Tuesday, December 30, 2008

SADNESS

Yesterday, we had to do the most difficult thing we've ever had to do in our lives .... put our beloved pet Millie to sleep. It has been truly heart wrenching with many many tears shed. She was incredibly loyal, loving and obedient and has given us so much in her nine years. There couldn't have been a more perfect dog for our family.

108 comments:

Cindy Motz said...

I am so very sorry for your loss. I know what a difficult decision is to make for your pet. Millie was lucky to have you.

Karen Giron said...

Oh Nancy, I'm so sorry to hear.

Lisa said...

I'm sorry that you had to do this. I'm sure you did the right thing for Millie, and that's the most important thing to remember. She'll always be in your heart.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
Pets love us so unconditionally and give us such joy. I am truly sympathetic and pray Gods love will comfort you in this time of sadness.

Kathryn said...

((((((((((HUGS))))))))))) to your family! So sorry for your loss!!

Elaine said...

Nancy,

I know you must have cared deeply for your pet...remember that you made the right choice and as hard as it was you did the selfless thing so she wouldn't suffer. Hugs and prayers,
Elaine

Sylvia said...

I know how hard it must have been for you to make the decision. We had to do that 4 years ago. My heart is with you and your family.

-kln- said...

My heart goes out to your and your family

DoxieGirl said...

I'm so sorry for your lose! My heart goes out to you!
~Kendra

Jenn in GA said...

oh nancy! we've lost a pet to a vehicle accident, but never had to make the choice to put one down. i know that must've been SUCH a difficult decision. i believe you will have peace in the coming days, though, and i know you'll enjoy reliving millie's life through all the wonderful memories you shared with her. my thoughts are with you and yours.

Anonymous said...

so sorry to hear of your loss. my heart aches with you. pets are such an important part of our lives. they love us unconditionally and are always, always happy to see us, even when we only left for a few minutes.

may your memories of millie bring you comfort for years to come.

Gail S. said...

I know how sad this time can be. My heart goes out to you and your family. We get so attached to our pets and just like a loved one, it is so hard to see them go. {hugs}

Unknown said...

I am so sorry ro hear about your loss. What a truly hard decision that is! Our pets are our family members, nothing more, nothing less. My heart goes out to you and your family!

reflections:0) said...

So very sorry to read about Millie....


reflections:0(

Sue from Oregon said...

Hugs to you and your family Nancy. It is a very hard and sad thing to lose your wonderful pet...I always smile when thinking of all the silly things my dog pulled before he left us...those memories are a great comfort!

Jessie/knightrone said...

That is so sad Nancy...I am very sorry for your families loss.

Randi said...

I am oh so very sorry for your loss of your Millie. It is so amazing how much apart of our families they become! I had to do the same in April to my beloved boy of 12 years and take some comfort that he's no longer in pain. There are some great websites on grief and pets. take care!

Anonymous said...

Oh Nancy--I know just how you feel. We had to put our Ginger to sleep in October--she was 16!! We still miss her. Even Christmas was hard! I'll keep you and your family in my prayers.

Toni said...

So sorry for your loss. Its been almost a year since we had to put down our much loved cat- I still miss him, but am glad to remember the good times.

mudmaven said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing a family member like that is very hard. Just hold on to all your good memories of her and she'll still be with you in your heart. ~chris

Dale Anne Potter said...

Oh Nancy I'm so sorry - I know how it feels, sending you lots of cyber {{{{{HUGS}}}}}
Here is something a friend sent me:

RAINBOW BRIDGE

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...

Anonymous said...

Oh Nancy! I had to clear my tears first after reading the post before mine, tear jerker! We are so sorry and totally understand as our puppy went to Dog Heaven this year too! Lots of love my friend!

for2nately said...

I am so sorry for your loss.
Elizabeth

Jodi Collins said...

Nancy, I am so truly sorry for your loss. Having to do that is so terrible, and I think of my cocker spaniel Conrad all the time...
I will be thinking of you and your family. {{{{{Nancy}}}}}

Stacey Schafer said...

So sorry, Nancy:( What a sweet lookin' dog! We lost of dog of 14 years this past summer, the day before leaving for SU Convention. Still missin' our little Abbey. Take care!

Silke Ledlow said...

Oh Nancy - I'm soooooo sorry to hear that!!! My heart goes out to you and the family!!!

It's been the hardest thing I ever had to do too when our Boxer's life was coming to an end!!!

Big hugs ~S~

Ret said...

Oh Nancy, I'm so very sorry to hear that you have lost your bestest buddy. I know it is one of the hardest things to go thru. We lost 2 of ours this fall to old age and failing health. It's very hard. I'm saying prayers for you & yours.

