Blue, my favorite family dog, had to be put to sleep today.

[JanMichael]

He was 17 years old and it was finally time for him to go. I had actually been hoping that my parents would do it for over two months because it was obvious that he was losing interest in continuing on. That said I doubt that I could have done it without him really getting worse. Sure he was old and every so often looked flat out worn out he'd all of a sudden perk back up like nothing was wrong.

But apparently he stopped eating about 4 days ago, his favorite thing to do, and was really only drinking water a little at a time. So when my father took him this afternoon to be boarded for a few days the vet examined him and said that his organs were failing. They actually had another vet look at him for a second opinion. But both vets said it was over and he was put down.

He was a black Cocker Spaniel that had a great life. Always friendly, except with the odd stranger, and full of love. A retriever by his breed I suppose, but tennis balls were about all he retrieved. Once, in Poland, he got out of the fenced area and rushed at a chicken in the neighbor's yard. I should add that it had snowed the day before so there was 6 inches of powder on the ground. It was his first attempt at a bird and he ran straight into it, knocking himself and the bird over, and then ran back (Confused) without harming the bewildered poultry.

About four years ago he broke his leg getting out of the back seat of my parent's car. They had taken him to the beach to run around, he still liked getting all of those new scents and the beach was perfect for him. As he made, with help, his way out of the back of the car he missed the edge of the driveway and snapped his front leg. My parents made the choice to have it, at more cost than they really could afford, set and eventually it healed. He limped but could still run.

Then he went blind, and mostly deaf, but was still energetic and always wagged his tail when he realized someone that loved him was near.

Yeah, I'm saddened by his death, but now that I think about it there's little to be sad about. He lived a LONG time, 17 or so years, and had a grand time.

Good-bye Bluezy!

PS~ He was a good Liberal doggie.

[proud patriot]

1. I'm real sorry to hear that

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

2. Hey if he lived 17 years, it was because he was well loved and cared for

Sorry...to hear this..pets ARE family and I would be devastated if anything happened to my boy and I've only had him a year.

[JanMichael]

4. Like I said he had a grand life.

It's just he's been a family fixture for almost two decades.

However I'm glad that he was able to go without suffering for very long.

[smbolisnch]

3. I'm so sorry to hear that JanMichael.

[LDS Jock]

5. sorry to hear about your loss

[zann725]

25. Same here. We had a family dog of 15 years that we had to put to sleep

after a long battle with cancer. That was over 25 years ago, but I still remember the great grieving loss we felt for some time. Likewise, our dog was seriously ill for some time, and by the time we finally put her to sleep, we came to accept how difficult it was for her to even breathe or move.

What I remember all these years later, and what you clearly remember above, are all the years and good times we shared with her. Dogs (and all pets) are truly best friends.

Sorry to hear of your loss. I send you 'comfort' thoughts, and hope that in time, you find the courage to allow another 'dog' friend to enter and enlarge your life.

[havocmom]

6. Hugs to you and your folks. You did right by your good friend.

He will let you know, somehow, that all is well. You have a new guardian angel. The love does not end when the vessel wears out. Know that is true.

Strength and peace to you, from one who has been taught much by old critters.

[salin]

7. Bye Bluezy!

And while there is comfort in knowing it wsa time... I would imagine (given my reaction to loss of dogs before - and having an older big dog, now) that there is still some grieving to be had.. Sending warm thoughts/energy.

[Nite Owl]

8. So sorry JanMichael

It's one of the hardest things to do. We had to do it to a dear friend of 15 three years ago. Miss him still and think of him every day.

[Dhalgren]

9. Sorry to hear about Blue.

I've been there and know... But your connection with him was real - and he knew that,too. I'll give him a whistle for you tonight.

[Gloria]

10. Condolences..but thank you so much for telling his wonderful

story!
We all had a chance to know him through your memories.

