RIP Charlie Bear

Making that last decision for them sucks no matter what kind of spin you put on it. I had to do it twice last year with two very old pets.

The hardest part was convincing myself that I made the right decision at exactly the right time. Never second guess what you had to do.

When I get to that Rainbow Bridge I know I'm going to get beaten with happy-waggie tails.

Deepest sympathy. An over-sized border collie helped raise me, literally until I was nine or so. I will never forget him.

Hercules you are right about making the decision and not second guessing. Charlie followed me until the very end, his loyalty and unconditional love was like other dogs. I have another very old dog, she is 12 or 13 I think, she was also a rescue.

The herding breeds like Charlie are very intelligent and learn things fast, they are also extremely loyal to one person, I was that person to Charlie. Because Charlie was also part Great Pyranese he was also quite protective. Charlie would hear things and alert at night, I never doubted him as he could sense things.

To all the true animal people out there, love your pet, spend a bit of extra time with them, give them an extra treat as their time with us is limited.

When you lose a dog due to old age and its various maladies, another dog will find you. Do not look for it ... when the time is right the dog will find you. Originally Posted by pyramider

+++++1 And it will be the right dog for you! I live in the country and it has happened several times to me. When I have had to put my friends down I always think I will go get a rescue dog but it never seems to happen. Before I
make the effort, it seems the right dog wanders up my driveway and makes itself at home. Strange but true!!!!!

Sorry for your loss MW.......

Making that last decision for them sucks no matter what kind of spin you put on it. I had to do it twice last year with two very old pets.

The hardest part was convincing myself that I made the right decision at exactly the right time. Never second guess what you had to do.

When I get to that Rainbow Bridge I know I'm going to get beaten with happy-waggie tails. Originally Posted by Hercules

When one looks at the quality of life of the pet ... the animal's pain and suffering ... it makes the decision a lot easier to make. Its never easy and the emotional pain is very real. The pet is a family member and the slave of the pet will grieve.

Yes, I said slave of the pet. I am my dogs' human, they own me. They are not my dogs.

I am very sorry for your lose you want want to try the rainbowbridge just google it

I'm very sorry. I had to make that decision about 8 months ago and still am not ready to get another one. Pyramider is correct, you will know when it's time. Best wishes to you.

This has a very, very special meaning to me. I wish I could share, but it is personal, just enjoy it...My all time favorite actor...

Jimmy Stewart on the Johnny Carson Show reading his poem 'Bo'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwGnC...e_gdata_player

Jimmy Stewart on the Johnny Carson Show reading his poem 'Bo'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwGnC...e_gdata_player Originally Posted by ManSlut

Just FYI for anyone that watches that. You will bawl like a big old baby. I've seen it before and can attest to that fact.

I had never seen that, thanks for sharing, You got to love Jimmy Stewart

Just FYI for anyone that watches that. You will bawl like a big old baby. I've seen it before and can attest to that fact. Originally Posted by Hercules

As an owner of a sick dog, there are currently tears in my eyes after watching that (hate to admit it). That was great, glad I watched it.

Gonna go pet my dog now.

One of the best dog lover's books I've ever read, and still re-read, is "Where the Red Fern Grows". I love to read that book (movie was kinda 'meh'). But absolutely positively REFUSE to read the last 2 chapters now! If you teared up even a little when Travis shot old Yeller then you'll need a couple boxes of Kleenex for those last 2 chapters of WtRFG.

Sorry for your loss man ... indeed the dog is the best man's friend

The loss of a beloved dog is a rough time. I'm sorry for your loss. After reading the entire thread it sounds like Charlie and your other dog were rescues. That is awesome! When I lost my best dog forever a few years ago, I went to a rescue group and decided to temp foster in honor of my lost friend. It soothed the soul and helped both myself and the dogs get through a short time of need for each other. Fostering is a great option to consider!

I brought Charlie's ashes home today and he has a place of honor next to my beloved Cheyenne's ashes. Time heals all wounds, but dam it was a long tough week.

I was in the army many years ago and served in Germany, The Panama Canal Zone, The Phillipines and a few other places as a member of the military police and dog handler. My passion and love for dogs has only gotten stronger since my time in the military. I plan on being placed in a national cemetary along with the remains of all my dogs. They say all dogs go to heaven, I only hope I have lived a good enough life to join my friends and companions when my time comes.

Charlie Bear was a rescue dog, I adopted him after loosing my beloved Cheyenne. Charlie was a mess when I brought him home, he needed heart worm treatment and lots of love. Upon the end of the heart worm treatment Charlie came home and he learned to be a dog. Charlie turned into an incredible dog, and friend. Charlie was a true gentle giant.

I have one very old rescue dog left at home, Maggie. I drove to Abilene to rescue Maggie and she was a mess. Maggie also had heart worms, almost no hair, a broken tail and a broken spirit. I drove to my vet's office for two weeks to just sit with Maggie while she was going through heart worm treatment. Maggie finally came home and with patience, a lot of love and perhaps too many treats, Maggie slowly came out of her shell and she is still with me for which I am thankful.

Rescue dogs are too cool and so thankful, you will never find a more loyal friend and companion. Please folks choose a rescue dog when you are looking for a companion and friend. And make sure your dog is on heart worm preventative each month.

My thanks again to all my brothers and friends here that have offered such kind words. And to the ladies I know on the board, I want to thank you for the emails and your thoughts and kind words too. Peace all.