So,she's gone.

Hi guys. I don't start threads often but for some reason I felt the need to start this one tonight. Perhaps I just need to vent or maybe it's because I feel guilty.I had to put my best friend down today and I'm absolutely heartbroken. I'm talking about my dog Bella. I had her for 11 years.She was the sweetest dog ever.It's killing me that I had to do this.I couldn't bring myself to be with her while they put her down,but I was able to spend a bit of time with her after she was gone.She finally looked like she was free. Her last two weeks were painful. Full of seizures. She could barely see or hear.But a part of me didn't want to let her go,even though I know it was in her best interest to let her to pass on.I sat in my car and cried for a bit after. I'm not to proud to admit that.She was my best friend. I'm still on the fence on how I can explain to my daughter that her buddy is gone. She's only 5 so I know she's going to take it worse then I did.Any advice guys?

I'm going to remember my boxer with this poem :


By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,

Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.

Where the friends of man and woman do run,

When their time on earth is over and done.

For here, between this world and the next,

Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.

On this golden land, they wait and they play,

Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.

No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,

For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.

Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,

Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.

They romp through the grass, without even a care,

Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.

All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,

Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.

For just at that instant, their eyes have met;

Together again, both person and pet.

So they run to each other, these friends from long past,

The time of their parting is over at last.

The sadness they felt while they were apart,

Has turned into joy once more in each heart.

They embrace with a love that will last forever,

And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together


RIP Bella.

Check your PMs Nightstalker. I feel for you more than you know and I can not tell you how sorry I am that you lost your Bella. Beautiful words... I am here for you.

reply to post by nightstalker78
love the poem its perfect, bella came from your heart and is back in it. In the cave of your hear is where she be.

reply to post by ancientthunder


I thought it was perfect too. It fits her.I know she's going to be waiting for me when I die.

She's going to be there and be back to her normal self.

reply to post by nightstalker78


Dear nightstalker78,

I wish I could give you a hug. Nice poem and a good way to remember a friend. The only animal that I can think of that loves another species more than it's own are dogs. Once a dog adopts a person, they are their number one priority. My dog cries when I go to work, I really mean cries. If I go to bed, he lies on my legs and watches the door. If I am in the house, he will not eat unless I leave my bedroom. In 50 plus years I have had many dogs and each one unique and special, I am sorry for your loss of your friend. Best wishes. F&S.

Beautiful message and a great hommage to our beloved family members. I will write one for the sake of this thread.
BBL
Peace
___________________________________________________________________

Who doesn't love you
By me



From out of nowhere,
There you were
Without hesitatation
To our family, secure

Who would have thought, out of all the odds
I found my best friend
Collected on purpose and encased in lifes pods

Fruition became
And almost out of the earth
Side by side
Like twins sharing birth

We grew and grew
til we could take it no more
On the side of the pod appeard a score
You fell quite heavy
And into the earth
We reunited again 3months after your birth

Remember in your moment to never forget
I love your life forever
Before and after the sun sets.;

end.
dedicated to me wildcats:

I am sorry for your loss. I'm sure Bella was an awesome friend and you shouldn't feel any guilt for having put her to rest. Much love and peace to you.

Originally posted by AQuestion
reply to post by nightstalker78

 

Dear nightstalker78,

I wish I could give you a hug. Nice poem and a good way to remember a friend. The only animal that I can think of that loves another species more than it's own are dogs. Once a dog adopts a person, they are their number one priority. My dog cries when I go to work, I really mean cries. If I go to bed, he lies on my legs and watches the door. If I am in the house, he will not eat unless I leave my bedroom. In 50 plus years I have had many dogs and each one unique and special, I am sorry for your loss of your friend. Best wishes. F&S.

They are (dogs and cats) the mark for measuring for unconditional love. It makes one wonder, out of all the odds, we seem to have amazing luck with "adoptions"

reply to post by HamrHeed


Dear HamrHeed,

And we are the only species that have individuals that love every other species, including our predators. Isn't that interesting? Maybe dogs love us because of that.

reply to post by nightstalker78


Sorry for your loss. I still grieve now and then for George my last dog. It's so hard watching them suffer and making the decision. My heart goes out to you.

Originally posted by AQuestion
reply to post by HamrHeed

 

Dear HamrHeed,

And we are the only species that have individuals that love every other species, including our predators. Isn't that interesting? Maybe dogs love us because of that.

Dog is love bro
Dog is love


I has more corn than salsahats

Thank you guys for the replies. I'm going to miss her . I can't sleep because I'm struggling on how to tell my daughter.She thinks Bella is at her aunts.

Originally posted by nightstalker78
Thank you guys for the replies. I'm going to miss her . I can't sleep because I'm struggling on how to tell my daughter.She thinks Bella is at her aunts.

Remind her that in due time they will be together again.

reply to post by nightstalker78


Man I feel your loss!
Dogs, especially when close, are the hardest animals to lose, IMO.
They are always the closest companions and when treated right, the best of friends.

Words can't express my sympathy because I too own a wonderful dog.
I couldn't bear to lose her and the thought of it makes me cringe.
But I know it will happen one day.

My opinion for your daughter, since she may not quite understand her death yet...
Maybe tell her she ran away. That seems to be the best way to explain it.
Either that or try and tell her the truth, but good luck.
I haven't had much success in teaching any child about death.
It'a a complicated subject...

Usually getting another puppy solves the grief, too.

I, too, am very sorry to hear about you losing your best friend.

I hope this information helps with breaking it to your daughter.

children.webmd.com...

Originally posted by nightstalker78
Thank you guys for the replies. I'm going to miss her . I can't sleep because I'm struggling on how to tell my daughter.She thinks Bella is at her aunts.

Dear nightstalker78,

Tell her the truth, she will face it again. Personally, I believe sentience is eternal and animals are sentient. If you believe in death then teach her that animals and people die. Life is what it is, don't lie to your child teach them how to deal with what you believe to be the truth. Peace.

reply to post by AQuestion


That's what I'm goin to do.No sense in lying to her.I decided at some point today I'm going to sit her down and explain it to her. It's going to be tough but she deserves to know what happened.

reply to post by sad_eyed_lady


Thank you for this link.I'm looking it over now.

reply to post by nightstalker78


Dear nightstalker78,

Our hearts are all with you and our sympathy. Best wishes.

I have had my heart broken many times with the loss of precious pets and know exactly how you feel. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I am sure Bella had many years of love and joy with you and neither of you will forget. She is in a better place and without pain or suffering.

Frame a few favorite photos of her. Maybe plant something in the garden in her memory.