Sam

You don't need to apoligize I think all on here will agree that talking about a pet we lost brings back good memories and keeps their memories alive, rather then bring bad memories.
 
I had no idea Sam was only 3 years old. That would be so extreamly hard. I have heard about people that have dogs that do not live long and have been thankful all mine have lived through their senior years.
 
If you don't mind me asking what condition did Sam have?
 
I hope you keep posting and become a frequent member.
 

it will be a long time before I can get all the way through without tears in my eyes

 
It has been over 2 years for me and I still can't read it without crying but I think that's what makes it so good. 
 
Take care of yourself and crew. 

Serge - it hurts so much because they bring so much to our lives!  How can we not feel such loss keenly.
 
You gave Sam a better and very likely a longer life than he seemed destined to have early on.  You rescued him - he loved and was loved in return.  An excellent life for a dog - try to remember the quality of your time and to not focus on quantity.
 
Wishing you comfort and peace for Sam.

I'm so sorry for your loss.  From what you've written, Sam had a wonderful, loving life with you.  These little furry kids easily become such a big part of our lives, it's too easy to become attached to them.  Their lives aren't nearly as long as we'd like them to be... just know that you meant the world to Sam just as he meant the world to you.  There are many of us here that understand exactly how you feel... just know you're never alone.
 
Run Free, Sam [sm=angel.gif]

Sergio, I'm late with my condolences, but they are still heartfelt.  I'm very familiar with the agony of having to make a decision to help a cherished dog cross.  No matter how much our heads tell us that it is the right thing, the best thing for our dog's comfort, etc., our hearts simply can't feel good about having to make such a terrible decision.  We were faced with the same choice about 14 months ago, and while our dog's health had deteriorated less suddenly than Sam's, we still weren't prepared to say goodbye.  I'm so glad you mentioned that Sam had a sedative - our dog was so calm and subdued that the vet didn't advise it (and we hadn't been through a euthanization before, so we didn't insist).  However, it always hurts me to think that he didn't get the blessing of a gentle wooziness as he heard our final words and felt our caresses.  Instead, he felt the pain of his condition, right until his heart stopped.  But like you, we're fortunate to have had those final moments together . . . our voices and our touch were part of his world right until the moment he left it.
 
Sam is surely watching over you and the other members of your family, and he's making friends with lots of special animals who are also waiting for their human family to join them.  Take care, and remember that there are lots of us who know exactly what you're going through.  The pain of your loss won't go away entirely - it just becomes something you adjust to.  I still shed tears for my precious boy, and I'm glad for this forum and its members so I can grieve as long as I need to. 
 
Run free, Sam [sm=angel.gif]

I am new to this site and too posted after the loss of two of my pets.  I know your pain and how much you can cry over a pet.  It is very difficult to realize they are no longer with you.  I understand the decision you made, as hard as it was, was not one anyone wants, but is for the best. The comfort you have is remembering the wonderful companion Sam was to you.  May time heal your pain.