Today I held Sweetie in my arms as we put her to sleep

[Omaha Steve]

We had her 16 years. It was evident today it was best to let her go.

An old post where I introduced Sweetie to the DU: https://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x3581271

I don't have the words other than she will be at Rainbow Bridge.

OS

[applegrove]

1. Vibes.

[sinkingfeeling]

2. I'm very sorry for your loss. She led a wonderful life with you.

[2naSalit]

3. ...

(((( ))))

[bronxiteforever]

4. I am so sorry Omaha. She looks like a real cutie.

[guillaumeb]

5. My sympathies, Steve. eom

[montanacowboy]

6. Good Passage Beautiful Girl

it's the price of love

Grieve not,
nor speak of me with tears,
but laugh and talk of me
as if I were beside you -

I loved you so -
'twas Heaven here with you

[spooky3]

7. My condolences to you. Nt

[redstateblues]

8. So sorry. I had to put down my sweet Retriever Daisy 9 months ago

I’m still broken hearted. I feel your pain. You were lucky to have Sweetie for 15 years. Thanks for loving her so well.

[samnsara]

72. :-( so did I

[qazplm135]

9. been just over a year

since my cat Stormy died from sudden (to me) heart cancer and heart disease.
So tough. My condolences!

I got a kitten the same day and it definitely helped me with the sadness.
These animals just get inside our hearts.

[Laffy Kat]

10. I never know what to say, except I am so sorry.

We are their entire world for their brief lifetimes and we love them so. She was a lucky dog to have you as a guardian until the end.

[LuckyCharms]

11. I'm very sorry, Steve.

[redwitch]

12. I am sorry Steve.

So hard to say goodbye.

[emmaverybo]

13. I have to believe we see them again. So sorry. She's beautiful. The heart ache is the only downside,

to loving our animal soul mates, but if we do things right, and you did, it is only on our side. All she knew was the love.

[renate]

21. I can't tell you how much I love what you said!

The heartache is only on our side.... That is so important to remember.

All Sweetie knew was love, 100%, unspoiled by anything like grief. She had a wonderful life.

[virgogal]

14. Hardest thing to do,ever.She was lucky she had you.

[CousinIT]

15. I'm so sorry.

At least she had a good long life with you and didn't go alone or unloved. Of course that doesn't fix your broken heart or help you to not miss her forever - but for her, it was everything!

[Skittles]

16. so sorry, Steve

Grieve not,
nor speak of me with tears,
but laugh and talk of me
as if I were beside you -

I loved you so -
'twas Heaven here with you

~Isla Paschal Richardson

[we can do it]

17. 😢Heartfelt sympathy😢

[theaocp]

18. They bring us such joy in life that the debt comes awfully quickly when they pass.

I'm truly sorry for your loss.

[Duppers]

19. A candle for your fur baby.

Your heart must be broken.
I'm so sorry.

[area51]

20. I'm so sorry for your loss.

[lunatica]

22. I held my dog too.

I just whispered every variation of the endearments I had for her and told her she was a good girl and that I loved her again and again. I always said those things to her. Her name was Montana. A rescue mutt. The gentlest dog ever.

[backtoblue]

23. In memory of Sweetie

May the Rainbow Bridge greet her with lots of love and treats.

I'm so sorry Steve 😢

[Scarsdale]

24. Very fitting name.

Lucky girl had a loving home, not all animals do. They bring all their love along with them. It is all they have to give, and they give it willingly. What a difference they make in our lives. I have had some wonderful dogs (and cats) it never gets easier saying "Goodbye". We have to love them enough to let them go. So sorry for your loss. 16 excellent years, shared. She will be waiting on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge, no doubt about that.

[no_hypocrisy]

25. The ultimate act of love.

It's hard at the same time.

[Niagara]

26. I'm sorry for your loss

R.I.P. Sweetie

[Karadeniz]

27. You all had quite a good life together. I know it can take weeks before you stop wanting

To put her food bowl down...our routines revolve around them and 16 years of thinking of her every day doesn't just evaporate. You're right; you'll see her again, looking in her prime!

[tblue37]

28. I am so sorry for you. Letting them go is so hard, even when we know it's time. nt

[onecaliberal]

29. I'm so sorry. 💔

[StarryNite]

30. I'm so very sorry for your loss.

We had our 15 year old pup put to sleep a week ago. I've cried for her every day. Losing a loved family member is never easy and our fur kids are family.

[chillfactor]

31. tears in my eyes.....

my little girl is 18 years old and I fear the day when it is her time to cross the bridge. my heart breaks for you.

[JDC]

32. I'm sorry

[Beartracks]

33. Hugs to you, Steve, and a sincere "Good Girl" to Sweetie.

========

[Stonepounder]

34. We had the same thing happen to us just 3 weeks ago.

We had to let our Bosley, who had just turned 16 year old, go to the bridge as well.

