My heart is breaking

[showboat]

Hi All,
I had to do one of the hardest things of my life today. We had to put our beloved golden retriever Murphy to sleep. My husband and I have no children, and he was our baby.

For the past 9 years he has been my constant companion, never judging me, and just loving me. Now I feel like I am all alone. People who have never had pets probably think this is silly, but I don't remember feeling this alone when my mom or dad died. I am 51 years old, and I know he was just a pet, but to me he was like a child. I have a hole in my heart. I spent this evening making a memorial for Murph, it kind of made me feel better. If you want to look at it, it's here http://Murphy01.critters.com

Thanks for listening,
Kathy

PS I would gladly take back all my debt for one more year with my "baby"!

[LisaM]

Kathy,

I'm so sorry for what you had to go through today! My husband and I had to put our black lab, Angus, to sleep a couple years ago, and I still get teary eyed thinking about it.

Just don't hold back. Cry, laugh at the good times, do whatever. Go through the grieving process. Nothing is right or wrong at a time like this. And, I know poeple say it all the time...But, atleast your big boy isn't suffering.

I agree, some people might think a dog is a dog, but our boys are our babies and we'd do anything for them.

That is a lovely memorial. I can tell Murphy is very loved.

My thoughts will be with you. I wish you the best.

Lisa

[One Half Full]

I'm so sad for you. I love my dogs, and I really feared that someone might try to take them through this business. Dogs are definitely a part of us when we love them. I sympathise with your loss.

[$$only4ever]

Pets are such a special part of your family. When the time comes, it is so hard to say good-bye. Murphy was very blessed to have you and your husband as parents.~~Hugs~~

[Flamingo]

Rest assured Murphy is still with you in your hearts and led a wonderful life with you and was happy in every moment with you. Losing a family pet is losing a family member. Unfortunately, they become ill or seriously injured and we need to put them out of their pain as we did with our 15 year old Dachshund, Hans, last October. Hans eventually stopped eating and drinking and we had to have the vet put him out of his suffering. He is buried in our back yard under a new tree my daughters planted for me last Mother's Day and we have created a small memorial there for him. Your Murphy led a wonderful life and by having you as his family and he gave you the same. Rest assured with that thought.

[MomIcantFindmy]

~~~Hugs~~~ I also had to put our dog down. One of the hardest things I have done. BK is a walk in the park in comparison to letting go of a loved one. My heart goes out to you.

[woohoogirl]

(((Hugs))) My thoughts are with you.

[whatamess]

Im so sorry! It sounds as though he had a full and wonderful life and was very loved. Your were both blessed!
I lost one of my dogs, an Akita 5 years ago and still dream of her. Its very hard, I know.
my Sympathy.
WAM

[showboat]

Thank you all for the replies and words of encouragment!

I have to say that today hasn't been any easier than yesterday, in fact it's probably been worse, since I think the realization that my boy is not coming back home is starting to set in.

I know he is at peace, and he will stay in my heart, but I can't wrap my arms around that, or look into his adoring face and trustful eyes.

I am a total wreck, and have done nothing but lay on the couch and cry all day. I'm sure with time, it will get better, but just not there yet. I don't know if I will ever be.

Thanks again,
Kathy

[epiphany]

Thank you all for the replies and words of encouragment!

I have to say that today hasn't been any easier than yesterday, in fact it's probably been worse, since I think the realization that my boy is not coming back home is starting to set in.

I know he is at peace, and he will stay in my heart, but I can't wrap my arms around that, or look into his adoring face and trustful eyes.

I am a total wreck, and have done nothing but lay on the couch and cry all day. I'm sure with time, it will get better, but just not there yet. I don't know if I will ever be.

Thanks again,
Kathy

All my sympathy to you...I know how hard this is.

I put a beloved cat of 18 years down two years ago, and it was very painful...I'd known her longer than my nieces and nephew! I cried for an entire week.

It does get easier but will still bring tears to your eyes every now and then. After the initial mourning, those occassional tears become very theraputic.

Your love in this post shows what a good mom you were to him.... he was a lucky dog...don't treat that fact lightly. My heart goes out to you.

EP

[danaf]

Showboat - I am very sorry for your loss. But know that Murphy will be 'there' waiting for you when many years down the road you pass. There is another realm - and all spirits live there - including animals.

[gophermn]

Showboat - my wife and I have a cat and dog - They can be 10yrs old and we will still call them "kitty & puppy".
I feel for you and your loss. Think of the good times. Yes you are sad yesterday, today and tomorrow but think of the years of joy and laughter you received. That will never be erased.
Murphy is doing good and is playing as we speak. In fact, probably got a hold of a pillow or something.
You have my sympathies and I will say a prayer for you and Murphy tonight.
Terry

[Pattie Smith]

Showboat...I know your pain...we lost our Benny (Basenji) a couple of months ago due to a bloched liver biopsy. he was only 8 ys old. You will be in my prayers...We will always miss our baby...we did go through BRAT..rescue and now we have two of them, they are so funny....Ellie and Dylan....We are so glad they were not separated I dont think they would have made without each other...

[Cassiopeia]

It breaks my heart to hear of anyone losing a beloved pet.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[FLBK7]

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I've lost several beloved pets in my lifetime and know how painful this can be.

My warmest thoughts to you.