Dtwclipper From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Posted (6 years 8 months 16 hours ago) and read 3195 times:
So after 14 years of a happy life, I think we have reached the point where I have to put Clipper down. Clipper is of course my 80 Lbs. pup.
He can no longer control himself (doggie depends are out of the question) and I think that he is somehow uncomfertable.
We have always had a kennel for him in the basement, for use when we had parties and such, but now for some reason he wants to spend all his time there. I think he feels safe in his kennel, but it is very strange. He has panic attacks and whines until I take him down to his "house".
We rescued him from the pound as an adult dog some 13 years ago. So he has had a great life. 3/4 of an acre to crap in, and a bed in everyroom, but I think it's time that we let him go.
FutureUALpilot From United States of America, joined May 2000, 2561 posts, RR: 9 Reply 2, posted (6 years 8 months 16 hours ago) and read 3184 times:
Hey, I'm real sorry to hear about your loss. I had to put my 14yr old German Shepherd down this summer too. It is tough, but he had the same issues as you described Clipper having. I hated letting my dog go, but even now I know that he is no longer in pain and struggling through day to day life. Know that it is best for him and you had 13 great years with him...remember those. My dog still makes me smile every day, and Im sure Clipper will do the same for you.
Kieron747 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 4, posted (6 years 8 months 15 hours ago) and read 3167 times:
Quoting Dtwclipper (Thread starter): but now for some reason he wants to spend all his time there
Sorry to hear that. My dog, Peggy lived to around about 13 years, and as she grew ill with cancer, she would just stay in her basket or under the kitchen table.
It was a tragic thing to see, as before she was such an animated dog. Near the end she seemed to lose all will to move about and went off her food. It may sound odd, but she seemed to become very forgetful and after a while she stopped recognising us.
We had her put down at the vets the next day, as it seemed really cruel to have her still alive, yet 'not there' in all mental respects. I think it was the best thing to do by her.
Of course for me and my family, it was a terrible time. I had grown up with Peggy, and missed her so much afterwards. I wished she'd had puppies in order to keep part of her alive, however that didn't happen.
I still think of her a lot.
Well, I hope all goes well for your family, it'll be a sad time.
Frequentflyer From United States of America, joined Jul 2005, 736 posts, RR: 3 Reply 7, posted (6 years 8 months 15 hours ago) and read 3151 times:
Hey DTW:
I understand, this is overwhelming. Thanks for sharing the picture with us. what a beautiful dog. It is sad to have to do what you said, however, it is also respectful of Clipper's life.
Besides, I am convinced dogs understand many things we do, at times before we do them. He knows you do what's best for him.
EA CO AS From United States of America, joined Nov 2001, 12557 posts, RR: 64 Reply 10, posted (6 years 8 months 15 hours ago) and read 3114 times:
Clipper has lived to the ripe old age of 14 under your loving care, and in the end that's a testament to the love you've shown him - and will continue to show him by this final act of love for him on Monday.
Heartbreaking nonetheless though. You have my sincere condolences on your impending loss.
"In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem - government IS the problem." - Ronald Reagan
RobertNL070 From Netherlands, joined Sep 2003, 4505 posts, RR: 10 Reply 11, posted (6 years 8 months 15 hours ago) and read 3112 times:
Its always sad to lose a loved-one. That the loved-one has four legs instead of two doesn't make it any easier. Try to draw comfort from the thirteen or so good and happy years.
AirxLiban From Lebanon, joined Oct 2003, 4491 posts, RR: 55 Reply 12, posted (6 years 8 months 14 hours ago) and read 3093 times:
I'm sorry to hear that DTWClipper. He seems a lovely dog and you can take pride in the fact that you've given him a loving home to live in for the last 13 years. There's nothing like the companion of a dog.
Femme From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 15, posted (6 years 8 months 13 hours ago) and read 3042 times:
DTW
Very sad time for you, and I know Monday will be a very tough day but remember you were there for Clipper at the beginning and will also be there for him at the end. Unconditional love its called.
AndesSMF From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 16, posted (6 years 8 months 13 hours ago) and read 3042 times:
What a heartbreak! But he has lived long enough as a dog, and seems that it is his time to go.
Our sweetie Maya (80 lbs. Australian Shepherd) will turn 10 next year. We dont expect her to go past 14. She has been such a useful and loving dog for us that we are already preparing for her passing, by planning on getting a puppy for her!
The way we figured, the puppy will keep her good company, she will somewhat train the puppy, and might give her a few more years of a happy life.
I told my wife that my fervent desire is to have her still be healthy for her age, wake up one morning, and find that she has quietly passed away in the night.
IAH777 From United States of America, joined Mar 2008, 0 posts, RR: 5 Reply 18, posted (6 years 8 months 13 hours ago) and read 3029 times:
Quoting Airlinelover (Reply 5): You gave him a home to be in and I'm sure he was grateful.
Can't be stated much better than that. It is my belief that animals know when they've caught a break in life. Clip likely is no exception. But there comes a time when the pain and suffering gets too great. Fourteen years is a damned good run.