I know the pain you are feeling. Our furkids are part of our family and we love them just as much. All I can say to you is that I know the feeling when they leave us and take a piece of our hearts with them. In time, when you can smile at the happy times as well as mourn the loss, you will discover that even though they took that piece of your heart, they left a piece of theirs in its place.

Run free Sweetie and if you happen to run into our Bosley, tell him Hi for us.

[KT2000]

35. Oh, that is so difficult

What a Sweetie, she got the right name. Peace to you at this difficult time Omaha Steve. She will be forever in your heart as you know.

[samplegirl]

36. So very sorry

take care of your heart.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

37. R.I.P., Sweetie.

I'm so sorry.

[bluestarone]

38. Very sorry to hear this!

Our dog Lady was the same way! Hardest thing we have ever done!

[TexasTowelie]

39. Such sad news.

I know that you'll miss Sweetie, but think of all the great times that you spent with her.

[littlemissmartypants]

40. So sorry, Steve.

I know you are heartbroken. I hope you find comfort in the memories she left behind. Condolences.

[cp]

41. Beautiful Sweetie

Your love for one another is still in your heart. My condolences.

[Beacool]

42. I'm sorry for the loss of your beloved Sweetie.

[DarthDem]

43. I'm So Sorry, Steve

Sorry for your loss. I read the original post and am so glad she brought you folks so much happiness.

[calimary]

44. Maybe she'll run into Goldie.

I cried over her again today. AGAIN today.

TODAY I cried over her again.

She was about 16 or so, too. Shit. I'm crying as I write this. Never had any pet's passing hit me this hard.

I know exactly where you are tonight, my friend. It was July 12th for me.

I can merely think of her and I start to get weepy.

Still aches like the Devil.

[BigmanPigman]

90. I am exactly the same way.

Just reading your post has me in tears now.

[Lunabell]

45. I'm so very sorry.

I'm sure she had years of love, hugs, treats, laughter, mayhem and fun with you. When your heart heals, please consider rescuing a shelter dog.

[Midnight Writer]

46. What a Sweet Rattie. I had to part with my Rat Terrier Jack three weeks ago.

A rescue I liberated myself when he was about 4 months old. Since then, he was rarely more than a few feet away from me for the next 15 years. Jack was a creature of pure love.

I anticipated that I would feel sad, that I would miss the little guy.

But I was not prepared for the physiological effects. Blood pressure way up, stomach tied in knots, sleeplessness, and just a dread, nervous feeling that something terrible was happening that I didn't know about.

Three weeks on, its getting better. Blood pressure lower, I'm eating and getting some sleep. That nervous feeling is fading.

Hang in there. You got to just go through it and come out on the other side. Eventually, hopefully, the sadness will be lifted by the good memories.

[MontanaMama]

47. Oh this hurts.

I’m very sorry for your loss, Steve. I said goodbye to my 16 year old kitty, Louis, this summer. It’s just awful. RIP Sweetie....I have no doubt she is at the Bridge.

[dai13sy]

48. Sweetie

I'm so sorry for your loss. 16 years with Sweetie is a wonderful gift. My girl Daisy had a stroke in January and I got to hold her as our vet helped her go to the Bridge. I'm going to picture my Daisy and your Sweetie playing there together.

[Bayard]

49. I'm so sorry, Steve

But glad you were there to hold and comfort her.

“And when you died
I took you down to the river.
And when I died
you waited for me by the shore.
So it was that time passed between us.”

[catrose]

50. So very sorry, Steve

It hurts so to lose such a friend. I'm glad you held her until the end.

[NewDayOranges]

51. Dr Seuss said: Don't cry because it's over -

SMILE because it happened...

I hope that you will soon be able to remember your Sweetie without tears.

[UniteFightBack]

86. This....+1000 this is one of the inspirational quotes that helped me get through.

[NewDayOranges]

99. I share this sentiment whenever someone mentions mourning a pet...

I hope that someone will share this with me if/when I lose a furbaby...

[Rhiannon12866]

52. I am so sorry, Steve.

I know how much you and Marta love your pets - I have always enjoyed your animal posts. But what you need to remember now is how very fortunate that Sweetie was to have found you.

[duforsure]

53. So sorry for your loss Steve,

We had a little Rat Terrier named Sweetie too and lost her a little over 3 years ago, and we eventually got a little Bichon that is just as sweet as our little Rat Terrier was. Our sweetie's will be waiting for us, happy to see us again.

[vercetti2021]

54. I'm sorry for your loss

We did the same to our Snickers 3 weeks ago. Best thing we can do as a last act of love. See that they are in no more pain and off to a healthier life on rainbow bridge.

