At 3:45 p.m. today, I made the toughest decision I have ever made.
I had to play god over my best buddy.
Jim has had a condition for a couple of years, called laryngeal paralysis. In a nutshell, it means he struggles to breathe, because only half his larynx works.
The vet told me some time ago, that it would only get worse.....just a matter of time before the inevitable.
That time was 3:50 p.m.
For just over thirteen years he has been my constant companion. Always there.
When I had my heart attack, he was there; he sat by my side all night, until the ambulance came.
And when I came home from the hospital, he was there; waiting for some love.
He never asked for anything; and in return, gave me everything.
Today I lost my best friend.
He suffers no more.
26th November 1998 --- 26th June 2012
43 comments:
I am so sorry, Keith. My best buddy was a beagle mix named Barney. I used to get horrific migraines about three times a week, and while I lay there like a lump, Barney would sit beside me and occasionally sniff my face to make sure I was still breathing. I called him my "doggie nurse." He had cancer and when I had to have him put down, I cried like a baby for a week. I've never made a decision that was so hard, or so painful. But you did the right thing by not letting him suffer or live in pain.
My deepest sympathy Keith. A lovely dog and a sad, sad day...
My sincere condolences Keith for the loss of such a dear companion.
I'm so terribly sorry Keith. Jim was a lovely dog and obviously a devoted buddy. As you know Louis has the same horrible condition, it is awful to see them suffer, I know you made the right decision for your best friend and he would know that too. Take care Keith, I am thinking of you and sending a big hug!
oh, keith. i am so sorry. my heart goes out to you. i know this feeling of 'playing god' and the angst it causes - and the subsequent heartache that follows - too well...
know that someone across the pond shares your pain and loss.
Canadain Chickadee, thank you.
Animals have a way of knowing when we are 'down'. That's what makes them special.
Thank you Phil. I still can't believe he's not here.
Thank you Frank. He was the best friend I ever had.
Thanks Jan; and thanks for your mail. It means a lot.
Theresa, thank you. I know you understand too well.
I dread this same thing as Boom ages. You have our support over the loss of this wonderful companion, and friend.Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
HI Keith...Words can't express my feelings for the decision you had to make..I know that because I have had to make that decision!!
What a wonderful companion he was for you, even when he got you up a 3:00 in the morning ! ; }
You have some wonderful memories to hang on to...!!
Take care of yourself, have no regrets!!
A large consoling hug for you!!
Grace
I am so sorry for your loss. It is one of the hardest things to have to do with a dear friend. You did the right thing. It's not easy losing a good friend that is always there for us. Hang in there.
I am so sorry for your loss Keith. It is 26 years since our Shepherd died and nothing can fill the void. Only now do I have a little rescue dod that someone had to look after.
Your Jim still watches over you and always will.
That's such sad news Keith, my thoughts are with you.
Keith...my deepest sympathies for the loss of your sweet Jim--a very sad day.
My heart is with you Keith. As you know I had to make the same decision with Bobby last month. Jim, like Bobby, wasn't a pet but a companion, a family member and as such I know he will be sorely missed.
So sorry to hear the news Keith, I wouldn't wish having to make that decision on anyone.
Rest in peace Jim! You have earned it!
Keith, so sorry for your loss. After loosing my best bud in December I know how you are feeling!
so sorry Keith. Nothing I can say really. He'll up there waiting for you wagging his tail
Keith... biggest hug ever...
I am terribly sorry for him and you, Keith. I still have dreams about my best friend, Tarri, she will always be there.
Sad sad news Keith we both had the buddies of our lifetime didn't we and the same all so tough decision to come to. It doesn't really make it any easier even when you know in your heart that it is a kindness. You sort of think who am I to have the right to take away his life. Dogs really don't have enough time on this earth especially for such emotional intelligent creatures. You are so right when you say about their special nature to give. We both loved our special buddies back and thats what counts in the end. xxx
Hello Keith, Sorry to read about your sad news, Julie and I know hard it is when that time comes as you said they become your best friend and give unconditional love.
Take care
Keith and Julie
Sorry to hear that Keith.
I've been there myself and it's very difficult even though you know it's the right thing to do.
Chin up Mate.
I struggle to say the right thing at times like this Keith.. but I really do feel for you.
Take care my friend.
Keith, I'm so, so sorry that you lost your beautiful Jim. I know how hard it is to make that decision. But you did right for your boy. My heart aches for you. Sending a hug your way.
My thoughts are with you, Keith.
KEITH, Im so so sorry. ITS such a hard decision to go through. I am keeping you in my thoughts. ((((KEITH))))Jim had a good life there with you, he was a lucky dog!!
I'm so sorry for your loss, I've had a dog by my side all my adult life and understand how difficult it is when the time comes to have to say goodbye. My sincere condolences.
so sorry to hear about the loss of your pal...it is a hard decision...I've had to make that same one twice in the last few years...
I am so, so sorry, Keith. I could see Jim's character in his eyes in the photos you posted of him. It was apparent that he was a special friend. I know the pain of making that decision and the sense of loss that follows. My heart is hurting for you.
Keith, My sincere condolences.That's really sad news but I gess that was the right decision you made rather than see him suffer..Jim was indeed your BEST FRIEND and you have all good memories to cherish of the years with him.
Hugs,
Shantana
I am so sorry, it is so hard to lose a best buddy. My condolences.
So sorry to here that Jim is gone. He looked like a wonderful fellow.
My condolences.
So sorry to hear the news Keith, lots of love Tandy and gang x
I'm so sorry for your loss of Jim. I have had to make that awful decision twice in the last 5 years and have one more getting close to his time as well. Unless you've been through it, it's hard to describe to someone the loss of that companion that loves you every time you walk through that door. They leave a void in our hearts that will always be there. My Leo will be my last baby for a little while. The heartache is too much to bear. xo
So sorry Keith.
`He whispers, please remember me, when I am gone from here. He whispers, please remember me, but not with tears. Remember, I was always true, remember, I always tried, remember, I loved only you, remember me and smile. For it`s better to forget, than remember me and cry.`
J
Follow me at HEDGELAND TALES
Ouch!!! I'm speechless Keith and I'm so sorry about your loss.. My sincere condolences.
Sad news indeed Keith a huge loss for you. My condolences: RIP Jim
Keith, I'm very sorry to hear about Jim.
Loving hugs Keith ! :(
Very sad news Keith, Sorry for your loss, a heartbreaking decision to make.
Keith, I feel so sorry to read such sad news. I went through a similar experience a few years ago and it took me quite a long time to get over it. And just imagine, I still perceive the dog's presence in our house. Weird, isn't it? I am sure that Jim will always stay with you in your memories of him, I wish you to be strong. Take care.
I'm overwhelmed by all these lovely messages, the e-mails, and text messages. Thank you all, so much.
Jim was a huge part of my life; a part that will never, ever be filled again.
It's still hard to believe he's not here when I wake up in the mornings, waiting patiently for his breakfast, and then a walk, whatever the weather.
Thank you.
I am very sorry to read about this Keith. It is a tough decision to make and we had to make the same some years ago now with sour Cocker Spaniel, but at the end of the day it has to be for the best and you don't want to see them suffer any more. Jim was a great character.
oh i am so sorry! i feel this with you. as i have had to let go of a furry friend too, two years ago. still miss her. they can be so very special. im glad you had those years together, and knew that special bond. tears ...
k☼
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