I'm really sad. I just put my dog to sleep :(

[General Discontent]

I'm really sad right now because I had to put my dog to sleep. :cry:
He was over 13 years old and his kidneys were failing. He rear end was also paralyzed and he couldn't hold his bowels and bladder any more. He has been my only family for the last 13 years. I'm at work but I don't want to go home because I won't hear his breathing any more. To me, no matter where I have lived that is what made it home for me. I'm sharing this with my fellows Du'ers because I know that you all have kind hearts and will join me in wishing him a safe passage. His name was Klaus. He is the Germana Sherpard in the first photo:



Another photo. Here we are with his puppy Claudia, who sadly didn't make it after getting out of the yard and getting hit by car. I want to believe that they are playing together right now, waiting for me to join them again.



Klaus was very much an adventure dog and we shared many hikes and good times outdoors together. We shared many views from high atop the mountains all over California together.



Good bye Buddy.:cry: :pals:


DWolfman

[Liberal Veteran]

1. Dude, I am so sorry.

:hug:

[rumguy]

2. My condolences, dogs are true and stalwart companions....

God Bless Klaus!

BTW I can't get those pics of yours up..

[BeatleBoot]

3. My condolences

I lost my pooch about a year ago...

:grouphug:

[Whitacre D_WI]

4. Sorry to hear that, DWolfman.

If there is a "better place," I'm sure Klaus is there.

And I imagine that someday (after enough time has passed), you'll open your heart to another dog -- not to replace Klaus, but to share your life with; after all, that's what your buddy would want. :)

[bbmykel]

5. I am so sorry! :-(

My heart goes out to you. It's hard to lose your best pal.

[NightTrain]

I'm sorry....

Liberalhistorian just had to have her kitten put to sleep last week. Sounds like you two have something to discuss.

[ronnykmarshall]

6. Oh DWolfman!

God I am so sorry. It's so hard to do that. It's been months since we had to let Mickey go and I still tear up sometimes.

You in my thoughts.

Bless you and Klaus.

:hug:

[zbird]

7. Hugs to you DWolfman.

I know what you mean. I still miss my buddy Maverick, even after 11 years. Klaus was lucky to have you all that time, as you were lucky to have him. Over the Rainbows Bridge...

http://www.rainbowbridge.com

[General Discontent]

25. Wow. Incredible link.

Thanks so much!

DWolfman:hug:

[Red State Rebel]

50. I found that site when we lost our 13 year old Cocker Spaniel

I was devastated for quite a while. Everyone grieves at their own pace and in their own way, take your time and it will get better. Not everyone understands how difficult the loss of a beloved pet can be.

Hope things get better for you soon....

[SoCalDem]

8. Awww. Thta's too bad.. I have been there too.. You did the loving thing

After you have lived with them for that long, you just have to help them in the end.. 13 is a long life for a large dog, and I am sure that he led a happy life with you.. :hug:

[donco6]

9. Sorry to hear about your loss

I dread the day when I lose either of my "girls." It has to be heart-wrenching.

[liberalhistorian]

10. HUGS to you,

I've had to do that, too, with several animals, and I especially remember having to put my childhood dog to sleep when he was 16 (we got him when I was ten years old), he'd been the most special animal I'd ever had. I just had to put my four-month-old kitten to sleep last week because he had FIP and was suffering horribly, I know exactly where you're coming from. They really do become just like family, whether cats or dogs.

I'm so sorry you had to do that, I know how you must be hurting. And yes, like you, I do indeed believe there's such a thing as "animal heaven" and I'm sure your dog and his puppy are playing together there right now, both of them restored to health and vitality, and you will, indeed, see them again some day. I've grown up with both cats and dogs, and no one will ever convince me that they don't have souls and that they don't still exist after their death.

Someone posted "The Rainbow Bridge" last week when I posted a thread on having to put Stormie (my kitten) to sleep, it was beautiful and it really helped. I don't know how to cut and paste, so I can't post it myself, but maybe someone will know how to do that and post it for you. And you should probably consider getting a puppy or dog in the next few weeks or so; I know no other animal will ever replace your dog, but it really does help in healing! HUGS again!

