[cat_eye]

We had to put my dog to sleep the other day. His name was Barney, and we adopted him when he was five, and he lived to be twelve. I like to think that he enjoyed the seven years he was with us. It was nice to pet him while the vet put him down - I felt like I got to say my goodbyes. We adopted another dog about five days before we had to put Barney down (we thought another dog might liven him up, and we wanted another dog too). We named her Winnie (like Winnie from The Wonder Years), and we love her very much. She isn't a "replacement" of barney by any means as some people have thought. Anyway, I had to get that off of my chest. I hope all of you are doing well

[Leslie]

I am sorry that you lost your dog. I am very attached to my golden retriever she is 2 now but I hate the thought of ever losing her. I love her sooooooo much. I think getting another dog was a good idea.

Take care,
Leslie

[allautumn]

Oh! I'm so sorry about your dog. That is a very hard things to have to do, and it is like losing a family member. It's good that you got to say goodbye to Barney, I'm sure he appreciated your being there, too. Your little Winnie is no more a replacement of Barney than Barney would be for your grandmother, that's not the way it works. I hope, though, that you will cherish Winnie just as much.
Thanks for posting this, some people don't realize how hard it is losing a pet.

[colors]

Oh this is the saddest thing I have read in a long time.
I am sorry this happened, but you adopted Barney, and gave him a wonderful home. He was so lucky to have been saved by your family.

I have never heard of someone adopting prior to loosing a pet. I think this is a terrific idea! I have advised friends to go right out and adopt another one when they loose a pet. However, this way is even better. It lessons the pain somewhat, and you have now saved even another dog!

I am going to do this for myself when my dog ages. This would be the only way I could handle such pain.

Thanks so much for sharing.

Colors

[cat_eye]

Thank you I don't think I could ever get a dog from a breeder; it feels so much better to give an animal another chance for a good life.

[cat_eye]

and thank you for caring

[Maya]

I am so sorry for the loss - it is always so sad to lose one of our "children". Over the years we have had to put 6 dogs and 2 cats out of their suffering and each one was a tremendousliy sad occasion. I am so glad you got a new "kid" just before you lost Barney - a new one can never take the place of someone you love - but can make the loss easier to bear. Take care of yourself.

[SweetCrusader]

(((((cateye)))))

So sorry for your loss

[wisewoman]

I am so with you on the new pet thing. We are all different and some feel the need for time and mourning. A new pet gives us a focus for some positives and also some soft fur to cry in. My babies are my comfort and I am so sorry for your loss. I DO NOT want to diminish your loss but I want to tell you that pets suffer horrible lives sometimes due to cruelty, overbreeding and neglect. Your Barney had a chance to be a loved part of your family and that is an incredible gift on both ends. I swear they are telepathic. Love the new critter and please know that I do understand your pain.

[luvtiels]

Before one of my parakeets, Jake, died, I went out and got him a buddy, Indy - so he wouldn't be alone during his last days. I knew I was going to lose Jake, I just didn't know when. He had been sick for awhile, and I didn't want him to die alone. As it turned out, it was the best thing I did for him. Indy gave Jake something to focus on, teaching him where the food and water was, and I think just having another bird around helped him alot. I was in the hospital when Jake passed on, so I couldnt be there with him. But Indy was, and he didnt die alone.

[nothemama8]

Linda, I know your loss. I had a parakeet many yrs ago and when TJ time came I held him til the last breath, he was my joy
Angie

i'm so sorry for your loss of Barney. i know that he was ever so grateful that you were holding him when he left his eartly home. my crew, tippy, henrietta, smut and j.j., all greeted him and he's restored to good health and having a good time....his spirit remains with you.....xoxox pat

[luvtiels]

I have lost many pets over the years, and no matter how many times I go through it, it never gets any easier. Some have died naturally, and some I have had to help end their suffering and pain. Losing a pet is losing a member of the family, at least for me.