The best puppers in Texas is dying.

[elehhhhna]

Budward, our blacklab, is ten. He's got melanoma on his gums. If the antibiotics & steroids work he'll have a month or so. If not, we'll let him go soon.

He's the happiest, sweetest, luckiest dog. So much positive energy! He's been a rock for our family. He loves us unconditionally, as we do him. He's NEVER had a "bad day"... and we'll make sure he never does.

He's a 60 pound lapdog. His freakily soft, glossy fur has caught many, many tears over these years. He's heard (and caused) much laughter in this house. He's broken up arguements. He's sometimes been the wisest presence in the family. He's certainly the most christian of us all - and it's effortless for him. He's amazing.

Please send vibes and prayers for Bud, and my daughters, and that my husband and I handle this wisely and lovingly. And let us accept that grief is a deep expression of love, and help us embrace it - let it flow through us - as it comes.

[a la izquierda]

1. I'm so sorry and will send you peaceful thoughts.

i know your pain.

[rfranklin]

2. That's a tough one...may he go peacefully knowing you love him..

That's the best you can do.

[dballance]

3. I am so sorry.

My Nikko dog who is a Jack Russell and other stuff mix has been with me for over 15 years. He has also never had a bad day and he too has caught some tears.

It is obviously going to be difficult but if he is suffering it is time to let him go. Just love him as much as you can while he has time left.

I send your family including Bud my best vibes and wishes.

[LASlibinSC]

4. Soothing vibes coming...

to Bud and the rest of his loving family

[renate]

5. what a good boy

It sounds like he brought immense joy to you and your family. Not a bad way to live his life. And while he knows how much he is loved, he doesn't know what's happening, so he's not grieving... in fact, he'll be helping you with your grief without a clue that it's about him. Kind of a last act of love from him to you... and the last act of love from you to him will be his safe and peaceful passage.

[Auntie Bush]

6. I'm so very sorry for you and Budward. I know how hard it is but

Try not to wait too long as I did because I couldn't let him go. Now I can look back and see it would have been kinder to have taken him more quickly. If he has to go and his life isn't worth living...time to let go.
When it was my son's blacklab was time to go. He took him for a nice swim...his favorite...and gave him a whole leg of lamb. He thought he was in heaven......no comment.

I loved the way you describe his relationship with your family...so elegant and loving... I saved it.
I'm sending lots of healing light. Good luck and God bless you all.

[elehhhhna]

7. It's a HUGE exercise in benevolence vs. selfishness, ya know?

That's why it's an easy call - we love him SOOOOO much, it will be sooner versus later. He won't suffer. It's a privilege to ensure that for him - hell, I hope to receive such mercy myself one day (if it's needed). Our teenaged daughters, however, will take little comfort in this decision.

[ProfessionalLeftist]

8. I'm sorry about Bud

When he goes he'll go deeply loved - and that's the most important thing. Animals teach humans what love really is. There is no greater gift.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

9. I will definitely send prayers

and, what everyone else said.....

no last act of love, though, I don't think......it's an endless cycle....your sweet baby's love will come back to you, and vice versa

[GentryDixon]

10. Peaceful journey, sweet Bud.

I am so sorry.

[Drew Richards]

11. Here is my helpful vibe for you and your family

In time,

Pain will fade.

But LOVE will remain forever.

I am sorry for your sadness over your child Budward.

Drew.

[tooeyeten]

12. You got it!

Blessings and good thoughts to your family. Something I learned a while back, to know and feel great joy and love, you have to know pain and grief, and even in the knowledge it's still difficult. Nevertheless, Bud sounds like the embodiment of what life is all about-- by the tremendous gifts he has afforded you and your family in feelings and memories. Like you, we too love our dogs.

[Liberal_in_LA]

13. .

[MountainLaurel]

14. I am so sorry for you and your family

I've been owned by several retrievers.

[magical thyme]

15. I'm so sorry, elehhhna

I recently lost my beloved 27 year old arab, that I'd rescued 22 years ago and promised a home furever.

The greatest love you can give is to take on their suffering, so they won't have to. Budward is lucky to have such loving people. Love and light to him and his entire family. You and your husband have the strength to do this. It is the hardest thing to do, but never doubt for one moment that it is the right thing for your puppers.

At some level, they do know, and know only gratitude and love. My boy literally stood on his burial site for days waiting while I made his final arrangements. When the excavator and I changed the exact spot, he moved to the new site. He knew, he was letting me know he was ready.

[Worried senior]

16. He'll have friends waiting

at the bridge for him but it is a terrible day when we have to make the decision.

Magical thyme, your story about your horse almost broke my heart.

[greytdemocrat]

17. Very sorry to hear this.

We have lost 2 of our puppers recently.

[RebelOne]

18. Good vibe to your sweet doggie.

It is hard to lose a member of your family. Hopefully, he will make a miraculous recovery.

[Mnemosyne]

19. ...

[glinda]

20. So sorry.....this is so sad....

[one_voice]

21. I'm so sorry!...

Vibes and prayers for all of you. I hope your family, that includes Budward are able to find peace.

[Chorophyll]

22. Vibes and prayers for Budward and for the entire family.

From my family -- and from our black lab mix, Addie.

[me b zola]

23. Prayers for Bud and your family

Tears are rolling down my face as I type this. It was a week ago today that I held my cat as they administered the shot that took his suffering away.

Labs are really special. I'm happy that Bud has a wonderful family like yours to reciprocate his love. I wish peace and comfort to you all.

