We are putting our 15 year old black lab Jake to sleep tomorrow morning at around 8:30am.  My heart is absolutely breaking over this.  We've had Jake for over half my life, and he was really my best bud through some extraordinarily difficult times the last 15 years.  I spent many a night at 3am laying on the floor next to him, always the comforting companion.

Recently I saw the movie "Marley and Me" with Jason, and I cried a LOT during the movie!  Besides the fact that where the family ended up moving is right near where I grew up here, the story is basically a close mirror of my family's life with our dog Jake.  A wonderful movie, but really broke my heart.  When we got out of the movie between 9 and 10pm, I asked Jason if we could drive 40 minutes home to my parents' house to see Jake, and we did!

I know it is for the best.  He is clearly uncomfortable these past few days.  He has lived way longer than we thought he would.  Earlier tonight he was still wagging his tail and gave me some kisses.  I whispered to him that he's been the best dog ever, and he just has to hang on for a few more hours.  I can't even think about him without tears streaming down my face.

Life is never going to be the same. 

Carrie,

I'm so sorry...

Losing a dear pet is terrible and heartbreaking indeed. My thoughts are with you and lots of prayers will be on their way!

Best wishes,
Sanna

I'm so sorry to read that you will be doing this within a matter of hours.  This is never an easy thing to do.  He'll meet you on the other side of the rainbow bridge when that time comes.

Mark

Carrie - I'm sorry for your loss. 

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...

Hugs
Carol

Thank you Carol....that was very special.  I'm sitting here in tears again, but it really helped!

At 4:30am Jake started barking.  Everyone was sleeping, so I ran downstairs to see what he wanted.  When I got to the kitchen (where he sleeps) he started wagging his tail like crazy and giving me tons of kissies.  So I stayed with him for like 15 minutes until he calmed down, and then I went back upstairs.  5 minutes later, he started barking again!  So back down I went, and....wag wag wag, kiss kiss kiss.  So I pulled his bed into the family room and I laid on the floor next to him and I think we both fell asleep!

All was lovely for about an hour until my dad's blackberry alarm started going off at 6:30am, except I didn't know what the alarm was or where it was for like 20 minutes!  It was in the garage, and it would beep 3 times and every time I'd get up, it would stop beeping for a bit, resulting in my not being able to find the source!  Dumb...

After I figured that one out, I moved to the couch but Jake was then up and a bit more restless and jittery.  He has a skin condition that usually is just in the summer but has flared up the past couple of weeks and it is making him miserable, along with at least one very bad open sore on his face.  He was rubbing his head against the floor like crazy.  I can tell he is not comfortable at all.

At 7am, he started his barking again!  My brother came in the room and let him out.  Then my mom and bro fed him.  I just came upstairs to get washed up quickly and my brother is laying with him on the floor now.  We are going to leave in about 15 minutes.

Thanks so much for the kind words and prayers.  It means more than I can say.  This is going to be one of the hardest days I've ever had.   

Love,
Carrie   

He's gone. 

He didn't suffer and he went quickly with all of us petting and holding him.  They gave him a blanket to lay on, and I brought his stuffed "lammy" with us to put by his side.  The vet and staff were very kind.  We got to spend as much time as we needed afterwards to hug and kiss him and tell him how much we love him.

He's in a better place now.  This is one of the saddest days of my entire life.

Thank you all for your kind words, prayers and support.

Love,
Carrie 

Doing the right thing is never easy.  We've lost several this year and it's not easy.

A PETS PRAYER

If it should be, that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done
For this, the last battle, can't be won.



You will be sad, I understand.
Don't let your grief then stay your hand,
For this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship stand the test.

We've had so many happy years
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer, so,
When the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend only,
Stay with me to the end,
And hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will see
It is a kindness you do to me
Although my tail its last has waved
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Don't grieve it should be you,
Who decides this thing to do,
We've been so close, we two, these years
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

Smile - for we walked together,
For a little while.

.....Lenny

Carrie,

I'm so sorry for your loss.  Hang on to all those precious memories of your beloved Jake.

Hugs, Beth

Thank you all so very much for your kind words.  I know I keep repeating myself.  Cyn called me and we talked on the phone for probably, hmmm...2 hours? At least?  That cheered me up some!  Thanks, Cyn!

The support, love and kindness from all of you here really is a comfort during this extremely sad time.  I feel so lucky to have this family here who understand.  My dad is taking my brother to the train to go back to New York City right now, so it was sad that he left and our family of 4 isn't together while we are missing Jake.  Michael (my brother) took Jake's dog tags.  I have one of his old collars, and I am keeping his favorite stuffed animal, lammy.  I pulled out his most favorite stuffed animals, which we have always referred to as his "friends."  There's lammy, cowie, monkey, froggy, and several others.  He was so cute with all of them...I used to buy him a new one every year, and he certainly had his favorites!

Carolyn, that poem was absolutely beautiful.

Thank you all once again.  It helps me to have you all to turn to.

Love,
Carrie 

Carrie, I'm so sorry about Jake.  Words fail me now, for while there's comfort in knowing he's no longer suffering, there's no more Jake to hug.  Hold him close in your heart and your memories.  I believe he'll be with you always, kissing you when you need it, waiting for you while playing happily over the bridge.  The pain you feel is simply a measure of the love you have for him, and though you will always miss him, hopefully the pain will heal with time.     I'm so sorry.

Laurie

There is nothing like the sadness you feel when you have to say goodbye to your family pet... I am so sorry Lizzie... He is waiting for you... in a pain free world.love to you and comfort wishes,Ree

I'm sorry, Carrie.  I know how difficult it is.   

All the best,

George