Posted: 5/11/2004 2:40:40 PM EDT
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Well today has been pretty bad. I just put down my miniature schnauzer “Taz”… He was 13 (or older) and I’ve had him for just over 11 years. He has been with me through a divorce and 2 different businesses. No matter how bad things were in my life, I always knew he would be there and no matter what, he would love me, no questions asked. I can’t help but feel I failed him here at the end. I wanted him to go out happy and with dignity. Things didn’t pan out that way. He took a turn for the worse and I had to take him into the vet’s office (the thing I swore I wouldn’t do). That little dog had more heart then most people I’ve met in my life. He would jump off the cliffs at Box Canyon when I told him to, while other peoples “macho dogs” would whimper. He trusted me to always do what was right by him and in his last moments he suffered because I didn’t have the sack to what was needed before it was “bad”. I’ve buried friends and watched people die during my 33 years on this earth, but I was/am sorely unprepared (emotionally) to loose my very best friend ever. The worst part is, that while he was fighting to keep his head up and draw breath and I was wailing like a fucking woman he tried to comfort ME! My only consolation is that by unborn son who I lost in March now has the finest companion there ever was to look after him… I only hope he is willing to wait for my sorry ass when my time comes and that I earn the privilege to see him again… |
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I have a mini schnauzer also, she is 6 years old, just so you know, she is spoiled rotten. She is the queen of the household, she has 4 other dogs under her, a black lab (stupid as a post) and three bull mastiffs (Not nice dogs, working protection dogs). None of them screw with her. You did ok by him, you stood by him, while you didn't take care of it yourself, you were with him when it happened. My sympathy is with you. |
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Holy shit Shawn, I had no idea what you have been through in the last months. Sandy and I think of you often. I just told her of this post and our hearts dropped. You have nothing to feel badly about over your beloved pup. You did what most of us who truely love our pets would do. We all hope for the best end for our pets and at time hold on longer than we should hopeing for improvement. Your pup knew you better than any of us, but from what I know you are the most well rounded man I know. You are compasionate when needed, hard when necessary, a peacekeeper, a warrior. I'm proud to know you and I'm sure your pup understands your pain. Be sure your Son has a companion that will show your Son the loyalty he showed you. I share your tears..... Scott |
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I know precisely how it feels to lose a faithful dog. HORRIBLE! My 15 year old beagle, Scooter, passed away just this last March 22! Take comfort from the knowledge that you gave your companion a great life, great food, great times, and great friendship! Eric The(MistyEyed)Hun 
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I'm so sorry about losing your little dog. I had the exact same thing happen with my horse and best friend of 18 years almost three years ago. She broke her femur and the first vet misdiagnosed it so I had to watch her suffer until I could get another vet out. I NEVER want to go through that again. You did right by your pup. Noone ever knows when that moment is going to come where their quality of life goes rapidly downhill. You love them while they are here and, when the time comes, you love them when you let them go. I am so sorry. |
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This was posted awhile back I believe. When I saw it, I copied and saved it.... A Dog's Prayer Treat me kindly, my beloved master for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me. Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do. Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear. When it is cold and wet, please take me inside.... for I am now a domesticated animal. No longer used to bitter elements... and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth... though had you no home in all the land...for you are my god... and I am your devoted worshipper. Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by you side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger. And beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather, hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest... and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I draw, my fate was ever safest in your hands. -Author Unknown |
Very tough experience to go through. Unfortunately for me, I had to put down my last dog in June 2003. She was an English Springer Spaniel named Mamie we got at 6 weeks old & she was only a month away from 11 years old. She just couldn't get up anymore. She had trouble for a few months before but when she couldn't get up to eat her food that day I knew it was time. Driving that dog down to the vet to be put to sleep was one of the hardest things I ever did. We had about a week with no dog around & it was incredibly quiet. You don't realize how much you are paying attention to the dog subconsciously even when you don't think you are. We had her cremated & still have the ashes. In late June 2003 we decided to get another Springer Spaniel to replace her - named her Hazel. She's just about a year now & about full grown. Here's a pic of her when she was a pup.  Once you have had some time to grieve, think about getting another dog. It's true it'll never replace the one you had... but you build new memories & it helps with the pain. I wouldn't know what to do without mine. |
Sorry to hear of your ordeal. I too have a miniature schnauzer (11 yrs old) and I'm dreading having to do the same one day. Dogs are great and you don't realize how much they really mean to you until you no longer have them. There's no doubt he'll be waiting for you in heaven.
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