Hated to but had to...

**Broilermaker** · 04-15-2012, 11:43 PM

My dog dug himself a hole last night and wouldn't come out, had my sons come over to pull him out, I had pulled him out three times, but he just got back in, the old boy wouldn't eat or drink, I took him to the vet and he recommended putting him down, he lost the use of his rear legs over night. We put him down tonight and he died in my arms peacefully, he'd been my friend for over twelve years. I had picked him out of the pound he was born in, he was a black lab/Shepard mix and he was my hunting companion, and my grandson really loves him, so we said goodbye to a great friend today, and I probably won't replace him because I don't think I can and I don't want to have to go through this again, sorry to lay a bum trip on ya but I needed to get it out. Rest in peace bingo.

**bandito72ply** · 04-15-2012, 11:54 PM

I'm really sorry to hear about your dog. Putting them down is one of the hardest things in life to do, especially since they end up being your best friend. At least you were there for him until the end.

**Ironade** · 04-15-2012, 11:56 PM

I feel the same about I probably won't replace my previous dog of 17 years. She is like my another half, so I completely understand how you feel about your Bingo. I am sorry to heard that and we will be on your side and support you.

**Johnnyredline** · 04-16-2012, 12:23 AM

Hey Robert,

I'm so sorry for your loss.

I'm sure he had a great life with you and your family and is in a better place.

You were there for him till the end.

Take care

**rntknives** · 04-16-2012, 12:59 AM

Robert,

Very sorry to hear. We went through the same thing last July. Our "Pooper" took a sudden turn down hill. We took her in off the streets knowing nothing about her, and she repaid us 10-fold. Her dedication and perserverance were unmatched and she was a trooper 'til the end. We were blessed with her for 8 years before we had to send her over the "Rainbow Bridge". She never whimpered at the vet putting the needle in the leg, gave me one last lick on the nose, then closed her eyes and took her last breaths. It's still hard for me, and it will be for a while. We were lucky to already have our Lab Sadie, and our Catahoula Gibbs. I think she felt that her job was done and she could go. She'd taught the others all she could and we were safe with them. I carried her to the Vet in her favorite blanket on July 16th and said Goodbye. The Vet said she was about 16. To this day, when the other dogs are asleep late at night, I still hear her collar jingle in the kitchen, and I still feel her under my chin when I sleep.

It's not what you want to hear, but I can tell you this first hand. You'll never "replace" Bingo. He's the yardstick you'll measure all other dogs by. Even though it doesn't feel like it, another dog in his place is a part of the healing process. You did right by him when you brought him home. You gave him a second chance at life and he gave you the rest of his life. Now he's made room for you to give another dog a second chance. It's what he'd want. I think it's what ALL rescue and shelter dogs want... a home for those left behind. You can never replace a pet like Bingo, and you'll never fill the hole in your heart, but you can help it not be so empty. I don't know how much of a wreck I would have been (like I wasn't bad enough) without Sadie & Gibbs... I can't even imagine. Rescue dogs aren't sent for us to save them... They're sent to save us.

Owning a dog isn't a matter of life or death... It's much more important than that.

R.I.P. Bingo
Let me know if I can help.

Jeff!

**69ch** · 04-16-2012, 06:18 AM

Robert so sorry man.Bingo will be a missed family member who lives on in memory.This is never easy for any doggie lover to endure.He knew his time on this earth had expired and it takes plenty of human strength and courage to let go of the physical body.Keep him close at heart and treasure the great times together from the day you met.I can feel your pain as I recently lost my two girls to cancer and a stroke.Found this link with dog poetry written by others and I thought it might help.Take care.

http://www.petloss.com/poems/poems.htm

Eric

**thejmasterslim** · 04-16-2012, 07:52 AM

So sorry to hear about Bingo Robert. May lasting memories be with you and your family forever.

Take care, be strong,
Jim

**Broilermaker** · 04-16-2012, 08:29 AM

Well.... I woke up this morning and was able to smile thinking about him, but when you don't hear the noises he made I got a little sad, I think everything will be all right, thanks for every kind word

**bandito72ply** · 04-16-2012, 10:02 AM

I had a dog "Bandit" we had to put down 6 years ago. We had him for 14 years. He was the best. He is where the bandito in bandito72ply came from, but time heals wounds, as we have other dogs now. I wish dogs just had a longer lifespan.

**Redline Gary** · 04-16-2012, 10:30 AM

I'm sorry for your loss Robert. My pug Patsy is my best friend and I would do anything for her. My wife often says " I think you love that dog more then me" and I just say it's not even close honey. I'm not sure how she takes that. Maybe in time you will get a new pooch. Sometimes that is the best cure for the emptiness of losing a dog. I wish dogs had a longer life span because they really do become family members.