With heavy heart and many tears, I made the decision to have my best buddy of 16 yrs, 10mo. put to sleep, last night at 7:10pm. He was a Beagle/Terrior Mix.

For the last year he has been deaf and pretty much blind, but knew where all the furniture was and he way around the yard. He was doing fine up until 2 days ago, when I noticed he was not eating as usual.

I got home from work yesterday and he was laying on the floor just inside our back door, where he always greets me as I enter the house. I swear he could see and hear me, as he tried to stand, but could not. He groaned a little, which he has never done, and I knew he was telling me it was time.

I called my wife, who was half way home from work and when she arrived, we went back into town to the Emergency Clinic.

They got my buddy prepared, and as I began to hold him, he looked up at me and then licked my hand, and then fell to sleep. My heart breaks.

This is the first time in 27 years that I have been without a best buddy. I will grieve and maybe find another friend from the Animal shelter, in time.

I know this is never easy, especially to say good bye to unconditional love and friendship.

Some day, I will cross and he'll be waiting there over the rainbow bridge, with my other dogs and we will have some serious play time.

Sorry to hear about your loss. I went through the same thing with Queenie. I had her for 16yrs. and lost her to bone cancer. I knew it ws time and I had to be with her to the end. I rescued Elroy when he was 6, he's a Border Collie and is 15 now. He's slowing up and needsw help getting up the steps but he still loves going outside and playing. Bella, also a Border Collie was a gift to us when she was 4 months old. We still grieve Queenie and think about her often. Sorry.

Nick10Ring

My condolences on your loss. I have made that trip many times but it will never be easy.

This past Saturday, I took all the extra food I had for him over to the local animal rescue shelter.

I may have found someone there to console me with my loss. He's a Bloodhound/Rhodesian mix, about 3 months old, laid back and friendly as can be.

My wife is after me to adopt him. I may have to do what she says, this time.

Thanks for the replies guys. It's really been hard not having that companion meeting me at the back door every day and getting up with me in the morning for a walk.

The one thing I did promise myself is that my next "best friend" will come from rescue.

Peace,

HL

Well, I took too long with the young guy, but he was adopted out to a good couple.

I did however fall for a little girl, who's momma is a full blood black lab that found the neighbor's Redbone Hound a better mate than the Lab they had lined up for her.

I really miss the old man, but this little girl is doing her best to keep my mind on her.

Hopefull, here's to another 16 years.

Good luck to you HL. I'm glad you found a dog to help fill the void. I have not. I want my Laddie back. But, I know that won't happen so I am still looking.
Peter.