Our VERY old dog

10 years ago

Tucker is a bloodhound/lab mix who's at least 17, maybe 18 years old. He's been just the best dog (except those few times he's gotten into the garbage).

He's just not doing well anymore. Can hardly get up off the floor, no more walks....he just goes out side to relieve himself, then back in. His quality of life has really taken a turn for the worse in the past few weeks, so we have decided it is time for him to rest. Sunday is the day. We have known for a while that this decision has to be made. We've been putting it off, and now we have decided. My heart is so heavy.
Tucker....we LOVE you! And that is why we don't want you to be in pain any longer.

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Comments (57)

socks
10 years ago
What a dear, sweet face. It's so sad to lose a beloved pet.
lydia1959
10 years ago
We just did this yesterday to a 21 and a half year old cat. There just comes a point where they have no quality of life and letting them go is the kindest thing you can do.

RIP dear Tucker.
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Holly_ON
10 years ago
Sending a cyberhug.
redcurls
10 years ago
Tears........

His face says it all, doesn't it? Aren't dogs just the greatest?
pammyfay
10 years ago
Oh, Jean -- so, so sorry. This really is the ultimate act of love on your part. He's a handsome one! I hope you folks can spend today loving on him, extra belly rubs from us here, some more photos.
mojomom
10 years ago
What a wonderful face. So sorry about what you are going through. We're getting very close to the same place with our 17 year old girl. Twice this summer we were almost ready, but both time she kind of bounced back to her happy, if increasingly feeble, self. I hope she will let us know when it is time.

Hugs to you and Tucker. I am so very sorry.
Lily316
10 years ago
It's a sad time. Just remember all the good ones. You gave him love for 17 years . It's time for the ultimate gift. I so hope my two live that long. I've gone thru this at least a dozen times in my life. I have memories, and you will too. I'm sorry for the loss of this dear dog.
jeaninwa
Original Author
10 years ago
mojomom..we've been going through the same thing. We think...oh dear, this is it...and then he'd bounce back. Just yesterday, I had some chicken to repackage before I took the trash out, but had to put clothes in the wash first. Ran down to the laundry room, ten minutes tops. Came back and there was garbage alllll over the kitchen. Really? These are memories of the stinker he is that I will treasure. I mean, how could I be mad at him? And, just how did he do that? Maybe he knew it would be his last chance?
Mostly, he's been a big goofy dog, who loves everyone and every thing. He was my companion on walks, and loved to be brushed. I've only known him the 2 1/2 years I've been here, but I love him as much as if I'd known him since he was a puppy.
juellie1962
10 years ago
Oh, he is so sweet.....how blessed you were to have each other for such a long happy life!
secsteve
10 years ago
My heart goes out to you. Putting down a beloved furry friend is never easy.

We had to put our Buddy down in February and not a day goes by that I don't find myself looking at his favorite spots in the house. It's especially hard when we come back from being out and he's not bounding down the stairs to greet us.

That look of love in your furbaby's eyes says it all.

BIG HUGS.
jannie
10 years ago
Saying goodbye to a beloved family member is so hard.
jannie
10 years ago
Saying goodbye to a beloved family member is so hard.
Granlan_TX
10 years ago
Tears here and hugs for you and sweet Tucker. Bless you while you help Tucker go to the Rainbow Bridge.
chisue
10 years ago
Last goodbyes break our hearts. We know they must come, but we mange not to think about them. It's so hard to *know* it is time with dogs because they can put on such a good show. The morning our old Westie couldn't lift his head and gazed at me, licking my hand, I believed it was time, and DH did take him into the vet -- yet he roused enough to trot after his master to the car! So painful to remember.

Well...enough about me. Just wanted you to know "we know", and we share your heartbreak.

Goodbye, Tucker. Good Dog.
airforceguy
10 years ago
Not even my dog and I could almost cry with you!! They bring sooo much joy into our lives. But yes, there comes a time (much too soon) when 1 has to return the favor. Always a hard decision to make, but the correct one. All the best to you and your family
sandiefl
10 years ago
I will keep you and your family and Tucker in my prayers. I know how hard it is even when you are doing it out of love.
yayagal
10 years ago
You're doing the right thing and his memory is with you forever. So sorry.
nicole__
10 years ago
I'm so sorry your losing him. You are doing the right thing....but It does make me sad....
marilyn_c
10 years ago
Bless you for your courage to do the right thing. I know it is difficult but it is the ultimate kindness for Tucker.
sylviatexas1
10 years ago
You're euthanizing him because he's slow?

How are you getting a vet to do this on a Sunday?

I hope you're having a vet rather than getting a family member or friend with a gun.

This beautiful dog deserves the kindest treatment possible.
lindaohnowga
10 years ago
It just breaks my heart reading your post and others like it because I know the pain you are going through as well as what the dog is going through. I've had to put down sooooo many of our dogs and cats in the past and it hurts, but it the last final act of love for them that we can do. I also firmly believe that in time, we will be reunited with them.
kayjones
10 years ago
Jean and family, my heart is with you today!
donna37
10 years ago
(((Jean)))
alisande
10 years ago
So sorry, Jean. I know how hard this is for you, but best for Tucker. If he could thank you, he would.
jeaninwa
Original Author
10 years ago
sylviatexas

Really? Do I have to outline everything that's wrong with him? No.
I live with him. Every day.

As for how, of course we are NOT having someone shoot him with a gun. geez.
AnnaKay
10 years ago
Jean, I'm sitting here with tears all over my face. Certainly, I've been where you are and my heart hurts for you and your husband.