[General Discontent]

38. Thanks for your kind kind words,

and I'm sorry for your kitten. I agree with everything you've said. My life has been enriched by the animals that I've been lucky enough to have been around. Funny, I've always thought that about animal heaven, too. It can't possibly be heaven if all my dogs aren't there.:)



Hug for you and your kitten too...:hug:


DWolfman

[SoCalDem]

11. Pictures of Klaus.. (Geocities does not link here)..I linked them for you

[General Discontent]

16. Oh, I didn't know......

That's very kind. Double thanks to you:hug:

Dwolfman

[SoCalDem]

23. You can right click copy ..these into your original post if you like

so the x goes away..

here are the new links



http://socaldem.smugmug.com/photos/2183513-L.jpg
http://socaldem.smugmug.com/photos/2183514-L.jpg
http://socaldem.smugmug.com/photos/2183515-L.jpg

[General Discontent]

27. Ok, Quintuple thanks to you SoCal Dem

P.s. I grew up in Orange County, but I live in Santa Cruz now. I do miss SoCal sometimes. Say helo to everyone for me! Ha Ha


Thanks again for the hlp with the photos..:hug:


DWolfman

[SoCalDem]

30. We have a son who lives in Concord..

So we do get "up north" every now and then :)

You are welcome (the pics)

[jean]

12. Very sad,

Klaus was a fortunate boy to have you all these years. Take heart in knowing you've done the right thing. He'll always be with you.

[General Discontent]

13. Thank you all. You folks are so sweet.

Anyone that participates in Democratic Underground must have a heart and you all have hearts of gold. Thank you all so much for the kind words.


Dwolfman

[reprehensor]

14. So sorry.

Just put our cat down about two months ago. My wife had her for 14 years. I feel your pain.

[TEXASYANKEE]

15. Hugs!

I'm so sorry for your loss. It sounds like he lived a good 13 years and brought much joy to you. May he live on in fond memories. My thoughts are with you.

[brook]

17. Makes me cry, too.

I'm so sorry for your loss. :cry: I still miss my Dobie and he's been gone nearly 10 years.

Those are lovely pictures - thanks for sharing them. And I agree with you - they are playing together now, all healed, happy and will there whenever you arrive. Hope there's comfort in knowing that all of us DU animal lovers know from experience how painful this is for you.:hug:

[Hokie]

18. Look at it this way

You gave him a good life for 13 years and gave him love. That is what counts. So many animals live terrible lives and are mistreated. Your pet was one of the lucky ones who found someone to love him and care for him. Your post tells me that your pet let you know that he appreciated your love.

[CO Liberal]

19. Visit the Rainbow Bridge Web Site

http://www.rainbowbridge.com/

It was a great comfort to my wife and me when we had to put our dog Cooter to sleep after he was hit by a car.

[UrbScotty]

20. Awww, too bad. :-(

I feel saddened. We had to do that to our dog last year.

RIP, Klaus.

[Smirnoff]

21. I'm so sorry

I knew I shouldn't have even opened this post. Losing pets is so hard. Kalus was a beautiful dog! I'm so sorry! :hug:

[Smirnoff]

24. Sorry I meant Klaus not Kalus

[myrna minx]

22. I am so sorry for your loss...

but you have the wonderful memories of your time together. Klaus had a wonderful like with you. :pals:

[CrownPrinceBandar]

26. I knew a really cool Irish setter-ish

dog named Klaus once. He was one of those dogs that everybody knew and liked. Like your Claudia, he got hit by a car one day and died. Maybe the two Klauses are running around somewhere now. Sorry for your loss.

[RebelOne]

28. I know it is heartbreaking to lose furchild.

But 13 years old is a long life for a big dog. And I am sure he had 13 wonderful, happy years with you. So even though I am an atheist, I would like to believe in the Rainbow Bridge and hope your dear dog is there now.

