<p>Had to put down our 14 year old lab last week. Now our household is “dogless” and oh, so sad. Two kids leave for college (one a freshman) in two weeks and I wanted these last weeks to be happy ones before they leave. Not the case------it is sad, so no one really wants to be here.<br>
I know there are those who will say “it was just a dog”. And, you’re right. She shed, she pooped in the yard, and she was often a nuisance. But I’m sure there are others of you who understand the bond that pets bring to a family.<br>
I am sad… And, soon to be “childless” as well…</p>
<p>Well, she was just a dog, after all. Just a dog whose world centered around you, who probably rested her muzzle on your knee when she knew you were feeling down. Just a dog who ran around the yard with your kids when they were 4, and 5, and 6. Just a dog jumping around and playing, when your dog and your kids were all puppies together, or all children together, acting the same. Just a dog with a personality you won’t forget, and whose love you’ll always treasure. Those of us who’ve been in your position know what “just a dog” means, and my heart goes out to you. It’s good your kids got to say goodbye to her. Losses coming close together are not single losses, but are cumulative and are harder to bear because of it. I wish you all the best.</p>
<p>Sorry colclifmuir. Having had to put down several good friends over the years I know exactly how you feel.</p>
<p>My sympathies at the loss of your friend and family member… :(</p>
<p>Count me as another person who knows what “just a dog” means. I have three doggies who’ll be waiting for me at the Rainbow Bridge with open arms whenever that time comes, along with two earth bound canines.</p>
<p>The unconditional love that a dog can give has no equal. It’s very different that the love of a wife towards a husband, or a parent to a child. For the dog owner, it can at times be equally (if not more) important as we make our way in a world that does set conditions.</p>
<p>Take the best picture you have of her, frame it and place it in a prominent location. You will need time to grieve, especially with many changes coming in your household. Dog lovers will understand you. Others may not, but then we can be sad for them for having not experienced a cold, wet nose on the leg, the luxuriant fur, or the look of expectation when you ask them if they want to eat, walk or play. Simple love you’ll remember forever.</p>
<p>To the OP–(1) Think of the great life you gave her. (2) I do have a friend who gets a new puppy for every kid who leaves for college. It sure would fill the time. (Or better yet, we’ve adopted two labs through great lab rescue groups. So many fine dogs out there looking for a good home. Maybe one of them needs you?)</p>
<p>So sorry to hear about the loss of your family member. It’s so hard, especially for the childern to lose a nearly life long friend.</p>
<p>I am "just"aDog’s mom too. In fact I got mine 7 months before my D (only child) went off to school, so I get the importance. He is a handful, but he’s MY handful. What are the chances that you’ll slide on over to the shelter and pick up another handful? I say this will be the last, but who knows…</p>
<p>I am so sorry-I know just how you feel, my youngest will be starting college next month & she has grown up with our 15 yr old lab,although she hasn’t been home for more than a few days combined since February. I had been trying to keep her posted on her health especially since when my older daughters cat died during her junior year of college ( the cat was 20- ), it was very hard on D, and took a chunk out of her concentration.</p>
<p>So far, our dog is doing OK, although she sleeps most of the time- still at night she is curious & I have been taking her out to explore. But I think going through another winter will be pretty hard on her & I am just taking it one day at a time so far.</p>
<p>colclifmuir, I am so sorry that your beloved dog had died. </p>
<p>Our dogs are a big part of our family. We’ve always had big dogs but a few years ago, in response to my only child becoming a teen, we added a pug to our family. Now that my son’s senior year is approaching, my husband decided that it was a good time to add another furry family member. </p>
<p>No dog can ever replace another dog. Ever. But each new member of the family does add to the collective love and joy. I hope that when your heart heals a bit, you’ll consider another dog. If that’s not in your future, I hope that soon the sharp pain of grief turns to warmer memories.</p>
<p>Hayden, Your post brought tears to my eyes, thank you for sharing that.</p>
<p>I’m so sorry to hear your sad news. I completely understand. Now and then, my daughter tells me that I love the dog more than I do her and I just say - “don’t make me choose.”<br>
She gets it too. I hope you have lots of great pictures to go with the great memories. When it’s not so raw, making a collage of them might help. I did that after losing a pet and I love looking at it now.</p>
<p>I am so sorry. My human children tell me that the family dog is the child I picked and therefore, love the most; I tell them that he’s the one who always listens, always happy to see me, always eager to please. The best gift you could give her was allowing her a peaceful death with love in your heart. Give yourself some time to grieve. Things will get better.</p>
<p>{{{hug}}} We lost our beloved Golden Maggie in June, just 8 days after we first found out she was ill. <a href=“http://www”>www</a>. petloss.com is a good (but heavy kleenex warning) website.</p>
<p>You didn’t mention her name but I know your dog was glad she was a part of your family. She loved being with you. </p>
<p>I’m so sorry this happened right before school started.</p>
<p>Glad to know some others understand. I suspect another dog is in our future, but right now I don’t want another one…I just want MY dog back. And while my head tells me that letting her go was kind, my heart is second guessing my decisions.</p>
<p>I am so sorry for your loss. Been there, felt that. It’s hard. Your dog was special and unique, there’s no reason to rush your grief. I still miss my childhood friend.</p>
<p>Sorry for you too. </p>
<p>After ours both left us within months of each other, I made a rule that we would not get a new dog for at least a year because I was sick of doing all the work, the shedding etc. Needless to say, I would drag the kids to adoption festival so we could all get a dog fix and about 2 months after becoming dogless one of the rescue dogs performed a “doggie mind meld” on me and I announced we we taking her home. The kids thought it was a riot. Here I set all these rules and with no begging on their part we were no longer dogless.</p>
<p>So, your current sadness is real. And I can’t imagine the kids leaving on top of it. But somewhere, a canine may be zeroing in on you …</p>
<p>colclifmuir - I’m so sorry. I have been through this and it is hard. The thing that helped a little was remembering what a good life our dog had and how much he knew he was loved.
Sending hugs your way.</p>
<p>I’m sorry for your loss. It’s heartwarming to see so many people responding with kind words and sympathies. A lot of love and strength to you.</p>
<p>coclifmuir:
Such sad news. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
I lost my childhood dog when I was in college and I was a wreck. My parents were too since they really bonded with him when I left.
Our dog is getting old and we can’t even think ahead to when he won’t be with us. I wish dogs lived to 40 or 50 - or at least 25. They are sooo sweet…such a treasure to share your life with.
Some may not understand or try to minimize your grief…but MANY do understand. We LOVE our dogs!</p>
<p>Do not second guess your decision. You took the best information you had at the time and made the best decision you could . That’s all anyone could ask for.</p>
<p>If you want to help the dog world… you could consider becoming a foster home in a few weeks. Our rescue group always needs foster places. We are [Middle</a> Tennessee Golden Retriever Rescue: Middle Tennessee Golden Retriever Rescue](<a href=“http://www.rescueagolden.org%5DMiddle”>http://www.rescueagolden.org) but you can go on petfinder and locate the breed rescue closest to you.</p>