Well, I guess you can tell by my new avatar that we let Goliath sleep today. He was such a good boy, even when they put the catheter in his arm. The doctor's assistant was so very kind, and she cried, too. She kept trying to comfort me through the whole thing. I decided to stay with him (and my husband too, of course) through the whole thing. It was so quick - I was shocked.
I know we made the right decision, but I wish the heartache would ease up. I'll never be the same again.
Full Version: It's Done
Ooops, my avatar is a little small. I need to work on that.
I'm so sorry about Goliath.
The decision you made was one of love. Goliath will always appreciate all the love and care you gave, including the decision you made today. As it's said so many times here..."you took on his pain so he could be pain free."
We're all here to support you through your grief. Come here often and share your feelings and stories. It really does help.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kathleen
Here's a very dear "last will and testament" written by Eugene O'Neil in 1940 about his dog. It's long, but it's sweet.
The Last Will & Testament of an Extremely Loved Dog
I, Silverdene Emblem O'Neill (familiarly known to my family, friends, acquaintances as Blemie), because the burden of my years and infirmities is heavy upon me, and I realize the end of my life is near, do hereby bury my last will and testament in the mind of my Master. He will not know it is there until after I am dead. Then, remembering me in his loneliness, he will suddenly know of this testament, and I ask him to inscribe it as a memorial to me.
I have little in the way of material things to leave. Dogs are wiser than men. They do not set great store upon things. They do not waste their days hoarding property. They do not ruin their sleep worrying about how to keep the objects they have, and to obtain objects they have not.
There is nothing of value I have to bequeath except my love and my loyalty. These I leave to all those who have loved me, especially to my Master and Mistress, who I know will mourn me the most.
I ask my Master and my Mistress to remember me always, but not to grieve for me too long. In my life, I have tried to be a comfort to them in time of sorrow, and a reason for added joy in their happiness. It is painful for me to think that even in death I should cause them pain. Let them remember that while no dog has ever had a happier life (and this I owe to their love and care for me), now that I have grown blind and deaf and lame, and even my sense of smell fails me so that a rabbit could be right under my nose and I might not know, my pride has sunk to a sick, bewildered humiliation. I feel life is taunting me with having overlingered my welcome. It is time I said good-bye, before I become too sick a burden on myself and on those who love me. It will be a sorrow to leave them, but not a sorrow to die. Dogs do not fear death as men do. We accept it as part of life, not as something alien and terrible which destroys life.
What may come after death, who knows? I would like to believe that there is a Paradise. Where one is always young and full-bladdered. Where all the day one dillies and dallies. Where each blissful hour is mealtime. Where in the long evenings there are a million fireplaces with logs forever burning, and one curls oneself up and blinks into the flames and nods and dreams, remembering the old brave days on earth and the love of one's Master and Mistress. I am afraid that this is too much for even such a dog as I am to expect. But peace, at least, is certain. Peace and a long rest for my weary old heart and head and limbs, and eternal sleep in the earth I have loved so well. Perhaps, after all, this is best.
One last request, I earnestly make. I have heard my Mistress say,"When Blemie dies we must never have another dog. I love him so much I could never love another one". Now I would ask her, for love of me, to have another. It would be a poor tribute to my memory never to have a dog again.What I would like to feel is that, having once had me in the family, she cannot live without a dog! I have never had a narrow, jealous spirit. I have always held that most dogs are good. My successor can hardly be as well loved or as well mannered or as distinguished and handsome as I was in my prime. My Master and Mistress must not ask the impossible. But he will do his best, I am sure, and even his inevitable defects will help by comparison to keep my memory green. To him I bequeath my collar and leash and my overcoat and raincoat He can never wear them with the distinction I did, all eyes fixed on me in admiration; but again I am sure he will do his utmost not to appear a mere gauche provincial dog. I hereby wish him the happiness I know will be his in my old home.
One last word of farewell, dear Master and Mistress. Whenever you visit my grave, say to yourselves with regret but also with happiness in your hearts at the remembrance of my long, happy life with you: "Here lies one who loved us and whom we loved". No matter how deep my sleep. I shall hear you and not all the power of death can keep my spirit from wagging a grateful tail. I will always love you as only a dog can."
The decision you made was one of love. Goliath will always appreciate all the love and care you gave, including the decision you made today. As it's said so many times here..."you took on his pain so he could be pain free."
