My dog, Molly, had to be put down today.

[Upgrayedd]

I didn't know losing a pet hurt this much. I've lost my Grandparents and Dad and while it's nowhere near as bad as that I still just can't get over it.

She was a 13 year old Bearded Collie. My mom and I got her when I was about 12 years old back in '97 and have had her ever since. I think part of the reason this is so hard for me is because I'm 25 now and looking back she was with me through everything. Middle school, high school, some college, first job, the loss of my Grandparents and Dad, she was there when we had to move out of my childhood home. I still feel so bad about that one. My parents were divorced and my mom and I lived with my Grandma and Grandpa and one of my aunts and we had a huge backyard for the dogs to run around and play in. My Grandma passed away and then after my Grandpa passed away my mom and I moved to a town house and there was no yard. That dog LOVED the open space. She got spooked easily by any loud noises but if she wasn't scared she'd sit outside for hours upon hours especially in the winter.

So, anyways, my dog got diagnosed with cancer about 5 years ago but she's lived with it since and she's been fine. She had something else wrong with her a couple months ago and took her to the vet but they couldn't figure it out. So they just said to take good care of her and there was nothing they could do. Well this week she got really bad. She's been struggling to get up for a while now but it got really bad recently to the point where she couldn't stand up at all on her own this week. On top of this she had lost at least 20 pounds the past couple of months and she couldn't eat any of her regular food anymore so we had to get her soft canned food. I think I realized last night when she wouldn't even try to get up for her food and just laid there on the floor crying. It just got really bad this week.

So I got up this morning and heard my mom in her room talking on the phone and crying. She talked to me and said she thought it was time. Molly had gotten off her bed some how last night and couldn't make it back on and was just laying there in soaked in urine because she's been having trouble holding it in for a little while. The vet made the appointment for 10:30 this morning.

Here I am almost 12 hours later and by this point I think I've cried all of my tears. I haven't felt this bad in a long time and it stinks. We've always been dog people but this is the first time I've lost a dog that I've known since we took her home. I had a dog up until I was about 4 and my Grandpa took him to be put down so I really don't remember that one. I got another dog, Spike, in second grade and gave him up to my Dad (Spike was horrible with people) and got Molly probably the same day back in '97.

I have another dog. She's a 12 year old Airedale. She's in really good shape. She was my Grandma's actually and we took care of her since my Grandma passed away. But we got her probably about a month after Molly so Molly was the dominating one since they met. Maggie couldn't eat or drink or anything unless Molly let her. I mean Molly wasn't mean but if Molly wanted the food first then Maggie would have to go away. But I see Maggie and she's just confused. I ended up watching some TV (my seasons of Rescue Me) tonight and it took my mind off of it a little bit. But when I got up to let Maggie out and hooked her chain up to her and I saw the other chain just laying there it just hit me so hard again.

My mom and I agreed that we wouldn't wait and would go out and get another dog right away. I think we're going to get a Wheaten Terrier. I would love to get an Irish Wolfhound but can't with this town house. The whole thing just seems hard. I just want to go downstairs like I did every night and play with Molly. I loved that dog.

Here's a pic of took of her just this past summer. Molly is the one in front and Maggie is in the back.

[Domingo]

It's a dog.

[devincf]

I think Domingo is done on these boards.

[Nicholas]

I'm so sorry, it's always difficult to lose a close friend. Yeah, even if it's a dog.
I went through something similar with a dog I had for 15 years. One thing that made me feel better was that by putting her down, I knew it was for the best. It wasn't right to have her suffer.

Just know that over time it gets better. It seems like Molly had a great life and had people who loved her.

[B_MetalSucks]

Dick move Domingo. If you don't have something nice to say then cork it. At least that's what my mom always said.

Sorry to hear about your loss upgrayyed. Dogs really do take hold of your heart.

[nekkerbee]

Originally Posted by Nicholas

It seems like Molly had a great life and had people who loved her.

This is the most important thing. It's the best you can hope for any living creature.

Maggie will be confused and lonely, maybe a little scared and sad. Make sure you give her some extra love and attention.

[bendrix]

Originally Posted by Domingo

It's a dog.

Supernatural's just a TV show.

Shut the fuck up.

[Fat Elvis]

I've been there, Upgrayed. It's tough.

