I lost one in July, it was the hardest thing I've ever had to do.

I can't have a large heavy dog anymore. I must be able to carry the ones I do have when it's time.

The toughest was the first one I had on our own, some twenty-odd years ago. Cancer was eating her alive and she couldn't have a bowel movement because of the inoperable tumor, but she was still bright and lively when the decision was made. An utterly devastating experience. We lost dogs when we were kids but it wasn't as impactful since those dogs bonded with other family members more so than with myself (girls were already a distraction by that time; who has time for a pooch?). The most recent passing was still painful but she was definitely suffering badly and seeing that was for me a far worse experience than the act of letting her go. Sadness, but very little tears this time around.

This has surely been a tough thread to come back to and read, I choke up a little reading the responses.

I have had to let 2 dogs go over the rainbow bridge. No words can convey my sorrow.

PC

I am right there with you all, the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I thought I was ready but I sobbed like a baby, I vowed never to have another dog.......that lasted 6 months. You just can’t get anymore unconditional love and loyalty.

Our house never seems right without a dog, yes hair & all. For whatever reason I just flow with care & all, it’s never been a bother.

I’ll travel with our dog, easier in the milder months, she rides in the covered truck bed, crated.

Recently I’ve been taking her cutting firewood, back field, away from people & other dogs. Doesn’t matter where you’re going, she just wants to come with.

She is a 5.5 year old German Shepherd, always lets me know when UPS is coming.

Thank you sir!
I recently posted about how I had to have a little calico who lived in our front garden euthanised. I was surprised at how painful it was.
My indoor little ginger girl is getting old now - I remember when I had posted on this forum (as Cliveb) about rescuing her 12 years ago! I very much fear that the day is getting close when I'll have to share that we had to let her go. Gutted won't be able to describe me!

We have a 14 year old beagle/terrier/shih tzu shelter rescue. After a rapid decline in his health last month we took him to the vet and found out he has a stomach tumor. We declined surgery.

Two nights after the trip to the vet, and now at the point of carrying him up and down the stairs, we decided to put him down the next day.

The next morning he surprised us by feeling noticeably better. Then, the following day, he was going up and down the stairs again on his own. It’s now been three weeks and he’s nearly back to normal.

Clearly the tumor or other future problem will eventually do him in. Just happy that for now he’s having more good days with us. Sometime between starting to decline to today we took him off kibble and have been making him homemade meals. His current batch I made is ground venison from my freezer, sweet potato, and broccoli. After cutting him off from human food many years ago to control begging, Winston will now eat like a king for the rest of his life!

Thank you, Club for starting this thread.
I would fill up this thread with pictures of the dogs I've said goodbye to and the tears I've shed for them.
But even after the heartache, I get another one, because it's their love that keeps me going. The day their love means nothing to me is when I want to go too.