I am new to this site but can see with my few visits what a helpful site it must be for many. It is wonderful to find somewhere that has others that can appreciate the depth of loss the we feel when we lose our pets. I think only others that have gone through the same can comprehend its depth. I will be returning often.
We lost our Sam in January to renal failure at the age of twelve. He was a loving shih tzu. We had another, Trouble who passed at eighteen years. She was deaf and blind at the end so they both got to go EVERYWHERE with us. When she left us Sam profited by spending the next three years with us always. I can't remember a time we left him at home alone. The back of our Jeep was his. We kept him going with the renal disease for eleven months, but the disease always claims its victims in the end. We have had three dogs in 28 years, and for the last 20 had two at a time. Sam was our last and the house has become unbearably empty. I know we did the only thing possible and am happy we made the ultimate decision before he had to suffer. Although he wasn't eating at the end he still was happy and moving on his own when we took him to the vet for the last time. I sometimes question myself about trying just one more thing....but know it would have only given us days and the results would have been the same. I "know" all of the right things, but often feel quite different. It's still hard to think of him or write about him without tearing up. He was a good part of my heart and its hard to live without it. I will survive, however, and hope that in the near future we can get another pup. I tend to fall in love with every one I see with their owners so know I won't have any trouble loving another dog....it won't be Sam, but Sam wasn't Trouble. I guess it works that way.
Thanks for reading and I hope to read many posts and hopefully help in the future. It is a great site. I was so happy when I found K9 Kidney on Yahoo that helped me keep Sam with us for a long while. This is the same wonderful place that is filled with "pet people" like me.
Barbar and Sam 1/10/05

I'm so sorry for your loss of Sam. It sounds like he and Trouble were very important members of your family and I know you must miss them terribly. I think your decision to end Sam's suffering before it really started was the right decision. I know sometimes we question that decision after it's all said and done, but we soon come to realize that ultimately our decision was one of love and sacrifice.

You have come to the right place...everyone here is a true pet lover and completely understands the loss you're feeling right now.

You're in my thoughts.
Kathleen

There is a lot of sadness at L-S but a lot of support as well. I lost my beloved schnauzer "Bo" 5 weeks ago today. We all hope for a day soon when the intensity of the pain and sorrow will subside enough we can see past it.
Best Wishes,
Darrell

Hi Barbara,
I'm glad I got to read your post. I'm so sorry for your loss of Sam and Trouble. How wonderful that you had so many great years with them. I can tell you're going to be a source of comfort back to us as we will be for you.

Dear Barbara,

I'm sorry to hear about your beloved Sam and Trouble. You're right, you won't ever replace either one but someday you'll feel ready to open your heart to another wonderful pet. You've found the best place here at LS. We all understand just how you feel.

Take care,
Lynn

Dear Barbara,

Thank you for opening up and sharing your story with us. Trouble and Sam were such a big part of your life for so long. I know the pain and emptiness must feel HUGE to you right now.

The questions you feel are so normal. Many of us that made the decision to end our furbaby's suffering have questioned ourselves later with the "what if...." You seem to understand all that, though. You made the most loving and unselfish decision and gave Sam the best gift you could have. You ended his suffering before it got too bad for him.

I am so happy to read that you are open to taking in another furbaby in the near future. Someone like you with SO much love to give, and complete understanding for their care and needs, should open your heart and home to another. No, it will not be your precious Sam or Trouble, but each furbaby has their own unique personality that makes them special.

My thoughts are with you,
Cheri

I am so glad you were able to come and share with us more about your little Sam. We all understand the pain and sorrow there is when we no longer have our precious babies in our arms. You would get more replies if you were to post in the Death and Dying Support Section. For some reason not as many people come here.
Ann