Today is a really bad day

[ChadAmberg]

It's a beautiful day outside. It's a Friday, the weekend is almost here.

I'm crying like a teenage girl getting over her first love. In an hour I am going to call the vet to come here to the house to put my best buddy to rest, to take away his pain. Right now he's laying down next to me, and I'm having a really hard time looking at him.

13 years ago I brought home a gigantic nose and gawky legs somehow attached to a normal size border collie. Streak had been with 6 different homes in his 6 months of living. The wife who owned sheep farm I picked him up from told me she had 9 kids and chronic fatigue syndrome and bought him to watch the sheep for her, he only wanted to be with her. Streak never cared a bit about other animals since they couldn't throw the toy for him. No herding instincts at all. So I gladly took him home.

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/9867/streakii1099.jpg

The first couple nights we tried to keep him in his cage until we learned no, he was a free range dog. He'd sleep in the room with us and except for a few vet visits for surgeries, he'd never be in a cage again. He eventually grew into his nose.

When I say he was the best dog, I mean he was exceptional. He never did anything wrong, he just knew right and wrong. We never had any real property, and really never had a fence. I just walked him with the perimeter limits one time and he wouldn't cross, even when a toy would go over the line, he'd simply stop and lay down until we got it for him. He would protect children even though we had none of our own. He wouldn't play with a toy until he was given it. My wife has stuffed animals that she could place right next to his toys, and he'd never touch them, only his own.

He was a frisbee dog for a long time. He would always bring them back to you and put it in your hand or your lap.

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/5118/aug2003006.jpg

http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/4718/p1010016nl.jpg

Years went by and he eventually got a little slower. A couple cancers were removed. One on his shoulder couldn't be without removing the leg. That was OK, we'd drain the fluid from the mass out every other day to make sure he was comfortable. That's been just fine up until about a month or two ago when the solid part of the mass completely took over. Arthritis kicked in with a vengeance a couple weeks ago. Four days ago he stopped moving around much at all. He has to be carried in and out to the yard. His back end can't support him when going to the bathroom now, and his kidneys have just started failing him.

So today I do the most important thing I could ever do for my best buddy and I'll make that call. And I'll hold him until the end. The vet will take him to be cremated along with many other people's loved ones, and then spread the ashes somewhere around here on a ranch.

My wife and I, we'll never forget him, that would be impossible. We must have thousands of pictures of Streak, when we're ready we'll make an album or two. Later today I'll have to pack up all his beds and his boxes and boxes of toys he'll never need again and figure out how to get rid of them. If anyone in COS would like them, PM me, it'll be worth the trip to come and take them, or else I'll end up taking them to the shelter.

I'd like to leave everyone with a big smile and to thank you for reading this. It has made me feel a little bit better.
http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/2462/p6220001j.jpg

[Teufelhund]

I'm sorry for your loss. That is a terribly difficult thing to do, and it takes a real man to make that call. It sounds like Streak had a great life in a very loving home.

The furry critters we call "pets" really do become part of our families. They all have their own personalities and it's hard to let them go. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[Robby30-06]

That is never any fun.... God Speed Streak!

[Mazin]

I'm so sorry man, I know the pain and hate for anyone to have to do it but he won't be in pain anymore. Again sorry man and if you need anything just hit me up.

[DD977GM2]

What a great story. Thank you for sharing. I am sorry you have to do this today.
I know your pain. I had to make the decision for my lab/rottie mix named Ramsey.
He was a huge oaf of a dog, but was the most loyal dog I had ever had.
He wasnt much for toys or playing fetch. I could let him out in the yard to go potty then he would
be right back at the door wanting to be inside and next to me. He had cancer in the shoulder and had
his leg and part of his shoulder removed to give him some extra time. He was hop a long for about 12
months when they gave him an extra 6 months with the surgery.
He got so good on 3 legs that I took him hiking after a couple months to heal up. He did awesome and loved hiking.

[islandermyk]

Be strong my friend...

... I'm at mixed emotions reading and seeing the pix... but more saddened by it more than anything...

... I'm sorry to hear your about this...

[DSull]

I'm sorry to hear about Streak, you gave him a good life and took care of him to the best of your ability. Let him rest with out pain. You did all you could for him.

[mackbamf]

I understand the struggle and sadness that you are going thru today. I wish you strength on such a difficult day.

[buckeye4rnr]

I'm really sorry to hear that. I hope you pull through ok and let us know if there is anything we can do to help.

