One of the Hardest things to do!! Say goodbye

[oldrider]

Understand the emptiness you feel.
Our old dog and cat moved on recently and we still feel their presence around us at times.
We are too old to replace them now so the emptiness remains with us.
They were both 18yrs old, add that to 67 and I would be 85 yrs old.
My father died at 83, so they might be left old lonely and unwanted, that would be too sad for us so we are not having any more pets.
No body will have to put my bike down, just sell it to a happy new owner. John.

[MD]

Know how you feel. There's something special about the bond a dog forms with us. Had to put down mine 3 yrs ago after 13 years due to cancer. It's so hard to say goodbye. When looking for breeders online to find another dog we came across this poem from the perspective of the suffering dog. It really hit home about the tough choice we battled with to end his suffering but it was the right choice. The 4th paragraph seemed to be exactly what I went through.

If it should be that I grow weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.

You will be sad, I understand.
Don't let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day, more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years.
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer so;
The time has come -- please let me go.

Take me where my need they'll tend,
And please stay with me till the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Please do not grieve -- it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years;
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

[Rossi Gal]

Sympathies to you and your family ....