friend of 13 years passed today

She was the best girl I have ever known, she was loyal and trusting,she was my friend.. she had struggloed with cancer for over 2 years and we thought it was all over with.. she was having pains in her right shoulder blade..she wouldn't use it or put any kind of pressure on it.Her Dr,thought at first she had athritis and perscribed dermaxx antiinflammatory pills ..but it didn't help.. she was in severe pain..you could see it in her eyes.. so I called her Dr again yesterday and said.. she still isn't feeling well..he said he'll recheck her x-rays and thought maybe she had a bone-spur..so I was to bring her in today for a recheck... at first they didn't see anything, but then after more examining they found a tumor the size of a large apple under the pit of her arm.. the cancer was back..and because of the severity and size if they operated she would have possibly died on the table. I feel so horrible..Josie had no clue when she left this morning that she would never return.. I even waited to feed her, (her only moment of comfort is when she was eating..) Oh god I feel so horrible.. They recommended just going ahead and putting her down, keeping her alive is just torturing her longer..and drugging her up isn't doing anything for her quality of life..she was in pain..I understand that.. It was time.. she was a good ole' girl.. and I argued until I lost.. the vet was right.. where the tumor was , it was between so many bloodvessels and muscle tissue.. operating would cost thouasands of dollars.. and her chance for surviving the operation was less than 10% and she would still be required to be on meds for the rest of her life.. I question my decision now.. To late to do anything..Feeling guilty she had to go out like this..feeling guilty I didn't even give her a last meal.. Josie girl..You are the best damn dog anyone can ever have,..I hope your in a better place feeling a lot better than you were here! Josie Oct 1,1991-Oct 21,2004 1/2 hound dog 1/2 bull dog 100% loved

Lisa, I know your pain. I had to put my dog down last November and the guilt is awful. But deep down I think they know and understand why we have to do this. Josie was in so much pain that she was ready to go to sleep. She also knew how much you loved her for 13 years. It will take a while for you to get over your pain and guilt, but you will never forget the love Josie had for you. Yes she is in a better place and who knows....you might see her again some day on the other side of the "rainbow bridge". www.rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm

I am soo sorry for your loss. It's never easy. I have four dogs.. they are my babies. HUgz.. TC-

Josie, As I read your message, tears are rolling down my face, I'm sooooo sorry. It brings back memories of losing my pal, my best friend "Lulu", my chow mix. Don't feel guilty, as you said she was in extreme pain, that should make you feel at peace knowing she is not in pain anymore. We will always remember them as loving, caring and giving companions that we will hold in our hearts forever. It took me a couple of years to not cry when I spoke of my "Lulu dog" I will always remember the little red ball of fur when I first saw her. Those memories I will cherish forever. Take Care Jeannie

Oh Lisa, I understand excactly how you feel right now. I had to do the same a few years back with my loyal pay of 11 years. she too had a tumor and it was suggested I let her go. The guilt is horrible at first I know. but when you start to heal you will see you made the right decision. It was a selfless act. you made her pain go away and took pain on yourself. She is not suffering anymore and you saved her from months of pain. She is fine now, and she is not hungry either. she has an abundance of bones, snacks , toys and other dogs to play with now. My thoughts are with you. I am a dog lover for sure. take care Deb

When I lost my bestest pal in the world I cried my heart out. I feel your pain. But know that you did the best thing you could. You gave a final act of kindness, the most special gift. The gift of a painless passing. A dear friend gave me a copy of this poem and it made me feel much better. I pass it on to you now, and hope it has the same healing sentiments it held for me. Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... Author unknown... I have a lot of friends waiting for me at that bridge. And it brings a tear to my eye everytime I read those words. As I know that I will not have to make that crossing alone. If you are interested there is a website that sets up memorials for our friends that pass on. http://rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm It's a very touching place.

So Sorry to hear about you lil girl. It is hard right now, but you did the right thing. The one thing I cannot handle is to watch my dogs in pain. It breaks my heart. I have 3 boys, yorkie, schnauzer, boston, they are my kids, and I love them dearly. I feel for you, May God be with you in your time of sorrow. God Bless Jackie C

I'm sorry to hear about your lose...but please know you did the absolute right thing by putting your baby out of her misery. I have been a dog sitter (side job) for over 15 years and I cry each time I loose a client, so I can only imagine what you're feeling. I have two 7 yr old dogs that I just adore. I keeping telling my family that when they pass on, they are going to have to give me tranquilizers...I love them so much and they love me back. Non-humans are the best. I wish you continued healing and a happy heart filled with memories! Noelle New Market, MD

Oh Honey I'm so sorry you had to go through such a loss. Your fur-baby is in a better lace and she's not hurting anymore. She'll be at the rainbow bridge waiting for you untill your time comes to be together again. I hope that you feel better and i hope that you find another fur-baby to shower all that love that you have on. CJ

In the winter of 1998 I took my two doxie boys to a new vet to get hem looked at, the tecnician said she had a female for sale named Elsie. She was just 10 months old and when I saw her I took her. she was very sweet and a couple months later low and behold she gave me a puppy. April 7 1998. I called the previous owner and she said that she had been with a 13 year old neutered chiuhau and there was no way she could be pregnant but I told her I have the puppy. Anyway I feel in love with her. I named her cookieface. I loved her so much and she loved me. We were unseperable. I can not tell you how much I love her.She slept with me she went to the store with me and when I worked she would wait by the door for me until I come home. A month ago she was biten by a big dog. Someone had put the big dog in my back yard and I didnt know it was there so when I let mybaby out it bite her. She suffered for 4 days before I had to have her put to sleep. I am still paying the vet bill. I miss her so much. I cry everytime i think of her. I know your pain and I hope some day it eases up a little. I wonder about finding another litlle girl but I dont think it would be the same. We had something special. Julie