I'm just numb right now...SAD UPDATE

I'm so sorry you lost Blackhawk! Hugs from far away and some tears, too.

Oh my gosh, I cannot even put into words how sorry I am. He was truely blessed to have been able to be with you for those 13 years.
You'll definitely bee in my thoughts, as well as Blackhawk too.
 
Rest in Peace, sweet Blackhawk.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

I am sorry for your loss.[] Run free at the Bridge, Blackhawk.

Oh my gosh, I just now read this thread, and I am so very sorry you and Blackhawk had to go through this. You are in my thoughts and I know how hard it is to loose a dog, we had to put to sleep my sisters Lab mix, Jazz last spring. He also had Colitis, and I know how difficult that can be. In the end he became even worse. Blackhawk had a wonderful 13 years with you, and I am sure he is watching over you right now.
 
Run free Blackhawk [sm=angel.gif]

I am so sorry to hear about your fur babies illness.  You guys will definately be in my prayers.
 
())--%-->

Run free Blackhawk!
 
I'm so sorry for your loss. But sometimes going quickly is a blessing, as you said.

I'm so sorry about Blackhawk. He's at peace at the bridge now. [sm=angel.gif]

Oh, just saw this thread, I am so sorry for your loss.  I lost my Dal 2.5 years ago.  I am sure Blackhawk and Reese (my dal) are running across green fields together!! []

I am very sorry for your loss.

Jen - I'm so sorry he's gone from your touch, but he will never be gone from your heart.  I heard recently that memories are the souvenirs of a life well-lived... so enjoy the memories he shared with you. He lived a good life.
Thinking of you, your family, Lucy, and all in sympathy tonight.
 

Rest in peace beautiful spotted boy. I hope you are doing ok Jen, Lucy too.

Oh, sad. I've never lost a pet but I can't imagine how hard. But I am thinking of you and your pretty boy tonight.

I am so very sorry.

Jen, it was a year ago today that I had to help the Fox over the Bridge.  It was more than a bit similar altho completely 'different'. 
 
Foxy had already survived SO much like a trooper in his old age -- more than one bout of vestibular disease, a really nasty nasty liver infection, renal problems that we kept completely at bay ... was looking forward to taking him to the Highland Games in a couple of weeks (Scottish breed -- he LOVED bagpipes beyond belief).
 
He had one more bout of vestibular disease -- he just couldn't get back on his feet -- and it was like all his old dog body just plain "gave up".  One by one his body systems just plain used it as an excuse to shut down.  He TRIED ... man he tried SO hard but after just a few days ... *I* knew it was time but I didn't want to force it on him because he WAS so adamant HE was gonna be ok (he knew the following Saturday was Give Kids the World and he LIVED for pet therapy -- t'was his JOB!)
 
Finally that Monday he let me know he was 'done'.  Nope, not gonna try to stand, not gonna try to drink, not gonna 'try' nuffin Mom.  Time to go. 
 
Jen - like you, I miss him so, even now.  But I couldn't have asked him to 'try' and get over anything else.  He let go for you -- it was his gift to you. 
 
I really believe that.  When you've had a dog for that many years they understand YOU.  They know how worried you are and will be.  Sometimes they will just hang on when they ought not. 
 
You have nothing to feel guilty about - my guess is his old body just plain used something that was likely pretty minimal to shut down.  He probably DID only get a tiny bit. 
 
Foxy was almost 19 (which is as decent an age for a sheltie as 13 is for a dal) -- and by gosh he'd done SO well in recent weeks.  This took us SO by surprise in many ways, altho I was pretty sure it was his last year. 
 
Jen, my heart is with you.  Go ahead, -- miss him.  Value the pain and hurt -- it says how much we loved them.  It is testament to what a great companion they were.  let yourself grieve, but don't beat yourself up.  For weeks after I lost Foxy my brain wanted to try to take blame -- that maybe if I'd done this or that 'different' ... but I finally had to accept that his body simply decided FOR him that it had gone far enough.  Not my fault.  Not yours. 
 
*hugs*