I am so sorry for your loss. Just by this post, I know what a great pack leader you are and how much you care for your dogs. You did everything right.

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

CJ,

You and your family are in my thoughts. I'm glad Edward had a happy life with you, and that he got his peaceful, loving end.

Your strength and grace in this have been inspirational.

Meredith

 Quote: Joyce Salazar

CJ and Bob,
My sincere and deep condolences. Your posts have been absolutely and incredibly touching.

What a beautiful life you gave to Edward and how rich the rewards of having him as well as your pack there these past days.( as well as years)

How I admire your eloquence and how my heart goes out to you.
Thank you for sharing CJ.
Take good care and know you are thought about during this difficult time.

My thoughts as well... and thank you CJ, you've initiated some wonderful thought and conversation about one of the hardest parts of sharing our lives with dogs.

~Natalya

Condolences to you and your family. Having just lost Kati Thanksgiving Weekend; I know how gut wrenching it is to lose a member of the family. However, let's be thankful that we have these options to ease a dog on their journey.


About 15 years ago when we were doing pet therapy at the local nursing home; we lost our lead therapy dog to a combination of ailments. When came for a scheduled visit after losing her, the residents told us, "we are kinder to pets than we are to people."

I always remember that when I have a four legged friend who is starting to suffer.

Thank you so very much - everyone.

When I first posted, seeking your input on how to have my pack remain intact, getting through the passing of their oldest, most respected member, I never thought that I would end up sharing this much emotion or detail with the challenges and choices that we faced.

As well, I consider myself a fairly emotionally stable individual (hubby calls ME “the rock” – go figure) and I could never have imagined nor prepared myself for the difficulty of this decision or the pain and emotions involved.

It was mentioned in a few posts, and I know I looked everywhere for this type of information, that this discussion was enlightening and assisting others with their own thoughts on this process. If it has provided even one person with a little more insight on how these incredible animals touch our lives (in life and death) it has been my honor to share Edward’s passing with you.

Your kind words and thoughts have truly been therapeutic and helped us through this. I came back to this site and read your words over and over again (live a good Michael Ellis DVD) and absorbed more each time, confirming that we were doing the right thing. I can only hope that we are able to pay this forward at some point - perhaps these words will be there for someone struggling through a similar situation.

The events of the last few days are still very raw and painful and I know that only time will heal this. There is no empty spot in our pack; we were blessed with sharing our lives with an incredible soul who taught us all many things. We will carry on in his memory.

 Quote: Connie Sutherland

You did what the best pack leaders do.

Connie, I’ve received a few recognition awards in my career with our public service but nothing has ever made me so proud as to see those words - coming from you. Thank you.

God Bless, each and every one of you.

Edward has touched our lives, reminding us what matters, what is truly important, and how much love--in any form--matters. My true condolences.

i recommend "Sight hound" by Pam Houston. a very nice, LIFE-AFFIRMING book about an irish wolfhound with osteosarcoma. one of those "girl-movie" books in a way, but i've read it 4 times, haven't donated it to the library yet.

but cj, you might want to wait a bit...

have you read it connie? or anyone else here?

 Quote: ann freier

i recommend "Sight hound" by Pam Houston. a very nice, LIFE-AFFIRMING book about an irish wolfhound with osteosarcoma. one of those "girl-movie" books in a way, but i've read it 4 times, haven't donated it to the library yet.

but cj, you might want to wait a bit...

have you read it connie? or anyone else here?

No, I haven't. Should it be read at a not-too-vulnerable time?

Read it, loved it. It's a "gird your loins" kind of book, though. You know there is no happy ending, but the ride is worth it.

Ann, this sounds like a wonderful book.

I checked out the author’s web page and she’s got a great excerpt there. I got about half way through and knew I need to give it some more time before I absorb myself in Dante's life. It will most certainly be a summer vacation beach read.

Thanks for the heads up on this one!!