Everyone, thank you again. Sheba, boy when someone cries with you, you know that they are special.<P>I have reflected on this the last several hours and I did what I had to do based on what the situation was.<P>It would have been easier to say "treat her" and continue to care for her. I promised myself weeks, maybe months back that I would make the decision (H left it up to me, fully supportive) based on the well being of the dog. I wouldn't let go because it wasn't "convienent"...and believe me it wasn't...and I promised myself I was not going to hang on if it was not in her best interest. I don't think my H thought I'd ever put her to sleep, even though I told him I would if I knew it was right. <P>In that room today I WANTED to hang on, but I let go according to my own guidelines.<P>The front yard looks so empty. For years if it wasn't raining, she'd be out there either snoozing or looking around with her ears up. It will be a long time before I will get used to not seeing her out there.<P>I already thought I heard her. The lasts months she would do a quiet little bark once and she knew day or night I would come out ASAP. She had me trained quite well. I wonder how long it will be until I don't listen for her.<P>If I can get past telling my family, then the real grieving can begin. <P>Thanks everyone! I know just reading this brings painful memories, but I like to hear your stories. <BR>

FHL,<P>I have never posted to you, before, but feel very moved to do so now. I am so sorry for your loss. Dogs are such wonderful animals. I am also very sorry you will have to break it to your girls. You are in my thoughts. <P>{{{{{{FHL & family}}}}}}

FHL,<BR>My tears are going to short out my keyboard if I stay here very much longer. I've been through that pain twice in the last year. We put down our Australian shepherd in March after he lost the use of his back legs. We "wheelbarrowed" him for a month until his pain was too much for him to bear. Our beloved weiner dog died of heart failure last year. Everyone loved that dog. He had belonged to my mother-in-law. We lost MIL to a) bad health care and b) a bad gall bladder. People aren't supposed to die from a bad gall bladder. It was very unexpected. Losing her pet three years later was like losing the last piece of her that we had. I know your pain and am feeling it with you right now. {{{{{{{{{{FHL}}}}}}}}}}}}}

FHL,<P>My condolences at your loss. It's one thing to have a loved one pass on, it's another to have to make the decision to help them pass on. You were brave.<P>I don't take pets lightly, either. If it weren't for my cats, I would have lost my mind during this last year and a half. Sometimes I would drive all the way home from work just to see them and feel like SOMEONE loved me. They took H's place in the bed when he left--warm furry little lumps of unconditional love. I was nice to wake up hearing them "singing" to me--or jumping on me, wanting breakfast, which was usually the case.<P>Oh, there's one of them now, wanting to be let in--gotta go real quick.<P>Chin up! Happy face!--your pup is in Heaven!

I'm so sorry. I too lost my beloved pet last November. In fact, that's where I got my user name. Her name was Stella. She was hit by a car. She was there thru all the long lonely nights when my H was out with the OW. She loved me unconditionally. And I miss her every day.

FaithHopeLove -<P>I am so sorry. I just saw your post today, and I'm crying as I write this. These little animals are so wonderful, aren't they? Each with their own personality, each one touches our heart. They truly become a part of our families. I know how difficult this decision was for you, but please know that you did the right thing.<P>I want to send a cyber-hug to you, too. I grew up with dogs - having two the passed away while I still lived with my parents. You know I still think about them . . .the Rainbow Bridge sentiment gave me hope that I will see them again. I just wanted to let you know that I feel for you and your family.

<BR>{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{FHL}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}<BR>I'm so sorry honey<BR>I know you were expecting this but it that doesn't make it easier.<BR>This is one of the hardest decisions anyone has to make.<BR>The poem "Rainbow Bridge" helped me through some very bad days. Keep it close by.<P>You know you are in my prayers.<P>