I have to do one of the hardest things in my life tomorrow.

[Truckie]

I have to do one of the hardest things in my life tomorrow. I have to take my only best friend to the vets and have him put to sleep. :{ :{ His name is Gus and I have had him for 13 years. I got him when he was about 1 year old, It was on New Year's Day in 1993 when it was about - 20 here in Pittsburgh. I was out side when a car with to young ladies pulled up and asked if I know who owned the dog, I said no, they said they did not know what to do with him and the cops told them to tie him up to a tree in the park. Well, I was not going to let that happen, so I went over to the car and as soon as he saw me he stuck his head out a gave me a kiss, well it was all over then, I said I will take him from you. From that day on he lived with me and my family. We named him Gus which stands for Gustoff Ulysses Schmidt. From day one I left him have the run of the entire house, even my bed, and couch.

What makes it so hard is he has been through a lot in his life with me. As it stands now me and my parents have $12,000 stuck in him. He wound up getting a bad liver from a medication he was on which was Remedial, it was to help his arthritis but did a lot of damage to his liver, and he wound up staying at the vets foe 11 days and 2 surgeries to help pull him through. At one point everything that was white on him turned yellow because he became jonduss, that's how bad he was. He pulled through and was well for a while, with different meds. Then he had to have his paw operated on due to a very large cyst that grew on it. He was in the vets for 2 days with that. The last few years have been tough with him only being able to eat boiled chicken and some special dog food, but hey what ever it takes. A few times he got sick and was able to pull through, but this fight here he's not going to be able to make it. So far I have spent my 4 day vacation with him at the vets and sleeping a long side him on the couch to comfort him. These last few days I have had to hook him up to a iv a squeeze in Ringers Lactate to flush out his system, but it is not working, and now he is to week to make a recovery.

No body knows how much I love this dog. Every time I would go to a store and come home he would get a new dog toy, some times 2 or 3 a day. He has around 300 dog toys. Most of the time he would ride with my folks because it was easy for him to get in to there van, but he went every where they went. I have worked countless hours of over time and extra trips with the truck to help keep him, but like I said he's my best friend, and buddy. He a lot like me stubborn and bull headed, I guess that why he took such a liking to me. Where ever I am in the house he's right there by my side, or if IM working out side in the yard he's there. IM going to miss that cold wet nose being stuck in my eye in the morning and the countless kisses he would give me whenever he could no matter what I was doing, If he could get close enough to kiss or lick me he would.

There is a lot more I could tell you about Gus but IM having a hard time typing and seeing through the tears. IM sorry for the long post but wanted to tell you about Gus. This is really a hard thing for me to do and hurts. :{ :{ :{

Thanks.



Mike

 

[AKAMAC]

Sorry to hear about your pal.

I had to do the same with a couple of my friends. Just hold him while he gets the injections and let him know your close as he goes to sleep. You'll feel better being there, knowing he was with you at the end.

I know how you feel. Mike

 

[bmoeller]

Sorry to hear that. Had to put my dog down, a little over a year ago. Had a tumor on his spine. Inoperable. Sure miss the litte mutt.



All but one of the dogs we had growing up were strays that had been dumped off at our place in the country, back in Iowa. They were some of the best dogs we ever had.

 

[smartineau]

Mike, so sorry to hear about Gus, I will be doing the same real soon and I know I will be crying my eyes out like a little kid when the time comes. Like AKAMAC said just be there to hold him when it is time.



steve

 

[MMeier]

Sorry to hear this Mike. Been through it several times myself, always said ,no more dogs, but we all know that just doesn't happen. One thing I've noticed though is, that each new one does seem to be "better" for lack of a better term, then the last one. Granted, each one has had traits that no other could match and it is that distinct personality in them that we hold dear to our hearts after they pass on to a better place! R. I. P. Gus ol' buddy!

 

[evldsl]

"Man" I could'nt even stay when I had one of my dog's put to sleep I was so broke up over it. I took boomer to the park that day and he was happy when the vet took him into the back room I don't beleave he even knew what happened.

 

[rmrc]

Mike,



I'm so sorry to hear this kind on news. I also know the pain that you're going through. I had to do the same with my little baby Maxie 16 months ago. For those of us who really love these little gifts from God, they are no different than children. The only difference is that they have fur all over, walk on all fours and have a speech impediment! To me, they're better than most people I know!!!!!



I choose to believe that the Rainbow bridge is real, and when our time comes, we'll be reunited with our furry loved ones again! My prayers are with you and Gus!!!!!!!!

 

[DRadzierez]

I know how you feel. It was about a year ago I lost my best buddy. For the 11 years I had him we went through it all includeing a divorce. Most people dont understand how you can love them so much but trust me I KNOW. Know I have a new buddy thats 9 months old and he is awsome I hope the pain leaves you soon. DAVE

 

[Bill Stockard]

Yep, I had to go through the same thing last New Year's eve. It's a hard decision to make, but when they are very sick with no hope of getting better, in pain, and suffering... .



