Socrates

[Daffyd]

Well, I sit here bubbling like a witch's cauldron. I had to say goodbye to my wee dog Socky today.

I took them both to the vet for a check-up and vaccinations, but poor old Socky didn't make the grade.

He's been throwing up a lot, has got very deaf, his eyesight was failing, he was suffering from arthritis, but most of all his kidneys were failing. He lost over 1.5 kg since his last weight check which is a lot when he weighed only 7.5 to start with.

After a long discussion with the vet, we decided the best thing for him was to let him go.

I'm having him cremated and plan to scatter his ashes over the beach he loved so much.

R I P my wee mate!

[Mom]

Sorry to hear that mate, horrible when you have to make a call like that.

[Beemer]

Sad day for you, and I know what that feels like. I hate the fact that animals don't live forever.

At least you were with Socky and I bet he knew you loved him.

[vifferman]

My condolences, Daffyd.

[Dave Lobster]

My hound is fourteen, and I have this to come within the next few months.

I have an eleven year old too. I think she will live for ever. Just to spite the wife.

[3umph]

Never good to have to put the dear old mate down...

but the less they have to suffer the better... you did the right thing

[Nasty]

Sorry to hear of your old and probably very faithful friend ... thinking of you .. I know how hard it is to let go of a pet - cos in reality they are so much more.

[pete376403]

Its hard to do the right thing.

The Power of the Dog
by
Rudyard Kipling

There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.

Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie--
Perfect passsion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart to a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet's unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find--it's your own affair--
But ... you've given your heart to a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!)
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone--wherever it goes--for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.

We've sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve:
For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-term loan is as bad as a long--
So why in--Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

[oldrider]

Sorry to hear that David. Commiserations. John.

[piston broke]

awww,condolences.
tough read,this.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

[98tls]

Sorry for your loss.

[Daffyd]

Thank you all for your kind thoughts. One of the things constantly on my mind is I'm going to have to go through all this again in 4 or 5 years' time with his 'sister'.

It will take me some time to come to grips with losing him after 15 years.

It is some comfort to know we'll meet again at Rainbow Bridge.

[MyGSXF:Me]

Sorry for your loss David..

It's a heart wrenching decision to have to make, but you made the right call. Socky is at peace & free from pain now. We have had to put 2 pets to sleep in the past 3 months for the similar reasons.. we miss them terribly, but are comforted in the knowledge that they went peacefully & with their dignity.

Scattering his ashes over his favourite beach is a lovely final gesture to your faithful friend

for you

RIP Socrates

[gijoe1313]

Ahh, the wee fella has gone to doggy heaven ... sorry to hear about your loss, always gutting when its your pets, been through two family dogs already and never a good time
I'm happy to have met him when we were down your way.

Hows the other one taking it? I know they feel the loss as keenly as we do when a good mate is no longer around ...

[Daffyd]

Ahh, the wee fella has gone to doggy heaven ... sorry to hear about your loss, always gutting when its your pets, been through two family dogs already and never a good time
I'm happy to have met him when we were down your way.

Hows the other one taking it? I know they feel the loss as keenly as we do when a good mate is no longer around ...

She doesn't appear to be too upset... perhaps a little more clingy.