We Let Him Go...

[Muneraven]

I just want to thank you for posting this. One of my elderly dogs is starting to have some days where she is just not herself at all. She has always been an oddball dog, a bit of a headcase, but I can see it is getting worse. I have the feeling I am going to have to make the same call you did at some point. Not yet, but maybe eventually. It helped me to read your post and to know that, if Pele gets consistently confused and mean or afraid, that is also a kind of pain I should not put her through.

So thank you for sharing your story. I'm glad you did right by Riley all the way to the end. I will try to do the same for Pele.

[KZoppa]

Originally Posted by Muneraven

I just want to thank you for posting this. One of my elderly dogs is starting to have some days where she is just not herself at all. She has always been an oddball dog, a bit of a headcase, but I can see it is getting worse. I have the feeling I am going to have to make the same call you did at some point. Not yet, but maybe eventually. It helped me to read your post and to know that, if Pele gets consistently confused and mean or afraid, that is also a kind of pain I should not put her through.

So thank you for sharing your story. I'm glad you did right by Riley all the way to the end. I will try to do the same for Pele.

I hope it helps. I think it hurts them more to lose themselves, especially before their body is ready to go. I really think Riley knew he wasn't totally right but there wasn't anything he could do about it.

[Bridget]

I am so sad for you. What a beautiful dog. You know you did the right thing. Have you ever read the book "The Dogs Who Grew Me" by Ann Pregosin? You may want to, as she had a very similar experience with one of her dogs, a rottweiler. Take care.

[KZoppa]

Originally Posted by Bridget

I am so sad for you. What a beautiful dog. You know you did the right thing. Have you ever read the book "The Dogs Who Grew Me" by Ann Pregosin? You may want to, as she had a very similar experience with one of her dogs, a rottweiler. Take care.

thank you. I'll add it to my reading list.

[KZoppa]

Got Riley's ashes back today. Wrapped his collar around the urn. Shasta sniffed and sniffed and then stomped out of the room like an angry child. I think it's finally clicked for her that he isn't coming back. Still trying to figure out how to explain cremation to a 3 year old and a 5 year old.... Somehow I dont think "They burned him until there's nothing but ash" is the way to go. I think i'll wait a few years before I explain that one. The crematorium also sent a copy of The Rainbow Bridge as well as some wildflower seeds to plant in Riley's memory. I thought that was really nice of them.

[Gilly1331]

So sorry for your loss. It is so hard to say goodbye as they become apart of you and your heart.

[Courtney]

I am so very sorry....sending healing thoughts your way to you & your family.

He left this world loved with kind words being spoke to him. We send Riley's spirit off with much love....

[Emmy]

such a handsome boy... I'm sorry for your loss

[KZoppa]

Originally Posted by Emmy

such a handsome boy... I'm sorry for your loss

thank you

[readaboutdogs]

So sorry for your loss, the pictures are so sweet. We had Cody cremated, and I didn't bring in his leash and car blanket till we brought him home. It was hard to put away some of his things and to wash his nite nite blanket for the last time. His ashes rest on his folded blanket now.