We're all here to support you through your grief. Come here often and share your feelings and stories. It really does help.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kathleen
Here's a very dear "last will and testament" written by Eugene O'Neil in 1940 about his dog. It's long, but it's sweet.
The Last Will & Testament of an Extremely Loved Dog
I, Silverdene Emblem O'Neill (familiarly known to my family, friends, acquaintances as Blemie), because the burden of my years and infirmities is heavy upon me, and I realize the end of my life is near, do hereby bury my last will and testament in the mind of my Master. He will not know it is there until after I am dead. Then, remembering me in his loneliness, he will suddenly know of this testament, and I ask him to inscribe it as a memorial to me.
I have little in the way of material things to leave. Dogs are wiser than men. They do not set great store upon things. They do not waste their days hoarding property. They do not ruin their sleep worrying about how to keep the objects they have, and to obtain objects they have not.
There is nothing of value I have to bequeath except my love and my loyalty. These I leave to all those who have loved me, especially to my Master and Mistress, who I know will mourn me the most.
I ask my Master and my Mistress to remember me always, but not to grieve for me too long. In my life, I have tried to be a comfort to them in time of sorrow, and a reason for added joy in their happiness. It is painful for me to think that even in death I should cause them pain. Let them remember that while no dog has ever had a happier life (and this I owe to their love and care for me), now that I have grown blind and deaf and lame, and even my sense of smell fails me so that a rabbit could be right under my nose and I might not know, my pride has sunk to a sick, bewildered humiliation. I feel life is taunting me with having overlingered my welcome. It is time I said good-bye, before I become too sick a burden on myself and on those who love me. It will be a sorrow to leave them, but not a sorrow to die. Dogs do not fear death as men do. We accept it as part of life, not as something alien and terrible which destroys life.
What may come after death, who knows? I would like to believe that there is a Paradise. Where one is always young and full-bladdered. Where all the day one dillies and dallies. Where each blissful hour is mealtime. Where in the long evenings there are a million fireplaces with logs forever burning, and one curls oneself up and blinks into the flames and nods and dreams, remembering the old brave days on earth and the love of one's Master and Mistress. I am afraid that this is too much for even such a dog as I am to expect. But peace, at least, is certain. Peace and a long rest for my weary old heart and head and limbs, and eternal sleep in the earth I have loved so well. Perhaps, after all, this is best.
One last request, I earnestly make. I have heard my Mistress say,"When Blemie dies we must never have another dog. I love him so much I could never love another one". Now I would ask her, for love of me, to have another. It would be a poor tribute to my memory never to have a dog again.What I would like to feel is that, having once had me in the family, she cannot live without a dog! I have never had a narrow, jealous spirit. I have always held that most dogs are good. My successor can hardly be as well loved or as well mannered or as distinguished and handsome as I was in my prime. My Master and Mistress must not ask the impossible. But he will do his best, I am sure, and even his inevitable defects will help by comparison to keep my memory green. To him I bequeath my collar and leash and my overcoat and raincoat He can never wear them with the distinction I did, all eyes fixed on me in admiration; but again I am sure he will do his utmost not to appear a mere gauche provincial dog. I hereby wish him the happiness I know will be his in my old home.
One last word of farewell, dear Master and Mistress. Whenever you visit my grave, say to yourselves with regret but also with happiness in your hearts at the remembrance of my long, happy life with you: "Here lies one who loved us and whom we loved". No matter how deep my sleep. I shall hear you and not all the power of death can keep my spirit from wagging a grateful tail. I will always love you as only a dog can."
I am very sorry. I will say a prayer for you, your husband and Goliath tonight.
Lynn XXOO
Lynn XXOO
So sorry you had to make this decision today. Don't rush your feelings...it'll take time to accept that what you did was a kindness for Goliath. It's been 48 days since we had to let our Misty go to her rest, and it still hurts.
I am so sorry and I know how much pain you are feeling. It is a tragic thing to have to see them leave this world but it really is an act of love as everyone says here. He is free to run and to play now and his pride is intact now. I'm sure you will shed many tears but just let them flow. We will cry with you and help you the best our breaking hearts can. It has been a little over 4 weeks since we lost our Chili Bean and we are still crying and feeling the pain. Hugs
Ann
Ann
You have my deepest sympathy. We took our Rusty to Rainbow Bridge one week ago and it has just been overwhelming. Don't hesitate to talk to us, this has been my lifeline.