[TheBlob]

29. Very sorry to hear that DWolf

My German Shepherd is 13 years old.
She's laying next to me right now.
She looks a lot like Klaus actually.
She hasn't had too many problems yet - some arthritis in the legs, going deaf, walks a lot slower these days, but she still thinks she's a puppy so that's a plus.

I don't know how much longer she'll be with me, but just the thought of her gone is unbearable. I've had her since she was 6 months old and she is without a doubt one of the best things that has ever happened to me.

I'm grateful for everything this dog has given me, and it looks like you are too with Klaus.

Having a relationship with these dogs - any dog - is a gift.
You and I have been lucky to have had such long lasting relationships with our dogs.

I've pretty much considered anything over 12 years to be 'borrowed time.'


Hang in there, honor Klaus in your own way, and - when you are ready - get another German Shepherd (the most intelligent, loyal, and noblest of K9's on planet Earth).

[General Discontent]

35. Ohhhh

"My German Shepherd is 13 years old.
She's laying next to me right now.
She looks a lot like Klaus actually."

//Give her a hug for me.


"Hang in there, honor Klaus in your own way, and - when you are ready - get another German Shepherd (the most intelligent, loyal, and noblest of K9's on planet Earth)."

//Yes. I have special place in my heart for German Shepards. Klaus was the 6th one that I have been honored with knowing. :)


//Everyone else.... I love all breeds of dogs. I think its telling that for a lot of cultures the symbol of faith is a dog. We as humans could learn a lot from them.

DWolfman


:hug:

[General Discontent]

31. I can't edit post, but I wanted to say to you all....

//On edit, I just want to thank everyone of you personally. All of your kind words and kind thoughts mean the world to me. Again, I have been an avid supporter of DU since the selection. I know my post count is low, but that is bacause after reading all the posts for an hour at a time, I'm all tuckered out. One thing that I have gotten from all my time here is this weird and wonderfull sense of community and commraderie. It's kind of funny, once you think about it, of how we all share our thoughts and ideas with each other; all the highs and the lows. But I'm glad to participate in this because I know, and I'm sure you all do as well, is that we are all doing something that is going to affect the way and the direction the world is heading toward. God bless us all, and to you non-belivers, my hat is tipped and my hand is extended for a shake. Thanks again everyone.

DWolfman


On edit again, I forgot the group hug smiley... :grouphug:

[flamingyouth]

32. I am so sorry, DWolfman

I really feel for you. :cry:

We had to put our cat to sleep almost three weeks ago. It's just so hard, but you're among friends who understand your grief here.

What beautiful dogs, and, yes, I'm sure they are happily playing together now.

:hug:

[Cuban_Liberal]

33. He'll be waiting for you at Rainbow Bridge, DWolfman.

Rainbow Bridge


"Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... "

Author unknown...

[General Discontent]

37. Thank you very much.

I'll be checking their page as soon as I get home. What a wonderful resource. Thanks again.:hug:

DWolfman

[buddhamama]

34. i am so sorry, DWolfman

Klaus resembles my childhood friend.

peace to Klaus

:hug: Til you and Klaus meet again

[proud patriot]

36. Crying right now .. what a beautiful dog Klaus was

For the paw prints left on your heart :cry: :hug:

[travisleit01]

39. Sorry Wolfman :(

He's in a better place, though. (As if that makes it any better.) Hang in there...

[Virgil]

40. It is a tough thing alright

I am not sure you ever get over it completely. I had my poodle 16 years and sometimes I talk like she is here. It is not for her of course as she is gone. It is for me and my memories.

It sure is a tough thing.

[ulysses]

41. truly sorry

All best to you, and a :toast: to Klaus.

[Djinn]

42. so sorry DWolfman

it's such a horrible thing to loose a much loved pet, Klaus looks like he was a beautiful and happy dog, once again so sorry to hear

[Habibi]

43. How good of you

to have helped him pass over, released from his pain. I know how hard it was, though, and how hard the adjustment to life without him will be. I do believe our loved ones, animal and human, live on after physical death, so I think you'll meet up with Klaus on down the road. In the meantime, take care of yourself. My heart goes out to you, friend.