Tertia said...

So sorry to hear of your loss. People who don't have pets often don't understand just how much they mean to a family and how much they are a part of our families. Losing a pet ia like losing a member of the family.

LORi said...

Oh Nancy!! I am so sorry to hear about your precious Millie. My thoughts and prayers are with you!!

Unknown said...

Nancy, I'm so sorry for your loss. I have you on Google Reader, love your work but have not posted before. My heart goes out to you.

Simple Stitches AZ ~ Rachelle S. said...

Nancy, I'm so sorry for your lose, I'm sure Millie will be missed for a long time. I've never had to put a pet down but we lost one to old age & that was really difficult. My neighbor had to put her dog down last year & that was heart renching & she wasn't even ours. It was a good teaching moment for our children. My heart goes out to your & your family!

Lots of love & I hope you have a wonderful New Year!

Unknown said...

Oh Nancy. I know from experience there's nothing I can say that will make this better. Please just know I'm thinking of you.

Cassie said...

(((hugs)))

Stef Perry said...

Nancy,

My heart goes out to you and your family, losing your beloved dog. That picture of her brought tears to my eyes - she obviously was just a sweet girl. I understand all too well having lost our dear, dear old girl last February. I give you hugs as a sad dog mom.

MacKenzie said...

Such a sad thing to go through. I'm sorry for your loss.
{{{{cyber hugs}}}}

Tommy said...

Nancy,
Iam keeping all of you close in thought and my prayers! Hugs,Elizabeth Glass

Anonymous said...

I'm thinking of you and your family Nancy. It's very difficult when you have to make such a decision, but know that Millie is grateful you had the strength to do it. It is the final kindness we can show our pets. Those of us who have had such special pets in our lives know how lucky we have been. Try to focus on that and speak of her often. Hugs.

Paul Barber said...

So sorry for your loss!

Norine said...

I am so sorry to hear your sad news I know first hand how it feels had to put my dog to sleep and it was horrible. Hope with time it gets better for you & your family
Hugs
Norine

Terry Molineux said...

Nancy..so sorry this had to be done at this time of year especially. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Trinka said...

Nancy...sorry for your loss. We did the same thing in September to our beloved pet.

My heart goes out to you and your family~

Lydia Fiedler said...

Oh Nancy - My heart hurts for you. I know just how you feel.

Big hug and a wish for just the passage of time to lessen the awful pain of losing a furry one. That picture says it all. What a sweet little creature.

All dogs go to heaven.

Lydia

Laura said...

I am so sorry for your family's loss. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Dawn Easton said...

Oh I'm so sorry for your loss Nancy. I know the sadness and the difficult decision it was. We've had to do the same thing and it was hard but I took comfort in knowing our Keshia was finally at peace and no longer in pain. Thinking of you my friend!

Anonymous said...

Nancy, I'm so sorry. Unfortunately, we have done the same and know how difficult that can be. I'll be thinking about you and praying for you.

Anonymous said...

Nancy, my heart hurts for you. Pets are a member of the family, and it does hurt to loose them. The picture of Millie is a treasure!
Hugs,
Sharon Canter

Cheryl Hirzel said...

Been there, done that, have the tear-stained sweatshirts. How I feel your pain!

Our animal friends teach
us more than we expected,
and loved us more than
we could have hoped
That’s why we miss them more
than we could have imagined.

With Sympathy at your time of loss.

fran said...

So sorry to hear about your loss. I hope you can enhoy the memories of your faithful friend.

Tammy Dunlap said...

So sorry for your loss. It really is hard to have to go through that with a pet, a part of the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Anonymous said...

Oh, Nancy, I'm so sorry for your loss! In our house, our animals are part of our family. So much so that when one passes we have them cremated & plant them under a tree in our yard (in theory, anyway...we still have two in their beautiful, handmade urns that my daughter won't let us bury). The trees in our yard are named for them (Heidi's tree, Bailey's tree, Sheba's tree).

Peace to you & your family.

Laurel said...

I feel for you. We had to do the same thing for our 14 year old dog last summer, we still miss her.

barb said...

My heart aches for you and your family. Our pets love us unconditionally day in and day out. My thoughts and tears are with you and your family.

Marilyn Goodrich said...

I'm so sorry for your family's loss. Millie looked like a real sweetheart!

Corie said...

Oh Nancy, I am so sorry for your loss. Pet are truly part of our families. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Unknown said...

So So Sorry to hear this. I've been there and I know just how difficult and heart-wrenching this is.

Thinking of you!

