Prayers for Gracie the Ancient RR and Her Owners

    • Gold Top Dog

      You're doing the right thing for Gracie. I think it takes more love to help them over the Bridge when they're suffering than to keep them around a little longer for ourselves. I'll keep you in my thoughts; may you find the strength you need by remembering all the good times you've shared with Gracie; {{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}

    • Gold Top Dog

    Your words about Gracie and the heartache you're facing as you make this unbearable decision bring back all the emotions I felt when I was in similar shoes when we had to euthanize our beloved boy.  It was nearly 3 years ago, but it doesn't take much for it all to come rushing back to me, especially when I read posts like yours and other forum members who have to help their dogs leave the physical world.  I swear, if I was able to collect them, my tears would've filled gallons of containers, and I honestly didn't think I'd ever stop crying. 

    I also understand what you said about the connection you feel with your spouse about Gracie's departure.  My husband and I seem to be on opposite sides of so many things in our usual routine, but we were united in our profound grief over the loss of our boy.  He was more contained when he needed to be (such as going to work the next day, versus my near inability to get out of bed for nearly 3 days).  However, in the privacy of our home, our emotions were the same and all our petty issues were irrelevant.

    Holding you in my thoughts at this time and I'll ask Tonka to look for Gracie - he loves special girls, and she sounds like a very special one!  Take care.

    • Gold Top Dog

    One of the hardest decisions I had to make was to have my old cat, Misty, go to sleep and on to the Bridge. Blessings on you and your DH for the strength and courage it takes to do what has evidently become necessary.

    I can fix a lot of things. I can change a light bulb. I am outstanding in the use of my charcoal grill (my one bragging point.) But I can't take away the pain and sorrow you feel. Time will do that. And the strength of your heart and your commitment to your animals, past, present, and future will heal that.

    The world is a better place because the likes of you and Gracie are in it. And even when she goes to the Bridge, those of us who had the honor to wish her farewell, are also better for it and thank you for allowing us to express our woes for your predicament and to wish you and your family well.

    • Gold Top Dog

    Looking at the calendar and seeing the week move along I have tried to send you some energy and support the only way I can. You can do this becuase she loves you and you love her. You are on my thoughts, and prayers my friend, don't second guess, don't doubt. just be strong and know how lucky all of you have been to love each other.  Holler of you need me.

    Hugs,

    Bonita

    • Gold Top Dog

    We are getting ready and packing to take Gracie to the vet for the last time Crying . Our appt in at 2:30.

    Agnes

    • Gold Top Dog

    Agnes, I came back to check because I knew today was the planned day.  I really, really don't know what to say.  I can't imagine the unbearable grief and I just wanted you to know that we are thinking of you today. 

    Lori

    • Gold Top Dog

    I'm truly so sorry and know how difficult this can be. I'm not one to cry in front of anyone, let alone strangers and when we had to make that trip, I walked into the clinic and burst into tears. The vet and asst were so kind. They had a box of tissues right there for me. Good thing too cause between DH and myself, we went thru the whole box. Having to actually make this journey is almost worse than dealing with the loss. It's so hard to make your feet move forward at a time like this. I don't have to tell you you're doing the right thing. You know that and so did I, but it still was the most painful thing I've ever done. It makes me cry just to remember it. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers today and in the days ahead and hope that you find peace and comfort in knowing Gracie is free from pain now.

    • Gold Top Dog

    cakana
    Having to actually make this journey is almost worse than dealing with the loss. It's so hard to make your feet move forward at a time like this

      Cathy, that is an incredible insight.  When I look back on Tonka's final weeks, probably the most painful memory is when I think of the agony that swirled in my mind and heart the days/weeks before his death.  That swirling indecision was followed by this odd loss of awareness when the actual trip to the vet was upon us.  I was in a fog the evening of his final crisis, and then I realized we were in the car, going to the emergency vet.  I don't recall making an actual decision - it was like someone was moving me like a marionette puppet or something.  Yes, the days following his death were almost more than I could bear, and the ache of his loss is deep in my heart, but the journey up to the point of the loss is what haunts me to this day.  And like you also said, it makes me cry just to remember it.

    I'm holding Gracie in my heart tonight and thinking of her human family, how you loved her and the sad days you're facing as you adjust to life without her physical presence.  But your relationship with her still goes on - it's just different now.  She'll always be with you.