OT: Diva

Oh my Dear Eileen That just plain HURTS!!!!! It was a difficult decision and I know your heart is breaking. No less than having Joey put to sleep ... just a different hurt.

The senior room sounds like a loving place for Diva. Most rescue places have a multitude of caring people who give the animals tons of affection.

I swear, my next animal is coming from the Hallmark store.

Special hugs
Annette

((((((((((( hugs ))))))))))))) I am a cat lover too (got one sleeping on me now). You had no choice and she will taken care of, but I know it hurts.My little girl is 16 and failing. She has always been such a good pet/companion. The time has come for her to go to kitty heaven, but I don't know if I can handle it. She is my last pet. We lost her sister a couple years ago.

Eileen - I've had a German shepherd all my life (well, different ones, if I had just one over my entire life, he'd be in the Guinness Book of Records) - anyway, I've never had to give up a pet, so I don't know how you feel, but my heart breaks for you  I lost my "guys" through death, and their loss was very, very difficult.
I heard Oprah say that she couldn't love her dogs anymore than she did if she had given birth to them.  I thought, she understands that human/animal bond that is so indescribable and  is the source of happiness, sadness, love, laughter, etc. 
I hope that knowing that so many of us on this board understand, really understand, the connection to animals and feel for you brings you some solace.
Margaret

Oh, Eileen, my heart is breaking right now after reading this. I am sure that Diva is in the place that she needs to be in right now. I know that you love her and miss her also. Our emotions are sometimes so hard to understand. Part of you knows that she is where she needs to be but the other part of you knows that she should be home with her mama and sister and brother too. You have done something that is the sign of a true and loving mama~you gave your baby up to someone who can give her what you can't right now. That doesn't make you a bad person but rather a kind and loving person. A unselfish person. Who could do better than that? The senior room that Diva is going to be in sounds like a wonderful place and she will be making friends there too. Janine will take over the caring of her and add more love to her life but just remember that just because she isn't with you now doesn't mean that you have to stop loving and caring for her. If you need to talk make sure you call me~I can cry with you if you need company doing that. I am always good at the waterfalls! We love you and are here for you if you need to just chat. Remember that, dear!