My husband and I got home from work to find our two year old GSD laying under the table. Our kids explained that they were out playing with the dogs when Hairy began to cry. He had trouble walking and the kids let him into the house where he laid down. We thought that Hairy might have had a broken toe so my husband tried to encourage him to get up but Hairy yelped. My DH helped the dog into the car the best he could but no matter what he did for him, the dog bawled. We managed to get him inside the vet's office where they immediately drugged him and sent him in for x-rays. The prognosis devastated us. Hairy had severe elbow displasia on the right side and it had shattered. On top of that, it was malformed and arthritis had set in. They wanted to set us up with a surgeon but we knew in this case that his elbow was beyond repair. We thought of amputation, but the doctor didn't think his other elbow would last long with his weight. As it was, it broke our hearts to see Hairy wearing this makeshift cast on his leg. We were told that the meds we gave him would work ok but the pain would still be bad enough that the dog wouldn't be able to do much except lay down.We were also told that Hairy's quality of life would not be good with the type of problem he had. With heavy hearts and tears in our eyes, we gave Hairy the only relief we could. We let him go. We stayed with him as his spirit left him and we told him how much he was loved and would be greatly missed. We brought him home so his companion, Heidi, would know that her friend was no longer with us. Heidi has whined ever since. We buried Hairy on our property at 11:45 this evening. We truely miss him as he was a trustworthy fellow with debonaire good looks and style that only this dog could have. Hairy will truely be missed. June 3rd, 2003-July 11th, 2005.

Kristina,

I am so sorry you lost your Hairy <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />. We had to put our 8 year old female GSD down in February and I know how hard it is. I agree that you did the best thing for him and how lucky he was to have 2 wonderful years with a loving family. That's more happiness than some dogs get in a lifetime. Cyber hugs to you.

Chris

not much to say as I know nothing can realy help. Sorry for your loss and we will pray for you

I am very sorry for your loss. The loss of a pet is a painful event. I think your willingness to let him be at peace and not linger in agony is a true testament to your love for him. My heart goes out to you.

kristina

I am very sorry for your loss.It IS such a hard thing to have to go through. My prayers are with you and your family.

What a precious gift we have in our possession: the painless passing with the beloved friend near.

No matter how painful it is for us -- what a blessing it is to be able to do it.

You are in my heart.

I am so sorry for your loss. It is a blessing that we can end the suffering for our beloved pets, even if it breaks our hearts. Your wonderful, Hairy, will be waiting for you at 'the bridge' when you arrive.

Dear Kristina,
I will keep you and your family and Hairy's grieving friend in my prayers. A couple months ago we had to let our Pippy go. The other night one of our children was missing her so badly that I just snuggled up with him and sang to him while he cried. I cried some too.
Know that there are a lot of people out here thinking of you-Carolmartine Mason

I'm so sorry for your loss. It brings tears to my eyes. You were blessed to have him for 2 years, and he was blessed to have had you. Remember, there's no pain in heaven, and you did the right thing. You are all in my prayers.

The following (rainbow bridge) was given to me when I lost my "Aussie". Loosing a furbaby is never easy and my heart and prayers are with you & your family.

Rainbow Bridge

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....

Author unknown...