As said, you gave her a good life, that is the important thing. By letting her go--a hard thing to do--you put an end to her suffering.

(She looked adorable by the way)

[Umami]

That picture is adorable. For whatever it's worth, I'm really sorry for your loss, but I'll bet she was the happiest dog on earth with such a loving family, so there's always a measure of comfort to be taken in that.


Hey Domingo: Fuck you

[Grace]

So sorry, Upgrayedd. Losing a pet is always tough, especially one who's been with you since childhood. Take comfort in Maggie. As nekkerbee said, she could probably use the extra attention.

[Jacktorrance1]

i couldn't even read most of your post. my dog died almost.. 5? 6 years ago? and its still too new to even think about it happening again and what it all means.

im so insanely sorry for your loss. i understand the confusion and the loss of words and thoughts.

and what was the point domingo?

[Jakespeare]

Said it before, retracted it so he'd quit bitching, and I'll say it again.

Domingo's just as much of a whore and a name dropper as Fabfunk.

That and he's a cunt too.

So sorry man, losing a pet is much harder than most would imagine.

[TonyRockyHorror]

That just plain sucks. Completely. I know how you feel. I had to put my dog down a month ago. She was almost 23, so she had a LONG life full of love and happiness, but it still hurts a little thinking about it.

So sorry.

[Jake]

Sorry to hear, Upgrayedd, and it's even worse when you basically grew up with the animal. People who don't get that animals can be just as big of a part of a family as humans have something fundamentally wrong with them.

Speaking of which: Fuck you again, Domingo. I hope you get hit by a car and die so I can call your parents laughing and say "It's a moron."

[Timothy225]

Deepest condolences, Upgrayedd. She sounded like a really awesome dog, and you and your mom were equally awesome as owners. Spoil and love the hell out of Maggie, and when you get a new dog, spoil and love the hell out of that one, too (she's a cutie!).

My sympathies go out to you as well, Tony! 23 years is a hell of a good run for any pet, especially a dog, so nothin' but respect and my best to you, dude.

[Humanoid]

Really sorry, Upgrayedd. I'm cat guy but I know that the little suckers have a way of burrowing into your heart. Sounds like in the end you did what was best for her and that's all that can be asked of you.

[LisaNY]

Upgrayedd, I'm so sorry about your loss. She looked like a sweet little girl, and it was obvious you loved her. Of course, you're still hurting - she's only been gone a day. Give it some time, hug and play with Maggie a bunch (remember, this will be hard on Maggie too - she's likely to wonder where Molly is, so be sure to pay lots of attention to her), and ease yourself back into the idea of a second dog whenever you and your mom feel ready. There's not time frame - when it's right, it's right.

Understandably, this is tough - she was with you for a big part of your formative years, so you both "grew up together" in a way. That's always harder, I think. They get to be like family, they become a part of our lives. They're never ever "just a dog" (like some now-banned douchebag seems to think) - they become part of the family.

My condolences to you and your mom and Maggie.

[MoonBaseNick]

My god man I'm so sorry! I know how it feels, my parents were wanting to put our 14 yr old Beagle down on Monday but thankfully she's getting better. You're right man dogs are always there for you, they are family. As alot of people have already stated knowing they were loved and had the best life possible helps take the sting away for a bit, if only just a little.

[ryoken]

Having dealt with the loss of a pet two times already, im sorry for your loss, but that dog had a great life, a loving family and one hell of an owner.
My condolences.

[Phil]

It's an intense, pure hurt when your pet goes, and I'm stunned when folks have the recovery ability to go out and replace the pet right away. My dog died when I was 12 and I've never wanted another one. That was one of the worst days of my life. Hope you and your mom get through it all right.

[Richard Dickson]

I'm not a cat person, but if something were to happen to my wife's cat, I'd miss the little furball. Can't imagine what it's like with a pet you actually love. At least she's not suffering anymore. Better you have a little hurt now than for her to linger on in pain.

[LisaNY]

Originally Posted by TonyRockyHorror

I had to put my dog down a month ago. She was almost 23, so she had a LONG life full of love and happiness, but it still hurts a little thinking about it.

Tony, I'm so sorry for your loss, too. I hope you're doing a little better. 23 years old - you know you did right by your girl, she had a very long life with a family who loved her.