[GreenPartyVoter]

44. I'm so sorry honey!

I know all my dogs gave him a great big howdy-do and and a big bone to chomp on.

*hugs*

[RhodaGrits]

45. What a beautiful tribute to Klaus -

You have my heartfelt sympathy. It's very obvious he was a fortunate dog to have been loved so much and so well. Losing a best buddy like him leaves a huge aching void and I know it will take time to ease that sense of loss. Take time to grieve and be kind to yourself. Your days were filled with little moments in which you connected with him and now his absence will smack you painfully at the most unexpected times. I have heard so many near-death-experiences recounted where the person was greeted on the other side by a beloved pet - I think you are right, he will wait for you. Besides, what heaven without him would be heaven? <hugs>

[ajacobson]

46. It's ok

they'll be there waiting for you on the other side of Rainbow Bridge.

:hug:

[OneBlueSky]

47. I am so sorry . . . and I know just how you feel . . .

it's been about two years since I had to put my companion of 16 years down . . . Dusty was my best friend in the world, and I still miss him every day . . . I have two pictures of him right over my desk . . . a little over a year ago, I found another friend . . . not a replacement by any means, just a new companion . . . Dylan is also a great dog, and we've developed a wonderful bond . . . after a time, you too will find another buddy . . . the shelters are just full of wonderful pets in desperate need of good, loving homes . . . when you're ready, check out petfinder.com . . . until then, this webite may help a bit; I know it helped me . . .

Pet Loss Grief Support
http://pub70.ezboard.com/fpetlossfrm1

keep in mind that, because of you, Klaus had a great life . . . and putting him down when the time was right was your last and greatest gift to him . . . he'll always be in your heart, as will the memories of your times together . . . and he'd definitely want you to provide a home for one of his brothers-in-need whenever you feel ready . . . :)

[LWolf]

48. I'm so sorry.

I did that about 8 years ago; my springer spaniel, age 13, that I raised from a pup. I called a vet out to my house on a "ranch call," sat in his bed, held him in my lap, and he fell asleep in my arms. I still remember him with the same frequency, clarity, and affection I would any human family member.

My non-human family has always held a significant place in my heart; because I live longer than they do, the goodbyes are always hard.

[area51]

49. Klaus

I'm so sorry for your loss of Klaus, DWolfman. I lost my 15 year old cat in '02 due to cancer & I know something of what you feel.

[mdmc]

51. sorry for your lose

nice pups.

[Lostmessage]

52. He was a beautiful boy...Shepards are my favorite dogs

Your heart is breaking right now and I feel so bad for you.
I still miss my Golden Retriever Lucy and she has been gone for over 2 years.
You did the right thing and he is in heaven now.

Bless your heart!

[General Discontent]

53. Again, Thank you all!

Your kind words and thoughts mean a lot to me. The huge void and sadness that I'm feeling right now is offset quite a bit by the warm feelings and thoughts that you have all brought. Yeah, when I brought Klaus home as a little puppy I never thought of him as a possesion or a pet, but as a being, and that is how I always treated him. He was my first dog that I got as an adult that was MY dog, and I knew that it was the beginning of a long relationship. He has been the one constant in my tumultuous life that I could ALWAYS count on. I Keep looking over at where he should/would be and I'm so sad. But, I an also honored that some of the finest people in the United States are sharing my grief, and I turn happy for Klaus that you all are sharing in my loss of him. I think that you all have helped me give him the best tribute I could possibly imagine for him. Thank you. And his tribute speaks volumes of the character of you all. My cup is raised!


DWolfman:pals:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

54. What a beautiful dog...

~huggggggggggggggs~ for you...
I'm so sorry for your loss.

[bubblesby2002]

55. I am so sorry

They were both beautiful dogs. It's really hard when you lose a pet isn't it. I had my first kitty Angus for 22 years and had to put her down. I feel for you. I send good vibes.

[geniph]

56. My sincere condolences

It never gets any easier, does it? :-(

May he live forever in your memories, and may you meet again at the Bridge.