Saying goodbye hurts so much

Rainbow Bridge

The Rainbow Bridge is the theme of a work of poetic prose written some time between 1980 and 1992, whose original creator is unknown. The theme is of an other-worldly place to which a pet goes upon its death, eventually to be reunited with its owner.
    • Bronze

    Saying goodbye hurts so much

    I am visiting my father today.  His 14 year old german shepherd dog, Blue, will be put to rest at my father's home a little later this afternoon.  His hip dysplasia has become unbearable to him.  He is no longer able to walk, and barely able to lift his head.  He can no longer walk outside to go to the bathroom, and at 130 lbs., we can no longer assist him outside.  He is beginning to get sores from the urine on him.  My father has had a very hard time accepting that it is time to let him be at peace.  When I sit by him, he still finds the strength to give my face a little lick, though.  I can tell he appreciates the massages and love and attention he has been getting today, but we can't let him live this way any longer.  My own dog, Felony, is here with me today.  Usually, she tries to bully her way between Blue and I when he gets attention, (something we have worked on) but today she seems to sense that something is going wrong, and is content to lie near while I stoke and love him.
     
    Blue is an awesome dog.  He loves children, loves to catch balls in mid-air, and loves to bark at the crows who roost on the telphone poles between the yards.  He has lived surrounded by adoring fans and family members his entire life.  Blue even got to live on a 50 foot boat for 2 years, and has been a friend and companion to our entire family for 14 years.
     
    He will be missed and loved as long as I live.  Run free, baby.
     
    Thank you for reading.
     
    Jenny
    • Gold Top Dog
    I'm so very sorry and can only imagine how heartbreaking this is.  I hope you and your family find peace in knowing that he had 14 wonderful years with you and it sounds like it was a really great life.  Hugs to all of you - Run free Blue. 
    • Gold Top Dog
    So sorry for the significant loss you, your family and especially your father are all facing.  Blue sounds like he has been a wonderful companion and in making this very difficult decision, you are recognizing that love and faithfulness by doing the unselfish thing and letting him go gently.
     
    Run free, Blue.
     
    Wishing you and your family comfort and peace for Blue.
     
     
    • Gold Top Dog
    Run free, Blue.
    It sounds like he had a the best life a dog could ask for =)
    R.I.P
    • Gold Top Dog
    Im so very sorry for you and your father.  Try to remember he will be whole again and will thank you for that gift.  He knows he is loved and you will all meet again.  Run free Blue [sm=angel.gif]
    • Gold Top Dog
    Run free Blue.
    • Gold Top Dog
    It's clear from the wonderful tribute you wrote about Blue that he has a very important place in the hearts of many people in your circle of family and friends.  I'm over 40 years old, and of all the things I've been through, saying goodbye to our precious boy in January was by far the most painful period in my life.  The heartbreak is still quite raw for me, so I know the sadness you're facing.  I think it's such a special blessing that you've all had time to say goodbye to Blue, and that he's going to have his final moments at home, surrounded with love.  I wish our dog had a similar experience, but we had to go to the vet's office. 
     
    Run free, Blue.  You will feel strong and healthy at the Bridge - running and catching balls again.  And I'm certain there will be lots of crows there for you to look for!  Watch over your family as they adjust to life without you. [sm=angel.gif]
    • Gold Top Dog
    Yes, saying goodbye hurts, but you are giving Blue the gift of freedom from pain and he knows that.  I had to make that decision just two weeks ago with my Shari and it is terribly difficult.
    {{hugs}} to you and your dad.  Run free, Blue.[sm=angel.gif]
    • Gold Top Dog
    Jenny, hug your father for me let him know that his love for Blue was a selfless act of kindness and Blue is now whole again without pain awaiting his family at the rainbow bridge.
     
    Run free Blue. Tell my boys I miss them greatly for me please. They will pack with you and show you around.
    • Gold Top Dog
    Sorry for your loss.
    Run free....
    • Gold Top Dog
    I just caught this - I'm so sorry about Blue.  I know he was a very special boy.
    [sm=sad.gif]
     
     
    • Gold Top Dog
    Oh, Blue. . . [sm=sad.gif]
    I'm so sorry. . .
    • Gold Top Dog
    I am so sorry for your  loss, just know that he is running free of pain and is healthy again.  [sm=angel.gif]
    • Gold Top Dog
    I'm so very sorry...I hope Blue finds my Savannah to play with while waiting for us.
    • Bronze
    Jenny,
     
    Blue has so many friends at the Bridge to hang with (like my Leo).  He had a good life and was loved by his family and now he is at peace.  Run like the wind Blue.