I have been reading these forums for several months but this is my first and probably hardest post.Thanks Ed for your article on grieving a pet loss. It helped but still hurts.
Today is Jan 13 2006 Ilsea has been slowly losing the use of her rear legs and also had a large growth on one of her breasts and had just started losing bladder control. Like you Ed I would have to help her outside to relieve herself but didn't mind she was my best friend. As I said this week she started to lose control of her bladder and you could tell she was imbarrassed and upset because she never messed in the house . I told her it was OK but she was still upset. We took her to the vet today and she told us that there wasn't alot left to do. We could take the lump off but it would be very risky. So I decided to have her put to sleep and stayed with her until she went to the Rainbow Bridge. I did't want to let her go but she wasn't the dog full of life that she had been and she wanted to go.
This is very hard . I just wanted to say goodbye to my best friend. Thanks for listening

 Quote:

I have been reading these forums for several months but this is my first and probably hardest post.Thanks Ed for your article on grieving a pet loss. It helped but still hurts.
Today is Jan 13 2006 Ilsea has been slowly losing the use of her rear legs and also had a large growth on one of her breasts and had just started losing bladder control. Like you Ed I would have to help her outside to relieve herself but didn't mind she was my best friend. As I said this week she started to lose control of her bladder and you could tell she was imbarrassed and upset because she never messed in the house . I told her it was OK but she was still upset. We took her to the vet today and she told us that there wasn't alot left to do. We could take the lump off but it would be very risky. So I decided to have her put to sleep and stayed with her until she went to the Rainbow Bridge. I did't want to let her go but she wasn't the dog full of life that she had been and she wanted to go.
This is very hard . I just wanted to say goodbye to my best friend. Thanks for listening

You gave her the best gift you possibly could.

Another forum member said it best: Don't be sad she is gone; be happy you knew her.

You and your dog were best friends, and you let her go out of love for her.

 Quote:

I have been reading these forums for several months but this is my first and probably hardest post.Thanks Ed for your article on grieving a pet loss. It helped but still hurts.
Today is Jan 13 2006 Ilsea has been slowly losing the use of her rear legs and also had a large growth on one of her breasts and had just started losing bladder control. Like you Ed I would have to help her outside to relieve herself but didn't mind she was my best friend. As I said this week she started to lose control of her bladder and you could tell she was imbarrassed and upset because she never messed in the house . I told her it was OK but she was still upset. We took her to the vet today and she told us that there wasn't alot left to do. We could take the lump off but it would be very risky. So I decided to have her put to sleep and stayed with her until she went to the Rainbow Bridge. I did't want to let her go but she wasn't the dog full of life that she had been and she wanted to go.
This is very hard . I just wanted to say goodbye to my best friend. Thanks for listening

So sorry for your loss...RIP Ilsea

Rex - I extend my deepest sympathy and share in your heavy heart.

I'm so sorry for your loss, remember her as she was when fit and all the happy years you had together and be proud of yourself for being able to do what was best for her, no matter how hard it was for you. You put her first and she will thank you for that.

Just having lost my two companinons of 14 and 12 years I know how you feel and am so sorry for your loss.
It never seems like we get to spend enough time with them but I also feel that you gave her the best gift by respecting her and making the decision to allow her to go with dignity! No more pain and embarrasement for her only love and happyness! Also always remember the good times and never fret about the sad times!