Janet said...

sending you lots of hugs!! i remember when we had to put down our dog curly, he was 16..it was so hard! my thoughts are with you and your family!!
hugs!!!

Anonymous said...

I've been there and it's not fun. Big Hugs to all of you!

Gretchen Clark said...

so sorry to hear about you dog-hugs!

Simmy Ogg said...

I am so sorry for your loss and my heart grieves along with you and your family. I know it's hard, but making the difficult decision you had to make was the most loving thing you could have done for Millie. May the happy memories of your years together bring you comfort.

Vicki Burdick said...

Nancy, I am so sorry about your beloved family pet. My heart aches for your loss. Hugs!

Anonymous said...

Hi Nancy,

I'm so sorry for you and your family. We had to do this with our Golden Lab. She was suffering. It's the hardest thing I've ever done. I said a prayer for you this morning.

Anonymous said...

Oh Nancy,
How terrible. I'm so sorry to hear your news. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers. Mary

Lisa L. said...

I'm so sorry to hear that Millie has gone to doggie heaven. We have had a similar experience in the past and I know how much it hurts. She will be in your heart forever.

Michelle Denson said...

Nancy-I'm so sorry you and your family had to go through this. We put Max down just over 3 years ago and we still cry every time we think of him. We have two new wonderful dogs who we love just as much but will never take his place. Gone but not forgotten! I'm sorry!!

Karolyn at Paper Therapy said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. We had to do the same to our beloved kitty a few years ago, and the pain and feeling of loss was overwhelming. You did a kind thing. Big Hugs!!

Meg said...

Nancy,
I'm so sorry for your loss. She looks like the sweetest pup in your picture; I'm sure you were the perfect family for Millie. Hugs to you and your family.
Meg

Rose Ann said...

Oh {{{{{{Nancy}}}}}}...I am so very sorry!! She looks so sweet, and I feel your pain (having just gone through this in November). Sending my thoughts, prayers, and lots of hugs!!

Anonymous said...

Oh, Nancy--

I am so sorry to hear about your dog. We, too, had to do that a couple of summers ago and it truly feels like you've lost one of your children. Will be praying for your family.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs to you and your family.

Sue said...

Our pets are like a family member, and it is so difficult to make a decision like you had to do. We stuggled with the same thing last April for our wonderful 10 year old chocolate lab. We still miss him, but know he is no longer suffering, and the great stories we share about him keep him close.
My deepest sympathy for you and your family,
Sue H.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss Nancy. Sending a ((hug)) to you and your family.

reeree62 said...

Oh, Nancy... I'm so terribly sorry for the loss of sweet Millie.

God bless you all...

Nancy said...

What a sad day for you and your family. We have had to put down two pets in my life and it was hard... I am much more attached to our dog and can't imagine the day he leaves us.

Hugs to you...

Lynn Put said...

Oh Nancy, how sad. I'm so sorry to hear about this, she's such a cute little dog and its amazing how much they become members of our family. A few years back we had to put our family dog down after having her for over 17 years and it was so hard.
Big {{{HUGS}}} going out to you and your family.

Pam Varnell said...

Oh Nancy, I am so sorry. I know it has to be hard for your whole family. We have 2 beagles we keep in the house and I know how much I love them. You and your family will be in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Nancy I am so very sorry to hear this sad news. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I have had dogs all my life and this is truly the hardest thing about having our beloved pets. I know as animal lovers our pets are our family and offer us unconditional love. I hope in time your heart will heal and all you will be left with are the happy memories of your beloved Millie.

Bless You
Debbie/Phx AZ

Anonymous said...

this just breaks my heart!! we just bought our family a puppy yesterday and already she is a huge part of our family. I can't imagine after nine years how it must feel!! your in my thoughts!!!

Anonymous said...

Hugs to you and your family. We had to do that 5 years ago.....We had Benji 14 years. Our dogs are family. It brings a tear to my eye as I know what you are feeling. Again hugs to you.
Jan

Mary said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Millie. Take care of yourself.

Jennifer Orbaker said...

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. We've also had to put several dogs to sleep, and it is the most hardest thing to do. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!

Stamp and Smile said...

So sorry Nancy!! My prayers are with you and your family. We put down our first Golden Retriever, Scotty, 4 years ago Dec. 4th. I still pray for him every day. He was my first "CHILD" and I still have a big spot for him in my heart. On a happy note... I wish you a Happy 2009!! Smiles... :)

Ramona Michaluk said...

Sorry to hear about your sad loss Nancy - you did the right thing by Millie and she will always be with you. Remember the good times you had with her and the love she gave you. Hugs to you & your family.

