A good dog is leaving the world tonight.

[grasswire]

I'm not very good at losing animals. Second one this year. Duffy the consummate border collie is fading. I had scheduled a home euthanasia for Thursday, but I don't think he'll last the night. He was a rescue dog who spent two years in a shelter until a family member of mine took him home six years ago. When that family member got a toddler, Duffy came to live with me. About 2 1/2 years ago. He's a fun-loving, extremely GOOD dog. Strong as an ox, always game for whatever people may suggest.

I know the cats will breathe a sigh of relief when the herder is out of their lives. But gee, I'll miss him and his quirky ways.

[Electric Monk]

1. I hate it when that happens. I've had to do that 4 times now, and it doesn't get easier.

:grouphug:

[Rhiannon12866]

2. I am so very, very sorry. He sounds like such a special dog.

I've been there, myself, especially since I've adopted senior dogs and it really never gets any easier. Try and remember just how fortunate he was to have found you... ;( :hug:

[AtomicKitten]

3. My sincere condolences.

He is leaving this world loved.

[Bossy Monkey]

4. It's so hard. I'm so very very sorry. Best wishes and all condolences. n/t

[polly7]

5. I'm so sorry grasswire.

I can't say much because my heart is in my throat reading your post ... Duffy sounds like a beautiful and joyous soul. It's torture watching them get so ill. I hope his passing is painless and am so glad he has you to help him. Take care of yourself. :cry: :hug:

[grasswire]

6. the reason I posted this was to remark that border collies are AWESOME dogs.

I would have never thought of owning one. I took this one because he was "in the family" and needed a home. He has provided a million laughs and cheered my heart with his devoted pack attitude. His energy is boundless.

And he's still here this morning. Not in pain -- what ails him is not painful. He's just quietly still here.

[stuntcat]

8. ((Duffy))

I'm glad he's not feeling pain. I know you'll keep him warm and safe so he can have nothing but Peace.

He's so lucky to have you love him and care for him so great!

[hamsterjill]

10. Border collies are the best!

I grew up on a ranch and my father trained them for herding sheep and goats. One actually saved my life once upon a time.

My sympathies to you. I wish you peace and comfort!

[grasswire]

13. Duffy was not a trained herder, but the instinct to herd is STRONG

It's amazing to watch. He wasn't particulary interested in the flocks of Canada geese that occasionally are in our yard, but lord almighty if he saw a couple of squirrels. And of course our cats. That border collie stare stops them cold.

[targetpractice]

7. A dog on his master...

As young as I look,
I am growing older faster than he,
seven to one
is the ratio they tend to say.

Whatever the number,
I will pass him one day
and take the lead
the way I do on our walks in the woods.

And if this ever happens
to cross his mind,
it would be the sweetest
shadow I have ever cast on snow or grass.

-- Billy Collins, poet

My condolences to you and your family.

[snacker]

9. Oh, I'm so sorry...

it is so heartbreaking to lose a pet. They have such special places in our hearts and homes. Peace.

[XemaSab]

11. So sad to hear this

:(

You have my condolences. :(

[RebelOne]

12. So sorry. I know how you feel. I am sure he was like part of your family.

I have lost 3 dogs within the past 10 years and it still hurts when I think of them.

[emilyg]

14. I am so sorry.

[flvegan]

15. That you stated he's "A good dog" is a high compliment.

He'd appreciate it.

I'm sorry for what you're facing/have faced tonight.

[Rowdyboy]

16. My heart hurts for you and Duffy....last year we lost Cinders, a neighbors dog we took in when

her homelife became unbearable. We made the last 18 months of her life a pleasure-just as I believe you did for Duffy. May the knowledge that you gave him a wonderful life help ease the pain of letting him go.

[fizzgig]

17. that's so hard

i'm so sorry :hug:

[grasswire]

19. well, he's still here tonight, just sleeping

The home euthanasia was put off for a few days at the request of the dr.'s schedule.

He's not in pain. He's eating and drinking. Wobbly, though, and kind of out of it.

By the way, I love to see your user name because I think of my mother's favorite movie when I see it! :-)

[snagglepuss]

18. I am so sorry grasswire.

:cry:

[Tikki]

20. I'm so sorry....

Lucky you two for finding each other...

Hold him in your heart.


Tikki

[hobbit709]

21. I know how you feel. I've lost 5 in the last three years.

[WillParkinson]

22. I can't say anything...

:hug:

(Sorry, it's all I have.)

[Worried senior]

23. We've had to do this several times in the last 40 years

and it never gets easier and each one hurts as bad as the last one. My deepest sympathy, he was a good boy.

[grasswire]

24. welcome to DU, friend.

I lost my orange kitty boy of sixteen years in March. I'm still ripped over that one.

[Tyrs WolfDaemon]

25. ~~~~~~vibes~~~~~~~

May Duffy find his place in the Wild Hunt on the other side of Brifrost where he can run and play with his ancestors and feast with the other doggies that have gone on before. May his trip be easy, for him and you.

We will all howl for him this night.

[grasswire]

27. that's how Duffy looks when he "sings"

Sing, Duffy! And he will raise his head, and make the most AMAZING warbles.

He also has a habit of making bear noises. Like when he settles down from standing to curled up. Deep, chest-centered noise like a bear. Never heard another dog do that.

[GreenPartyVoter]

26. Oh, no! I am so very sorry! *hugs*

[cherish44]

28. So sorry

Good luck on your next journey Duffy

[Odin2005]

29. (((GOOD VIBES)))

:hug:

[Tsiyu]

30. I'm very sorry grasswire

This never gets easy. Never.

:hug:

And farewell, Duffy the Good Dog

[Contrary1]

31. I'm sorry, Grasswire

Knowing that we are doing the right thing isn't always easy.

I've lost two of my rescues this year, and one of my feral kitties.

Duffy had a better life because of you.

:pals:

[mvd]

32. I'm very sorry. I've been through it and know it is like losing..

a family member. It's very hard, but eventually you will remember the good times. Comfort and a :hug: to you.

[myrna minx]

33. I am so sorry.

:grouphug: