A Crappy Life Experience

9outof10mms

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I know many of you here have lived through putting a dog down—until today I’ve been one who hasn’t had the misfortune.

Our girl Ruthie (aka: Ruthie Toothie, Rooth the Tooth, or just simply “Tooth”) gave us 11 years of good times.

She was our “baby trainer” for a newly wed couple. She put up with two babies in the house. Took a copperhead bite to the face. Gave plenty of squirrels hell.

Her hips started bothering her about 6 months ago. It was gradual but she didn’t show any signs of pain. Fast forward to last week and shed taken a turn for the worse. She couldn’t stand for any length of time and would fall pretty badly in the yard. I took her to the vet last Friday to discuss options. He helped put things into perspective.

Come Saturday morning and she couldn’t even stand.

Sucks to watch a dog that’s otherwise healthy deteriorate so quickly to a state of helplessness.

I sit here this morning waiting for the scheduled vet visit—“the” visit.

We’ve all said our goodbyes...which sucks royally. The boys get it and are devastated.

My wife was hesitant to get a dog for fear of its eventual death. I talked her into it saying the pleasure gained is far better than that eventual pain. I even took it as far as saying “the experience of death shouldn’t be avoided in life.”

I’m here to tell you that while I don’t think I was wrong in those statements, I was arrogantly naive.

I’d rather endure some sort of injury or pain (to me) in place of her demise.

Always a restless pup, ready to play so hard she’d make herself pass out before stopping. A damn loyal dog that will be missed. She’ll get that rest now...
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I'm not ashamed to say I cried like a baby when my ex asked me to take her and our pup Lucy for her last visit. She couldn't do it.

It's one of the cruellest things, that these stalwart companions and beloved friends have such a short span but I'll take that horrible day as a fair price for all the amazing times that come before.
 
Took me five years to get over my two pups. After I got Grace a few years ago at 7 years old from the pound, I decide that there are just too many good dogs that need homes so I will not wait when Grace passes. Here is Grace lasts week enjoying her new motorcycle seat. Best to remember the good times! We'll see em all again some day!

 
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I'm sorry for your loss.
I went through this for the first time 1 year ago. My wife and I discussed it at length as her health declined and it came down to this: We can't make her suffer so we don't have to. We lost our Buffy the Varmint Slayer last August. Best dog ever.

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Had to put down my Cocker one time, the very first dog I ever owned. Made the mistake of staying in the room to comfort him. I ain't gonna lie I cried like a lil girl for about an hour. I will never do that again. Anyway I'm sorry for your loss brother.
 
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Sorry for your loss. I’ve done it 3 time since 2016
 
Had to put down my Cocker one time, the very first dog I ever owned. Made the mistake of staying in the room to comfort him. I ain't gonna lie I cried like a lil girl for about an hour. I will never do that again. Anyway I'm sorry for your loss brother.

I have been with both dogs (and will for my current pooch) when that time comes. It is the last kind thing I can do to comfort them. Yes, I cried like a baby both times.
 
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I'm so sorry to hear this, I can tell you are a loving owner.

Copper Heads are nasty, kill every one of them I can. I had a close call with one striking me in the boot, I'm glad I had my 8 inch combat boots on.
 
Sorry to hear and hang in there. It is def tough and one of hardest things I have had to do but also know that it is one of the best things you can do to prevent them from suffering and for them giving you many great years together.
 
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Very sorry for your loss. They are members of our families. It sucks big time when you lose one, especially when you have to put them down.
 
I'm so sorry for the loss of your devoted furry family member. I've lost more than I care to count because many have been rescues, but I did so knowing they were old, sick, or emotionally damaged and I knew I could give them the best of their lives for the rest of their lives. I have never forgotten a single one. I will continue to save as many as I can as long as I am able, as I hope you will too. There are SO many out there and I know you will make that decision on your own time. It doesn't mean you love the other dog less, it means you still have love to give. That's a GOOD thing.
 
