Losing a Friend

[retrieverman]

I am posting this with tear filled eyes and a heavy heart while I sit with Sugar my 15 year old Lab. I am pretty sure she won't be with me much longer, and I really want to be with her when she takes her last breath.

Sugar joined our family when she was 7 weeks old in December 1995 and has been a joy to all of us since. She has always been very well mannered and allowed to accompany me on business trips all over Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Mississippi and on vacations with the whole family. In her prime, she was a good duck dog and proved herself to be a competent tracking dog as well. In her old age when deafness and poor vision robbed her of the activities she loved, she has been just happy to be with us. Instead of forgotten in a kennel, my family has allowed Sugar to reside on our front porch, and she has been there to send us off when we leave and greet us when we get home. I hold her in higher esteem than I do most people and love her as one of my kids.

I have wondered for a long time how her last days would be, and I thank God for giving me this time with her. She doesn't appear to be suffering, but her body just seems like it is wearing out. Some people will probably consider this sacrilegious, but I pray that dogs have a place in heaven and will be waiting for us with wagging tails when we get there.

I love you Sugar!

[scott9362]

I feel for you mate. The bond between hunters and our dogs is incredibly strong. Losing my dog last year was the most traumatic experience of my life and I still grieve for him.

Cherish the time you have left with your loyal friend.

[skeetshot]

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[dinsdale]

They're never here long enough.

Sorry that anyone has to go through these times.

[retrieverman]

Thanks, guys.

She made it through the night, but her breathing is really shallow. I don't have any work for today, so I will be staying around the house to watch her.

[thechamp]

Understand your situation well. I've been dealing with our male Border Collie 'Sam' who's not doing so hot either. He's 13 and had what appears to be a stroke on Friday. He's making a bit of progress but as the vet said yesterday it's still only a matter of time. He's been going down hill for a while but you sure hate to see it. They sure do become part of you. They love you back like you're the most special person on earth.

Agree totally that they should have a place in Heaven. Seems like any animal with their heart would have to go there. Take care, not much in our hands at this point. Love em and make them comfortable is about all we can do when their time comes.

[blaserguy]

Our canine friends earn the place of respect they achieve in our lives.
If only us humans could treat each other this way. They expect little but give much

I am sorry for what you are going through.
Some breeds of dogs just get it. Labs are one of those.
My cousin in La. trains labs and I remember when years ago he had his first one, Roger. His days of hunting had past and he would look so disappointed when we would leave without him. Just laying around the house was not enough. My cousin called to let me know the next morning that although we had planned to go hunting but he was going to take Roger alone instead and sit in the blind with him. Two flights of ducks came in without a shot fired and the look of dissapointment in Rogers eyes were too much for my cousin. He had planned to just sit in the blind but no shooting. The look ol' Rog gave was too much. The next group were widgeons. The shot was made and a duck hit the water. Roger was young again. They walked together to waters edge, Roger waited for the retrieve comand. It was given, Rog made the short retrieve. The feathers in his mouth must have been incredible. But suddenly Roger went under. Didn't come back up which put into frantic effort to find him in the murky water.
Rogers heart just gave up doing what he loved the most with his beloved friend.

You can't tell me dogs don't have a heart and soul.

I think I am going to go hug my dogs neck.

[retrieverman]

Well, Sugar has fooled me again. She isn't eating much, but she is getting around again. At 15 1/2, I still think her days are numbered, but for now, she is still with me.

[blaserguy]

Well, Sugar has fooled me again. She isn't eating much, but she is getting around again. At 15 1/2, I still think her days are numbered, but for now, she is still with me.

She is a fighter!

[retrieverman]

Well, Sugar has fooled me again. She isn't eating much, but she is getting around again. At 15 1/2, I still think her days are numbered, but for now, she is still with me.

She is a fighter!

yes, and absolutely eats up the extra attention she has been getting.

[Dom]

It is an extremely hard time to go thru near the end, but enjoy the time you have, hope the next days are memory filled, Waidmannsheil, Dom.

[retrieverman]

Since I posted this thread, I have been blessed with three more months with Sugar, but just after noon today, I held her as she took her last breath and passed peacefullly away. This all I can write at this time, and I am already missing her terribly.

[dinsdale]

Sorry to hear that RM.......

One has to be thankful of the time we get with them......but that sure don't make it any easier when they go.

[blaserguy]

Sorry for your loss and the sadness it causes.

[thechamp]

Sorry to hear that. I do know the feeling all too well. Sam has been gone a little over 2 months and it's still not right when I go out there and he's not there.

Take care....