John Updike’s poem, Dog’s Death, is possibly the saddest poem I have ever read. It’s on my mind because tomorrow I’m putting my pal Buddy to sleep. Lie down. Good dog.
Good Dog
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I’m so sorry. I know that pain.
Mike, I’m so sorry. Over the past few years, my hubby had to say good bye to his 2 15-year-old dalmatians. It was the saddest thing I ever saw, watching my husband grieve over those animals. Something about a man and his dog. It really is a hard thing. God bless and comfort you, brother:)
Proverbs 10:10 A righteous man regards the life of his animal
I’m sorry, Mike. Peace be with you.
I’m sorry, too. May God grant you extra grace on this hard day.
I love that verse, Janet.
i’m so sorry. it’s amazing how God reaches into the depths of our soul through the animals He created. may He shower on You deep comfort.
He was young. Too young. Our last boxer lived till 12. Bud was 7. In fact, he was euthanized on his birthday. Weird, huh? He was a great dog — laid back, even keeled, and loved to snuggle. His hips were going out (it’s a boxer problem). He cried when he sat and rose. Finally, it got so bad, he rarely got up. Bud stopped eating and, with great hardship, stumbled outside to pee. Then he stopped stumbling outside and just peed on himself. He looked so shamed, but I assured him it was all right.
Got off work at lunch yesterday for a 1:30 appointment at the humane society. Spread a blanket on the front seat of my truck and laid him there. If he was well, he’d have had his snout out the window, flinging spittle as we went. But instead, he rested his head on my lap for the twenty minute ride. We talked.
I offered to carry him into the clinic but the nurses wisely suggested a gurney. Even emaciated the stud was a good 70 pounds. I hoisted him onto the cold metal and he laid down without protestation. The nurses put a blanket on him, wheeled him into a tiny room, and asked if I wanted to stay. I’d already made up my mind to do so. I knelt down, to get eye level, and massaged his floppy ears — something he cherished. The first shot was a tranquilizer, the second was sodium something-or-other. I was scratching his ears and telling him he was loved when he died. Cried the rest of the day.
Not sure where he went, or if I’ll ever see him again. But Buddy helped me along the way…
Oh, Mike. What a gift you gave Buddy in his final moments. I’m sitting here crying. I don’t know what else to say, but I wanted you to know.
Oh, Mike… no words good enough… sorry again. Remember that God cares about your loss, deeply. Cast all your cares on Him, He cares for you.
Good Bye My Bud-Bud, I will miss you. I have your picture in Theodores bedroom and I will be sure he knows about you. Thank you for being such a good dog, even for such a short time, I love you.
Me-Me
Just about 6 months ago, we had to do the same thing. Our beloved rottweiler, who thought he was a lap dog and loved everyone, had to be put to sleep. It broke my heart. I’m praying for you and your family, Mike. Other than the Lord, our faithful dogs are the only ones who love us unconditionally. The bond is strong.
I’m sorry Mike. I’m glad Buddy had you there.
I’m sorry the Duran Family. I only knew Bud for 3 years but he was a great dog! He will always be remembered! 🙂
– Trish
Hard, hard thing, saying good-bye to a pet you loved so much. I did it once as an adult and have not gotten another dog.
It’s amazing how God used that experience to prepare me for other deaths. Then I’ve tapped those emotions and experiences for my writing. Amazing how He redeems it all.
Still, it hurts. I’m so very sorry for your loss, Mike.
Becky