Annie, our little 16. 5 year old "weenie dog" we inherited after I placed my mom in assisted living. She was our constant companion and traveled everywhere with us in our RVs for the last 6. 5 years and loved it.



I miss her and think of her often. I carried her around inside my coat on my walks around the farm when she was a puppy. After the dog I grew up with died years ago, I swore I didn't want another dog and have to go through the separation again. I kept that promise until Annie. I think we'll try to stay "dog-less" for a while longer.



Bill

 

[fox]

14 months ago I lost my Lab--Spout-and I miss her every day.

I keep a picture of her in my truck.



Remember Gus, and his true love and companionship.

If the Vet says it is best then believe him/her.

I picked mine out of a litter. I really feel the way Gus found you is the absolute best. He picked you. He wanted you to take care of him. Keep him from hurting. It is painless for the animal.



I put a cat down 6 years ago, and it just went too sleep.

So sorry.



This story hit me hard.

fox

 

[Truckie]

Up date..

Well, this morning I woke up to find him self acting a little bite more like the old Gus. He even decided to eat, I called the vet and she said not to bring him out inless he is in pain and suffering. I felt all over his belly this morning and he did not even flinch. I hope this flushing of his system and all the kind words and replies and prayers are helping.

Although I know the end is near there is nothing else I can do but to keep him comfortable and enjoy this time with him.

Thanks.

Mike

 

[RT66DOC]

Mike,

We had to make the decision for our beloved Jirie (aka Bob) last Tuesday. She was 18 and had chronic renal failure. It was a matter of doing the best for her, not us. Losing a dog is worse than losing a human. The pain we feel from the loss is the price we pay for the joy they bring when they are with us. I pray to God there is a Rainbow Bridge and I will see her and our long lost others when I go.



I'd want to go now just to be with Jirie and Suzy, Lambie, Sam, Winnie, Cupie and Lucy except we still have six more who I have to stick around for to care for. Prayers for Good Old Gus and you.

 

[Mike Ellis]

Mike,



I am so glad that your dog improved. When the time does come, don't beat yourself up too much - putting a dog to sleep is absolute torment for the owner, but a blessing of peace and release for the dog. Sometimes we have to do what is best for our friends, no matter how much it hurts us.



God bless you both bud in these difficult times bud.

 

[DBentley]

I had to have my 10 year old 110 lb german shepard put down a few years ago and it was tough. But I knew I did the rite thing. I was the owner and she was going down hill health wise for a few months so I had to decide and do the last ride to the vet. Im sure the vet would have kept her hanging on for 6 more months but there comes a time when its your responsibility to do the dog a final good deed and end the suffering. I may sound cruel but i think many owners leave there pets in pain way to long to avoid there own pain of the last ride.

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

I understand the tough decision you are facing. A couple of summers ago I adopted another Border Collie, Mollie Brown, from a stock dog rescue shelter. She was a red and white and wasn't looking very thrifty when I picked her up. But I thought a little TLC, food, and exercise would pick her up. Besides, she licked my hand and stole my heart. I spent $500 trying to clear up a sinus infection that she came with.



One Saturday afternoon she went into convulsions. Thank God for the emergency number for pets I found on the internet. Turns out she had classic distemper convulsions. I had to take her into town to the vet in the middle of the night and held her while he gave her the shot. She struggle a little when he wraped the rubber tube around her leg -- but it didn't take long for the barbituate to take her. Damn right I shed some tears.



Please don't neglect getting your dog's vaccinations.

 

[DBoggs]

Not two hours ago I had to put my furry best friend down. My daughter let all of our dogs out for their evening run and BJ decided to sneak off and tangle with a car. I can sympathize with what you are about to go through. But take comfort from the knowlege that where Gus is going he will be happy and healthy and waiting for you when you finally arrive. My prayers are with you.



Duane

 

[fox]

I have to do one of the hardest things in my life tomorrow. I have to take my only best friend to the vets and have him put to sleep. :{ :{ His name is Gus and I have had him for 13 years. I got him when he was about 1 year old, It was on New Year's Day in 2002 when it was about - 20 here in Pittsburgh. I was out side when a car with to young ladies pulled up and asked if I know who owned the dog, Mike

Truckie,

I jusr reread yout post.

You got him when he was 1 year old, in 2002. What year did you post this 2014??

Please explain this.

 

[ob1kobi]

The guys a little broke up and probably just made a mistake, give him a break.

 

[Truckie]

Little typo err, all you had to do was do the math. It was 1993.

Give me a brake, I said I was having a hard time typing through the tears.

Here i'll fix it.

 

[WBlackberg]

Are you for real on this ?