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We decided to put Sam down this morning.
He just was not acting himself lately. He had a sick heart and cancer around his rectum that was getting progressively worse.
So at 1045am today he went to Doggy Heaven. We will miss him greatly.
In 2 weeks we leave for Niagara Falls and during that time will be his 11th birthday.
Phil & Liz
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You both certainly have Fran's and my deepest condolences over your loss of Sam. As with you and most other pet owners, when we lose one of our "furry children," it is absolutely heartbreaking.
May I recommend you read a copy of the poem, "Rainbow Bridge" if you haven't already.
Phil and Liz,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful St. Bernard, he sure was a handsome fellow! I cannot imagine the pain you must be feeling today, but I am posting the Rainbow Bridge poem in hopes that it will help give you some comfort....
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...
I am so sorry for the loss of your buddy. Our pups are not just dogs, they are part of the family.
I know that it won't be too long until I'll have to make that call on my 13 year old lab, Kramer. Once he is unable to get up and down the stairs then it will be time.
Once again, I'm sorry for the loss but you did the right thing.
Take care,
Mike
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Sorry to hear of the loss of Sam. Losing an animal is a hard thing. They became part of your family. He was a beautiful dog. I love the Rainbow bridge poem, but it always makes me cry.
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11 is a very good age for a St. Bernard. sorry about your loss but you know when the time is right ....once apon a time I was in that position & asked was I not ''playing god'' by having the dog put to sleep, the opinion was you are playing god by not doing so as well, have thought of this many times since.....
We just seem to know, when it's time, and its done with love & respect, for our best pals...your forever memories of Sam,will always make you smile..xo
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Perhaps when your ready you might think of "rescuing' another dog.. I know recently in the area we live our local rescue had a St. Bernard that needed a home. Oh yes, we have two rescued dog plus our five birds.
Phil & Liz I am so sorry for your loss. You know that you did the right thing by not letting him to continue to suffer any longer. It is a decision that every pet owner does not want to make. I feel for you, also as Parrot Mom said when you are ready, maybe you should consider a rescue dog.
Location: Wisconsin....about 100 miles south of the Frozen Tundra and 70 miles east of Camp Randall
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Hugs to both of you. I ditto what Mike said......my 14 year old black lab, Gusto, is getting close to that time where we might have to make that decision.
Oh, I put off and put off responding to this thread. I know how difficult it is to have to put down a beloved pet. Just brings up the pain when we put down our beloved Siamese cat, Bozo several years ago. Still hurts very much.
I had to put my terrier down last August when she was 13 yo. Even after all these months I miss her every day yet I know it was the right decision for her. I am sorry for your loss and as only another pet owner knows, you never replace a pet with another one. You may get other animals in your life but each one is unique and you carry their memories with you.
When our Alfie died (JUNE)we had decided that we would no longer have a dog, the birds were enough.. Parrot Pop after a month or two decided that the house was not the same without a dog...and after the decision was made that we did not want a puppy and we wanted to rescue a dog..I searched the local rescues on line..We went to see a dog that looked like it would fit into our home and on our meeting he had no interest in him and the "magic" wasn't there.. The rescue director, said..oh she had a dog she wanted us to meet..and I had seen the dog on the net Mama Mia was her name...so for the heck of it we went to a pet store a few towns away and the foster mother brought out Mama Mia and it was love at first sight for Parrot Pop.. she has since been re-named Ms. Annie.. part chihuaha and part jack russell.. As it turns out I called her original owner and learned all about her.. she had been shuttled home to home because of the owners situation and was getting very depressed.. eventually was tuned over to the rescue, Save A Dog..The dog was given to these two wonderful ladies to foster.. well, they fostered her allright. they wrapped her in blankets, hand fed her and spoiled her rotten..lol When one of the foster mothers brought her over by coincidence it was her birthday and the birthday (September) of Parrot Pop..when we announced this was now OUR MS. ANNIE.. she cried... The foster mothers and I have become best of friends and Ms Annie spends our vacations with them as her brother, Skoshi.. Ms. Annie has a sixth sense of when p eople need her or aren't feeling well...right now as I peek into the bedroom she is putting herself under the blankets. NEVER SAY NEVER Phil.. a home without a dog...just isn't the same.. When you meet THE dog you will know.. We actually think Ms. Annie has the soul of our first dog...
Last edited by Parrot Mom; March 29th, 2010 at 06:41 PM.
Phil and Liz
My heart breaks for you----and your loss
I too am going through the same thing with my Jasper--at the age of 16 plus--we take it day by day------he too has cancer around his rectum or so the vet suspects---at his age it would be too tramatic to put him though the various tests for all the lumps and bumps he has.
Thank goodness he's in no pain and still loves his walks and white boxes----
My thoughts and prayers go out to you---what a beautiful dog--he will be with you forever in your hearts
RIP Sam the St. Benard
Rainbow bridge
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