www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall My dog passed away

I know this is unimportant in the realm of things, but my sweetheart and little angel sheltie who has been a wonderful gift from God, was on death's door tonight and suffering (14 1/2 years old) and we had to take her to the emergency veterinary hospital to have her put to sleep. When we got there they said that she was in shock. Most of us in the family were there with her. The house feels so empty. She was such a great part of our lives and our raison d'etre (especially since the children grew up)...I am ofcourse very sad.

Being in the New York area, please don't ask how much the emergency hospital asked for the euthanasia and her general cremation..(we couldn't bring ourselves at 11 p.m. at night to bring her home dead and bury her)...you would not believe it--over three hundred dollars--something that almost put me into a state of total shock!! I wish I knew why vets rip people off so much in this part of the country! No wonder I see animal insurance being pushed so much.

Anyway, thanks for listening. Is it normal for me to be crying so much?

Alice

I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved pet. I don't have pets myself, but my mom absolutely adores her dogs and will be devastated when her 14 year old dog passes away. Of course your grief is normal! Your pet has been an important part of your life for so long and you have loved her. You will be in my prayers tonight.

Elizabeth

Absolutely!
They're such dear pals! And so vulnerable when it comes to the end. You have my prayers for comfort. Their passing leaves a big vacancy in our lives.

Alice

We wept buckets when we realised that our beloved rescued Dalmatian had come to the end of his life . We arranged with our vet when we should bring him in and so got a last evening at home with him - full of love and silly little treats.

The next morning as arranged we took him down when the surgery was empty , Ronan met us and took us all in and we stayed till it was over peacefully .

Yes , I understand what you say about the cost - it hits you at just the wrong moment.

Our pets do become part of our families so of course we grieve for them

Sorry to hear this, Alice.

I think being sad/crying about this is completely normal. It's been a long time, but I was very sad when I was a boy and one of my dogs died.

Alice:

I understand your shock. My doc charged $250 for euthanasia and remains disposal for my 16 year companion, a cat named Moonknight, back in 2005, in Anchorage. If it was under $400, it's really in the correct price range... although on the high end.

And my condolences on your loss.

Alice: The pain is terrible. It is like losing a little child. Read 2 Samuel 12: 2-4
Also, I know that this has appeared here before. It ALWAYS brings torrents of tears to my eyes. Don't know if it will help or not; I hope it does bring you comfort.

Rainbow Bridge
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. Her bright eyes are intent; Her eager body quivers. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her 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....

Sometimes people dismiss our shattering grief over the death of a pet. But GOD doesn't.
I wish this had not happened to you - or to anyone else. I wouldn't wish this kind of pain on my worst enemy.
I sincerely wish you peace and consolation.

Dear Alice:

I am so sorry about your little Shelti passing on. Yes it is normal to go through boughts of crying. Be consoled in the fact the she lived to a ripe old age of fourteen and a half, that is really old for a dog! I am sure she lived a good life. She had the family as her pack, a warm place to sleep, vet care, a roof over her head and the love of those around her. You did her right. These creatures are a gift from God and I will confess that I would be for the worse without mine. They have a boundless ability to love without strings,and accept us warts and all. Yes, to be sure you are going to go through a rough patch. There is no way that you are not going to have deal with a lot of emotions after bonding with her after all of those years.

My prayers are with you.

In Christ:
Einar

Alice,

The loss of a good dog is a loss of a friend. You have my prayers.

Terry

Dear Alice,

In my opinion, a loss of companionship of something that gave such unconditional affection for 15 years is absolutely an understandable reason to be upset. I'm so sorry for your loss!

In my experience, having lost my German Shepherd of 10 years this past spring, the best thing to do is remember the good times you had - and find a new puppy to get sometime soon, if you're so inclined. That's what we did, and it really helped.

The sad part of owning dogs is that their life spans are so much shorter than our that we inevitably lose them. But I think one positive aspect is that, because of their relatively short lives, we can have many throughout the course of our lifetime to own and love!

Alexis

Thank you ALL for your kind words of understanding and wisdom.

It has been a rough night and day...my mom who has lived in our house with us for the last four years is also mourning, and so are my children. I guess it will take some time...

In Christ,
Alice

I will offer a prayer for you.

Prayers.
I still think of my dog who died in November 1990 (a 13 y/o German Shepherd).
They are indeed such special friends/family.
CS

Prayers! I still expect to see my toy poodle Cocoa greet me at the door when I come home from school. I'm a senior in college and I STILL want a dog for Christmas! The loss of a loyal friend and family pet is a truly a sad one.

-Katie