People told me I would know when it was time, but we never really did for sure. I can tell you that a few months ago we noticed that Dog was … the best words I can use are winding down, which makes me think of clichéd metaphors involving dying clocks, but that’s exactly what it was like. She was slowing down. She started coughing and making messes in the laundry room where she sleeps at night. The vet told us her heart was failing, which was creating excess fluids she was too weak to fully expel from her lungs. They gave us antibiotics and not much hope. She was a very old dog, after all.

In the last couple weeks something changed in her. She stopped wagging her tail, she stopped circling the kitchen looking for dropped treats, she stopped expending any energy at all. She barely moved all day long. I wouldn’t go so far as to say there was a sense of despair about her, but there was a sort of silent, sad, enduring resignation. She would eat, but with no interest whatsoever. She had lost so much weight she had this awful gaunt appearance around her back, like her flesh was barely covering her spine.

Last night JB walked her to the park that’s about a block away, and she nearly couldn’t make it back. I watched her, later in the evening, as she lay on the carpet nearby; you could see the effort of her chest rising and falling. I put my hand on her and I could feel her watery, labored breathing. Her overworked heart.

She slowly put one paw up to touch my hand, a broken version of the robust and silly Dog handshake she used to do, and I guess I did know, or maybe I didn’t for sure, maybe I’m just trying to convince myself. We can’t know what she really felt like, we can’t know what she would have wanted. But I believe she had passed some sort of point of no return, that her days would have become increasingly painful. Exhaustion, suffocation, drowning.

The vet helped ease her out of this life today. JB and I were there to comfort her and pet her as she went. It was the worst thing I’ve ever done. Oh, Dog.

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sheilah
sheilah
13 years ago

So sorry. It’s hard to lose an old friend. She was much loved and lived a good life. It is a hard decision to make tho’.

Laurelie
Laurelie
13 years ago

Dog’s smile captured forever is a beautiful memory. May the fun times you had together as a family bring your comfort during this sad time.

Holly
Holly
13 years ago

So sorry to hear about your dog Linda :( I had to put my dog down 5 1/2 years ago and it was the hardest thing I have ever done. I found this poem at the time and it helped to reassure me that I had done the right thing.

IF IT SHOULD BE

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

You will be sad, I understand.
Don’t let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day, more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.

We’ve had so many happy years.
What is to come can hold no fears.
You’d not want me to suffer so;
The time has come — please let me go.

Take me where my need they’ll tend,
And please stay with me till the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I’ve been saved.

Please do not grieve — it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We’ve been so close, we two, these years;
Don’t let your heart hold back its tears.

— Anonymous —

Jessica
13 years ago

I’ve always loved that picture of little Riley and Dog. I’m so sorry for your loss.

Lynn Anne
13 years ago

I have a 13 1/2 year old labrador who has made me so happy for so many years. I’m dreading the day we have to do the same. I am so sorry for your loss and feel your pain.

Donna (Texas)
13 years ago

Bless your hearts….Sending prayer.
I know how you feel.
(((HUG)))

Katie S.
Katie S.
13 years ago

Oh that was one happy looking dog. I’m sorry for your whole family. :(

Christy
Christy
13 years ago

I’m so sorry…feeling extra sad because my brother had to make that horrible decision with his dog this morning.

Tifany
Tifany
13 years ago

I am so sorry for your loss, Linda. I have a 12 year old black lab that I’ve had since he was 8 weeks old, so reading this has me in tears…I know he won’t live forever, but I sure want him to.

Anonymous
Anonymous
13 years ago

Oh, Dog. Bless her sweet heart! I am so sorry to hear, but so glad she isn’t suffering.

Just a suggestion (not that you asked, ha!), the book “The Tenth Good Thing About Barney” is a very sweet, gentle children’s book about coping with loss and grief.

Ani
Ani
13 years ago

Jesus Christ, this upsets me to my soul. I love dogs, and I loved your dog from afar for years. I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m glad her wait is over, but very sorry that she is gone.

Gena
Gena
13 years ago

Linda,

After having an already trying day, you just broke my heart in two. I am so, so sorry for your loss and so sad that you had to do that. I’ve had to “help” 3 of my dogs go and it is incredibly difficult, to say the least. I couldn’t stand to see them suffer, but I couldn’t stand to see them leave me, either.

I know Dog will be missed.

Michelle
13 years ago

I’m so sorry.

Maria
13 years ago

I’m so sorry.

amy
amy
13 years ago

this is one of the saddest things i’ve ever read. dog will be missed by more people than you can even imagine; what a dear, sweet soul. so sorry.

sadie
sadie
13 years ago

Oh, Dog.
Linda, JB, boys – I am sorry. She was a beautiful dog.

Allison
13 years ago

What a pretty dog, she looked so happy :) I’m sorry for your loss and I totally understand what you mean about it being the worst thing you’ve ever done. Putting our cat down was the worst thing ever… it affected me for months after. But like you, I was confident that it was the right thing to do… they don’t deserve to suffer. But man, if they could just live forever it would make it so much easier.

Mare
Mare
13 years ago

I’m so sorry for your loss.

Jenny H.
13 years ago

I didn’t read the comments because I couldn’t. I have those same pictures of my babies with the best dog ever. A dog that NEVER barked or growled at a baby, even when those said babies were pulling her hair or patting her just a little too hard. All she did was love them. And try to protect them, with her life if need be.

