a very sad day..

[Ajcoholic]

I know there are many dog people here on the forum, and others have also posted of their losses.

Today I had to have my dog Gibson (a just shy of 9 yr old Hungarian Vizsla) put to sleep. He was in pretty decent health until recently. He did have a few surgeries on his rear knees in the past 1 1/2 yrs, but was still having a good quality of life. This turn for the worse came on suddenly, and several of his organs were shutting down. My vet suggested trying to prolong his life was not going to be good for him or us - so we decided it was best to let him go.

I adopted Gibson at age 3 from the SPCA and had 6 really wonderful years with him. He was an extremely kind dog like no other - never growled or got angry. Just a great pal and man did we have a lot of fun. We used to go put every day before and after work for a run in the woods, and he would come to work with me, although he preferred to stay outside or in the truck and didn't care to be in the shop unless we were eating lunch.

He will be missed...

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j307/ajcoholic/Gibsonstance.jpg (http://s83.photobucket.com/user/ajcoholic/media/Gibsonstance.jpg.html)

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j307/ajcoholic/Gibsonlick.jpg (http://s83.photobucket.com/user/ajcoholic/media/Gibsonlick.jpg.html)

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j307/ajcoholic/Gibsononcouch.jpg (http://s83.photobucket.com/user/ajcoholic/media/Gibsononcouch.jpg.html)

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j307/ajcoholic/254_5459.jpg (http://s83.photobucket.com/user/ajcoholic/media/254_5459.jpg.html)

[kartracer63]

So sorry for your loss, Andrew.

[JimmyD]

I feel your pain. It's the same as losing a human family member. I had to have my 12yr old Golden put to sleep three years ago and I'm still not ready to get another one.
Hang in there.

Jim

[khaos]

Sorry brother. They are our friends too.

[JimDav]

My heart goes out to you Andrew. So hard to loose our furry kids. Yesterday was the 3rd anniversary of loosing my first Beagle - 'Tuesday' after over 15 years. Lost a Jack Russell 'Annie" on Labor day 2013. Still miss them both. I understand your pain and am thinking of you at this very hard time. But he is still with you in good memories.

[Ajcoholic]

We had a lot of fun, boy oh boy. Especially out in the woods - we live close to some awesome trails and we spent each day out - winter or summer. Even with his super short coat, he would love a run in the winter as much as summer.

Even though he had just turned three when I adopted him, he was like a pup. I taught him a lot of stuff - even how to swim. Took me the whole first summer but when he finally realized he could swim, fromm that day on he was in the water every chance he could get.

If you know Vizsla's - you understand they are not meant to be left alone. He was with me or my wife all the time, and even slept with us in the bed until he had his first surgery and couldnt jump up on the bed any longer. Then he slept next to us on the dog bed (finally got use of that thing!).

For me the most pleasure was knowing that after having a less than ideal life for his first few years, he had what I would say was the ideal dog life, in a loving family that really cared for him like a member of our family. He was a genuine pleasure to care for and like I said had not one bad bone in him. Just a really loving dog who knew he was part of the family and that he was loved dearly.

[MogulTx]

What a handsome fella! I am sure he is thankful for the years you devoted to him.

I lost my buddy almost 4 years ago. I can really feel for you while looking at the pics of your beautiful Gibson.

Monty

[Xray]

Fine looking fellow, condolences and RIP.

I lost my boy Roonie [big black and tan German Shep] after 12 years last year, I wasn't sure if I could go on without him we were so close.
I couldn't eat or sleep for almost a week, I was in the midst on many paying CNC projects but left them right where they lay for weeks ,,, And I had to join a pet loss support forum to get through it. Was really tough going out to the garage, he was a huge part of my routine out there, everything I saw especially his toys reminded me of him, I felt empty and lonely like I never have before, and I am pretty much a loner.

My daughter was home on leave [USMC] right at that time and she talked me into getting another dog, I wasn't that crazy about the idea but overall I think it helped. I'm a dog guy and can't be without one, not only for companionship but property protection as well.

He is no replacement for Roo, but he wasn't intended to be. They are all unique like people, and we are forging a new relationship. Sometimes I wonder if its worth it, as Roo was not the first dog I have lost, I have come to the conclusion that it is.
We know going in that they have a relatively short life span, and the intense joy and bond you get from them comes at a price.

Once again, sorry for your loss.