[elehhhhna]

31. oh honey --

been there. Hugs to you. Crying helps. xox

[Omaha Steve]

24. It is so hard when K-9 family members get older

Something only cat or dog people understand.

I've never understood the they are just an animal speech.

K&R!

OS

[classof56]

25. Bud is worthy of your tears. Let them flow as long as you need to.

I lost my World's Best Dog Cammy almost 7 years ago and I still weep when I remember the 13 years she was my friend, companion and source of unconditional love. I've not been able to even think about replacing her. Some would call that selfish and talk to me about doggies that need a good home, but while the ache and emptiness in my heart remain, I just can't get myself to do it. Maybe one day...

To you and your family I send blessings and strength as you say goodbye to Bud. You and he are fortunate indeed to have been in each others' lives.

[JayhawkSD]

47. I know your feeling, I have been there

But I urge you to go to a shelter a rescue a creature soon. That creature will know what you did for him/her and will pay you back a hunderd fold. That creature will heal you. I know it.

[classof56]

59. JayhawkSD, I thank you for your thoughtful response, understanding and encouraging words.

I had not thought of the healing aspect, but I know you are right. Bless you for your words, and by the way--welcome to DU! Glad to have you on board.

[Rex]

26. I am so sorry!

Budward is in my thoughts.

My first dog was a blacklab named Cher, she saved my life as a child (5) from a rattlesnake.

[WillowTree]

27. Hugs, prayers and all manner of good vibes going out to the amazing Bud and his loving family.

[Fla Dem]

28. My heart goes out to you as you face the sadness of Budward's leaving. n/t

[Mz Pip]

29. It's never easy.

The critters bring us so much love and joy and become such wonderful members of our families.

I do believe the saddest thing about being human is that we outlive our pets. My thoughts are with you.

[Smilo]

30. Peace, love and blessings

to Budward and all members of his family.

In the days to come may you remember with smiles and laughter and any tears be tears of joy on remembering the times Budward shared with you all.

[cali]

32. I'm so, so sorry elehhhhna.

you've got my prayers and best vibes.

I know how hard it is to lose a beloved pet who's been a part of one's life for a long time.

[guitar man]

33. So sorry to hear

My dog Birdie developed bone cancer and I had to have her put down about a year and a half ago. We had her 11 wonderful years, so I know just how you feel.

Peace and blessings be with you and yours at this difficult time .

[roguevalley]

34. I am so very sorry. I have had to let go of three dogs in four years.

Each time they made me clear that they had to go now. It is the hardest thing to do because there is no more perfect love than that of a dog. I wish you the easiest moment when it comes and peace. You will feel a better day eventually but it comes with time. Hugs to all of you.

[demgrrrll]

35. I am so sorry sounds like a wonderful dog.

[Stinky The Clown]

36. To all of your family, but mostly to Budward . . . .

. . . . . I wish more peace than you hope for and more comfort than you want.

Please post Bud's picture here. It's a corner of DU we've all come to know as someplace special: http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1161&pid=1046

[thevoiceofreason]

37. The big reward is coming, Budward!

Say howdy to Logan when you get there!

[KT2000]

38. I'm so sorry

He sounds like a wonderful guy. Good thought to you all.

[benld74]

39. Good vibes and prayers to Budward and your family

[lunatica]

40. I'm sending the gentlest of vibes

watered with my tears. I have two elderly dogs right now. All I want and pray for is that they go in their sleep. Both our dogs do all the things you say Budward does. I guess it's their job. The job must be to humanize us.

[Bossy Monkey]

41. Best to Budward, and to you and your family on your coming loss n/t

[Snarkoleptic]

42. Labradogs are the best! Positive thoughts for Bud to recover!!

My yellow lab made it to the ripe old age of 13 and I still miss him dearly.
A true force of nature.

[derby378]

43. I am so sorry to hear about this.

[AlecBGreen]

44. big hugs for you and your pup

His purpose on earth is coming to an end. It wont be easy to see him go but I pray his passing will be gentle on all of you. Much love from Virginia

[snappyturtle]

45. I understand that Bud is amazing but I think he has some

amazing owners as well!

[myrna minx]

46. My heart is with Budward, you and your family

[CoffeeCat]

48. I am so sorry...

...that you and your family are going through this. I sorry that your amazing pooch is hurting too. Nothing will take away the pain of this loss, and unfortunately our dogs never live long enough.

It's ok to grieve. You and your family will have each other through the sadness. Your sweet dog knew he was loved and you gave him a great life. What more could a dog ask for? He knows that you love him and you will be there for him during his final journey.

Let us know how you are doing and keep us updated. Thinking of you and your family--including your furry friend.

[colorado_ufo]

49. Peace, love, and blessings to you all.

[cate94]

50. I am sorry

[SammyWinstonJack]

51. ...

[Greywing]

52. Sending with all my might my most positive vibes

to you, your family and Budward

[leveymg]

53. For Bud - good dog.

[alterfurz]

54. deepest sympathy, kindest thoughts

If there are no dogs in heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went. -- Will Rogers

[Swede]

55. Sorry to hear this. Hope this toon gives you a smile.

[Demonaut]

56. wish him the best!

[HappyMe]

57. Oh no! you have my deepest sympathy.

Peace to your and your family. And a gentle hug for the Bud .Safe passage, faithful friend.

[lonestarnot]

58. peace elehhhhna.