Words cannot convey the appropriate amount of condolences to you friend.

You know, It isn't fair that our 4 legged family members don't get to live too long, yet still have to die .. old.

Time shall ease the pain. The memories are yours to cherish... 

Feels like part of your heart dies. I detest these stories. Brings it all back.

I remember when my West Highland Terrier died in April 2006. Horrid day. His heart more or less started to fail. Rather than going through it all… The vet was good enough to open the premises up that late night. I had to carry him in. Before I got to the table, he died in my arms. Feeling the life go out of him as the body became heavier and heavier I'll never forget. He was only a few weeks short of his 15th. Had him since I was 10.

She injected the syringe into his heart to confirm he died. They were so good enough to arrange the cremation and such. It even nearly brought her to tears.

Kind of unreal how you really don't realise how much they're truly apart of your life until death. The way it truly kills your heart on that day.

I also remember one time when he was a pup taking him into the vet for the certain injections they get. Seeing the man take in his Alsatian, then 5 minutes later coming back out with just a lead and sobbing. It was horrible to watch. All the owners sitting in a deathly silence. Even the reactions to some of the dogs. It's something I'll never forget in the early 90s.

Thanks for the kind words, guys. Why do pups have to die so soon, Phoon? Doc, I'll be looking for my guys when I get to that bridge. I've had dogs almost every day of my life so there are quite a few waiting for me. Voo, I feel your pain. I've held each and every one of my guys and gals as they passed. I've always wanted them to know they weren't alone when they left. Paul, I appreciate your words of kindness.

I've had Diesel since he was six weeks old. My son brought him home and I thought he was the goofiest looking dog I had ever seen. He was all head, legs, and feet. Huge head, long legs, and gigantic feet! Watching him run all these years was a blast. He ran like a deer, more hopping than actual running. Watching him run after squirrels in trees was hilarious. He was never one to play. Not once did he ever fetch a stick or chase a ball. He was just my buddy. Anyway, this is what he looked like 5 or 6 years ago. People have told he reminds them of Santa's Little Helper on The Simpsons.

Sorry to hear that John. I have had to do this a few times in my life sadly, but I always have to realize what was best for the animal, not my self. Time will heal.

So sorry to read of your loss, John, it is never easy saying goodbye to a treasured pet.  We lost our Maltese cross, Toby, a couple of months ago, and it wasn't easy having to let him go, so I know what you're going through and I do feel for you.

It is obvious from your post and how you speak of him, how much you loved him. That sucks so bad, the hole it must have left. Very sorry for the loss of your family member. My wishes for a quick healing heart which must be broken, so sorry.

Damn me for reading this.  Sorry for your loss John.  I feel your loss as I type this through my tears as it brings back sad memories for me.  When my Lady (shepherd) died it hurt so much I said wouldn't have another pet.  I haven't.  Again, I feel for you John.

Not really, John. They enable the best parts of our hearts and natures to emerge without fear of shame or rejection...hence the depth of the sorrow of their deaths. 

Beautifully said... nailed it....

i sympathize with everyone here who has lost a furbaby. i still have two dogs and a cat so i'm not alone by any means. i don't think the Madison, Diesel's mother, will be with me much longer though. She's not dealing with Dezz's death very well. Jack, the wire-haired jack russell terrier (yeah, i know i put a LOT of thought into his name) is a 5 year old little scudder and Bones the cat is only 6 or 7 and a little dude so they'll be around for bit.

Mike, i didn't mean to make ya cry, bud. i completely understand though. I'm picking up Deez's remains later today and i guarantee you i'll be crying then. i'll need to sit for a bit in the parking lot to gather myself before driving home.

It's like the joke goes....put the wife and dog in the trunk of a car for half a day and when you open it back up which one is the happiest to see you? Animals will never stab you in the back...you can sit and tell them your troubles and they always listen...and they are ALWAYS glad to see you. I would love to have another dog but since I'm not to sure how much longer I'll be around I didn't think it would a good idea. I have a 50 year old Yellow Fronted Amazon to deal with since I'm pretty sure he's going to outlive me

well, it's been a trying day. i brought Diesel's ashes home today. the cremation service and the vet's office did a first class job. Deez's ashes are in a plastic bag inside a very high quality maple box with his name burned/engraved into the lid. inside an envelope in the tote bag the box was in is a small plastic bag with a tuft of his hair. when i saw that, i lost it. i admit it, i lost it big time. i thought i could get thru bringing him home without crying but i failed miserably. a certificate of cremation and a letter from the vet and his staff were included also. i got to the vet's office around 1:00 this afternoon and i was out of there within 15 minutes. the waiting room was full, as usual. one thing really choked me up ... 3 people, with their dogs, followed me to my car and expressed their condolences. these are people i had never met before and may never see again but they took the time to console me before i got in the car. one of the dogs, a large chocolate lab, stood on his back legs and put his paws on my chest as if he wanted to give me hug. i couldn't help but laugh at that. anyway, i guess there are lots of good people in this world.