Goodbye Riley

[DenverGP]

Had to say goodbye to Riley, my 17 year old black lab / greyhound mix. She blew out both knees about 7 years ago. Recovered from that, and lived with bad lab hips for many years.

I know some had discussed an in-home vet service to be able to put a pet to sleep in your own home. I think that was one up north a bit. We used Caring Pathways http://www.caringpathways.com/ The vet was very good, the whole process took about an hour. Wonderful to avoid all the stress on my pup that goes along with going to the vet hospital.

I'd definitely recommend this service for anyone in the tough situation of having to let an old/sick pup go.

Here she is back in 2004, when my son was only 15 years old. He's now 28, and got to be here to say goodbye to his pup.
http://i.imgur.com/kBPZq94.jpg

[funkymonkey1111]

Always a hard and terrible day, but take comfort in the care and good life you gave her. In-home definitely is the way to go

[pickenup]

Sorry to hear it. It is never easy.

[Fentonite]

Rest in peace, Riley. Run with good hips now.

Sorry for your loss. It's clear that you gave her a great life, and it's so good that your son was able to say goodbye.

[BPTactical]

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.



RIP Riley

Sincerest condolences GP

[StagLefty]

Always a tough loss-condolences !!

[newracer]

My condolences. 17 years is a good long life for a dog but it is never easy.

[Bailey Guns]

Sorry for the loss of your friend.

[Zundfolge]

Condolences ... 17 years is pretty darn good, and I have to agree that the at-home services are the way to go.

[ChadAmberg]

The last several years I've made a couple of these types of posts. Never regretted a single minute.

I'm very sorry your buddy has left us.

[Squeeze]

Sincere condolences. It is absolutely heart breaking to let a loved fur baby go. I hope to be greeted in heaven by all the loved pups I've lost over the years.

[sellersm]

Condolences to you and your family. This is in the not-too-distant future for us and other family members here... Glad to hear the positive report of the in-home vet service! Good care at times like this is worth its weight in gold. God bless & comfort you all.

[Mazin]

Losing a pup is never an easy experience, I'm sorry for your loss.

[TheGrey]

I'm sad to hear of your pup's passing. It's a damned cheat that our befurred family members have such a short life.

Riley had a great adventure with you. May your wonderful memories help you through this hard time.

[OtterbatHellcat]

And that's the key right there. You will always have the memories and photographs, and in that light, Riley will always be with you. Many of us have had to endure this experience far more often than we would like to for sure.

Peace, GP

[DenverGP]

Ty all for the kind thoughts. I'm sure we'll end up with another one in the next year or so, but it'll be a little bit before I'll be ready.

[tmjohnson]

So sorry for your loss.

[jslo]

Ty all for the kind thoughts. I'm sure we'll end up with another one in the next year or so, but it'll be a little bit before I'll be ready.

So sorry to hear. We thought the same thing but rescued our first about 4 weeks after and another about six weeks after the first.
71509

[theGinsue]

There have been times in my life where I've been especially down and my pets were the only ones there to offer comfort and reassurance. I know too well the pain of losing such a treasured and trusted friend.

May you and your family find peace and comfort in the memories you shared with Riley. And, when your heart is ready for it again, may you find love in another pet, friend and family member.

[Jer]

So sorry for your loss. I'm glad you were able to find an outfit like Home to Heaven (link in sig) as it really does make a huge difference.

Definitely wait until you're ready. We aren't ready and I'm not sure if/when we will be. After 15 years of dog ownership & them being our lives my wife and I are just enjoying this break. It's a different life for sure and don't be afraid to enjoy it even though you will feel guilty for doing so. Cherish the time away from your dogs as much as you cherish the time with them. That sounds weird I'm sure with the mindset you're currently in but it will make more sense someday.

Now I'm sure Riley is running in the sun with my dogs loving every minute.

Rest easy Riley.

[TFOGGER]

They own a little piece of our hearts. I grieve for your loss.

[GilpinGuy]

All dogs go to heaven. I hope to meet mine again. My heart goes out to you.

[Ah Pook]

Sorry for your loss in the family but I'd bet that dog could not have asked for a better life. They give some much more than we give.