Sad night - We had to put our dog to sleep.

[SmokeyJoe]

Just wanted to let my friends here at CS know that DOMINO, our faithful pet and constant fixture in our family for the past 16 years, had to be put to sleep tonight. Around 7:00 PM, on Friday, 8/8/08, our family gathered for the last time with Domino at the veterinarian's office.

She had been remarkably healthy for a dog of such advanced years. She was a "pound hound," a lab mix of about 40 lbs. After a brief episode two Christmases ago of some liver problems, she has been seemingly well. She was only noticeably sick since Wednesday. Her kidneys were failing... she likely had severe pancreatitis... and quite possibly advanced liver cancer (a guess by the vet) - but she has acted as she always had right up until Wednesday night. She had demonstrated no discomfort or symptoms through her many annual trips to the vet. We are grateful that she was only uncomfortable for such a brief time.

How strange it will be - not seeing her bright eyes and wagging tail. Having been with us since Christmas 1992, (when my boy was only 3 years old) my son does not remember a time we did not have her. She ran away only twice, and never again since 1994. She has been with us in three houses, probably 10 cars, been with us through both kids school careers - taking my daughter from first grade through college graduation! Her unconditional love has been a great source of blessing to my family through countless tough days at work or school.

Domino was a source of joy and laughter and more than a few anxious moments. She was also my most faithful herfing buddy. We will miss her terribly. Thank you for thinking of us.

Here is a picture of our "Old Girl" from Tuesday.

[yayson]

Been missing you Joe. You have my sympathies brother, I'll smoke one with the kid's new yard mop Bandit tonight.

[bobarian]

Sorry to hear about your loss. But I know she had a great life with you and your family. One she never would have enjoyed, if you had not made that trip to the pound so many years ago.

[DETROITPHA357]

Sorry to hear about the lost. Take care bro

[NJ Stogie King]

My prayers are with you and your family through this difficult time! I lost a dog myself this past April and he was my everything as well. I know and feel your pain and I will pray for you.

Jonathan

[heavyd]

I'm new here and I don't know you Joe, but my family's thoughts are with you and your family. 16 years is a long time and I have absolutely no doubt that Domino had a great life. She looks a lot like our 15-year-old dog Scooner (photo attached). I showed my wife this thread and she started crying.

I'll smoke a super-premium tonight for Domino

[Savor the Stick]

[SIZE=3]Hey Lifting ya up in prayer,

I lost my Lab of 12 years last year...still miss her terribly. Little things will bring back the pain, but think on the great times, and how much she loved you all.

STS
[/SIZE]

[Waynegro1]

Sorry to hear about Domino Joe. You and your family our in my thought and prayers. It's amazing how close our furry friends become to our family's and our hearts.

[zipa]

Oh man, that's sad. Although I gotta say, you did the right thing. It just breaks my heart when I see people selfishly clinging on to their pets when they are terminally ill and clearly in pain.

Take care and cherish the memory of your dear friend!

[RPB67]

Sad.

Its so tough loosing a buddy. Be cool Joe.

[seegarfan]

I feel for you bro. I do know that feeling, it really tears at your soul. I can only share my experience when this happened to our family.

About 4 years ago we had to have our beloved golden retriever, Winston put down. We had raised him from 10 weeks old and he liked a month of making it to his 12th birthday. It was the hardest thing I have ever done.

Our house seemed so empty. Our daughter who was 9 at the time had never known life without him. We all agreed we would wait for a long time before we got another, if ever, dog. But after about 2 weeks of not having that great companionship that they provide, we started looking at golden retrievers on the rescue web site.

Long story short, we adopted a beautiful 4 year old female golden about 6 weeks after having Winston put down. It was the best thing we could have done. We knew we could not replace him, because all dogs have their own personality. But having that presence in the house really helped with our healing and we all feel Winston would have approved.

Not saying this would be right for your family, but it sure was for ours.

Hang in there, I do know how you feel.

Mark

[Ratters]

Sorry for your loss.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together…

[hardcz]

Hang in there man, the loss is going to be hard, though she was a good friend, and you couldn't of asked for more.

[Kneo]

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. She was a beauitful dog and will be greatly missed. I will be sure to smoke a good one in her honor.

[newcigarz]

Sorry man.