Losing a family member

[Deerhunter21]

We are putting my oldest dog Lily down tomorrow. She was my first and oldest friend and got me through a lot. This is really hard. I knew this day would come but I’m still not ready for her to go. I’m going to miss her so much.

[jimmi the sammi]

One of the toughest things one has to do in life, Russell.  Always a heart breaker.  I have had many dogs in my 71 years.  When it was time for them to go, whether early or late in their lives, it was and is always hard.  Best remedy for that empty feeling is ...... a new puppy believe it or not.  Doesn't take the place of the old one, nothing ever does, but a new one brings a new partner into your life with new adventures and partnership.

[bjrogg]

When I was a kid I was afraid of dogs. We got a small dog and our whole family fell in love with him. Rex was a perfect companion for a young boy on a farm. We did everything together. We lived a mile from the county gravel pit and trucks would go by every couple minutes when they were hauling gravel. I remember we were play ball on the front lawn when Rex went to chase the gravel truck and got hit. I can still see it over 50 years later.

I agree. You can’t replace them, but you can fall in love with another one and they can make another perfect companion. I know some  people are so hurt they just don’t want to go through the loss again, but I’m not one of them. I say get another one. And as sad as it is to say it probably won’t be your last.

I’ve had and lost a lot of good companions over the years.

I’ve lost a lot of good friends to. They all hurt, but their good memories are never lost.

Bjrogg

[Piddler]

Don't know who originally said this but I'll Quote "If there was any justice in the world dogs would live longer"
We feel your pain Russel, it's hard and heart breaking.
Piddler

[bjrogg]

Piddler I’ve said it before, but it seems fitting to say it again now. I love your life’s goal

Bjrogg

[Parnell]

Just seeing this Russel.  It really is one of life's most difficult tasks.  I don't have much to say that these fellas haven't said, but, I understand.  My thoughts go out to you.

[Pat B]

Our thoughts are with you and your family today, Russell. I've shared all my life with many fine dogs(and a couple of cats) and have had to go through this many times and believe me it never gets easier. We take on raising our pets and it is our duty to deal with the hard times like this when the time comes. It doesn't make it easier but just remember all the good times and it will bring back a smile to your face. 

[Stoker]

My thoughts are with you. Never an easy time. They are a part of our lives and family. It's the memories of the good times helps me get through the rough parts.
Thanks Leroy

[Deerhunter21]

Thank you all for the kind words guys. I really miss her badly, but my parents said she went peacefully and happily. They said it was like when she falls asleep out in the summer sun and that’s all I could have asked for.

RIP Lily

[PaSteve]

Condolences for you and your family, Russell. Nothing more that I can say that hasn't already been mentioned above. RIP Lily

[BowEd]

Condolences to you to you and your family.It's tough.Good that the suffering is reduced.It's like a hole is left there.Life must move on though.Filling it again takes time with new experiences.
I've had many a dog.For the yard and for hunting.The good times are never forgotten.

[bjrogg]

Thought about you two a lot yesterday Russell.

Bjrogg

[Pappy]

So sorry Russell, been there done that many times, sad day for sure.   I have had many good dogs over the years and always wondered why they can't live as long as i do but that just ant the case,I hope to see them all again someday. I always say I am not getting another but i always do and even though they don't take the place, they do help relieve the sadness. 
Pappy

[Gimlis Ghost]

I've lost many dog friends over the years, but I'm glad that all lived long full lives and died peacefully.

At the present time I'm concerned for my ancient Egyptian Mau cat. They are a long lived breed but at 22 years old he is nearing his expiration date and had his first serious illness last year.

He is still underweight but lately has regained a few ounces and is strong and agile. I feel a strong connection with this old fellow mainly because he has always acted more like a dog than a cat, which is a common feature for this ancient breed.

The recent shortages of quality canned cat food has been a problem. He can no longer stomach his favorite dry catfood and they have stopped making the canned food he always loved.
After much experimentation I've found a couple of substitutes that seem to agree with him. I've also begun giving him a little "Catsip", a sort of baby formula for kittens and older cats.

[Pat B]

Gimlls, we had a cat(Lawrence) that lived to be 25 years. He found my wife when he was a kitten, lived on the SC coast and moved to the mountains with us where he was king. He raised 6 dogs during his life and only went to the vet once, a year before he passed for dehydration. He only used a litter box his last year and usually overshot it then. Lawrence was a bad mombo jombo and ruled his kingdom until the end where he drifted off in his sleep one night.
 All of our animals have been special to us. It was sad when they left us but it brings a smile to my face every time I see a pic of them or get a random thought about them.