[still_one]

55. So sorry OS. I know exactly what you are going through. Take care

[Fortinbras Armstrong]

56. I can understand how you feel.

I have combat related PTSD. My Great Pyrenees dog, Belle, recognized my bad days, and would lie down with me, giving me what can only be described as loving care. She knew I was hurting, and did her best to help me. I know she had empathy, because she showed it deeply and frequently. I'd say I got more help from her than from the VA shrink I saw.

A few years ago, she got an aggressive, fast moving cancer. When we had her put down, I held her, because I owed it to her for all the love she had given me.

[Skittles]

96. ...

it's like they take a piece of our heart with them

[Ferrets are Cool]

57. It's never easy. My thoughts go out to you.

[ColesCountyDem]

58. I'm so very sorry! n/t

[Granny M]

59. Sending comfort and peace your way.

You and Sweetie were blessed to have each other for 16 years.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

60. So so sorry to hear... sending you virtual hugs.

[radical noodle]

61. I'm so sorry

It's the hardest part of being a parent to a furkid and you did it the right way, showing Sweetie your love until the very end.

[femmocrat]

62. I'm so sorry, Steve.

She had a wonderful life with you and Marta.

[catbyte]

63. My heart is breaking for you.

I'm so very sorry.

[lillypaddle]

64. She lived a long life filled with joy and love

I'm sure that you and Marta received the same tenfold in return.

Sympathy to you both.

Coco is there at the rainbow bridge, too, so please say "hello" for me, Sweetie. RIP

[sellitman]

65. I've done that twice

It is necessary but horrible at the same time.

Long memories.

[OregonBlue]

66. I can't imagine. We adopted two Rat-Chis followed by a

full bred rat terrier. They are the sweetest, funniest, most loyal dogs I have ever known. To lose any of them would devestate us. I'm so happy she had all that love from you. Thank you.

[Moral Compass]

67. So sorry for your loss.

[Fla Dem]

68. Sixteen wonderful years of love and devotion. Forever in your hearts. Be at peace.

[pandr32]

69. I am so sorry

We recently went through the same with our Sophie. I couldn't fathom how she had become such a senior dog so quickly. It just seems the time was far too short.
Hugs to you.

[Phentex]

70. So sorry...

oh it hurts! I'm sorry for your loss.

[samnsara]

71. I am so sorry...you were with her at the very end. Thats what best friends do....

...(((hugs)))

[cry baby]

73. ...

[MojoWrkn]

74. So sorry, OS!

I have 2 terriers (we call them Terrors!) and I would be devastated to do what you just did but I know that day will come too soon. My sympathies!

[packman]

75. A good boy

[50 Shades Of Blue]

76. Deepest sympathies.

[Kaiserguy]

77. So sorry for your loss

Fur friends are the best friends anyone can ask for. When you get down think about all the great times you had with her.

[Marthe48]

78. So sorry for your sad news

My nephew is saying goodbye to one of his old girls today. So sad, always so sad.

[appleannie1]

79. My heart hurts for you. We did the same for Sam last month and our neighbor for his Shadow this

weekend. Knowing it is the best and most caring solution for your loved one does not make it any easier to do or for you.

[Gothmog]

80. I am sorry for your loss

It was over five years ago that I said goodbye to my bearded collie. It was rough. He was 15 years old. My middle child was in law school in Iowa and I flew her back to say goodbye. I picked her up at the airport and we drove straight to the vet. We were both there when they gave him the shot.

I just now got a puppy and it is fun. It takes a while to heal but the puppy is fun

[cate94]

81. So sorry!

Losing a fur baby is really tough. I’m so sorry for your loss

[diva77]

82. So very sorry :(

[gopiscrap]

83. I am so very sorry, I know how hard that is!!!

may the love that you shared together sustain you in the days ahead

[Ginger42]

84. I'm so sorry

They give us so much in their all-too-short lives. No matter how long we have them with us, it's never long enough.

[UniteFightBack]

85. Today is a terrible day for you and for anybody who loved Sweetie. The next coming weeks ain't

gonna be so great either. I went online to the Rainbow Bridge website and wanted to cry and lament and ended up instead helping others who were even in worse pain than me and who had even worse tragedies. That helped and I participated in the Rainbow Bridge ceremony every Monday night and made a special time each week to remember my fur loved ones. You can also make free rememberance pages online at various websites.

I also looked up 'pet loss inspirational quotes' and that also helped me a great deal.

My girl was my best best friend for almost 17 years and we did everything together so it can be hard. I wish you healing...in your due time.

[smirkymonkey]

87. I'm so sorry for your loss, Omaha Steve.

I can't imagine the pain you must be in. And she was really a "Sweetie", I can tell by her picture. I know the excruciating pain of losing a pet, but I feel like they are always with me and I always think of them and hope I will see them again one day. My condolences to you and Marta.

