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Just had to put my childhood dog to sleep

Discussion in 'Lounge' started by Rocky Raccoon, Aug 14, 2014.

  1. Rocky Raccoon

    Rocky Raccoon Greasepaint Ghost Staff Member

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    She was 15. We got her when she was 3 months old and I've had her ever since I was 13. I pretty much grew up with her.

    Over the last year she was deteriorating. She lost a lot of her sight and her hearing. It killed me every time I would call her name or be around her to play or pet her and she couldn't really hear or see me, but it didn't kill me as much as today did.

    Though it was for the best and it was something I saw coming, it doesn't make it any less painful. I'm just kind of numb right now but I'll surely be crying my eyes out sometime soon. :(

    Thanks for letting me talk about it here. Love you all.
     
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  2. finyank13

    finyank13 Reality Check

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    God Speed RR.....

    What was her name?
     
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  3. Rocky Raccoon

    Rocky Raccoon Greasepaint Ghost Staff Member

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    Alexis. She was always such a good girl too. Never got into any trouble and while shy, was always friendly.
     
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  4. Bpk

    Bpk Premium Member Luxury Box

    So sorry, Rock. Dogs are so loving, sweet and loyal. That's a tough one.

    She's in a happier place now. No pain.


    You know when dogs dream, it's about running, and their legs are moving as they dream? Just know that somewhere up there, she's smiling and running bro. :)

    -hugs-
     
  5. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    sorry mate. remember the good times you had with her and know that she's in a better place now.
     
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  6. SICK

    SICK Lounge Moderator

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    Sorry, brah! It's always hard when losing a friend. Cherish the memories.
     
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  7. The Rev

    The Rev Totus Tuus Staff Member Administrator Luxury Box Club Member

    Sorry to hear that, Rocky,
     
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  8. Stitches

    Stitches ThePhin's Biggest Killjoy Luxury Box

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    How do you know she's in a better place? There's a better place than with the people who loved and cared for her most and for so long?

    I doubt you mean it that way, as it is something many people say as a means of condolences but it seems very presumptuous and even a little insulting when I hear people say it.
     
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  9. SICK

    SICK Lounge Moderator

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    Yeah I hate that too. No one knows, so why say it as fact? It diminishes the decade+ of care and love Rocky and his family gave to that dog.
     
  10. Bpk

    Bpk Premium Member Luxury Box

    Can we not turn this into an existentialist debate about what grinds our own gears and focus on expressing our feelings to Rocky about what he is going through (then just let him decide how he wants to take it)?
     
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  11. Paul 13

    Paul 13 Chaotic Neutral & Unstable Genius Staff Member

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    what i meant was in terms of her last days... when she wasn't doing so well according to Rocky.
     
  12. Ohio Fanatic

    Ohio Fanatic Twuaddle or bust Club Member

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    sorry dude. having gone through that several times, it always sucks. just gotta enjoy them while they are here.

    I've had quite a few dogs. put down one of the best ones ever 7 years ago. Now my all time favorite, male aussie shepherd, is only alive because he's on pregnisone. lost 35 lbs (started at 70). but he's happy. hope to get a few more months before he leaves me. Got my wife's lab mutt that's 13, won't be far behind. Then I have a 7 year old aussie/border collie.
     
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  13. Rocky Raccoon

    Rocky Raccoon Greasepaint Ghost Staff Member

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    Thanks guys. Much appreciated.
     
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  14. unluckyluciano

    unluckyluciano For My Hero JetsSuck

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    losing dogs are always tough. I lost my childhood one a few years back and it was pretty tough for me. Putting her down was probably the most unselfish thing you could do for her. Because she would have unselfishly held on. Hope you feel better.
     
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  15. Rick 1966

    Rick 1966 Professional Hipshooter

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    Sorry man. We had to have a cat we'd had since she was born (she was born in my wife and I's first apartment), over 18 years old, put down last year. It was a lot harder than I thought it would be, but I just thought about how long she'd lived and what a good life we'd given her.
     
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  16. maynard

    maynard Who, whom?

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    Sorry Rocky. My wife and I lost one of our cats a couple of months ago. It's rough
     
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  17. ToddPhin

    ToddPhin Premium Member Luxury Box Club Member

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    Nothing I can really say but major condolences Rocky. That sucks balls. Age schmage, it still sucks massive balls. I'm gonna be feeling your pain in a few months and just the anticipation of it is already killing me, so I wish you the best in coping brother. Group hug for Rocky.
    [​IMG]
    .... at least I think that's a hug.
     
