Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Putting things into perspective.

I am a dog person to be sure but that doesn't deminish what I am sure you are feeling. I have been there and it is a terrible thing to have to do for you but it is the kindest for your loved one. The selfish thing to do is keep your family member around when they are in pain and will not know a day without it for the rest of their lives. It's hard and I still struggle with the death of a couple of my pitbulls. One I took to the vet and they said it was something minor but called me that night to come now since she was going to make it the night, that's why I love my vet. He had taken her to a private room when he saw her and made her comfortable on some blankets and stayed with her until I got there (it was about 11PM when he called me) He tole me he would have let her die alone. I had the choice to try and take her for a transfusion since she had massive internal bleeding and he didn't think she would make it there since it was a couple hr drive to where they could do it. She died in my arms, I had her put to sleep. There is a tear in my eye right now and this was years ago now. I beat myself up 2nd guessing if I should have tried for the transfusion but I am told she would gave only lived another week or so and been in pain. I know I did the right thing but I still 2nd guess myself. I also ask myself the same questions about if she was happy with me even though there are very few pets as spoiled rotten as mine. Losing a beloved pet has to be one of the hardest things to do and yet I set myself up for that same pain again every time. I want to give a home to an animal and share the love and fun even though it is brief rather than have the animal put to sleep having never known a home with love an kindness. Ed told me to find a new family member and that it would help ease the pain.He was right. I didn't forget nor would I but it took my attention off it and gave me a new friend to share my life with. So maybe think about a new member of the family , not a replacement but a new and different member. I wasn't looking to adopt my next pet but was just out visiting the different shelters when a dog chose me and ended up coming hom with me. She is now my new family member.