Sad day today - our Golden is gone

[BB_TX]

The years (14) and ailments were finally too much. Plates and screws in both hind legs from ruptured ACLs, arthritis in both hips and starting in a shoulder, a bout with Rocky Mountain spotted fever that led to temporary blindness but recovered from both, a bout with mini seizures controlled by meds, digestive problems that led us to cook a special diet for her the last couple years, and recent diagnosis with bladder cancer. The last one was just too much.
A rescue dog we have had for the last 6 years. Expensive, but well worth it. The sweetest and most loving dog I have ever been around. Given up by her former owner (a vet) after a divorce. Still don't see how he could do it.
But his loss was our gain and we have enjoyed every minute of her being with us. Never missed a trip in the Monty. Had to use a ramp to get her in/out of the truck and trailer. But she loved going and always seemed to know when we were getting ready to go. Going to be a lot different traveling this year.
http://www.montanaowners.com/attachments/photobucket/img_1047738_0_482e3db6dab17c13a5f8b0dc4b6b7bfe.jpg

[H. John Kohl]

Sorry for you loss. 14 years is great. Mrs Country Guy has a poste on this link about the Rainbow Bridge (http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35800). If you have not read it, it is great for this time in your life.

[jjackflash]

I know how you feel. We had two Labs that went through 4 TPLO's and various other ailments.
We lost our Yellow lab last year,but still have our chocolate lab with us.
It's so hard to loose a loved pet. God Bless you!
Jack and Terry

[Art-n-Marge]

Losing a pet is very tough. A pet has to be cared for like a young child all their life. They do pretty much nothing without your assistance and approval. While a young child grows and becomes an independent individual, the pet is always at your mercy.

Rest assured, it was probably very tough for that vet to give him up, but with the vet's family breaking up anyway it probably turned out the best for Austin since he ended up in a wonderfully caring family. Besides the obvious positive experience of pampering your pet, the prior owner can probably appreciate that he was well cared for and pampered by you. That's a huge gain in the lifestyle for your "rescue". That was one very fortunate dog and he probably knew it.

Hopefully, time will heal. Envisioning all the routines with Austin in regards to the RV, and not seeing him actually do these anymore will be tough. But the memories will bring joy to your heart and maybe a little tear to the eye. They did for us when we lost our little pet and now over time the memories are still a joy to our hearts.

[Mrs. CountryGuy]

Our thoughts are with you. Thanks John for posting the link to the Rainbow Bridge.

[swanny]

I feel your pain. We have always had Goldens. We have two now the old guy Kobe 11 & Yogi 8. I need to get or build a ramp this year, Kobe is starting to struggle with the steps and jumping into the truck. Just remember she now running like a pup again.

kevin

[HamRad]

Bill and Patricia,
We are saddened to learn of the loss of your beloved Golden. Dennis and Mary Kay

[CamillaMichael]

We are sorry to hear of your loss...some would say "it is just a dog," but the truth is we take them into our home and hearts and they become part of us. It may be too soon to be thinking of another, but I was just reading about an organization devoted to "saving" Goldens from abusive situations...there might be some lost Golden out there just waiting for you. For now, your girl does not feel the pain she has endured these last few years...that, at least, is a good thing.

[bob n pam]

A sad day indeed.

[boylanag]

We are so sorry for your loss of your Golden Rescue. Since we rescued our Grey last year, we know how deeply into our hearts they go.

[exav8tr]

Whether a Golden or a Chihuahua, they do fill our hearts with unconditional love. We share in your sorrow and pray you will find the strength to rescue another some day. I have included a poem that we found solace in when we had to say goodbye to our beloved Golden, Sam.

"IF IT SHOULD BE"
If it should be that I grow weak,
And the pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.
You will be sad, I understand,
Don't let your grief then stay your hand,
For this day more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.
We've had so many happy years,
What is to come can hold no fears,
You'd not want me to suffer so,
The time has come, please let me go.
Take me where my need they'll tend,
And stay with me until the end,
Hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time that you'll see,
The kindness that you did for me,
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.
Please do not grieve, it must be you,
Who had this painful thing to do,
We've been so close, we two, these years,
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.
Anonymous


Phil & Cathy (former Golden parents).

[CORattler]

We feel your loss and share it as do all of us who have lost our beloved companions. The pain lessens but never goes away. Hold her in your heart and she will be with you forever. All the best ...

[Wild Horse]

July we put down Thunder, our black lab of 14 years...last week we had to put down Lightning, after 14-1/2 years. Did the ramps, the special diets...anything and everything that we thought would help. We seek comfort in the many, many grand memories and the fact we did everything possible for them.
Our prayers and thoughts go out....
Bill

[pbahlin]

So sorry for the loss of your beloved pet....our pets remain in our hearts forever, we lost our cat of 17 yrs and have wonderful memories of his time in our lives. Our prayers are with you..............

Betty and Paul

[bjj5633]

sorry for your loss.

[otto0813]

We are also sorry for your loss. So many of us on this forum have also lost beloved pets; we must remember the joy they brought into our lives.

[nghelwer]

Sorry for your loss, we lost our friend and companion shiatsu last fall.

we now have a cocker puppy and remember what its like to have a new baby in the family.

[AZbear]

You have our sympathy. We lost our Bear one month ago. He was a phenomenal Border Collie (10 yrs old) that was an integral part of our family. Everyone who know him thought he was the dearest thing ever. He contracted Valley Fever (disseminated type) that ended in his brain and was pretty much incurable. We're still dealing with an empty space in our lives, but did have wonderful years with him. Traveling next year will definitely be different without our little companion.

Jeff & Kathy

[CORattler]

I believe that our humanity is measured in part by the compassion and love we feel for our animal companions. We have been very fortunate to have had several of these "children with fur".