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  18. Rocky Raccoon

    Rocky Raccoon Greasepaint Ghost Staff Member

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    Ugh sorry to hear that. It's a terrible feeling. Best of luck to you. Cherish the time you have left.
     
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  19. ToddPhin

    ToddPhin Premium Member Luxury Box Club Member

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    Thanks man.
    Were you with her for her last moments? That's definitely something I'm not looking forward to.
    I've never really thought about what to do with her after her time comes, and now that I do think about it, I don't like either option TBH as odd as that sounds. It's really weird; I buried my father a few years ago but the actual act of burial never bothered me or crossed my mind; only his passing did. With my cat [who's more like my kid and is still only 7], the thought of burial, actually laying her into the ground myself, is flat out unstomachable for me. I couldn't handle it. What did you decide to do to remember your girl?
     
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  20. Rocky Raccoon

    Rocky Raccoon Greasepaint Ghost Staff Member

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    Yeah, I was there with my mom. 10 years ago I lost another dog I grew up with and wouldn't go see her final moments because I thought it would be too hard, and I still regret it to this day. I made sure not to make that mistake again. She seemed to be at ease and in peace during the final procedure.

    They did a cremation. They're going to send me her ashes in a little wooden box. It's not something a lot of people do apparently, but I felt like having them will always keep a part of her around. I have some pictures saved and I have one in a frame that I keep on my nightstand.
     
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  21. Boik14

    Boik14 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Sorry to hear the bad news Rocky. Im sure you realized you would probably/hopefully outlive her but it doesnt make it easier. I didnt grow up with a dog though I always wanted one and getting one later on when I was on my own probably helped me prepare for that last sentence though Im sure Ill be teared up when little Melo's time is up. Dogs are awesome.

    The good news is when youre ready there are thousands of dogs that would love a good home. So while there wont be another Alexis, there are other dogs who will be equally as friendly and happy.
     
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  22. Rocky Raccoon

    Rocky Raccoon Greasepaint Ghost Staff Member

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    Thanks Boik. Lexi was a Yorkie and we have another Yorkie who just turned 8. I don't think she realizes her sister is gone yet, though. :(
     
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  23. Rocky Raccoon

    Rocky Raccoon Greasepaint Ghost Staff Member

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    Here's Lexi. Not the manliest of dogs, but my best friend nonetheless.

    [​IMG]
     
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  24. Sethdaddy8

    Sethdaddy8 Well-Known Member

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    Sorry about your pup bro. Its a tough time, but you'll eventually be left with just the good stuff. The memories and love.
     
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  25. ToddPhin

    ToddPhin Premium Member Luxury Box Club Member

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    That's reassuring to hear, thanks.

    That's the route I'm gonna take too, as well as keep her ashes for the same reason you mentioned. I'm surprised to hear not many people do it. It's the loss of a beloved family member amiright. I'd argue it's as tough or sometimes even tougher of a loss than an actual family member in some instances, especially if you don't have any kids of your own and have been psychologically conditioned to having your pet with you and there for you every day for years, not judging you, always present through good or bad times and thick or thin. That's a daily routine and accompanying mindset that gets screwed to heck. Prior to my father's passing I saw him like once a month, so my daily routine wasn't dependent on him; however with my Balinese cat, I known I've grown dependent on her existence [just as many do with their pets]- being accustomed to being around her every day, waking up to seeing her in the same spot on my bed every morning, having her chill next to me on the couch while talking to you idiots, watching her pull back the goddam shower curtain to sit on the ledge every time I wash up, knowing she's waiting behind the front door as soon as I open it, or having her sit all day long on the porch in her own chair next to mine during football Saturdays or Sundays when I watch the games by myself from home. To me, it's like a dulled down version of losing a spouse or having a best friend pass away who you see all the time b/c you really do have to get used to life without them ya know. How do you go about changing your routine and creating a new mindset overnight? The thing that got me is, I looked at her yesterday and realized, "She has no idea she has cancer and has less than two months to live even though she's happy as a lark at this very moment". IDK, maybe that's a good thing now that I think of it. Making my f***ing eyes water putting this sh** down on paper man.... but I'm glad you created your thread. I was actually thinking of creating one for this very subject last night but decided against it [since a lot of people don't understand, especially for "cats"], so I hope you don't mind me adding to your thread and joining you in your pain.

