Sorry I haven't blogged for a few days. We decided on Friday it was time to put my childhood dog down and on Saturday it was done. He was a few months shy of seventeen and a really great dog right to the end.
Our family brought him home from the pound when I was five, maybe six, and we named him Maxwell Tidbit McCormick. Of course, he's always just been "Max." When my family all went in different directions (my brother and I moved out - my parents divorced - mom moved out of state) he ended up coming to live with me for the last of his years.
Choosing to put him down has been one of the hardest things I've had to go through. He still had spirit but his body just wasn't able to carry it anymore. I still wish he could have gone peacefully on his own but we couldn't watch him suffer anymore.
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Max, I couldn't have asked for a better companion growing up. I'm so, so sorry... but I know you're not suffering anymore and I'll try to take comfort in that. Enjoy this next great adventure - I'd like to think it's full of everything you loved in life and someday I'll be there too.
My Dear,
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking of you. You are very brave, and did what was right for him.
The house will be lonelier for a while.
Aw, Casey, I feel for you. A couple years ago the exact same thing happened with us on my dog's 17th birthday. She was a doll, and had a great life.
ReplyDeleteI found it very comforting to look at her baby pictures with my kids. It helped me see her whole range of life. Her youth, fun, love, and then as she got older she got quieter and less active. She led an entire life- from baby to senior citizen.
Take care :)
Casey -= im so sorry - our dog died unexpectantly in his sleep last April and we were devestated. Found him in his bed. It is so hard :( my other dog is 14 and getting old. I still cant look at a pic without missing him so much. My heart's with you.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry, Casey. :(
ReplyDeleteSo sorry. Sending hugs.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the kind words and support everyone. I really appreciate that you all care.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about your dog. I've had to put a couple of cats down, and it's such a difficult thing. I encourage you to write down all your special memories of him and all the traits that made him unique. Even if you only do it in incomplete thoughts and phrases, you will be glad you did later on. If you want to read a very good book about a dog read The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. It's sad, but it's so wonderful.
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