Friday, February 12, 2010

It is time for us to let go

Bobby and I have decided that it is time to allow our wonderful, faithful, and loyal companion and member of our family to go to "doggy heaven" so that he no longer has to deal with his arthritis, the pain, and the embarrassment as he loses bowel control.

This is Reese last week during our little snow







If you notice, you can see how he "slumps" and doesn't put weight on his back legs.

It is with saddened and broken hearts that we make this decision. I have wavered on this for a year. But it is time. I am sad, I cry even as I write this. I cry when I think about it. I get overwhelmed as I realize no one will meet me at the front door (although Reese now lays against the front door cause he can't hear and it is his only way of knowing what is happening).

I love my Reese. He has been a good dog, a loyal friend, he has never told, not even one of, my secrets. He has been there for the worst moments of my life. He has been there for the best moments of my life. He has danced with me. He has laid there as I cried. He has given me high fives. He has jumped around with excitement with me. He has watched over me as I slept. He has protected our home. He has played with me. He has napped with me. He helped me "pick" Bobby to be in our family (the only guy I brought home that Reese didn't snap at, though Bobby will tell you differently). He has brought me many years of happiness and some great companionship.

So next Saturday we will let our Reese not suffer anymore. 12 years to the day that I saw this little black puppy run across the floor and give me a little puppy "woof" with his little German Shepherd ears flopped over. Oh how I will miss him.

I LOVE YOU BUDDY! YOU ARE THE BEST DOG IN THE WORLD! WE WILL MISS YOU! I LOVE YOU REESE!

10 comments:

Kate said...

Tears streaming down my face now too. Goodbye, Reese!

'Murgdan' said...

I'm so sorry Courtney. :-(

Dawn0fTime said...

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear about Reese! It's only too fresh in my mind how hard a decision that is. He's a beautiful dog, and it sounds like he's been a wonderful friend! You're making the right decision, though. He will be in a happier place, and you'll still have all those wonderful memories to keep with you. ((HUGS!))

I Just Love You said...

court, i can't believe it's time. i'm sorry. :(

Kerri said...

Courtney, You will be in my prayers as you say goodbye to Reese. My heart is breaking for you. Big Hugs!! Goodbye, Reese.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry Courtney.. we'll have to do that soon with Daisy as she keeps chewing at her legs and won't leave them alone and they keep getting infected.. the vet says it's out of boredom but there's nothing we can do for her.. She has to stay crated when we are not home or she'll potty all over the house. I'll be thinking of you next Saterday!!

Sarah said...

I am so sorry, sweetie.

Hugs!

Baz said...

Just stumbled across your blog and read your latest entry.. have to say it's the saddest thing ever to have to put a dog down. I still miss a boxer dog we had to put down in 1996! was such a sad sad day in our family.. and even now I think of him and all the amazing things we did as I was growing up. It amazes me when people just dismiss a dog dying, or dismiss the pain you feel.. they become a massive part of your life.. the saddest and hardest moment for me was walking back into the house.. he wasn't there to greet us, his doggy dish untouched, his lead lifeless.. and the silence of the house.. very very sad..

webfaucets.com said...
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JoAnna said...

I'm so sorry. That is HARD.
I just found your blog. I have twin girls about the same age and we had to put down our sweet Peyton, a Vizsla, a week before the girls arrived. I look forward to reading your blog!