had to say good bye to my first guide dog today

[BentleyJD]

Bentley was my 11 year old golden. Lately he's been getting weaker. Today he couldn't get up on his front legs.
The vet said he either had a tumor on his spine or a slipped disc.
He was breathing pretty heavy.
So my sister took me to the vet, we decided at his age surgery wouldn't improve the quality of his life.
So I was there when he went to sleep holding his paw on my arm, with the same silly smile on his face.
It really hurts, bad.
take care
tony and guidedogLido

[OhioChick]

1. I'm So Sorry.

:hug:

[DS1]

2. Sorry to hear that, Tony

:grouphug:

[Inchworm]

3. Sorry BentleyJD

Sounds like you gave him a good life.

:hug:

[graywarrior]

4. Oh man, that is so sad.

I can almost visualize it. I am so sorry, BentleyJD.

[fizzgig]

5. i am so sorry

:hug:

[skygazer]

6. I'm so sorry

:hug:

[Rambis]

7. Sorry

:hug:

[shaniqua6392]

8. I am so sorry.

God bless Bentley and all of the other wonderful service dogs. They are all angels on earth. I know the pain of losing a pet. It is so horrible when we are faced with doing what is best for them when they are in pain. When you are ready, try this website and you can pay tribute to him and there is also help with the grief that you are dealing with now. :hug:
http://rainbowsbridge.com/hello.htm

[Coyote_Bandit]

9. .

:hug:

[LeftyFingerPop]

10. I'm really very sorry...

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[Flaxbee]

11. I'm so sorry, BentleyJD - you must really be hurting

:hug: to you, and RIP Bentley. The quality of life decision is so very hard.

[Haole Girl]

12. Sorry you lost your guide dog & friend

I'm glad he didn't suffer too long. My older sister tried to keep her last dog alive months after it was really too late to do anything for the dog & I felt it was much worse... for everyone involved.

:hug:

[ceile]

13. So, sorry.

RIP Bentley.

[auntAgonist]

14. He was your friend and guide and I'm so very sorry

for your tremendous loss.

:hug:
losing them really hurts :cry:

RIP loyal friend.

aA

[XemaSab]

15. That's so sad!

:cry:

[LynzM]

16. I'm so sorry to hear that...

Peace to you... :hug:

[BentleyJD]

17. thanks

for the support, I need it

[KamaAina]

18. (sniff) I love service dogs

there's one in the office right now, in fact. Every one I've seen has been a truly magnificent animal -- and I'm a cat person by nature.

Question: How do you interface with DU? I asked once if anyone was using a screen reader, and got no response. I was wondering if maybe I should stop using emoticons in place of the corresponding words, like "puke" or "dunce".

[stuntcat]

19. .

:cry: He had a very lucky life and so much love. Soon you will have to forget the hurt and only think of how good his life was.

[Midlodemocrat]

20. Very sorry to hear that, Tony.

Peace to you.

:hug:

[driver8]

21. I'm so sorry for your loss...

It just isn't fair that our pets don't live as long as we do.

:hug:

[Call Me Wesley]

22. Safe passage, Bentley.

Might your sufferings be over. Peace and comfort to you and yours, Tony. :hug:

[Norwood]

23. I'm so sorry for your loss

[livetohike]

24. I'm so sorry for your loss of your faithful friend

:hug: You helped him make the transition - it's the last good thing we can do for our pets. A hug for Lido, too and an "Arf!" from my dogs Cindy and Murphy.

[alphafemale]

25. My vet gave me this poem when I had to say goodbye to my friend in January.

The Last Battle


If it should be that I grow frail and weak,

And pain should keep me from my sleep,

Then will you do what must be done,

For this - the last battle - can't be won.



You will be sad I understand,

But don't let grief then stay your hand,

For on this day, more than the rest,

Your love and friendship must stand the test.



We have had so many happy years,

You wouldn't want me to suffer so.

When the time comes, please, let me go.



Take me to where my needs they'll tend,

Only, stay with me until the end.

And hold me firm and speak to me,

Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree,

It is a kindness you do to me.



Although my tail its last has waved,

From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don't grieve that it must be you

Who has to decide this thing to do;

We've been so close - we two - these years,

Don't let your heart hold any tears.



- Author Unknown

[Brigid]

26. I'm so sorry.

I am sure there is a special place in doggie heaven for service dogs. May Bentley live forever there.

[applegrove]

27. So sorry. RIP Lido.

[Breeze54]

28. That's a tough thing to have to do, BentleyJD

I'm so sorry for your loss. :(

:hug:

[bigwillq]

29. Oh, so sorry.

That really stinks. I am very sorry for your loss. :hug:

[BentleyJD]

30. it's going to be tough

but I know we did the best thing for him
he had dignity until the very end, when he took his final rest in my arm

[malta blue]

31. I am so sorry

:hug::hug:

He will be waiting for you at the bridge.

[Kajsa]

32. I'm so sorry!

You spared him a lot of pain.

It hurts when we lose our best buddies with tails( scales, feathers, etc.)

:cry:

Lots of hugs to you, from
one who has been there- many times.

:hug: :hug:

[BentleyJD]

34. thanks all

think I'll cry myself to sleep now

[DU GrovelBot]

33. ## DON'T DONATE TO DEMOCRATIC UNDERGROUND! ##

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[Ellen Forradalom]

36. Have you no shame, Grovelbot?

We are trying to console a friend on her loss here.

[Lil Missy]

35. I am so sorry for your loss, Bently.

:(

:hug:

[OmahaBlueDog]

37. I'm sorry for your loss. A companion animal is so much more than a pet.