had to euthanize my dog last Thursday

Hi Gumby, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I completely understand how you must feel. It also makes total sense (to me at least) that you would post it here. I wish there was something I could offer you other than virtual hugs. I have had many pets over the years but there are those special ones that tear you to shreds when you loose them. They get you through such tough times with total love and devotion. Their ceaseless joy momentarily makes the pain of this disease easier to endure. I'm crying just thinking about a few special ones that I miss deeply. I don't think it gets any easier the only way I get by is to continue to share stories about them. I'd be happy to listen if you ever want to share any:) I hope that some day you will feel up to adopting again because they can't be replaced but it can help the loneliness to save another one.

thanks so much both of you. I glanced at the pet loss forums and they were just a bunch of strangers....I feel at least like you know me here, if that makes any sense. I'm too worn out to share stories, but she was the best. Thanks for your love--I needed it!

I'm so sorry for your loss. It's tough losing a member of your family. It always leaves this hole in your heart. My thoughts are with you.

Sarah

Gummy,

So sorry for your loss. A pet loves unconditionally and faithfully at all times. They don't feel slighted when we are to weak to respond to them. I almost think they feel our pain. I pray time will heal your hurt and bring you to a place where you will be ready not to replace your friend, but to find another one. I say this because I have been through this with pet kitties.

My heart aches for you!! Take care :( the best you can. I'm a dog lover!!

Hugs to you Gumby, Losing a best furry friend hurts like hell. In some ways they can be better company than people. Hope you feel better soon.

Sorry bout that! It must be super tough to do that. ((Hugs))

Oh gumby, I am so so sorry. :'(

I'm so sorry you lost your buddy. I've been through this more times than I care to think about. And it never is easy, but I always find some peace in that they are no longer suffering.

A word about rescue dogs. When you said followed you everywhere it reminds me of the dog my husband found almost starved to death and brought her home. He is completely obsessed with him, he can't make a move without her!

Thanks everyone! I felt a little silly posting about this, but I'm so glad that I did! It was a much better day for me today.

Ok, so I'm feeling well enough to share a bit of our story. We had a wonderful Golden Retriever that we had from a puppy to age 15. She was the dog we raised our kids with, and was beloved by all of us. about 8 months after she died, my mom was in the process of dying of cancer, my youngest was a senior in HS and about to leave home, and my Crohn's wasn't doing so well either. I felt ready for a new dog. I went to the shelter to look at some puppies they had, but they were very hyper, and kind of overwhelmed me. Mia was the only dog not charging the cage...she was just sitting quietly on her bed. I saw she was 7 years old, and I said to the shelter volunteer that I thought she was a bit old and I had lost a dog already not long ago. But the volunteer responded "older dogs need homes the most." I spent a little time with her and she melted my heart. They warned me that she had already had two owners, and she had severe separation anxiety. They told me if I didn't crate her when I left home, she would chew everything in sight. But something told me to take her home anyway....it was one of the more impulsive things I've done.
She adored me from the moment she jumped in my car. She was the most well behaved dog I've ever had...she never chewed or destroyed a thing, and I gave her free roam of the house. When my mom heard that I brought her home, she said "good, she'll comfort you when I die." My mom was right.....that dog got me through my hardest times. And yes, she was weirdly attached to me and followed me everywhere. She seemed to perceive my every emotion. When she was healthy we went on all sorts of hiking, and swimming adventures. She was a great athlete. And when I was sick, she was the best company, night or day. She was almost 13 when she died. I can't understand what happened in her first two homes, but I know that I loved her with all my heart. At least she got a great second half of her life, and we had a wonderful 6 years or so together. So....it's all good. I'm glad I took her home, and I'd bet she'd agree Thanks for listening!