[ShadowBalder]

I went through this two months ago, so you have my deepest sympathies. I know how hard it is to lose a dog that you care for an awful lot.

[Upgrayedd]

Thank you all so much for the comments. It really helped. It was a little easier today since I just went out and tried not to think about it.

[The Rain Dog]

My deepest condolences Upgrayedd, the day I have to say goodbye to one of my two little fellas will be one of the hardest I've faced in a long time.

She was lucky to have a family that loved her as much as you did tho and you did right by her - never forget that.

[Princess Kate]

I'm sorry to hear of this terrible news. I went through a similar thing with a dog that was with me from 6th grade to 12th grade. I was heart broken, and then six days after she died, my mom unexpectedly adpoted a new dog. I was kind of hurt/overwhelmed by this. I even resented the new dog for a while. Then, a few months later, the new dog (my current corgi) escaped! I found myself devestated and fearing for her life. When she came back I felt a flood of relief. That's when it hit me: I loved the new dog too, and that I wasn't betraying Penny (my old dog, named after Miss Money Penny from James Bond) by enjoying the company of the corgi. I type this long personal story for one reason: To offer advice. Even though you may not feel like you're ready, perhaps it might be a good move to get a new dog? You probably have alot of love to give, so why not find a dog who could use some? It might take a while, but you could very well find out that it was a great decision.

[Ludwig]

I am sorry for your loss. Pets are family members through and through. Yeah maybe it's not the same as losing a child, say, but it's pretty damned sad when it happens.

[Judas Booth]

Wow, just saw this thread. My best wishes to you and yours, Upgrayedd. I've yet to experience the loss of a pet (our cat is 10), but I know that I'll be pretty shattered when he dies.

[joeypants]

Sorry to hear about that, Upgrayedd.

I'm going to be a fucking mess when my cat dies. He's only 6 or something at this point, so hopefully I've got a while left. He's very personable, and has become much like a best friend at this point. Can't imagine my home without him.

[Mangy]

My condolences are a little late, but they are sincere. Sorry to hear about your loss, Upgrayyed.

[Ryan Bean]

Having a childhood dog is something I strongly believe almost everybody should experience. It's just magic. Losing them is part of that, and if it happens when you're young (I was about 12), it teaches you a lot about the death part of life and how much to cherish it.
I can imagine being grown up and seeing her go is a different but equally as hard experience.

My wife & I had to put our first pet that we had together down a couple months ago and it's brutal, but somehow knowing that you ended their suffering is (just a LITTLE) comforting.

[BillyG]

Just recently went through it myself Up, and yea, it's some painful shit. Here's hoping one day you'll find another pup that you enjoy just as much.

[Jason Yavor]

thats very sad its always tough.

[JetManX]

Originally Posted by Ryan Bean

Having a childhood dog is something I strongly believe almost everybody should experience. It's just magic. Losing them is part of that, and if it happens when you're young (I was about 12), it teaches you a lot about the death part of life and how much to cherish it.
I can imagine being grown up and seeing her go is a different but equally as hard experience.

I came here to post the above. Between me and my girlfriend, we've had quite a few pets throughout our lives. Many of them have died from accidents or sickness, and all of them had a distinct impact on our lives. None of them was 'just a dog'. I don't think anyone can have 'just a dog' or 'just a cat'. It amazes me how we do have a little image of life in those animals. We see them born, develop a distinct personality, and, eventually, die. It is the same path we will all make someday. How beautiful it is that those dear animals help us approach life, expanding our view of life, even at the very end.

[kungfumonkeyMike]

Sorry to hear about this (and to everyone else who has talked about pet loss).

My wife and I have had over dozen pets in the past 7 years, and many have been of shorter lifespan (rats, mice, guinea pigs, etc.). I know how hard those hit me, and I can't imagine what it will be like when we eventually lose our three cats. We rescued them shortly after we were married and got our first house, so they really have always been with us.

I hope things start to look up, and I'm glad you seem to have another wonderful dog. I hope you eventually get to a place where you can get another dog because you seem like you are probably a pretty great owner, and I'm sure you'll do wonders for your new friend, and I'm sure the dog will do wonders for you.

Thanks for the pic as well, beautiful dogs.