Bloodhound/lab--I can't imagine a more wonderful combination. Tucker must have been such a joy all these years. Seventeen or possibly more is a very long life, especially for a big guy, goes to show what excellent care and love you've given him.

I'll say a prayer for all of you and will keep you in my thoughts.
hounds_x_two
10 years ago
I am so sorry. I know how much it hurts to lose a beloved pet.
kayjones
10 years ago
Sylvia, what you wrote/said was totally wrong. If you can't be helpful to a hurting soul, please keep your comments to yourself.
arkansas girl
10 years ago
That's how my dog was when we knew it was time. He was around 15 and could no longer get up. I had to lift him up and he was a very big dog. Then he didn't know when it was time to eat, he'd just stand at his bowl. When I took him to the vet at the end, the vet actually thanked me for doing the best thing for him and not let him suffer anymore. It made me feel better knowing it was the right thing to do.

It's never easy no matter how bad off they are.
kathyg_in_mi
10 years ago
Sleep well, Tucker.
Georgysmom
10 years ago
Thinking of you today, Jean. I know you must be a basket case. The vet was kind enough to come in on a Sunday for me, too when I had to put my Maggie down. It was a peaceful but heartbreaking moment. ((((Jean))))
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
10 years ago
I sure feel your pain. We have had to face the same situation too many times. It's always heart breaking and painful.
I have had wonderful vets thankfully that were more than willing to come to our home to do it. It's more comfortable for the animals and the people. I had Great Danes so moving such large dogs is not easy and we always had a grave prepared in the yard under a tree, this made it a bit easier.

I am so sorry you are having to go through this but it is the best thing.

I find comfort at www.petloss.com, I have all of mine listed on the candle ceremony.
airforceguy
10 years ago
Been on my mind all day as well!! Hope it went as well as it could go!! We have 1 cat and 2 dogs, so extra hugs to them today on your behalf!!
mawheel
10 years ago
Jeaninwa, you and Tucker are in my thought and prayers. Please know that so many folks are thinking of you and sharing your pain. You have done a good thing for your beloved pet.
suzieque
10 years ago
Jean - I'm so sorry and I feel your grief. But remember the blessing that you have been to Tucker. I know that he knew your love, your protection, and that you would take care of him. He will remain forever in your heart.

Fly free, sweet Tucker. You were, and are, loved.
jel48
10 years ago
I am so sorry. My heart breaks for you. You're beloved Tucker has had a wonderful life and you and he are so lucky to have had each other.
jeaninwa
Original Author
10 years ago
he is at rest. Our hearts and home is very empty today...
rob333 (zone 7b)
10 years ago
(((jeaninwa and family)))
bob_cville
10 years ago
I am so sorry. Having just gone through this a month ago I know how hard it is. I almost couldn't open this thread. I feel fortunate in that in my case our vet recommended a different one that makes house calls, which was much less stressful for Spot than another trip to the vet would have been.
Lily316
10 years ago
I know your home seems so empty now. I'm so sorry for your loss. Maybe when your heart heals , you could find a rescue who would love you too, and you would save a life. Take care.
sjerin
10 years ago
I'm sorry you lost your good friend, but hope you are feeling a little bit peaceful knowing he isn't hurting and tired anymore.
kayjones
10 years ago
Jean, you said it well: 'he is at rest' - that's what's important - he's finally at rest and no longer in pain. Bless you for doing what you knew was best - you were a loving mom!
kayjones
10 years ago
Jean, you said it well: 'he is at rest' - that's what's important - he's finally at rest and no longer in pain. Bless you for doing what you knew was best - you were a loving mom!
whistle_gw
10 years ago
Run free beautiful Tucker, run free. So sorry for your loss.
kayjones
10 years ago
Jean, I'm just checking to see how you're doing today - I know you are hurting. Come here and talk to us if you would like - many of us have been down the road you just traveled. It's been 4 months for me and I miss Harley SO MUCH!!!
jeaninwa
Original Author
10 years ago
thanks Kay...it's hard. I hear a noise in the middle of the night, and think it's him. 3 o'clock rolls around, and I get up to feed him.....
I look to make sure I don't step on him when I get up off the couch.
This is the first time in oh so many years I can't even count that I haven't had a pet.
S.O. suggested last night, that we get a goldfish or gerbil, or SOMETHING. He's at a loss too.
I vacuumed, and thought...I'm vacuuming up the last of the dog hair......oh my......
I wiped dog slobber off the front of a cabinet yesterday........and just started crying.
I ran errands today, and when I got home......well, you know. He wasn't there waiting for me. I'll never have to clean up the trash in the kitchen again......and I feel foolish for feeling sad about it!
OK...enough....yeah, it's been pretty tough.
marie_ndcal
10 years ago
Just sending hugs
Marie
kayjones
10 years ago
Jean, please don't feel foolish about being sad - it's normal to grieve as long as you need to. We're here for you. I'm sending a boat load of hugs to you and hubby.
AnnaKay
10 years ago
Jean, I'm still sending hugs, too. There is still a smudge on my wall from the dog I lost three years ago. He used to brush against it whenever he went by. I won't say how long it took for me to put his water bowl away. From the last one, gone two years now, well, there is still a dog bed on the floor in the spare bedroom. I still find myself listening for them, too.

The intensity of your grieving will soften, give yourself all the time you need. You may find yourself ready to share your life with another pet. But there will always be a special warm place in your heart where Tucker lives.
Jodi_SoCal
10 years ago
This is why we don't currently have a pet. In my 60 years I've lost four dogs and three cats and each and every one of the losses hurt so bad.

Hope you find peace soon Jean. ((( hugs )))

Jodi-

Our VERY old dog

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