First time going through this...

I am so very sorry. I have 3 right now & one is 13, but I tell myself that I know the day will come and I will darn sure she lives the best life with the best care I can possibly provide. Sounds like that is what you did. And that is the sweetest picture...

I am so sorry for your loss. Take comfort in knowing you did the best you could for her for so many years, and you now have many happy memories to show for it. She was lucky to have you.

You made a difficult decision, and unfortunately it's part of the responsibility of owning pets. We have to help hem when they cannot help themselves.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mitch21

Thanks so much for the kind words. I've been preparing for this day for a while now, but I never could actually imagine how I'd feel once she's permanently gone.

I really hope it gets easier each day as many have said... After going through this for the first time, in my honest opinion, I think losing your dog can be harder than losing a human relative.

---

Mitch, first let me expression my deepeset condolences on the loss of your beloved Abby.

Sometimes it is just as hard or harder to say goodbye to a beloved canine friend. There's a love and absolute acceptance in our dogs that is rare in our relationships with other humans. I grew up with a wonderful beagle/fox terrier cross named Jenny. I shared with her all the angst of my teen years and was always comforted with the love shining in her sparkling brown eyes. When she had to be put to sleep at age 18, I sobbed my heart out.

I does get easier with time. Eventually instead of remembering just that last hard day you will remember more of the wonderful years she shared with you.

I commend you for doing all you could to save her but in the end, giving her the greatest gift, one of passing surrounded by love so that she need not suffer anymore.

I found this poem and hope it speaks to you as it did to me....

THE LAST BATTLE

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this -- the last battle -- can't be won.

You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.

Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.

Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;

We've been so close -- we two -- these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

---Unknown

From this site http://www.cyberscots.com/poems.htm