[johnnycinco]

Years ago, my parents went away for a week and asked me to house sit for them. It was about a few months after their/my cat had died. It was honestly very odd being in that house without a pet there. When my parents returned, my mom asked how things went. I remarked, "without a cat here, it's a house, not a home"

I know that you have mourning still ahead, but im so glad you decided to get another dog right away. Having new life there is in no way a dishonor or a replacement for the animal you've lost. Your next pet adds to your life experiences in completely new ways. And we are richer for it. Your other dog will also be much less lonely.
it.

[John Ritter]

Sorry to hear about this, man. I know you and I have had our differences in the epic "Wrestling Discussion Thread", but I'm sorry for your loss.

[Jackson]

Never met you before man, but I know what it's like, so sorry to hear about Molly. I've long thought that dogs are man's greatest accomplishment on this world.

[Cameron Hughes]

Originally Posted by Upgrayedd

I didn't know losing a pet hurt this much. I've lost my Grandparents and Dad and while it's nowhere near as bad as that I still just can't get over it.

She was a 13 year old Bearded Collie. My mom and I got her when I was about 12 years old back in '97 and have had her ever since. I think part of the reason this is so hard for me is because I'm 25 now and looking back she was with me through everything. Middle school, high school, some college, first job, the loss of my Grandparents and Dad, she was there when we had to move out of my childhood home. I still feel so bad about that one. My parents were divorced and my mom and I lived with my Grandma and Grandpa and one of my aunts and we had a huge backyard for the dogs to run around and play in. My Grandma passed away and then after my Grandpa passed away my mom and I moved to a town house and there was no yard. That dog LOVED the open space. She got spooked easily by any loud noises but if she wasn't scared she'd sit outside for hours upon hours especially in the winter.

So, anyways, my dog got diagnosed with cancer about 5 years ago but she's lived with it since and she's been fine. She had something else wrong with her a couple months ago and took her to the vet but they couldn't figure it out. So they just said to take good care of her and there was nothing they could do. Well this week she got really bad. She's been struggling to get up for a while now but it got really bad recently to the point where she couldn't stand up at all on her own this week. On top of this she had lost at least 20 pounds the past couple of months and she couldn't eat any of her regular food anymore so we had to get her soft canned food. I think I realized last night when she wouldn't even try to get up for her food and just laid there on the floor crying. It just got really bad this week.

So I got up this morning and heard my mom in her room talking on the phone and crying. She talked to me and said she thought it was time. Molly had gotten off her bed some how last night and couldn't make it back on and was just laying there in soaked in urine because she's been having trouble holding it in for a little while. The vet made the appointment for 10:30 this morning.

Here I am almost 12 hours later and by this point I think I've cried all of my tears. I haven't felt this bad in a long time and it stinks. We've always been dog people but this is the first time I've lost a dog that I've known since we took her home. I had a dog up until I was about 4 and my Grandpa took him to be put down so I really don't remember that one. I got another dog, Spike, in second grade and gave him up to my Dad (Spike was horrible with people) and got Molly probably the same day back in '97.

I have another dog. She's a 12 year old Airedale. She's in really good shape. She was my Grandma's actually and we took care of her since my Grandma passed away. But we got her probably about a month after Molly so Molly was the dominating one since they met. Maggie couldn't eat or drink or anything unless Molly let her. I mean Molly wasn't mean but if Molly wanted the food first then Maggie would have to go away. But I see Maggie and she's just confused. I ended up watching some TV (my seasons of Rescue Me) tonight and it took my mind off of it a little bit. But when I got up to let Maggie out and hooked her chain up to her and I saw the other chain just laying there it just hit me so hard again.

My mom and I agreed that we wouldn't wait and would go out and get another dog right away. I think we're going to get a Wheaten Terrier. I would love to get an Irish Wolfhound but can't with this town house. The whole thing just seems hard. I just want to go downstairs like I did every night and play with Molly. I loved that dog.

Here's a pic of took of her just this past summer. Molly is the one in front and Maggie is in the back.

I'm so sorry. I cried for days when I lost my dog Rusty a couple years ago. It still hurts.

Domingo? You've always been a star-fucking name-dropping fuck. Go to hell. There are a few things you don't do in life, shitting on the memory of someone's dog is one of those things,