Don't worry, OP. You'll see her again...

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I truly believe this ! He will give me the "desires of my heart" in my mansion. My dog Blackie is waiting on me and has been for over 30 years. She's young and strong now and waiting on me to come home.

My sympathies for your loss!
 
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As a long-time rescuer of senior and unwanted dogs, all I can say is that I understand what you're feeling. Take my word for it, it never gets any easier to do, but when it's time, it's the right thing to do. My sympathies -- I look forward to seeing all my four-legged family when I cross the Rainbow Bridge.
 
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I am very sorry you are at this stage, but of course you are doing the right thing. I didnt grow up with dogs and am not a 'dog person', but the sweet pup we rescued a couple years ago has nuzzled her way into my heart... I just love her and I dread the day that I know will come, even moreso for my wife and kids.
 
Sorry for the loss of Ruthie. I have one going on 13 right now and I can see everyday her slowing down. I dread the day I have to do the same thing even though I've been through it 3 times
 
Sorry for your loss, it doesn't get easier no matter how many times you do it. As a rescue (ie: foster fail) I have gone through this too many times to count, but it is the responsibility we take on when we get them. We just had to do this Sat night so it is fresh in my heart right now.
It is hard to do but just remember all the good times and know that with each passing day the pain is less and the memories sweeter.
 
Sorry for your loss, dude. That sucks. My 10 y/o female Dachshund has been my constant companion & best buddy since we brought her home 9 years ago & has helped me through some dark times. I know that when her time comes, I will be devastated. Goofy little clowns are notoriously long lived fortunately & I'm looking forward to several more years to trying to be the person my silly little girl dog thinks I am.
 
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You helped to give Ruthie a good life, that's the only thing that matters when it's all said and done.

Sorry for your loss..... I've been there and it's a rough one....
 
I know many of you here have lived through putting a dog down—until today I’ve been one who hasn’t had the misfortune.

Our girl Ruthie (aka: Ruthie Toothie, Rooth the Tooth, or just simply “Tooth”) gave us 11 years of good times.

She was our “baby trainer” for a newly wed couple. She put up with two babies in the house. Took a copperhead bite to the face. Gave plenty of squirrels hell.

Her hips started bothering her about 6 months ago. It was gradual but she didn’t show any signs of pain. Fast forward to last week and shed taken a turn for the worse. She couldn’t stand for any length of time and would fall pretty badly in the yard. I took her to the vet last Friday to discuss options. He helped put things into perspective.

Come Saturday morning and she couldn’t even stand.

Sucks to watch a dog that’s otherwise healthy deteriorate so quickly to a state of helplessness.

I sit here this morning waiting for the scheduled vet visit—“the” visit.

We’ve all said our goodbyes...which sucks royally. The boys get it and are devastated.

My wife was hesitant to get a dog for fear of its eventual death. I talked her into it saying the pleasure gained is far better than that eventual pain. I even took it as far as saying “the experience of death shouldn’t be avoided in life.”

I’m here to tell you that while I don’t think I was wrong in those statements, I was arrogantly naive.

I’d rather endure some sort of injury or pain (to me) in place of her demise.

Always a restless pup, ready to play so hard she’d make herself pass out before stopping. A damn loyal dog that will be missed. She’ll get that rest now...
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Really sorry for your loss. She seems like a special girl.
 
I have had to do this with two of our dogs. In both cases I just couldn't bear to watch them die a piece at a time. But for both of them, their last moments were being held in my arms, and I cried for both of them. The grief you feel in their passing is a small price to pay for all the joy you felt during their lives.
 
Im terribly sorry to hear of your situation.
Ive been as close, if not closer, to some dogs than I have blood relatives before.
I know the hurt of losing one and Im sorry youre feeling it
 
Pets are completely dependent on us for everything. Food, attention, love etc.
Also as important, they are dependent on us to release them from suffering.

It's a pain like no other. I'm sorry for your loss.
 
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