Dockside Chat - Losing a friend tonight

Our 14 year old miniature schnauzer, Gretchen, lost her fight with cancer tonight. We've know whats been coming for a while, but she turned south quickly over the weekend. Our plan has always been to give the most comfortable departure possible at our home, but that wasn't something we could do in the end. She appeared to show signs of suffering this afternoon and we decided to take her to the emergency vet this evening to ease her pain.

She was a good dog. Spoiled and prideful, but always ther to offer a friendly yip and a smile. She will be missed. Though I had made my peace with her condition, seeing her decline today was too much. My wife took her while I stayed with my young kids (she was my wife's puppy when we met and married and she wanted to be there in the end).

Had to take some alone time in the garage before I could face my boys and tell them where Mom was taking her.

Very sorry for your loss.

Our 14 year old miniature schnauzer, Gretchen, lost her fight with cancer tonight. We've know whats been coming for a while, but she turned south quickly over the weekend. Our plan has always been to give the most comfortable departure possible at our home, but that wasn't something we could do in the end. She appeared to show signs of suffering this afternoon and we decided to take her to the emergency vet this evening to ease her pain.

She was a good dog. Spoiled and prideful, but always ther to offer a friendly yip and a smile. She will be missed. Though I had made my peace with her condition, seeing her decline today was too much. My wife took her while I stayed with my young kids (she was my wife's puppy when we met and married and she wanted to be there in the end).

Had to take some alone time in the garage before I could face my boys and tell them where Mom was taking her.

Yep, they really dig in deep into our hearts. 14 years of love, though. ;)

Rest in peace, Gretchen.

Sad thing to hear. So hard to say goodbye to our little friends.
My condolences to you and your family.

I wish someone had given Jesus a dog.
As loyal and loving as mine.
To sleep by His manger and gaze in His eyes
And adore Him for being divine.

As our Lord grew to manhood His faithful dog,
Would have followed Him all through the day.
While He preached to the crowds and made the sick well
And knelt in the garden to pray.
It is sad to remember that Christ went away.
To face death alone and apart.
With no tender dog following close behind,
To comfort its Master's Heart.
And when Jesus rose on that Easter morn,
How happy He would have been,
As His dog kissed His hand and barked it's delight,
For The One who died for all men.

Well, the Lord has a dog now, I just sent Him mine,
The old pal so dear to me.
And I smile through my tears on this first day alone,
Knowing they're in eternity.
Day after day, the whole day through,
Wherever my road inclined,
Four feet said, "Wait, I'm coming with you!"
And trotted along behind.

Im so sorry for your loss heaven is a better place now

The only bad part of dog ownership....sorry about your loss, just loss my 13 y.o. Rotty April 30th.

See, I still remember the day...............

Ever wonder why so many douche bags live to be ripe old ages and so many selfless loving dogs don't stick around nearly as long as they should?

Yeah -- me too.

:(

Sorry for your loss.

Sorry you had to say goodbye to your friend. I'm sure she's much more comfortable now.

I recently went through the same thing, and I feel your pain. Remember the good times and relish your memories.

The house was very quiet this morning getting up to go to work. It is an exceptionally gray and dreary day today, reflecting the mood of my house.

It's going to be an adjustment that is for sure. Thank you for all the kind words. For certain she was a wonderful pet for my family and it is comforting to know she is no longer suffering the ravages of that wicked disease.

Dog's are the only ones who continuosly provide non-conditional love. You can take solace in the fact you did not let her suffer, that should give you strength and help going forward.
Sorry for the loss.

I can not imagine waking up without our mini by my side. The day will come but it is too sad to think about. Miniature Schnauzers are special and we are lucky to share a life with them.

So sorry to read about Gretchen, losing a beloved pet is so hard.

sorry for your loss. It sure seems like alot of us THTs are losing our dogs this year.

Sympathy on your pups passing, :( I love pups.

sorry for your loss. It sure seems like alot of us THTs are losing our dogs this year.


That's what I was just thinking. Mc2guy, condolences from us and ours to you and yours. Ya have a bunch of people here feeling for you. It ain't ever easy. :(

Sorry for your loss.

Sorry man

Tough losing a friend.
Prayers sent.
I wish you a healed heart.


.

Im sorry.

I am on my first dog ever and I cant imagine loosing him.

"We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare, and love we can spare.

And in return, dogs give us their all. It's the best deal man has ever made."

I'm so sorry.

Our dogs, even moreso than a spouse, simply want to be doing what we're doing.

There's a reason I don't have pets.....I can't take the pain. I suppose the fact that I've never had children means that my pets become the closest thing to me, and maybe that makes it worse???

But I was just tearing up a bit reading your story....pisses me off that as tough as I appear on the outside, I'm that soft on the inside!

Certainly you are in my thoughts today. Hope you find a way to ease the pain...usually that's time, and a new friend.

Sorry for the loss of Gretchen, but remember....

Just this side of heaven is a place called RainbowBridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to RainbowBridge. 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. Her bright eyes are intent; her eager body quivers. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her 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 RainbowBridge together....

That sucks man. It's a horrible feeling, been through it with a few dogs, cats and a couple ferrets too. It's never easy.

Part of making it all better might be a trip to your local dog pound, lots of them there need your love, the sooner I did it the easier was the loss for me. A new puppy always did wonders for my sorrow.

I'm 79, so sent lots of great dogs and cats to Rainbow Bridge, gonna be a loud welcome for me when I arrive.

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