Lori A. said...

I'm very sorry for your loss. I know for a lot of us our pets are a big part of our family. We've had to put down a couple of dogs and a cat and it's never easy.

Anonymous said...

Ooh, I had a pup named Millie! She was the family dog, but really my dog, and they had to put her to sleep when I was away at college. :( Sorry for your loss.

Beatricemi said...

Oh my goodness Nancy. I haven't posted a comment to your blog before (great blog btw) but just wanted to say I will be thinking of you. I am so sorry for the loss of your pup.
Lots of Hugs!
Beatrice

Anonymous said...

So sorry you lost such an important member of your family. I hope your memories can comfort you as the pain eventually eases. I know you will never forget her!

Anonymous said...

Big hugs to you at this time. So sorry to hear of your loss...Millie looks like a sweetheart. I hope the new year brings you peace and happiness. Hugs, Jackie

Anonymous said...

A few months ago we had to put our pal of 17 years down. Even though we knew in our hearts it was the right thing to do, it was the hardest thing to do. your Millie will stay in your heart always.

dorism6220 said...

I'm so sorry - we had to do this 3 years ago the week before Christmas. Sitka was the best dog - model behavior and even got peppy the first time we went to the vet to put her down so we took her home. We had to take her in before work a few days later...and she was replaced with the same breed puppy who is exactly opposite of Sitka - I keep telling Chloe is a good thing we like her (she's destroyed our landscaping, chewed up our kitchen-there's not much more to say!)

Anonymous said...

Nancy I'm so sorry to hear of your beloved Millie. It just brings tears to my eyes as we have a beautiful dog also that is nearing that time in her life and I just cry everytime I think of it. You will miss Millie but think of her often since she brought such joy to you.
Kathy

Unknown said...

So sorry to hear of your family's loss Nancy! I've been there and it's so hard I know! Hugs to you all!

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh Nancy my heart breaks for you! Hugs and lots of them coming your way!

Anonymous said...

As I sit here reading about your loss and all the wonderful comments, tears are running down my face. It is a very difficult decision to put a pet down, but we must remember that we are doing the right thing for them. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!

i {heart} papers said...

Oh...I'm so sorry. Dogs become such a part of our families and it is so hard to lose them. *hugs*

Primitive Seasons said...

What a horrible way to begin the new year without your beloved pet. As an animal lover I know the heartache and anguish this causes. A beloved member of your family is gone after all. Here's hoping you find a measure of comfort in the weeks to come.

Mary
www.primitiveseasons.blogspot.com

Lorri said...

You're in my prayers girlfriend. I know it is one of the hardest things to do....YOu did the right thing. God bless you as you grieve the loss of a best friend.

Extra hugs,
~Lorri

Anonymous said...

Omigoodness......the tears just fell reading your blog entry about your Millie....we also had to put our mini-schnauzer to sleep not long before Christmas. Just devastating! Hugs to you all.

joyk (SCS)

Laura (scrapnextras) said...

Oh Nancy, it hurts me to hear this. I know and understand the love of a pet, and I wish I could take away your pain. Sweet memories will be with you always. My heart will be there too.

Joyce ( Gingerbread Girl) said...

I found your blog today. I am so sorry for your loss. Our beloved pets are literally members of our families.

Lisa Kind said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Millie. We had to do the same with our springer Kali last March. She was so loved, as I know Millie was. My sympathies to you and your family.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry about your family pet. There is nothing better than to come home to a loving pet. It is a terrible loss that many of us can sympathize with. My heart goes out to you. Millie will always be smiling on you!

Jackie

Anonymous said...

My heart goes out to you and your family for the sadness and great loss you experience.
Pet truly are an extension of your family. Millie will always be in your hearts with the fondest memor so much love.

Jennifer Meyer said...

Nancy I am so sorry to hear about Millie, LOTS of hugs to you and your family!

Jennifer :)

Alison said...

Last year on January 4th after a 2 week illness we had to put our beloved Golden Retriever Finnegan to sleep. It was the most difficult thing any of us had to do, especially my 16 year old son as we'd had Finn for most of his life. It took a long time to adjust to not having him around so I know how you must be feeling. I'm so sorry about Millie but, like Finn, she was lucky to have a family that loved and cared for her. Sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry. Hugs to you and your family.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry. Hugs to you and your family.

Karen Motz said...

Oh Nancy, I'm so sorry for your loss. I know exactly how you feel...we had to put our Morgan down last January (she was nine too). Luckily we still have her half-brother Shadow (he's eight) and he would lift our spirits. I still get teary thinking about her though.

Lynn said...

I'm sorry. :-(