deciding
St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
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Joined: 02/08/2004
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We said goodbye to our 13 year old spaniel mix yesterday. We adopted Chopper 11 years ago from Second chance rescue in Minnesota and were only going to foster care him for a couple monthe while he was neutered and treated for heartworm. We did that and found a nice home with a couple small kids [he loved kids]. Two months later we get a call from the adopting family saying they can't keep him because he is destroying the house when they are at work. We took him back. His separation anxiety is huge, and his fear of thunderstorms hard on all of us. We delt with his seperation anxiety as best we could, going to the extent of getting an old station wagon and making up a bed where he could wait for us while we were at work but be protected from the elements. He kept the yard clear of any invading rabbits, coyote's and racoons even when we welcomed their visits. As he got older arthritis took hold of his joints to where he was on some pretty strong drugs to control the pain. He didn't have the stamina he once had but the vet assured us he was just getting old. We took him for a ride in our old convertible and after being afraid for a couple miles really liked the open air. Stopped at a lake and found out he loved water and swiming. Fro the last two years of his life we made a point of going for top down rides and always finding a place for him to swim. This last Saturday we took him to the dog park nearby where he could socialize and swim and what a great time he had. Sunday it was off to the river where he waded in and was enjoying the water till a boat wake knocked him down and he couldn;'t get up. We got him out of the water and home where he got an extra dose of meds to help with the pain. His back legs could no longer support him. We let him rest the rest of the day, helping him get outside that nite by supporting his back end. Monday morning he still couldn't move and had vomited up supper from Sunday. By Monday late afternoon when my wife came home and he was no better, he just looked at us with that "look"we made the hardest decision of his life and took him for one last ride. We held his head and scratched his ear [he always liked that] as the injection took effect. I layed his head down gently and said goodbye. We hope there is a dog heaven where he can chase rabbits, go for car rides and swim all day and maybe someday we can all meet again in a better place where there is no pain or getting older. He was the most frustrating dog I've ever owned ald I miss him like crazy.
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bonniesoo
Pflugerville, Texas
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Joined: 02/25/2005
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So very sorry for your loss...he's waiting for youat the bridge.
Kim & Donna Hale
2003 Itasca Horizon
2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Toad
Mika & Suki - 2 spoiled pekingese
Hook'em Horns
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Scottiemom
South Dakota/Indiana
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Joined: 09/09/2003
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So sorry for your loss, but rejoicing in the life you saved and the years of love and devotion he gave you and vice versa.
Prayers for healing.
Dale
Dale Pace
Wife to Terry (Teacher's Pet)
Mom to 2 rescued Scotties
Bailey and Neal
2006 Tiffin Phaeton 40' QSH, 4 slides (Phaeton Place)
2003 Sport Trac Toad
Fulltiming since retiring in 2005
http://www.skoolzoutforever.blogspot.com/
Where are we?
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Bearnkat
Fort Worth, Texas
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Joined: 07/30/2004
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Jim & Kathy, so sorry to hear of the loss of Chopper. You've got to know that he's now having a great time where he is. It's just not fair that our furry family members don't have the lifespan we do. You gave him a good life and in return he gave you a lot of love.
Chuck & Terry
2005 Pilgrim 281RB-S
2006 Ford F250 Lariat CC 4x2 PSD
My Lap-Band Journey!
DFW/Central Texas Rally - Fall 2008
Chuck and Terry's Pilgrim Adventures
North Texas Camping Association
Lone Star Dutch Oven Society
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sher9570
NY/Fl
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Joined: 07/15/2006
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You gave him one heck of a great life that he might not otherwise have had.
We can tell how much you loved that little guy and he knew it too.
Very sorry for your loss.
Sher
Doug & Sher
2006 HR Presidential 34'
2001 Ford Excursion 7.3
Zachery the sassy Pomeranian
Lucy the Lab with "a very gentle soul"
Sofie Forever in our hearts
9/5-1996 to 9/22-2007 We miss you so.
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dturm
Munster, IN
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Joined: 01/29/2001
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So sorry for your loss. Sometimes the special needs guys leave such a hole when they are gone because of the extraordinary efforts we go through to make their lives better. You did a great job with him, he was really loved.
Doug
Doug & Sandy
Megan (14 yr old Golden)
2008 Southwind
2001 Honda CRV
Check out blog.rv.net
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CatandJim
Tulsa, as in Oklahoma
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Joined: 08/23/2004
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What a wonderful tribute to love & devotion this story of Chopper you have shared. He was a very lucky dog to have your family as his pack.
It is never easy to say "farewell" to a beloved pet, my heart goes out to you during this difficult time. Please accept my condolences.
When I Am Gone
When I am gone...release me, let me go
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears
Be thankful for our beautiful years.
I gave to you my love. You can only guess
How much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love each of you have shown
But now it's time that I traveled on alone.
So grieve a while for me if grieve you must
Then let your grief be confronted in trust
It's only for a short time that we must part
So cherish the moments locked within your heart.
I won't be far away for life does go on
So if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can't see me or touch me, I'll be near
And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear
All my love around you, soft and clear.
And then when you must come this way alone,
I'll be waiting to greet you with a smile,
and say "Welcome home".
May your good memories bring a smile to your face.... even if, at times it is through your tears.
Cat
(Jim just reads the forum once in a while)
Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some sort of battle....
Live simply, love wholly, give generously, care deeply, speak kindly.
Our toys: Sunline T2499 & ProCraft Fish & Ski
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grandmashouse
Central Indiana
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Joined: 02/19/2005
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deciding....so sorry for you loss of a great companion and family member. rescued animals make the greatest companions you will ever know. They seem to know that you have chosen them to be part of your family and are forever grateful for the chance to be happy with you. I have a wonderful rescue, Mike,a 70# sheppard mix, who I adopted 3 years ago after the loss of another furkid family member. Your heart will feel better with time. Keep hold of the wonderful memories of Chopper and maybe someday soon you will be ready to save another life and make him a part of your loving family. My prayers are with you...
Paula
Hubby Steve
2004 Dodge Ram 2500HD QUAD CAB 4X4 5.7L V-8 HEMI
2004 Rockwood 27FKS-Super Slide
Paula
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Retired Wileys
Lake Jackson, Tx USA
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Joined: 04/08/2004
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I know exactly what you're feeling. My 10 yr old rescue dog has been the worst and best dog we've ever owned. We are now adapting our life for her and I dread the decision day. Fill your life now with the fun memories that will console you.
Herschal & Pam Wiley
2003 2500HD Crewcab Chevy
26H 2000 Prowler LS w/slide
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juliev
Minnesota
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Joined: 07/29/2004
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I'm so sorry for your loss. Keep those memories close and he'll be with you for a long, long time.
Julie
_____________________________________________________________________
A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving. ~ Lao Tzu
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