Wow. I had no idea it would feel this miserable...

[bull]

To lose my dog, Jessie. We got her in January of 1999 from the county animal shelter. At the time I worked for the local newspaper and I took her picture for the "Adopt-A-Pet" feature where they print a photo/description of a dog or cat in need of a home. The moment I saw her I knew I had to have her and so we ran down there the next morning and were second in line to adopt her. Thank God the first person in line had to pass and she was ours.

She was the best dog I ever knew. Sadly, about two years ago her health started to go down hill quickly. Nothing major but a few little things. Then, about three months ago she injured right rear leg somehow on the carpet while getting ready to go for a walk and that slowed her down even more. Finally, about two weeks ago she really started acting strange. She would always hide when she laid herself down which was very non-typical for her, being a very social dog. She would either hide under my desk or lay with her head behind a curtain or chair. Before she had always wanted to be near us and now she was avoiding us. It was as if she knew something was coming.

Well, last Friday it came. She had a seizure that lasted about five minutes. She'd never had one before so it really freaked us out but we called some family in the know about dogs and he told us it might (hopefully) be a one-time thing so we let it go. Early Saturday morning she had another one that lasted about five minutes too (you're supposed to time them) so my wife took her to the vet on Saturday and she checked out fine but they took some blood to test and gave us the number to a 24-hour clinic. Saturday evening she was acting strange too, as in running around the house whimpering as if she was being chased by a bear. Then Saturday night after 11 pm she had a seizure, then another one at 2 am and then a big one at 3:10 am, another at about 3:20 and again at about 3:35. Each of them lasted 6-8 minutes each and once she came-to she was not the same. Distant, unresponsive, unable to stand, etc. Obviously something was very wrong. She wouldn't come out of it and we didn't recognize her anymore. So we made the call and took her in to have her put to sleep today. None of us could take it anymore; we couldn't stand to see her suffering as she was.

I didn't know I could cry as much as I did today. I had no idea her death would effect me this much, even though I could see this day coming over the past few months. I've owned a lot of dogs and I've known a lot of dogs but none of them were close to being as perfect as this one was.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PS-LkEdq40

[Dans 68]

My sympathies, Curtis.

Dan

[skip68]

So sorry to hear of  your loss. Pets are very much family! (and usually behave better than our children!) Prayers with your family! Mrs.skip68

[bobs66440]

Very sorry to hear.   

When I had to put mine down it was very painful. But the pain eventually subsides and you go on. 

[A383Wing]

we lost our cat of 16 years back in 2005.....it was real hard..we swore we would never get another pet again...

but we did last year....

time heals

[Charger-Bodie]

sucks.... it really does

[bakerhillpins]

I hear you Bull. We had to put down our eldest lab Iris last summer and it just crushed me. She was such a great dog and I didn't deserve her but she stuck with me anyhow. Frankly, she was always a mess, her medical rap sheet was probably 14 pages front and back but she was always right there with us.

Sorry for your loss.    It will be tough for a while but you will eventually get through it. We still miss Iris. She has a great resting spot on the far side of the lot with lots of irises to remind us.

[elacruze]

That's the worst, sorry.

[BIGBLCK11]

Sorry to hear that.  It is tough to lose a pet.  Focus on all the good from the past 12 years and how chance crossed your paths together.

[TruckDriver]

Pets are like our children. They get in our hearts, and you can't live without them. My condolences Curtis. 

[Mopar440+6]

I'm sorry man, just try to focus on the good memories and with time the pain will subside...

[General_01]

Sorry for your loss.

[bmoparmofo]

Sorry to hear it, I have been through it as well. Its never easy. Best wishes, R.I.P.

[71ChallengeHer]

Bull, I'm so sorry for your loss. 

[hemi-hampton]

Bummer, Sorry to hear the bad news. LEON.

[Cooter]

Damn Bull, Sorry to hear this. I know all to well bout havin' to "Take that loing walk" with a family dog. Hardest thing I think I'll ever have to do. Could hardly hold myself straight. She's in a better place now and she's waitng for you to join her again. May "Jessie" Rest finally...

[mikesbbody]

Bull, I am truely sorry to hear this  I was in a similar situation not long ago. About a year ago, I saw a pure breed
British Bulldog at the Local Animal Shelter I thought "this must be a mistake he must have been found wandering and the Owners will come and collect him" but no, not the case and he had very little time left before they were going to put him to sleep. 2 other People put their Name's down for him one already had a Dog, the other's I was told were "not suitable" so I got him! named him Jimmy and I couldn't be happier! I have no idea how I'm gonna handle losing him  he's my best Friend. Remember, you saved Jessie and gave her a good life! for that your deserve endless amounts of 

[Tilar]

That's sad to lose a pet like that. Mom lost 3 cats that she raised over the last year and it was like she lost a child each time.

That's a pretty cool video there. 

[resq302]

Sorry to hear for your loss.

[kokxville]

I'm sorry to hear from your loss,but you did everything you could.

Good luck.

[hemi68charger]

Curtis,
I hope you will find confort in knowing she's in a better place and in comfort..

Romans 8:19(KJV)
The lesser creatures await 's return to redeem the sons of God so they, too, will be released from physical death to eternal life.

[HPP]

You have my sympathy, Bull.
I do not look forward to the day when we have to do that for our dog. At 12 years old, I know it is coming someday soon.

I've seen a phrase somewhere that talks about dogs, as our friend, their loyalty, their trust, and endless devotion to our happiness, and how we owe it to them to be worthy of such admiration. I trust your relationship with your dog was one so worthy.

[bull]

Thanks everyone.

[Brock Samson]

  Sorry Bull. 

[bull]

I must say, talking to the cat isn't nearly as much fun. I could have conversations with Jessie and the whole time her ears would be up and she'd be tilting her head like the RCA dog, trying to understand. Finally she'd just give up and go back to wagging her tail.