It was time to let her go

[ajbert]

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• ajbert
• May 26, 2015

I just finished burying Gator in the back.  She had been with us for the past 13 years.  Her hind end had been giving her problems for about the last year or so and I've been putting this off as long as I could, but today I couldn't put it off any more.

My wife is out of town so there was somewhat of a blessing there.  I called her when I finished burying Gator and we both cried like babies.  Gator was a great dog to be sure.  She will be sorely missed.

 

[smokin218r]

Sorry to hear about that AJ. Having to let a beloved friend go is one of the hardest decisions to go through. It is very hard to see them in poor health. You made the right choice. Time will heal.

Hang in there buddy.

 

[GaryHibbert]

Hey AJ  Real sorry to hear about Gator.  But never doubt that you did the right thing.  As long as she was happy and in no pain, she was still enjoying life.  But when the time comes, if you love them you don't keep them around just for your benefit--you set them free.  Thinking about you and your wife.

Gary

 

[daveomak]

AJ, Great dogs are great friends... I had Roxy put down last fall.... she lost her battle with cancer....

 

[lemans]

We play we sleep we eat we cry but most of all we live . Our animals make our lives happy. They are our friends.. And we would never let a friend suffer...
You did the right thing..,

 

[b-one]

Sorry for your loss.

 

[ajbert]

Thanks for the kind words from everyone.

I never realized just how quiet and lonely this house can be.  I've missed my wife since she left on the weekend but never realized how a dog is perfect company.  Every time I've stepped outside I turn to see if she wants to come with me (she most always did).  It was tough picking up her food and water bowls.  I just took her blanket out of the drier.

I know things will ease in time.  We had to put another dog we had for 13 years down a couple of years ago.  His name was Bruzer and I imagine Gator and Bruzer being united, running and playing right now, just like they used to in their younger years.

 

[GaryHibbert]

You really do miss them.  Don't realize just how big a part of your everyday life they are until they're not there..

We just spread the ashes of our black lab, Addy, 3 days ago (were waiting for a sunny day).  Now she's free to run, and drive our neighbor crazy by chasing all the deer out of his yard--always was a bone of contention.  LOL

Gary

 

[zeroids7]

So sorry to hear that OP, she's in a better place now, and what you did was the right thing.

________________________

Brygget  - eat drink and be merry

 

[ajbert]

Got up this morning bright and early to drag the trash can out to the road and realized my pup wasn't with me.  Been doing good all week until this but things are getting better day by day.  My cousin came by yesterday and I showed him the "monument" where she is buried.  It's an old stump that I put on her grave.  He approved.

 

[jp61]

I hear you..... tough times for sure. If I don't go first, will have to live through it at least one more time.

 

[dirtsailor2003]

Man this is hitting home for me. Our 13 year old Husky is right there. Took him to see the vet a few weeks back and his back hips, legs just don't have the muscle anymore. It's time.

 

[ajbert]

Man this is hitting home for me. Our 13 year old Husky is right there. Took him to see the vet a few weeks back and his back hips, legs just don't have the muscle anymore. It's time.

The same thing happened here.  When it got to the point that I had to lift up her rear end more times than not so she could mover around I just couldn't put it off any longer.