[BrklynLiberal]

11. I am so sorry for your loss. Blue must have had one hell of a life.

17 years is a long time for a little ol' cocker spaniel, so he must have been very well loved and taken care of, as nothingshocksme said above.
It is tribute to you and your family that he was with you for so long.
Truth be told, it does not matter how long they live, it is always too short, and we are heartbroken when they leave.
I have found that tears and time are the only things that help.
He will forever abide where all good dogs are buried, in your heart.
If you are open to it, he will give you a sign that he is still around, watching over you.
Keep focused on all those wonderful times that he made you laugh, and the wonderful memories will eventually overtake the more recent sad ones.

[JanMichael]

14. Well my wife Stephanie thinks he's in doggie heaven.

I don't believe in afterlifes but that's ok.

Thank you for the beautiful thoughts

[BrklynLiberal]

21. You just never know.....

Last Night
I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peek.
I could see that you were crying, You found it hard to sleep.
I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."
I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.
I was with you at the shops today, Your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.
I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care.
I want to re-assure you, that I'm not lying there.
I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said " it's me."
You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.
It's possible for me, to be so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."
You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew...
in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.
The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning
and say "good-night, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."
And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.
I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out...then come home to be with me.
- Author unknown

[PartyPooper]

12. The day you lose a pet is the saddest day of all.

I've always cried more with losing dogs than with losing people...relatives in my own family. Go figure!

Thanks for your post. And, best wishes. I understand how you feel.

[Taverner]

13. That's terrible - my heart is with you

17 years is good tho - he lived life to the fullest

[JanMichael]

15. Yes he did.

Not that goofy sort of "happy" that you get with some pets and people, but a solid contented happy.

One that I'd like to emulate.

[mitchum]

16. Rest In Peace, Blue

JM, my thoughts are with you and your family

[saltpoint]

17. Hi, JanMichael. In most respects it's none of my business --

-- to say so, but your dog certainly seems to have had the life you say he had, and more important, he has someone like you to tell the tale.

You tell it awfully well -- so well that I feel like I knew your dog. Some people say telling the truth well is a mark of greatness. If it is, imagine the caliber of pal your dog has when someone who can write and think and express himself like you is the speaker.

I wish your dog were still with you but unless I'm just completely wrong, you loved him with all you had, and he led a great life as a dog and a great life as your pal.

Hard to argue with a combination like that.

And you were the human being who helped make it so.

My hat's off to the dog you describe and to the people who took care of him.

[JanMichael]

26. Thank you so much. And he was a cool dog to know.

But I can imagine we've all had some very cool friend like Blue.

At least I can only hope that we've all had that gift

[tibbir]

18. I'm so sorry for your loss, although Blue did have a grand life.

Putting a family pet down is one of the hardest things you ever have to go through. Keep enjoying your years of memories.

[jonnyblitz]

19. my thoughts are with you, Michael.

even though you realize he had a good, long life, it is still hard.

[JanMichael]

24. Thanks to all who have posted! And yes, it's still difficult.

Even though it was time.

[Floogeldy]

20. I've been there

Just be grateful for the life enrichment, lessons and memories.

[madison2000]

Great tribute to your pet.

I'm sorry for your loss, I know how hard it is.
When my last dog had to be put down it took me three weeks to finally do it, and I probably waited too long.
Now I have a 12 year old dog and I know that he wont last forever.

Sigh, I wish dogs lived a lot longer.

[Mikimouse]

22. Hugs from all of us...

and condolences on your loss. Blue sounds like a very happy doggie, you did right by him all the way through.

[patdem]

23. I had Poochy about 10 years..tho she was much older...and I looked for

ways to keep her alive. She about died 2 years before I finally had to put her down. I had no idea what was wrong with her...she climed under a bush and refused to come out. I thought she was going to die. But she came around. She stayed with me for 2 more years and I found out she had cancer of her spine. She just lived to make me happy..but she suffered for those two years. I love Poochy and her ashes are in the car, cause she LOVED to ride in the car...she will ride my car as long as I drive!

[JanMichael]

27. Kick for a great friend.

...

[Misunderestimator]

28. So sorry JanMichael... but glad you had him for 17 years...

sounds like a great pooch...

[ernstbass]

29. You are so lucky to have had Blue for 17 yrs

and I laughed out loud picturing Blue charging the chicken. Blue is now at the Rainbow Bridge with my cocker Charlotte and all the others. Take care.