bcheary Loc: Jacksonville, FL

Quora.com
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1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be painful: remember that before you get me.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me- it is crucial to my well-being.

4. Do not be angry at me for long, and do not lock me up as punishment.

5. You have your work, your entertainment, and your friends. I only have you.

6. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don’t understand your words, I understand your voice when it is speaking to me.

7. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget.

8. Remember before you hit me that I have teeth that could easily hurt you, but I choose not to bite you because I love you.

9. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I might not be getting the right food, or I have been out too long, or my heart is getting too old and weak.

10. Take care of me when I get old; you too will grow old. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say: “I cannot bear to watch” or “Let it happen in my absence.” Everything is easier for me if you are there, even my death.

Remember I love you.

cliff Hilbert Loc: Plano, TX

Very touching.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

Lucy was our adopted Border Collie/Australian Cattle Dog who lived 15 years. She was loyal, faithful, protective and had a few other traits. We trained her through Therapeutic Dog International and Canine Good Citizen. She loved going to nursing homes and hospices. She just wanted to help comfort others. One day, she went out into the backyard in the morning. When she came back into the house she brought us a squirrel she caught and killed. I asked my veterinarian friend if she would catch any thing like rabies or parvovirus or distemper. He told me she was fully vaccinated and she was in great health. I always thought this was a pet’s way of showing its owner affection. My friend said that the dog never saw you hunt for food and this is what they tell us. She did this a couple of times later. About two months before she passed, she chased a raccoon but it was to fast for her. I think she was mad that it got away. At night she had difficulty getting up to get water. She needed to wear a diaper as well. We would hand feed her and after a while didn’t like her own food. After scrambled eggs or cooked hot dogs she developed a taste for Blueberry Special K Cereal without the milk. When we decided it was time, we brought her to the vet. We all laid down with her holding her, petting her and rubbing her belly. The vet injected the propofol and she went off to sleep. We will meet her again when we come to the Rainbow Bridge.

Lucy, I’m Home!

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bcheary Loc: Jacksonville, FL

Sure was.

bcheary Loc: Jacksonville, FL

Done that with 6 dogs over the last 30 years. It is never easy.

RiJoRi Loc: Sandy Ridge, NC

"My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be painful: remember that before you get me."

I've heard that animals do not have a real time-sense, so us leaving home for a few hours is an eternity for our dogs. "I thought you were never coming back" is not hyperbole to our 4-legged friends.

bcheary Loc: Jacksonville, FL

NMGal Loc: NE NM

The first time I had to have a beloved pet put down, I wouldn’t watch. I have regretted that since. It was the last time too.

bcheary Loc: Jacksonville, FL

I know that pain. To watch their life fade from their eyes is a painful experience!

Flying Three Loc: Berthoud, CO

Ahhhhhh!!!!

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

I felt my Lucy heart slow and eventually stop. It is painful but when she loved all of us so much I can only remember her fluffy tail wag with such passion now. I remember especially being licked on my face!

When you have these to remind you, a photograph or a collar can’t do justice for the love they have for us.

insulator Loc: JASPER, ALABAMA

We love our five rescue dogs. Very hard to see one go. We have a cat and dog grave yard on our property. My wife and I have lost several over the past fifty years of marrage.

dancers Loc: melbourne.victoria, australia

and so say all of us.............sob sob

Jim70 Loc: Delaware

Thank you

Jack47 Loc: Ontario

I hope you are right about the time-sense. Our cat has been gone 6 days and I keep looking out for him.
We miss him dearly. First time he has ever done this.