[Dilly Dom]

We had to have our elderly labrador put to sleep yesterday, he lived with us for over 7 years.  We or rather he chose us from a rescue centre where he'd been for 5 months, we were told he had had an unlucky start to life and had two owners prior to us.

He was the gentlest, most loving dog one could ever wish for and gave us so much joy and laughter, indeed everyone who knew him loved him.  He was well travelled and regularly came with us to France and Spain.

Whilst in Scotland earlier on this year he suffered a stroke and although he never fully recovered still had a good quality of life. 

Yesterday he had another stroke and this time we and I'm convinced he knew that it was his time to say goodbye.

It has left us totally lost and miss him more than words can say.

[snowdrops]

Sorry to hear of your sad loss, sounds as if he was a special chap. In a while you will be able to remember the good times with less sadness

[mumofstig]

It's very sad to lose a pet, my cat was put to sleep on Tuesday, so I know exactly how you feel 

We can only do what we can to ease their pain towards the end of their lives.

[Yorkie]

So sorry to hear this.

[Kevin67]

You have my very deepest sympathies.

[snowdrops]

It's very sad to lose a pet, my cat was put to sleep on Tuesday, so I know exactly how you feel 

We can only do what we can to ease their pain towards the end of their lives.

Mum,condolences for you too

[Lulu]

it is sad to say goodbye, my sympathy to both of you.  Take care.

[barley]

my dogs are my world

every time we have had to say goodbye to our oldies it breaks my heart , but I take comfort in knowing they had a good life with us

there are plenty of lost souls out there that don't get the chance to be loved and cared for so although it was a sad day for you , it was a happy life for him

take care and try not to be to sad xxx

[Mother-Hen]

I am so so sorry for your lose, I to am going to have to make that decision sometime very soon as one of my beloved dogs has bowel cancer. They become such a large part of our lives it is so very hard to let them go.

My thoughts are with you, but remember how much love you gave him and what he gave in return.....

[Sue33]

So sorry for you at this sad time, we went through it last year and it was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do {{{hugs}}}

[cadalot]

Thinking of you, I had to do the same with our little chap this time last year..

[Dilly Dom]

Thanks for all the lovely replies. 

Its still very raw with us at the moment, everywhere we look we think of our dear boy.  We always went for walks every day come rain or shine and it feels so strange not having that purpose to go out. 

I keep looking at the lovely wrapped up Christmas present from his pal up the road

I know that we made the right decision to let him go and in amongst the tears there is also so many happy memories for us.

We still have our little rescue dog that we bought back from Spain earlier on in the year but she too is poorly with a heart complaint and is unable to walk much.  I am quite sure that when we are ready we will go to the rescue and give another needy dog a good home.

[joyfull]

I have lost 2 of my dogs in the last year so understand the heartache that you are going through, infact in the last 35 years I have been through this heartache 14 times - 13 dogs and 1 cat, I will never forget any of them but I am now in a place where I can remember them in the good times and smile. Things will get better in time.

[Oliveview]

The kindest gift of love is knowing when to say goodbye- but it is still very very sad. 

Pamela x

[Goosegirl]

The kindest gift of love is knowing when to say goodbye- but it is still very very sad. 

Pamela x

Oliveview - you have just encapulated everything in your post - so very well put too. Dilly Dom - you gave him a new life with love and he gave it back to you in spades. We had the same thing with a cat called Uncle Spikey who was born in our home and lived for about 18 years. We knew when it was his time to go 'cos he told us.