I feel your pain. It gets a little easier with time. I promise.

theresa
theresa
13 years ago

i’m sorry for you and your family’s loss of Dog.

thank you for sharing Dog with us over the years. one of the first posts i read was of Dog and Cat and the treats in the cracker box; whenever i hear the word “Mensa” i think of that post and laugh and laugh. hopefully when i am 90 i will be able to remember that post so i can still laugh.

it hurts knowing that life ends but to have the love in our lives is so worth it. i hope that your memories will give you comfort.

MotherGooseAmy
MotherGooseAmy
13 years ago

My sincerest condolences. She was a beautiful dog and I enjoyed hearing the many stories involving her. Especially the ones about the boys eating fistfuls of dog hair :) May her memory be a blessing. RIP Dog.

mel
mel
13 years ago

so terribly sorry to read this news. my almost 3 year old daughter was sitting on my lap when i read this post and she said “aww look at the doggy, he’s so beautiful”. my thoughts are with you all xx

cara
13 years ago

I know everyone’s already said it, but I’m sorry too. I always enjoyed your pet pictures, and I liked how you simply referred to them as Dog and Cat online. I know how very hard it is to say goodbye to such a friend. I agree; it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It is an impossibly hard thing to do. Sending smiles in your direction.

Catriona
Catriona
13 years ago

So sorry about Dog, what a beautiful girl.

I love the photo of her with Dylan (?) in her bed – so sweet! (and how cute was he at that age?)
Catriona.

Amy
Amy
13 years ago

I have done this twice. It is the absolute WORST. I have a 12 year old cat who is healthy, but I realize that she doesn’t have infinite time either. Stupidly, the only thing that eases the pain is time. So sorry for your loss.

JJ
JJ
13 years ago

So sad for you guys. We just had to put our dog of 14 years down on Wednesday, it’s heartbreaking. I feel guilty, even though I know he was in pain. My 5 year old already wants a puppy, so much for mourning! (and no, I’m never getting a puppy ever again).

jody
13 years ago

I totally just cried for you because I remember doing the same awful thing 3 years ago. I am so, so sorry. Your photos are beautiful…what wonderful memories you have of her.

Eric's Mommy
Eric's Mommy
13 years ago

Oh Linda I am so sorry. I haven’t been on my computer since it crashed and am just checking in when I saw this, I lost it. Rest in peace sweet Dog, you will be missed. I know how hard it is to lose a beloved pet.

Anonymous
Anonymous
13 years ago

*sniff* sorry for your loss. She looked like a great dog. She had a good life. The best thing for you and your family is to get a puppy. Not to replace her, but to share your love with another lucky beasty.

Mol
Mol
13 years ago

stories and pics of Ashley always made smile. you KNEW and you did RIGHT by her. hugs to all of you.

Geri
Geri
13 years ago

Linda, I’m so sorry for your loss. Letting go of a beloved pet is so hard. She was a good girl and had a great life with your family.

Cris
Cris
13 years ago

Simply heartbroken for you and your family on the loss of dear Ashley. What a great girl, and how lucky that you found each other. She had a wonderful life full of love and adventure.

Mommy Boots
13 years ago

So sorry about your pup. My cat had congestive heart failure and I know how sad it is to lose an old friend. *hugs*

Barb
Barb
13 years ago

I am so sorry to hear about Dog…I don’t know what else to say…yes, I agree…ALL dogs go to heaven (trying NOT to cry at work)…

Veronica
Veronica
13 years ago

I take a million pictures of our 5 and 3 year old. i mean, a million. i post them proudly on our shutterfly website. but this post made me realize that I take hardly ANY pictures of our beloved beagle. i’m gonna make a change today, to snap those puppy dog shots like crazy from now on. Thanks Linda, for making me see what I have been so poorly underappreciating. I’m so sorry for your loss.

stormy
stormy
13 years ago

i haven’t been by in a while. and i just read about Dog. I’m so sorry, Linda. i’ve been there. it’s such a hard decision, i know. but such a selfless one. i know Dog loved her pack. thank YOU for giving her, her pack to love. she was so special to you guys. i’ve read all the posts over the years where she was included. what a great life you guys gave her. i imagine she’s running, full speed, by her favorite lake up there. sun shining, soft breeze and then, it rains treats! *hugs*

Anais
13 years ago

I’m here sobbing. I’ve been reading your blog for years and remember when you guys adopted her. I’m so very sorry. I lost my beloved cat last year to old age and a failing heart and also had to put him to sleep to ease his suffering. It was the worst day of my life and the worst decision I have ever had to make. I’m so sorry you and your family had to go through the same awful experience. But at the same time, I’m glad you gave her such a wonderful life. She was a good, happy dog. She was lucky.

Chris Monahan
Chris Monahan
10 years ago

I feel your pain and your tears … literally. I put my first (and only) dog, Missy, down almost 10 months ago at approximately 15 (I had for 11 years). She got lymphoma and we did six months of chemo (mostly because I wasn’t ready for her to go). We finished and three months later it was back, along with anemia and bad hips. She was a therapy dog for five years and played flyball for three. It only hurts now when I think of her, which is many times a day (with photos up in pretty much every room). For now, I have no plans to get another because it still feels like I would be replacing her. Thanks for sharing. Blessings.

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