-Joe

[HoneyBadger]

Thanks for the story man. It's always really hard to hear about something like this, let alone be in this situation. Thoughts and prayers for ya man.

As someone who just got a puppy, I try my hardest to pretend that day will never come...

[Bitter Clinger]

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.

Y[Driver]ou 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....

[opie011]

Sorry to hear. I know it's the toughest thing I have ever done.

[Bitter Clinger]

Ppsted from my phone. Didnt mean to put the car smiley in lol.

That sucks man, but your doing the best thing for your best friend.

I have had to put down three of my own dogs and three of my Grandma's. And two of my aunts. Just know that even though you dont think it now, there is room in your heart for another dog someday.

[Mtn.man]

Damn allergy's.

[Bitter Clinger]

Damn allergy's.

Must bad today mtn. Man, they have me all teary eyed too.

[UncleDave]

I've been there too many times myself. The last act of love you can show him is to hold him and give him your love as he goes to sleep. I helped a friend of mine do this last week, never easy.

[Great-Kazoo]

Sorry for your loss and doing what pains a lot of us, but has to be done.
The wife put down our last 2 ,13 & 14 yr old pups 4 years ago. She said at the time no more pets as over the 34 years we've been together a few had to be put down either from illness or age. It was hard for her to do the last 2 and she said it was something her heart could not take doing again.
After the passing of my mother & brother within 2 weeks of each other we started looking for another dog. Took a bit but the wife says our latest pet was the therapy she needed.
Give yourself sometime to deal with the grieving then consider another pet that needs a loving home such as yours.

[spleify]

SOrry to hear about this, good luck and godbless

[The Heretic]

So sorry for your loss brother. I lost my father last year and didn't shed a tear......I lost my dog and cried like a baby! But we did give him a military funeral!!!

[Monky]

If anyone asks I'm having an allergy attack at the office..

Hard decision to make. But you're doing what's best for him.

[BPTactical]

So sorry for what you have to go through today Chad. Been there a few times, it never gets easier.

[lex137]

I'm really sorry man! It never gets easy. I hope it helps to know that he will no longer be in pain and he is in a better place.

[Mazin]

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....



Damn allergies, thanks for that I'm going to save it in a word doc. I just put down my westy in Jan and I have always been the guy that does that for friends and family but this one hit hard. I agree when you do it shower him in love until he falls to sleep. I generally look into their eyes the whole time and tell them how much they have ment to me and god willing we will be reunited again some day. Peace be with you man!

[funkymonkey1111]

indeed that is a beautiful dog. You gave him what he needed--a great home--that's all you can do.

[hatidua]

Very sad, sorry to hear this :(

[Fentonite]

I'm so sorry. Quite a few of us here have recently been in your shoes, and we understand. Thank you for sharing Streak's story with us. Your pictures show a dog who knew he was loved. I had to wipe away a tear as I wrote that, and not from allergies. So sorry.

[mahabali]

Really sorry to hear this. I went through the same thing about a year and a half ago with my dog Sudu. It was soooo hard to do. Just awful, but you will get through it. Just try to remember all of the good times. I got a new puppy about 6 months after and it really helped. I didnt think it would, but it really did. Thoughts and prayers are with you :(

[funkfool]

I understand how difficult it can be.
Remember all the good...
They ask for so little... the most difficult thing to do for them is the ultimate act of compassion.
You can have him cremated and his ashes returned to you.
Streak... one happy looking dog... found a good owner.
My sympathies to you and the rest of Streak's family.

[patrick0685]

sorry for you loss...the dust in the dessert is bad today

[MCarp71]

I'm so sorry man! I've had to do it a couple times. It sucks. Glad that you two have had great times together. Again I am sorry!

[sniper7]

Very sorry to hear this. It is one of the worst things to lose a pet. Sorry for your loss

[sellersm]

Sorry to hear this. We have 2 borders, very similar story on how we got them and how much they become 'family'. Dogs (and some other animals) are created with the capacity to bond with humans, which is a wonderful thing. The hard part is that, just like family, it's difficult when it's time to say goodbye...

You're doing the right thing. We pray God will comfort you today.

[tmjohnson]

Really sorry for your loss, It is so hard losing your best friend. I feel for ya man

[obisean68]

I feel your pain. April 2009 we had to make the same decision with our friend. My wife and I adopted her on our 1 year anniversary. I am an ICU nurse and have had to help others get through it but on that day I cried like there was no tomorrow. It hurt down to my soul. But I could not be selfish and had to do what I knew was right and relieve her suffering. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and Streak. Just remember them for what they gave you and what you gave them, a better life for knowing and loving each other.

