Five weeks ago, sweet Gus, our almost-16-year-old golden retriever was diagnosed with bone cancer. It is spreading to other parts of his body. He cannot use his back hind leg and is in pain. He has lost 15% of his body weight in a month.
Tomorrow, Cowboy and I will make that woeful trip to the vet for the inevitable.
In his younger days, Gus used to run next to my mountain bike, trail run and backcountry hike - he once chased a black bear away from our camp.
He kissed plenty of tears from my face. After break-ups in my single days. And BFNs and miscarriages during my married ones.
He is in our wedding picture. The one we have on our wall.
He loves snow. And swimming. And bread. Not necessarily in that order.
I cannot decide which is sadder: seeing him hobble around in pain or not having him around.
12 comments:
I'm so sorry. I had to do the same thing with our cat this past winter. I sending you love and will give a heads up to Furley to welcome Gus with open arms tomorrow.
Oh sweetie, I'm so sorry. I know it is a hard choice, but the right one. It can be such a gift that we can give them peace. Hugs, hugs, hugs.
I am so sorry. There is nothing like a golden in your life. It is so hard to say goodbye.
Gus is a treasure, and will always be in your heart.
Oh Ms. Planner,
I have tears in my eyes right now for you -- it is such a difficult thing to face. I wrote a story once about a dog, the love of someone's life -- and the story was entitled Pure Love -- because that is what they are.
You are doing the very best and loving thing for him,
My love,
Pam
Ms. P, I'm so, so sorry. :-(
We put Tobey down yesterday. His cancer was getting out of hand. I went with him alone and it was very hard. Today is worse, I will say. It will take a long time to get the hang of the new feel of the house.
I'm so sorry you're having to go through this. Being with them until the very end and helping him find comfort again is the very last loving act we owe our sweet dogs...
Hugs and strength for tomorrow.
:( So sorry...we had to do that earlier this summer with Mook's dog from college. Its so hard--they become a part of your family. Thinking of you!
Oh, I'm so sorry. I feel like I know him through your blog. Ugh. I'll be thinking about you tomorrow.
Big love and hugs. xoxo
Thinking of you this weekend. So, so sorry. Big hugs to you all. It's so hard to say good-bye to a great dog.
So sorry.
So, so sorry for your pain. We had to put down our Abbey a few months ago. I know what you are feeling. So sorry.
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