Good luck OP - it's for the best.
That's a very difficult read but makes a lot of sense. They really are exceptional creatures and need comfort just as we do, thanks.
That's a very difficult read but makes a lot of sense. They really are exceptional creatures and need comfort just as we do, thanks.
Made the heartbreaking but correct decision to have our 14 year old black Lab Max put to sleep next week. He's lost control of his bowels, doesn't want to go out and when he does go out, he keeps falling over. He's your typical Lab, soft as anything, loyal and a great guard dog, only barking when he hears something he doesn't like. His guarding days are over now as he's completely deaf and almost blind so he likes to stay close, which makes the thought of taking him to the vet very upsetting. The appointment is a week today, so we're going to give him our full attention over the next week, helped by my wife being on holiday. We're going to miss him but feel we've put it off long enough.
At this exact moment in time it's hard to agree with you but I know you're right. It was truly heartbreaking not to hear the thump of his tail when I opened the kitchen door this morning and the grief is pretty overwhelming. I feel I'm overreacting but it's good to get my feelings out to those who don't know me but sympathize anyway. By pure coincidence a local woman who fosters dogs was asking for bowls, bedding etc. so we're taking them round this morning. Hopefully I don't burst into tears when I hand them over.
Sorry about that and for your loss. I guess we both know it will get easier with time and then hopefully the good memories will have outweighed the bad.
Sorry to drag this up again but just thought I'd give a quick update. It's been tough, really tough and my wife's taking it particularly badly. I'm coming to terms with it slowly but she's consumed by guilt. Not just the guilt of making the decision to end his life, but of the times she used to complain about dog hair etc. She spent the majority of the time with Max, as she was home all day and worked in the evening. He loved her and was always by her side, especially as he got older. When he was younger, he used to sit at the window just before she was due home, I swear he had a wrist watch! I try to remind her he loved her unconditionally, and that everyone complains about the endless amount of dog hair etc, but it's falling on deaf ears at the moment.