[BigmanPigman]

88. Oh no, poor Sweetie and poor you too!

My "baby" is also 16 and I dread going through her loss. I did that before her arrival and it was the hardest thing to deal with in my life. Please take care of yourself and be kind to YOU. I was losing stuff, missing exits while driving, forgetting things, etc but this is normal grieving. I heard/felt my dog's ghost for a week after she died but it was comforting, not spooky. My neighbor had the same experience after her baby died too.

[JudyM]

89. Oh, so sad to read this, sharing your sadness and wishing Sweetie and you a soft, peaceful landing.

Love remains in our hearts alongside the grief it causes.
Hugs to you, my friend.

[Maraya1969]

91. Prayers and good vibes for you and your family now.

I think we all know that real death is a fake. Relationships never end; The just change form.

I wish peace for you at this hard time.

[soldierant]

92. The depth of your grief

is the measure of what a great per parent you were.

So my vet told me in similar circumstances.

He didn't use those words, because he is a lot more blunt than I am. But that was what he meant, and what I needed to hear.

[panader0]

93. deep sympathies....

[jovibennett]

94. I am so sorry

She was beautiful. She will be waiting for you !

[CaptainTruth]

95. I'm so sorry...

[PCIntern]

97. Awwww...I'm so sorry...

It’s so hard to do. I’m up to eleven times. Awful

[warmfeet]

98. It is the hardest thing

we ever have to do. Harder than our own death. Losing a loved one is horrible. My deepest sympathies.

[napi21]

100. This is the hardes thing humans have to do. My heart grieves for you. Just remember,

she's romping & playing with lots of other puppies as she waits to greet you some day. My baby went to the bridge about a month ago, and as I type this note, the tears are still flowing.

[lonely bird]

101. Sorry Steve

Peace to you and Sweetie’s loved ones.

If our furry loved ones aren’t waiting for us, I don’t want to go.

I was with Marvin and Barkley when we had to do what needed to be done. It was tough. I know it will be tough when Fuzzy goes some day.

[BobTheSubgenius]

102. I held my cvat while she took her last breath.

It was gut-wrenching, but I was and am firmly convinced that it was better for her than a shot from a stronger on a stainless steel table. I gave her 5mg of Rx morphine and it was merciful, I hope.

[mindem]

103. I found some comfort in this

A friend sent this to me when I lost my dog Allie. It's so hard to go through.

Dogs never die. They don’t know how to. They get tired and very old, and their bones hurt. Of course, they don’t die. If they did they would not want to always go for a walk, even long after their old bones say:” No, no, not a good idea. Let’s not go for a walk.” Nope, dogs always want to go for a walk. They might get one step before their aging tendons collapse them into a heap on the floor, but that’s what dogs are. They walk.
It’s not that they dislike your company. On the contrary, a walk with you is all there is. Their boss, and the cacophonic symphony of odor that the world is. Cat poop, another dog’s mark, a rotting chicken bone ( exultation), and you. That’s what makes their world perfect, and in a perfect world, death has no place.
However, dogs get very very sleepy. That’s the thing, you see. They don’t teach you that at the fancy university where they explain about quarks, gluons, and Keynesian economics. They know so much they forget that dogs never die. It’s a shame, really. Dogs have so much to offer and people just talk a lot.
When you think your dog has died, it has just fallen asleep in your heart. And by the way, it is wagging it’s tail madly, you see, and that’s why your chest hurts so much and you cry all the time. Who would not cry with a happy dog wagging its tail in their chest? Ouch! Wap wap wap wap wap, that hurts. But they only wag when they wake up. That’s when they say: “Thanks, Boss! Thanks for a warm place to sleep and always next to your heart, the best place.”
When they first fall asleep, they wake up all the time, and that’s why, of course, you cry all the time. Wap, wap, wap. After a while, they sleep more. (remember, a dog while is not a human while. You take your dog for a walk, it’s a day full of adventure in an hour. Then you come home and it’s a week, well one of your days, but a week, really, before the dog gets another walk. No WONDER they love walks.)
Anyway, like I was saying, they fall asleep in your heart, and when they wake up, they wag their tail. After a few dog years, they sleep for longer naps, and you would too. They were a GOOD DOG all their life, and you both know it. It gets tiring being a good dog all the time, particularly when you get old and your bones hurt and you fall on your face and don’t want to go outside to pee when it is raining but do anyway, because you are a good dog. So understand, after they have been sleeping in your heart, they will sleep longer and longer.
But don’t get fooled. They are not “dead.” There’s no such thing, really. They are sleeping in your heart, and they will wake up, usually when you’re not expecting it. It’s just who they are.
I feel sorry for people who don’t have dogs sleeping in their heart. You’ve missed so much. Excuse me, I have to go cry now.