    So do you think you'll look for another puppy to transition the pain quicker or will you ride it out? {Feedback is welcome from anyone who has experienced both avenues BTW}
     
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  26. Rocky Raccoon

    Rocky Raccoon Greasepaint Ghost Staff Member

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    I might be mistaken when I said that not many people ask for the ashes. There were a lot of questions being asked and I might have mixed it up with something else. They are more expensive however. My mom didn't seem to be interested in going that route but I absolutely wanted them.

    Really sorry to hear about your cat, dude. They are like family and unlike other human beings, they don't judge you, are always there for you and they love you unconditionally. It is weird knowing that they're sick and figuring they have no idea. Kind of makes it a bit more heartbreaking to me.

    As far as looking for another companion. Not anytime soon as I feel like grieving and remembering the good items spent together is more important than trying to mask the pain and the void by replacing her too soon. Plus, we have another Yorkie running around being a goofball, and that helps. I definitely want to get another dog in the future though because I'm a dog lover.
     
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  27. ToddPhin

    ToddPhin Premium Member Luxury Box Club Member

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    I think you're right. I don't think many people ask for the ashes, which is why said it surprises me- since many people experience a great deal of loss and hurt after the passing of a close pet. My aunt and uncle lost their golden retriever a few years back. He was always out on their boat with them, in the pool with them, you name etc. Totally personified as a family member, just as my cat is now. They were wrecked when he died and didn't wanna even look at another golden retriever for months. I knew they were in pain b/c I could clearly see it devastated them, but it's not until now that I fully understand the pain and can empathize with how they felt. Nearly makes me wanna send a very late condolence card for not being sympathetic enough at the time. But you know what they say, "better to have loved". I guess it's true.
     
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  28. MikeHoncho

    MikeHoncho -=| Censored |=-

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    That's awful man. Sorry to hear that rocky.

    Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk 4
     
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  29. Claymore95

    Claymore95 Working on it... Club Member

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    Sorry to hear that Rocky. We just went through the same in March for our dog, and it's really hard. Still think about her a lot, but it does get easier. We got our dog cremated too, with the aim of scattering her around her favourite park/beach, but to this day she's still in our living room in her wee box, can't bring ourselves to do it and she'll probably stay there now!
     
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  30. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    Sorry to hear that rocky. Putting down my dog was one of the toughest things I ever did. Sucks to lose a family member like that. At least she lived a full life
     
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  31. Zeke0123

    Zeke0123 message board ******* Club Member

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    I'm glad you were there for her I know it was hard.. My Vet told me that dogs don't really suffer they just endure so its up to the parents to decide when its time. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done but its not about you its about making it as easy and comfortable for them as you can.. you owe them that. Im sorry for your pain but it does start to fade and all the great memories eventually start to resurface and it gets better..and like a few others have said don't be afraid to let another little one into your life plenty of them need a home and love :).
     
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  32. unluckyluciano

    unluckyluciano For My Hero JetsSuck

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    the other day I saw some cholo looking dude, mexican gangster, walking around my neighborhood walking a small dog like that. Dude was all tatted up, shaved head, wife beater, the whole nine. I thought it was pretty damn hilarious.
     
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  33. McLovin

    McLovin Resident Pats fan.

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    sorry to hear about the pooch, rock, but I gotta ask...






    did you knit that rug yourself?
     
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  34. Rocky Raccoon

    Rocky Raccoon Greasepaint Ghost Staff Member

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    :shifty:
     
  35. USArmyFinFan

    USArmyFinFan Maximum Effort

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    Sorry to hear that brother, dogs are extensions of our families and in most cases part of our family. I know it hurts any dog owner who has lost their puppy (they are always your puppy) can relate. Unfortunately I have been through this a three times in my life and each time swore I would never own a dog again. I now have two. If you need to talk I am here for you brother.
     
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  36. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Sorry rock.
     
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  37. Rocky Raccoon

    Rocky Raccoon Greasepaint Ghost Staff Member

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    Thanks so much for the kind words and support everyone. It really means a lot. :bighug:
     

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