[myxpykalix]

The problem we as humans have is we adopt these animals and make them a part of our lives and love them as much as our children. They show unconditional love and loyalty sometimes more then human beings and we feel a need to do whatever it takes to keep them with us, but in the end i think we learn, as hard as it is, to let them go to end their suffering.

I think it is reassuring to see those who have posted about their pets and those who have expressed condolences to know we have a wonderful group of
SAPS!!:D:rolleyes: lol

[JoeinWestMich]

I am so sorry for you. I have been through that with our beagle, Al, who had to be put down. He developed lung cancer. It was a difficult day for us when the vet recommended he needed to be euthanized.

That was about 3 years ago, and I decided not to replace him due to commitments at work. I retired about 9 months ago. 4 months ago we found an abandoned chocolate lab puppy that was about 2 months. This beautiful female has taken over our hearts and fills a void that I forgot was there. Take some time and find another friend and companion. You sound like you have a lot to give.

Bless you.

Joe

[scottp55]

My sympathy for you and your family Andrew:(
Gone through it three times, and it Never gets easier.
Wonderful looking Pup!!
Take your time, but I think kids growing up with dogs is a Good Thing, and probably another dog needs as good a family as yours!
So sorry to hear, but sounds like waiting any longer would have been Cruel.
Consolations to your family.
scott

[harryball]

Sorry for your loss. You never have enough time and it can seem so unfair when they have to go early. When you're ready to save another you'll know. Until then know you were loved and appreciated.

[Brady Watson]

It's very sad. Probably the absolute saddest day ever. It is worse than when most people die. They don't have baggage and other junk to get in the way. They are pure and true - unlike humans.

I had to put my boy down last year. I had to call to bring someone to the farm to do it. I wasn't going to a cold vet's office. It was the longest and shortest day of my entire life at the same time. Boy did it suck bad.

My wife had the forethought to get a puppy 2 months before Grovy boy had to go. They are the best to have in your life...but when he passed I could only think that the other dogs were just deferred misery. Perhaps there's a lesson there...

I still miss that boy & you're gonna miss yours. No way around that. Another one softens the blow - and they'll be the 'imposter' for a while...but they eventually come around to be your new buddy. Nothing and no body will ever replace Gibson.

-B

[Ken Sully]

We had to do the same with our pal. The dog got insulin 2x a day for 6 years.
That was done by my wife. Glad she did it. In the end we knew it was time.
Andrew I feel your pain, sorry for your loss

[cowboy1296]

I look at my dog, who is not even 5 yet, and think how I will react when its his time. I am retired and work from the house so we are together a lot of the time.

[pappybaynes]

Condolences Andrew...I have had a dog for nearly every year for the last 60 years...never easy losing such a good friend...Dick

[Mark Farris]

Sorry to hear it Andrew, its never easy.

Mark

[gerryv]

Sad news Andrew. Been there a number of times so can appreciate how tough this can be, especially with you having been so involved with him.

[shilala]

Sorry, Andrew.
Amazing how much happiness they bring and how they galvanize a family around them.
My Bubs is a Weim and looks SO much like Gibson. He's just blue and a good bit bigger.
I can't even imagine losing him.

[signsbyjay]

Andrew,

We have been through this too many time our self. We currently have a Husky who is showing signs that it may happen again in the near future. My wife shared this photo on her face book just 2 days ago, I hope it helps you at this time.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10675595_736706189746961_3618847194124308426_n.jpg ?oh=e01693b97395393833b315f946f28b05&oe=55563BE8&__gda__=1435815988_445f643cbff7c6fd5c69ab608fbaa74 6

[Ajcoholic]

Thanks guys - the comments and sharing really help me. Before Gibson I had a Shepherd female for nearly 12 yrs. She passed after a year of ill health - that was tough seeing her go downhill for that long. In a way this time was easier since Gibson was doing well until just a few weeks ago.

I adopted Gibson only 6 days after I lost Teak. But that was when I was without children. Currently, with a 5 month old and a 3 1/2 yr old, I couldnt devote enough time to a new pup to make me happy. It will have to wait a bit until the baby grows up a bit. But well welcome another rescue into our home when I can be sure to have enough time to treat him/her right.

Again, thanks all for the posts.. it does make it somewhat easier to deal with.

[dewey_dog]

My condolences I have 3 and two of them are seniors so I know this will be my pain also sooner than later. It stings every time.......