Family dog, 16 years old, being put down tomorrow morning =[

Reading things like this always reminds me that one day my dog will also die. Sorry for your loss man. It really is tough because sometimes a dog can be the closest "person" to you.

thanks man

You might want to read the following book about a long time dog owner losing his dog to old age. He didn't put the dog down, deciding instead to let the dog pass on on it's own terms.

Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog by Ted Kerasote

Sorry to hear. As sad as this will all be, try to be happy about the fact that you were able to bring happiness to your dog's life for all those years.

Here is a poem Lord Byron wrote to his beloved dog. Just the first stanza is a fitting epitaph for a good dog:

Near this Spot

are deposited the Remains of one

who possessed Beauty without Vanity,

Strength without Insolence,

Courage without Ferosity,

and all the virtues of Man without his Vices.

This praise, which would be unmeaning Flattery

if inscribed over human Ashes,

is but a just tribute to the Memory of

BOATSWAIN, a DOG,

who was born in Newfoundland May 1803

and died at Newstead Nov. 18, 1808.

When some proud Son of Man returns to Earth,

Unknown by Glory, but upheld by Birth,

The sculptor’s art exhausts the pomp of woe,

And storied urns record who rests below.

When all is done, upon the Tomb is seen,

Not what he was, but what he should have been.

But the poor Dog, in life the firmest friend,

The first to welcome, foremost to defend,

Whose honest heart is still his Master’s own,

Who labours, fights, lives, breathes for him alone,

Unhonoured falls, unnoticed all his worth,

Denied in heaven the Soul he held on earth –

While man, vain insect! hopes to be forgiven,

And claims himself a sole exclusive heaven.

Oh man! thou feeble tenant of an hour,

Debased by slavery, or corrupt by power –

Who knows thee well must quit thee with disgust,

Degraded mass of animated dust!

Thy love is lust, thy friendship all a cheat,

Thy tongue hypocrisy, thy heart deceit!

By nature vile, ennobled but by name,

Each kindred brute might bid thee blush for shame.

Ye, who perchance behold this simple urn,

Pass on – it honors none you wish to mourn.

To mark a friend’s remains these stones arise;

I never knew but one – and here he lies.

My heart goes out to you and your family. I have had to put pets down in the past and it totally sucked the big one. My wife and I don't have kids, we have 3 cocker spaniels ages 10 and 9, and 4 cats ages 6-9. I do't even want to think about the day when one of them will be gone. My condolences to your father, sounds just how I'd react.

Make sure that you or your father is right there till the end. If you father would be the one to go, that dog will be right there. It hurts when I read something like this. My first dog about 7 years ago (she died alone at night) and it was extremelly painful to me, I still think of her everyday and after the cremation (which I witnessed) I took her ashes and keep them with me at all times, everywhere I go ( I know I am weird but that is what this animals mean to me) I have a dog now (8 years old) and I can't see my life without her. If she dies or when she dies, I dont think I can't have another dog again, the pain is just to great. I understand your father, he might not say much about it, but believe me, he is hurting really bad inside. Just dont let that doggy die alone. You can have the doctor come home to give the injection. Look at her eyes and have her go into that sweat night at home.

My condolences man. I'm sure the memories of your dog will be eternal and never forgotten. I have been through hell and back and the only constant and unconditional soul who has been with me the entire way is my dog. I applaud you for sharing this with the LR Community.

and thank you Lorenzo for sharing one of Lord Byron's best-

So sorry for you and your dad....try to encourage him as soon as he's emotionally ready to save another dog that needs a family! That's the best way to honor your former dog's memory!

dumbo wrote:

and thank you Lorenzo for sharing one of Lord Byron's best-

Byron loved animals. He took a bear to college.

Thanks, everybody. It's amazing how many kind souls are out there on this board to comfort somebody in a time of loss. Thank you again =]

And great selection to the person who posted the poem!

My first dog was awesome and it was very sad when he passed. I didn't even think of getting another dog for two years. Then by great coincidence I got another dog, who was an absolute angel. He lived a good life and again it was very sad when he passed. I buried him in the back by the first one. I probably will not get another one.

Is your dad too old to get a new dog? I'll bet a pound puppy would love to have him. Godspeed.

dotcommillionaire wrote:

Is your dad too old to get a new dog? I'll bet a pound puppy would love to have him. Godspeed.

Actually, Dad's relatively young -- 51 years old. The thing is, Mom doesn't want the two of them to have another dog. I'll be honest and say that the dog wasn't exactly the most "pleasant" temperament. I don't know if you're familiar with Lhasa Apsos, but they're a small dog with a heck of a lot of nerve. They hate strangers, but they're unbelievably loyal to their owners and family. It's because of this that Mom just wants to dispose of any suggestion that he get another one -- which I can sort of understand. That said, Dad's life has literally revolved around serving that little creature. He's a teacher, and he's spent almost every lunch-hour break for the past 16 years coming home from school to spend just a few minutes with her before going back for the afternoon.

Who knows, I certainly hope they get another dog, but it's hard to say what will happen.

Sorry to hear about your dog. I put my dog to sleep last Monday after 12 wonderful years. I miss him dearly. Maybe you and your Dad can find comfort in the following poem.

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. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him 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....

My heart breaks for you and your Dad. Know that you guys are not alone in your love of dogs.

Lost our dog early last year. 14 years old. I still think I hear her sometimes out in the back yard or rustling around the house. I still wake in the morning and think I have to let her out.

I have a good life but it would be better if she were still around and healthy.

My wife and I talk about getting another dog. Hasn't happened yet.

My condolences to you. My dog, age 15 was put down almost five years ago. We still refer to him in the present tense, assuming that he has just wandered out into the forest on one of his "busman holidays".