Buddy passed away here at home on Tuesday, April 17th at 10:05am. I knew that morning that it was time to put him down, his vet wasn't in so first appointment we could get was 2:30pm. I believe he had a heart attack and died within 20 minutes of him retching bringing up foam around his mouth.

I failed my dog, I had everything planned, sedatives to give him before I took him to vet. The weekend before he was very active jumping up from a down position to run to front door to bark at people passing, and running the front fence a couple times then I made him stop.

God, I miss him so much

No Peggy, you did not fail your Buddy. You made the hard decision at the end and because he loved you so very much he decided it was time to go and save you the distress.

Please know that while I know that right now it feels like someone has literally punched your chest it will get better. And then one day, I don't know when, you will think of Buddy and a smile will be on your face before the pain hits.

And from there it gets better. Never good but better.

Rest in Peace Buddy.

So sorry Peggy! You did not fail him, you were with him in the end that's whats important. Hang in there.

 Quote: Betty Waldron

No Peggy, you did not fail your Buddy. You made the hard decision at the end and because he loved you so very much he decided it was time to go and save you the distress.

Please know that while I know that right now it feels like someone has literally punched your chest it will get better. And then one day, I don't know when, you will think of Buddy and a smile will be on your face before the pain hits.

And from there it gets better. Never good but better.

Rest in Peace Buddy.

All of this, and what Lynn said ........ and, we don't always get to decide.

My heart aches for you. I know the pain is breathtaking.

When you feel like it, please know that any obituary and celebration of his life will also be welcomed here http://leerburg.com/webboard/topiclist.php?forum_id=143 --- an embedded photo, in that section, too (or links, as you choose).

R.I.P. beloved friend.

My heart goes out to you. I know what it's like. Just remember him, and it will get easier over time. Rest easy Buddy, enjoy the rainbow bridge.

Sorry for your loss!
I've done it to many times over the years to think there is an easy way or best way.
Keep the good memories and don't let the bad ones ruin that.
Some need time to heal. Some jump right on a new pup to ease the pain.
My belief has always been to get a new pup as soon as possible. Not to replace the memories or the dog but to add to them.
I realize everyone has to follow their own heart.

Peggy, nothing any of us say is going to stop that ache in your breaking heart, you haven't failed Buddy throughout his life, and you didn't fail him at the end, his poorly body gave out, and even though you planned to give him the pain relief to help him on his way, he passed away in the home he loved, with you, the person he loved.

One day, you will make the journey to the bridge, and Buddy will be waiting for you, whole and happy, and you will be together again.

You did not fail him. Buddy knew it was his time to go to the Bridge. I am so sorry for your loss.

Thank you all for your kind words and thoughts. Buddy was the first only child I have had in years, usually had two dogs. I bought him a week after losing my last two rotts within 2 weeks of each other. I have never been without dogs and could not stand the emptiness in my heart and house. Getting him so soon helped since puppies take a lot of your attention to raise them right and wasn’t long before he made me smile.
In many ways Buddy became the most important dog of all, I lost my husband in 2008 and my daughters brought me from my home in Texas to live with my oldest daughter and her family. Since all of my family had jobs, it was Buddy that brought me comfort by staying by my side and letting me cry on his shoulder while licking the tears away. It got where I could not be away from him for more than a few hours. I turned down free trips to Disney Land over and over and refused to go for the weekend to a friend’s cabin in Lake Tahoe since they wouldn’t let me bring him and I couldn’t be away from him. I know this irritated my family, they kept telling me he was just a dog, a pet and I was over dependent on him. They didn’t understand that he was more than that to me.
I do have a new pup coming; a good friend of mine has been breeding and selling Mini Australian Shepherds for years and when I told her that Buddy had cancer she offered to give me a pup. He is only 4 weeks old so he won’t be ready until May 18th when he will be 8 weeks. He is a Blue Merle, black on body with a mixture of a lot of gray and has a white fur collar that goes all the way around his neck. I named him Rajah, and have his crate, crate mat, a few new safe toys, and long line and flex lead.
Best Regards and thank you
Peggy

The loss of a good dog who was your partner during a tough time -- we on the forum understand that loss.
The only positive note about loosing a good dog is that it opens the door for new love in a new pup. The new does not replace the old, it just adds to your life-time savings account of dog experience. Perhaps this new fella, smaller and smart, will be more portable and will accompany you on many travels. I look forward to hearing about his puppy training, antics and the "shock" of how active he will be compared to the dear pal you lost.
You have my deepest sympathy. It absolutely breaks my heart to loose a good one.