Posted: 10/19/2011 7:30:03 PM EDT
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Today I did the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my life.
I have more compassion and love for him than for any human. Words cannot express my pain. He was 1 month shy of his 4th birthday. Goodbye Rocco... 
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Sorry to hear it. Losing a dog is the worst. My first dog, a golden, was hit by a car and killed. I thought the world was gonna end. And weird story I had a chow/shepherd mix that was also named Rocco. I loved that dog but only had it for 2 months as we were fostering it. Looked just like your Rocco. |
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I am so sorry for your loss.
I still have to read this every day and I hope it helps If It Should Be If it should be that I grow weak, And 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 please stay with me until the end. I know in time than you will see, The kindness that you did for me. Although my tail it's 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 it's tears. Author unknown |
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Quoted:
I am so sorry for your loss. I still have to read this every day and I hope it helps If It Should Be If it should be that I grow weak, And 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 please stay with me until the end. I know in time than you will see, The kindness that you did for me. Although my tail it's 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 it's tears. Author unknown He's counted on you to do the right thing and take care of him his whole life, whatever that means. Sorry for your loss.
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Really sorry, buddy. I remember when Rocco was a little, tiny puppy and you brought him over to see me. You guys had a great bond then and that only got stronger with time. He was a wonderful friend and companion. If I can do anything for you, you know to just say it. Or swing by the shop. We'd all like to see you.
God bless you for having the strength and courage to not be selfish and to let him go when the time was right. Sucks for sure, but you did the right thing. Now, join me in celebrating Rocco's life and our memories of him that we take with us. 
Mark |
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I'm very sorry to hear that Erik-
Although his time was too short, at least he had you and you had him- I'm glad you brought him by the shop a few weeks ago so Mark, Dave, and I could meet him. Our four-legged sidekicks are blessings and lessons in many good ways. |
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Erik,
I'm terribly sorry for your loss. It hit me hard the other week when you told me b/c we went through the identical scenario in Jan of 2010. The Mrs actually teared up when I told her b/c she knew what you were facing. Cherish the memories and take solace in knowing that in the end you made the best decision for him for all that he did for you. |
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I feel your pain. I too had a wonderful long haired German Shepherd. He was 2 weeks from 13 when I came home one morning and he could no longer get up to meet me at the truck. I knew then what I had to do. He was a great dog, always there beside me. That was as tough as watching my mother die of cancer.
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| I'm so sorry for your loss Erik. Watching the two of you interact at the course made it clear how strong that relationship was. We go into that bond knowing that we probably will outlive them but we do it anyway, and in some of our cases, we do it over and over. It's never easy to lose a friend like that. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. |
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very sorry to hear this. I never had the chance to meet you or rocco but he looked like an awesome dog. I have lost friends and family and never cried but when I lose a dog I become a baby. I had to put my 5 year old GSD Rommel down about eight years ago I was tore up for days, he was a better friend than any human. Just remember the good times and it will be alright.
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Guys,
Thank you for all the kind words. As some have said, I've seen a lot of death and destruction and it never really bothered me much, but I've wept more in the last two days than I have in the last ten years. It's funny how an animal like a dog can show a human the real meaning of unconditional love. Some of you have asked what happened to Rocco. In mid-August he was diagnosed with Lymphomic Cancer and given 6 weeks to live. He almost made it 10 weeks. For this type of cancer to strike a dog this young is almost impossible to believe. My vet and the vets at the UGA School of Veterinary Medicine were shocked to see this manifest in a dog so young. There was/is no reason for it. Another question on my list of questions for the Almighty....why did you have to take him from me. I want to especially thank Bookhound. That pic of Rocco and I is my favorite...i will cherish it forever. It completely captured a private moment between Rocco and I that showed the love and the bond we had. Thank you. And thank you to all of you...In this tough time, I really appreciate the words of encouragement. USSA-1 |