasure their unconditional love, and give our dogs the respect of some dignity in their final days.

That's tough Woody. They have such short lives and give so much. We wish it could last for ever but know it can't.

You have made the decent decision. You are a good and caring man.

I too feel your pain...such a shame mans best friends life span is so short.

In the end you have to do what is best for your best mate and you are doing that.

I never shed a tear at my Grandads or Grandmothers funerals and we were close. But I bloody balled my eyes out all the way home while the wife drove when I had my last best mate put down.

That's how strong the bond is between dog and man.

Kia Kaha.

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All the best Woody, bloody tough call and a day we all dread. Memories last forever, bloody shame our mates / companions don't.

Hard mate, really hard. Men do cry, dont be afraid to. Best wishes during your hard time ahead.

dont be afraid mate, you gave it your all. i just came back from usa to find my dog in worse hell. $500 in worse days and fear its the worst. its no pedigree but he has helped me thru the last years of injury and paralysis and pain.
real men do cry cos i am typing this while he is at my feet. and i am already blubbering like an idiot

all my best.

I don’t even know him but I’m crying.

Woody, this is the day as a dog owner I dread the most. It never gets any easier and I always swear it will be the last time but life without dogs is an empty place.

THE LAST BATTLE (aka If It Should Be) – Author Unknown

If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this last battle can’t be won.

You will be sad I understand,
But don’t let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn’t want me to suffer so.
When the time comes,
Please, let me go.

Take me to where my needs they’ll tend,
Only, stay with me until the end.
And hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree,
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don’t grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do
We’ve been so close – we two – these years,
Don’t let your heart hold any tears

I've had to make the decision a couple of times. I got the vet to use the blue juice rather than do it myself.
My only regret was that I should have made the final decision earlier for one of my mates.

I hope I am years away from this but thoughts are with you, mines only been with me a quarter of what you’ve done with Burl and I’m dreading it . But I’m sure he has no complaints.

Losing them is the only down side of dogs. How many of us can have that said about us when we push off I wonder. All the best for your remaining time.