I'm very sorry for your loss. I know it was difficult for you and your husband, but you did the right thing and Goliath thanks you for it. He was so brave to continue to fight for his life but he was so very tired and he needed your help to help him let go. Ending his suffering was the last thing you could do for him....you loved him enough to let him go. I'm glad you found the strength to do what had to be done.
At first, most of us who have had to make the decision to end our pet's lives have some doubt as to whether we did the right thing. You will reach a point where you will know for certain it was the right thing and you will be at peace with yourself.
__Jim
At first, most of us who have had to make the decision to end our pet's lives have some doubt as to whether we did the right thing. You will reach a point where you will know for certain it was the right thing and you will be at peace with yourself.
__Jim
Goliath's mom,
My heart goes out to you. I know how much it hurts. The worst day in my entire life was the day I took my little girl Hannah and had her put to sleep on April 19, 2004. She would have been 16 years old on July 22, 2004. It is a long, painful road to come to terms with that and to accept it all. You made the decision out of pure love and you did what was best for your baby. I know it doesn't make it any easier -- nothing really does. Take care of yourself. You'll be in my prayers. Keep coming here and talking about your feelings. We care about you and will help however we can.
Love,
Marcia
My heart goes out to you. I know how much it hurts. The worst day in my entire life was the day I took my little girl Hannah and had her put to sleep on April 19, 2004. She would have been 16 years old on July 22, 2004. It is a long, painful road to come to terms with that and to accept it all. You made the decision out of pure love and you did what was best for your baby. I know it doesn't make it any easier -- nothing really does. Take care of yourself. You'll be in my prayers. Keep coming here and talking about your feelings. We care about you and will help however we can.
Love,
Marcia
Hi Goliath's Mom & Dad:
God Bless you, my new friends......
You did a very, very difficult thing in letting go of your sweet Goliath, but, you really DID THE MOST LOVING THING!!!!
With ALL OF MY HEART..........I KNOW that your precious, beautiful Goliath is looking down at you, (right now, this very, very minute), from Rainbow's Bridge..........AND..........
He Thanks you and your husband for being so very, very brave......
For letting him go on to the next phase of his life, at Rainbow's Bridge....
No question ---- I honestly and truly believe that it was the right thing to do..
The most LOVING THING.......
Goliath could not leave this world without your help!
I absolutely LOVE Goliath's photo (12/14 @5:34pm)...........
Such beautifuL eyes, and cute floppy ears........ He looked like he was soooo very, very loved!!
What I always say to people that have just come to Lightning-Strike is:
"While I am sincerely sorry that you had to find a pet -grief site.......
I am VERY HAPPY THAT YOU WERE LED HERE - TO LIGHTNING-STRIKE"............
Actually, that statement was said to me, when I "joined" on February 8, 2004.......in the very early hours of the morning....
(Our sweet Ernestine was put to sleep on February 7, 2004 at approximately noon-time.....)
The hours were too long..........and, after my husband went to sleep.......I NEEDED SOMEWHERE TO GO------I could not sleep...........My sweet girl wasn't here......I didn't know what to do with myself!!!!!!
All of the wonderful people have given you such loving, caring advice......
What I found to be VERY helpful to me was "to pick a few names..........and then, follow the journeys of the person/people whose "animal friend" has died-----
from beginning to end....OR, (more likely)......from their beginning to the present time.....
Everyone here is soooooooo wonderful.........so comforting..........so loving...........compassionate........
Everyone here HONESTLY CARES ABOUT YOU, AND HOW YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE DOING!!!!!!
In my eyes, Lightning-Strike IS A MIRACLE
..............plain and simple!!!!!!
To Marc David......The Owner/Administrator of Lightning-Strile....A MILLION THANK YOUS!!!!!!!!
I know that I am not alone in saying/thinking that!!!!
I have "heard it said here" that, "for every year that your furbaby has been a part of your life..... it takes approximately ONE MONTH PER YEAR, to "get over it"........
The quote........"GET OVER IT", sounds quite harsh, I think...........
I believe that it means more like.........."When you REALLY start to feel like "your normal self".....
Truthfully, I am not sure that any of us will EVER REALLY, "GET OVER IT"..... But, things do get
easier..........
It takes awhile, for sure. But, you and your husband will get through it.......
But, my suggestion is TO STAY AROUND HERE........
Write "whenever you want, and WRITE AS MUCH YOU WANT!!!!"
