I am glad to have found a place where I am able to grieve with other pet lovers. This tuesday I awoke to find my dear Savana lying in her bed unable to move her back legs at all. This was a shock, she has been fine and although she was 8 she acted like a pup and would actually wear our daughters out from playing fetch. I made a panicked call to the vet and he was quick to get her in. I could tell she was in pain and she was very scared. The vet said she most likely had a siezure from a blood clot breaking loose, she had a heart murmer. He told us that with her murmer we could not give her the pain medicine that she would need daily and that she could not recieve cortizone shots to help with her mobility. He basically told us that she would live but would need daily pain medicine just to cope and would most likely never regain use of her back legs. I was devastated. My husband and I made the hardest decsion of our lives and decided to have her put to sleep. Savana was such a loving and active dog that it would break our hearts to watch her suffer daily. It was simply her time. We went to the vet early and spent some time with her, she looked miserable and her big chocolate eyes said it all " mommy I am hurting" I held her in my arms and cried my eyes out, told her how much we loved her and gave her kisses from each of our heartbroken daughters. I rubbed her ears and she settled in my arms and actually fell asleep. Then the vet came in told us it was time, I thought I was going to drop to my knees. I put her on the table and she just looked up at me and my heart officially broke, I gave her a kiss amd told her good bye for the last time. I got to pet her and whisper in her ear as she slipped away peacefully into eternity. This was the hardest thing I have ever done, I feel tremendous guilt and loss and I feel like I will never heal. I got to bring her home wrapped in her favortie blanket. I am trying to be stong for our young daughters (6,4,and 17 mon.) they miss her terribly, she was a lap dog and found her way unto a lap to be petted and they loved to oblige her. Savana was here when we brought each of our daughters home from the hopsital,she was never jealous she loved them on their first meeting.I never thought the loss of a pet could result in such a heavy heart, I feel like I lost my best friend. We have 2 other dogs, Oliver and her were pups together and have known each other their whole lives, he is lost without her, he keeps looking for her, it breaks my heart. Thank you for reading, it feels good to get that out.I know time heals all wounds but Savana took a piece of my heart with her to heaven.Till the day we meet again Savana...

Megan

Hi, Megan, please permit me to offer you my sincerest sympathies in the loss of your beloved Savana. Losing a beloved companion is never easy regardless of the circumstances or how long we have been blessed with the privilege of their company. Euthanasia is the last gift of love we can give to our beloved companions - - at great sacrifice to ourselves -- so that they can once again be restored to their former youthfulness in the company of the angels.

Clinical studies show that children grieve differently from adults, and children of different ages grieve differently as well. There are many wonderful books you may want to check out that may help your sweet daughters to adjust to the physical absence of your precious Savana.

When there are other beloved companions in the home, they, too, grieve the loss of their housemates. Oliver may need some extra hugs and kisses and attention, and I know he will have many loving arms and laps to embrace him. Keep careful observation of his eating, drinking water, and ability to take care of his personal care for awhile to make sure that he isn't grieving himself to illness. If you suspect something might not be normal, be sure to take him to the vet.

Megan, this grief journey is a one day at a time journey, sometimes a one moment at a time journey. Our beloved companions give to us their unconditional love and undivided attention, and we in turn surrender ourselves to them without reservation. This is one of the many reasons why it is so painful - - both emotionally and physically - - when they precede us to the angels. And it is important for you to know that you are not alone in your grief journey. Although it is always helpful when close family members and friends are comforting and understanding, people grieve in their own ways and are not always able to be as supportive as we would like, or need. And some people simply are not able to understand the importance of our grief. So please know that each of us do understand how you are feeling, and we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us.

Megan, thank you so much for sharing your precious Savana with us. Perhaps sometime you may want to share picture(s) of her as well as some of your wonderful memories. As you travel through your grief journey, Megan, please know that the love bond you and Savana share is eternal, and her sweet Living Spirit is still forever with you in your heart and memories. Please know you, Oliver, and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, Megan, and please let us know how things are going whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dear Megan,

I'm so sorry for the loss of your precious Savana. This is one of the most painful things we have to go through. A true rollercoaster of emotions. Be easy on yourself and take it one day - one moment - at a time. The memories and the love are yours forever -- they cannot die or be taken away from you. You have an angel watching over you now.

Take care of yourself,
Cheryl x

Dearest Megan,

My eyes filled with tears as I read your story. I am so sorry for your loss. Having to say goodbye to our beloved pets is so difficult, but unfortunately it is a natural part of life.

I lost my beloved cat just a few days ago after 12 years of unconditional love. I am heartbroken and devastated, so I understand your pain.
I just want you to know you are not alone. We will recover from this terrible pain and sadness, even if we don't feel like that is possible right now.

My thoughts are with you and your family.



Sara

Dear Megan,
I am so sorry to read of the loss of your beloved dog, Savana. I lost my little lap dog, Zoe last Monday and have to face going back to work tomorrow. I also have her brother, Zack, who has been with her his whole life. He does not understand why she is not here. We are just trying to give him a lot of extra love and support. I guess in time the other pets adjust to the change but I understand where you are in grief as I as there with you. We will always carry our lost pets with us.
My heart breaks when I come into the house and she is not here to greet me. I am not wailing and crying as hard but I have read here that those feelings may come back again.
Just know that there are many people here for you.
Joanne

Hi Megan

Am so sorry to hear about the loss of Savana. You are incredibly brave for making the decision to let her go, and for being with her as she passed on. I have no doubt whatsoever that Savana will have fully appreciated and loved you even more for your tremendous courage in preventing her from having any pain.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take care.

Big hugs


Peter