[pickenup]

Sorry to hear the sad news. It is never easy.

[02ducky]

Stupid allergies...

Sorry for your loss

[hghclsswhitetrsh]

RIP streak. You'll see him in heaven again I'm sure.

[Bailey Guns]

No allergies here. Just tears. Tears for you, tears for me. I've been where you are several times and it still breaks my heart.

I'm so sorry for your loss but so happy that Streak led a life that offered him such love. He was obviously a lucky pup. Godspeed, Streak.

Please, please tell Stella I still love her.

[Troublco]

I've been there, too; and it's never easy. My old pup is 13 now, and I don't know how much longer I've got with him. He's a pretty good size dog, so I'm surprised I've had him as long as I have. Even though my wife has tried for years to make him her dog, he's always been mine. I've had him longer than my kids, and I love him like one of them. Not sure what I'll do when his time comes.

My sympathy for your loss.

[AaronRocha1]

Very sorry to hear.. Very sad story and a great reminder of why they can be man's best friend. Just remember all the great times you both had. That will keep a smile on your face. Best wishes.

[BREATHER]

Man, I truly feel you pain. we had to do the same for our Sheltie a couple of years ago...

[ChadAmberg]

I want to thank everyone for their good will and best wishes. He's all better now. My wife and I won't be for a while of course.

He gave me the best gift today though, a good day. The last couple weeks has been half good days half bad, but this week has been almost all bad. Today though, he was smiling and happy and playing with us right until it was time. At the end he was very peaceful even though we ended up having to go to the vet and not use the home service.

Thanks again everyone.

[Larry Ashcraft]

I don't have the words.

I've lost a few over the years, cried like a baby, and then like a dummy, adopted another pup. We have three now.

Your pal looks a lot like my little buddy, Ziggy. Same smile and bright eyes. Ziggy just has fewer spots on his nose.

We're steeling ourselves to lose our old Howard before the summer's over. He's a big old mutt, 140 pounds and 13 years old, and wouldn't hurt a fly. He can hardly get up anymore, but as long as he seems happy, we're putting it off.

[gnihcraes]

Sorry for the loss.

[Byte Stryke]

My Heart hurts for you.

[Cylinder Head]

Terribly sorry for your loss. Take refuge in the fact that you gave him a great life and let him pass with no regrets.

[William]

Sorry for your loss. Streak was a great dog. He had a good life with you and Tina and I hope the good memories outway this hard time.

[Big Wall]

Sorry for your loss.

[theGinsue]

I feel your pain. April 2009 we had to make the same decision with our friend. My wife and I adopted her on our 1 year anniversary. I am an ICU nurse and have had to help others get through it but on that day I cried like there was no tomorrow. It hurt down to my soul. But I could not be selfish and had to do what I knew was right and relieve her suffering. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and Streak. Just remember them for what they gave you and what you gave them, a better life for knowing and loving each other.


No allergies here. Just tears. Tears for you, tears for me. I've been where you are several times and it still breaks my heart.

I'm so sorry for your loss but so happy that Streak led a life that offered him such love. He was obviously a lucky pup. Godspeed, Streak.

Please, please tell Stella I still love her.


My Heart hurts for you.

Chad - No words are ever sufficient, but these three statements reflect almost everything I wanted to say.

Now, it's time for grieving & healing. This process will be easier if you focus on the joy Streak brought to all of you.

I'm here if you wat to talk. I've been there far too many times myself and won't think less of you if you need to shed some tears.

[hatidua]

I have no sufficient words, just very sorry.

[CO-SpAr72]

So sorry for your loss. Had to put our Rottie, Dozer, down after only 6 short years back in April. We were inconsolable for a while as he was our daughters absolute BEST friend in the world. They were inseparable.

All you can do is take solace that he is eating steak every night now and chasing frisbees all day everyday with all the vigor of his youth while he waits for his best friend at rainbow bridge. My heart go out to you and your family. Know that it does get easier with each passing day and do your best to focus on the good times you had with your friend

[Squeeze]

I'm sorry for your loss. That is a terribly difficult thing to do, and it takes a real man to make that call. It sounds like Streak had a great life in a very loving home.

The furry critters we call "pets" really do become part of our families. They all have their own personalities and it's hard to let them go. Thank you for sharing this with us.

^^^ Couldn't of said it better myself. [Cry] R.I.P. Streak.

[GhostRider]

I'm sorry for your loss, a best friend is just that whether it be man or animal,
R.I.P. Streak