Yesterday I made the decision to take Max to the vet for the goodbye time.About a month ago we discovered swollen lymph nodes and the vet put him on antibiotics. After a round of antibiotics the swolen lymph nodes in his neck were still there.Further tests were done and my 14-year old baby Lhasa had lymphoma,a cancer of the lymph nodes.He had been such a frisky energetic dog for his age. He would run around like he was 2 years old. Max had been there for me when no one else was. We had a language between us that no one else understood.There is an unexplainable bond between a pet and its human that one cannot explain to a nonpet lover. Max would follow me from room to room ,a very loyal dog. All he wanted was to be near me .I did not realize how much 20 lbs.of fur could change a life. This home is just a house now. Its like I have lost a child. I do want to say that my vet was wonderful .He expained the procedure to me and he allowed me to stay with Max as long as I wanted to. I decided to bring him home and bury him in the backyard.And like another poster I hated leaving out there by himself . My dear husband who suffering from kidneystons got out of bed to come and have a proper funeral. We wrapped him the way the vet said with his favorite blanket and made a head stone. I had a dream last night that he was floating with my mother in heaven. It that a sign? I feel like a piece of my heart has been cut out. At least my baby does not have to suffer anymore.While Max was here with us he was our king.

I'm so sorry for the loss of Max. He sounds like he was a wonderful companion and your and your husband were and are very devoted to him. I definitely think your dream of him and your mom was a sign, and maybe it's Max's way of letting you know that he's safe and happy in heaven. I think dreams of our departed pets are quite common, and my opinion is that they are a message from those pets, and can be very comforting to those of us left behind. It will be a difficult adjustment that you'll have in the time ahead, but I've found alot of comfort and words of wisdom from people at this forum. Take care - Barbara

Hi, I'm so sorry about the loss of your sweet Max. You did the right thing!! And yes, he is at peace now, in bliss You will be joining him when it's your time.

But in the meantime, the grief can seem intolerable.

My heart goes out to you. Please take good take of yourself (and your husband too). Max wants that and if the roles had been reversed, you would want that for Max.

Comforting hugs and prayers,
Kathy

Thank you so much Barbara and Kathy for those sweet words of sympathy.We are all devoted animal lovers.Animals have always been a part of my life and I think I am going to start volunteering at the Humane Society in Max's honor. Thanks again. You just do not know how that makes me feel to hear that someone else can be so crazy about their pet. That its okay to mourn and cry and cry but there will come a time when I can let go of this pain. THIS TOO SHALL PASS Roxanne

OMG Roxanne!!! You are thinking about volunteering at the humane society in Max's honor???? You are a true angel. To me, this is the best 'response' to loss that I have ever heard of---to give of yourself in such a wonderful way.

Max is proud, I am sure. You are continuing and expanding the love between you and Max.


Kathy