I dread the day I'll lose my girl. She, too, was adopted from a shelter and I see it in her behavior that she knows she's loved. Take a while to grieve. Then head back to the shelter and find another companion.
Capital146 From United Kingdom, joined Jun 2003, 2125 posts, RR: 49 Reply 21, posted (6 years 8 months 13 hours ago) and read 3007 times:
All pet owners will surely agree that they really do become part of the family and are loved as such, it's heartbraking when the sad day comes and they can no longer be there. Many of us can relate to the sadness you are feeling.
As others have already said, you are showing love and respect to Clipper right to the very end, you should take comfort in knowing you are doing what is kindest for him even if it is heartbreaking for you.
Cactus739 From United States of America, joined Jan 2004, 2379 posts, RR: 34 Reply 22, posted (6 years 8 months 12 hours ago) and read 2993 times:
DTW
I'm so sorry to hear about this.... dogs and cats are special critters that touch our hearts in so many ways. You gave him a warm and loving home for 13 years...so much more than many unfortunate animals receive..
I remember when my childhood dog, Moose, died. I was a junio in high school...she'd been with us for 13 years (coincidentally).....dad met me in the driveway when I got home from school and told me the sad news...
BMIFlyer From UK - England, joined Feb 2004, 8810 posts, RR: 62 Reply 24, posted (6 years 8 months 12 hours ago) and read 2975 times:
Damn man
I hate losing a long term pet (have lost a few in my life).
RIP Clipper
Lee
Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own
25 Falcon84: I'm so sorry to hear that, man. I've had to put down more than one dog, and it's never easy. I've loved every dog I've had, and it's so hard to say go
26 DL021: Dtw....I know the loss you'll feel, as I had to put three pets down (including my beloved Roxy the Boston) and it harder than most things I've done. M
27 MiCorazonAzul: I had to do the same to my dog a few months ago and I can tell you it was one of the worst moments in my life. There really isn't much to say but I do
28 Banco: I understand what you're saying, but can you imagine how devastating it would be to live with one for 70 years and then lose him? It's bad enough as
29 Searpqx: I can't really add more than has already been said. He had a great home and somebody that loved him, and even in the end, you're thinking of him. My t
30 DavestanKSAN: DTW Clipper is a beautiful dog, who was lucky enough to have a great owner. I'm sure he knows how much you and your family love and care for him. It h
31 Leskova: You've got my sympathy as well - I know the feeling, though it wasn't a dog but a cat in my case: he, Felix, had to be put to sleep 11 months ago yest
32 Vaporlock: Dt, I know how you feel. But remember the wonderful life you've given Clipper. If it were not for you he may never have had all the great years he's
33 NoUFO: Oh shit, I know the feeling, and you certainly have my sympathy. But I'm sure you are going to do what's best for your dog. He's a beauty by the way.
34 SlamClick: Wow. That is so tough. I am sorry. I have a wonderful 4-legged friend who was first laid on my chest as a puppy with her eyes not yet open. Does anyth
35 AndesSMF: Get a parrot. Nope, everytime I see a puppy I smell them, seriously. Some know the feeling, I had a 1 y.o. cat who had leukemia, she died on the way
36 Allstarflyer: My dog died in December after hangin' w/us for 14 years also. My folks did most of the caregiving, though, since I went to college after we got him (
37 Fumanchewd: My symapthies to you. I have had many pets and each time one dies it is always a pain in the heart. I do believe, however, that it is helpful for chil
38 ME AVN FAN: He on this photo still looks so nice. But of course if it is over it is over. I remember the poodle of a schoolfriend who got 16 and was well at 16 b
39 ANCFlyer: Clipper has had a good life, with great care and affection . . . he couldn't have asked for better. Been there done that with my Beagle . . . Sympathi
40 Dtwclipper: Thanks all for you thoughts! We have the weekend to play and then go to the vet on Monday. The vet agreed too that it was time. I wish we could do it
41 CastleIsland: Not to be a downer, but that drive nearly ripped my guts out. To this day, I cry thinking about it. Feburary 1, 2002. Best to you, my friend. It will
42 Jpax: Sorry you have to do this (and make the decision.) But at least he can be in the big dog house in the sky and get all the butt-sniffing action he coul
43 NWA742: Damn dude, very sorry to hear that. Pets fall in love with you just as you fall in love with them - they really are members of the family. It will hur
44 United767: At least you gave Clipper a good life by rescuing him from the pound. Im sure he could not have had a better life than with you and your family. Like
45 Clipperhawaii: From one Clipper to another, you gave Clipper many happy moments. Cherish that always.
48 ME AVN FAN: - thanks - btw. as I love dogs, I am always almost in tears when hearing about the end of a nice dog. While at the other hand miles away from advocat
49 DL021: I don't know if it helps, but my wife informed me that Roxy and the others will be playing together in some pasture beyond waiting for the end of thei
50 Atrude777: So Sorry to hear that! I had to put a dog to sleep as well it wasn't fun and i was very upset. Dogs and pets in general are one of the best things to
51 NWA742: Just checking up on you, DTW. Hopefully it was quick and painless for Clipper, and I'm sure he's in a better place right now. I know you're hurting ba