<p>Sorry to hear and I feel your pain. Our wonderful Golden Retriever of 14 years was recently put down due to a cancer that spread throughout her poor tired body. She was part of our family and we loved her so.</p>
<p>My oldest daughter will be returning to college and my younger one will soon leave the house and we find ourselves dogless for the first time since they were born.</p>
<p>We made the painful decision not to get another dog at this time since we want to be able to travel to visit our kids and not worry about who will be taking care of our pets. We know eventually we will get another goldern, but it will be several years.</p>
<p>Our pets are just like our children and we are at a loss.</p>
<p>We have three dogs, ages 6, 8 and 13, which equates to one dog for each of the family members. My D’s dog is the 13 year old, who is definitely on borrowed time, poor fellow. Last summer the vet said he thought the dog had “six months, at best.” I didn’t tell my D but just kept hoping the dog would still be here each time she came home from college. She leaves to return to school next week, which is across the country. She insists what I must call her immediately if the dog gets sicker so that she can come home. How have you handled the situation with college aged kids? I know she will be devastated if something happens and Winter break is a long way off. I don’t know how resilient she will be.</p>
<p>RE52–I don’t think there is any right way to handle this. D leaving for college as freshman absolutely wanted us to wait until she was “gone and busy”. We tried to wait, really, but it just became impossible. Our dog was suffering and walking across the room was incredibly painful for her. We held a family meeting, everyone shared their thoughts and concerns, and we made the decision together. This wasn’t just mom’s dog----this was the family’s dog that the kids grew up with, husband played with, and I mothered just like one of my kids.
I think in some ways it would have been easier for my kids to be away at school. In others, I think that would have just prolonged the mourning process. At least here, they were surrounded by a supportive family who shared their feelings.</p>
<p>There is no good time, no good way, no easy path. We have lost an irreplacable part of our family history and we will miss her always. But, I have to say, I am so very glad that we taught our children the value of living with a pet. They have seen the purest love that exists and I think they will be moved to do the same in their own families someday. At some point, I know we will just smile with fond memories. It’s already starting to happen. But as for now, my tissues are always in my pocket and we’re taking it slow. It was a great thing to love my dog.</p>
<p>I was talking to a friend about dogs we’ve loved and lost through the years. She said she read a quote somewhere that said something along the lines of - </p>
<p>Dogs’ lives are too short. It’s really their only fault.</p>
<p>It dawned on me how many of us are losing elderly dogs as kids head off to college/are in college. Very likely due to the typical lifespan of dogs and the age of kids when we parents feel ready to get a dog. The 5-10 year old child gets a dog with a 10-15 year lifespan and they both leave us around the same time. Our nest will truly be empty and we will use the freedom for guiltless travel- no worrying about making the kennel arrangements. My dog is now refusing fluids and may not last until next week, waiting for the inevitable.</p>
<p>Update- dog died yesterday before the euthanasia appt. Son got to see him, death watch ended. Actually lost the dog we knew weeks ago. No one may care, but closure for me to post this.</p>
<p>I care. I am sorry you had to go through this but I’m glad your son got to see him. My mom put our elderly Irish Setter to sleep when I was in law school- seemingly a grown up. One of the worst phone calls ever. Hope your entire family’s at peace.</p>
<p>Wis75, I’m so sorry. I do know how you feel. we are still grieving for our 14 year old dog we put to sleep 2 weeks ago. DD now says she can never have another dog, because it can’t be as wonderful as the one we lost. Breaks my heart–but I assured her she will love another dog in her life, and probably more than one. College is a time of so many life lessons–but I never thought about this one being one of them.</p>
<p>I’m so sorry. It is losing a part of your family—a part of your past together.</p>
<p>We still look for our dog each time we walk into the house. It has been 11 days. I admit that it is easier now than those first days. I don’t cry like I did. Instead, home just feels empty without her here. We have spent many conversations with our kids, just remembering so many great things with our dog. I am struck by how many of their childhood memories have the dog as a constant factor. It was so, so good for our kids to grow up with a dog that they loved. And truly, she loved them so much in return.</p>
<p>Best wishes to you. I know the pain and I understand the loss.</p>
<p>Our beloved Golden Retriever Maggie died on July 1st. We took in a foster on August 12. Her name is Sassy and she is 2. She came from a shelter and has a few bad habits. We’re teaching her how to be a good family dog and then she’ll be adopted. It helps.</p>
<p>Sorry for you and your family. But it is one less thing that will be pulling at your S’s mind when he goes to school. It will be a sadness, but not a reason to want to be somewhere else.</p>
<p>In talking to relatives last week found out how college kids away from home when the family dog dies are affected- father related his tale from the 1940’s and sister her experience- they were visiting their OOS son when grandparents called with the news. We do cherish the memories- and I will pick up a plaster pawprint the vets’ office made. Took all of his stuff to the humane society the day he died (spent some of my grieving time gathering things while waiting). Even though he did basically nothing in recent weeks H and I comment about his activities’ impact on our daily lives- looking for food from one of us when we eat, door locking after the final trip outside… Everyone with a dog has countless habits determined by their pet. And Shih Tzus are pure love.</p>
<p>Will wait to get another dog since a puppy needs to be with you most of the time that first year and we will travel a lot while we have time, money and health- and freedom from responsibilities.</p>