In the beginning, I just kept typing and typing, not sure if I was making any sense at all -------
I felt as if I was just RAMBLING............(WHICH I'M SURE THAT I WAS)...........
But, everyone UNDERSTOOD WHAT I WAS TRYING TO SAY!!!!! 85% of the people had gone through what I was going through...........and the other 15% "were where I was, in my journey".... (%'s are an estimate)...
The tears you are crying now are "healing tears", so please, when you feel a need to cry, please let those tears fall!!!
They need to........
As for me........I just couldn't EXIST with a huge lump in my throat......
Those tears had to go.............and that, they did!!!
The heartache WILL EASE UP, I know that to be THE TRUTH!!!!
I wish you and your husband much peace and love......
I am sure that we'll be talking again......
God Bless you Both!!!
Love, Denise, Ben, Ms. Lucy and Mr. Yoster
God Bless you, my new friends......
You did a very, very difficult thing in letting go of your sweet Goliath, but, you really DID THE MOST LOVING THING!!!!
With ALL OF MY HEART..........I KNOW that your precious, beautiful Goliath is looking down at you, (right now, this very, very minute), from Rainbow's Bridge..........AND..........
He Thanks you and your husband for being so very, very brave......
For letting him go on to the next phase of his life, at Rainbow's Bridge....
No question ---- I honestly and truly believe that it was the right thing to do..
The most LOVING THING.......
Goliath could not leave this world without your help!
I absolutely LOVE
Goliath's photo (12/14 @5:34pm)........... Such beautifuL eyes, and cute floppy ears........ He looked like he was soooo very, very loved!!
What I always say to people that have just come to Lightning-Strike is:
"While I am sincerely sorry that you had to find a pet -grief site.......
I am VERY HAPPY THAT YOU WERE LED HERE - TO LIGHTNING-STRIKE"............
Actually, that statement was said to me, when I "joined" on February 8, 2004.......in the very early hours of the morning....
(Our sweet Ernestine was put to sleep on February 7, 2004 at approximately noon-time.....)
The hours were too long..........and, after my husband went to sleep.......I NEEDED SOMEWHERE TO GO------I could not sleep...........My sweet girl wasn't here......I didn't know what to do with myself!!!!!!
All of the wonderful people have given you such loving, caring advice......
What I found to be VERY helpful to me was "to pick a few names..........and then, follow the journeys of the person/people whose "animal friend" has died-----
from beginning to end....OR, (more likely)......from their beginning to the present time.....
Everyone here is soooooooo wonderful.........so comforting..........so loving...........compassionate........
Everyone here HONESTLY CARES ABOUT YOU, AND HOW YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE DOING!!!!!!
In my eyes, Lightning-Strike IS A MIRACLE
..............plain and simple!!!!!!To Marc David......The Owner/Administrator of Lightning-Strile....A MILLION THANK YOUS!!!!!!!!
I know that I am not alone in saying/thinking that!!!!
I have "heard it said here" that, "for every year that your furbaby has been a part of your life..... it takes approximately ONE MONTH PER YEAR, to "get over it"........
The quote........"GET OVER IT", sounds quite harsh, I think...........
I believe that it means more like.........."When you REALLY start to feel like "your normal self".....
Truthfully, I am not sure that any of us will EVER REALLY, "GET OVER IT"..... But, things do get
easier..........
It takes awhile, for sure. But, you and your husband will get through it.......
But, my suggestion is TO STAY AROUND HERE........
Write "whenever you want, and WRITE AS MUCH YOU WANT!!!!"
In the beginning, I just kept typing and typing, not sure if I was making any sense at all -------
I felt as if I was just RAMBLING............(WHICH I'M SURE THAT I WAS)...........
But, everyone UNDERSTOOD WHAT I WAS TRYING TO SAY!!!!! 85% of the people had gone through what I was going through...........and the other 15% "were where I was, in my journey".... (%'s are an estimate)...
The tears you are crying now are "healing tears", so please, when you feel a need to cry, please let those tears fall!!!
They need to........
As for me........I just couldn't EXIST with a huge lump in my throat......
Those tears had to go.............and that, they did!!!
The heartache WILL EASE UP, I know that to be THE TRUTH!!!!
I wish you and your husband much peace and love......
I am sure that we'll be talking again......
God Bless you Both!!!
Love, Denise, Ben, Ms. Lucy and Mr. Yoster
What a beautiful dog he was. My thoughts are with you.
Amy
Amy
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