Discussion
I've um'd and ah'd about posting this, I am finding it helpful to talk about it, and writing it down is helping me to process how I'm feeling.
I had to make the heart breaking decision on Wednesday to let Jake go. He spent his 13 1/2 years with us time playing, sleeping, running about, chewing, stealing food, socks and shoes. He would often disappear off when we were on our walks and when he re-appeared he would have found a ball or sometimes two in the grass that he'd proudly then parade around with, or failing that he'd pick up the biggest stick he could find I'm talking massive branches and carry that about instead.
The last few months his spirit was strong but his body weakened, we did what we could for him, making sure on his good days we made the most of them with a short walk or taking him swimming which being a Lab he loved, some days he'd just want to sleep and nothing made him happier than being curled up on the sofa with his favourite humans being spoilt and being fed his favourite treats.
He spent his last day with me being cuddled, stroked and spoilt, we took our last trip together in the car to the local vet and I held him in my arms as he took his last breath as the vet put him to sleep and I'm glad I was there with him so that he wasn't on his own.
I'm struggling to cope with the fact he's gone, I know I did the right thing for him, he could not do the things he loved doing anymore and his quality of life was not what I wanted for him and when he refused his breakfast on his last day with us, I think that was his way of telling me it was time to let him go.
I like to think he's now at the Rainbow Bridge or wherever dogs go, with his sister who we lost in 2020, both running around like lunatics playing together just like they did when they had their time here with us.
Jake
His sister Tessie that we had to say goodbye to in 2020
Both of them together
and Luna who we came to join us a few years ago and I've been very grateful of her company the last few days, we've spent hours walking about the local lanes and parks, just watching her play and gamble about is a reminder that life still goes on and the joy that dog ownership brings and she's been a great source of comfort these last few days.
I had to make the heart breaking decision on Wednesday to let Jake go. He spent his 13 1/2 years with us time playing, sleeping, running about, chewing, stealing food, socks and shoes. He would often disappear off when we were on our walks and when he re-appeared he would have found a ball or sometimes two in the grass that he'd proudly then parade around with, or failing that he'd pick up the biggest stick he could find I'm talking massive branches and carry that about instead.
The last few months his spirit was strong but his body weakened, we did what we could for him, making sure on his good days we made the most of them with a short walk or taking him swimming which being a Lab he loved, some days he'd just want to sleep and nothing made him happier than being curled up on the sofa with his favourite humans being spoilt and being fed his favourite treats.
He spent his last day with me being cuddled, stroked and spoilt, we took our last trip together in the car to the local vet and I held him in my arms as he took his last breath as the vet put him to sleep and I'm glad I was there with him so that he wasn't on his own.
I'm struggling to cope with the fact he's gone, I know I did the right thing for him, he could not do the things he loved doing anymore and his quality of life was not what I wanted for him and when he refused his breakfast on his last day with us, I think that was his way of telling me it was time to let him go.
I like to think he's now at the Rainbow Bridge or wherever dogs go, with his sister who we lost in 2020, both running around like lunatics playing together just like they did when they had their time here with us.
Jake
His sister Tessie that we had to say goodbye to in 2020
Both of them together
and Luna who we came to join us a few years ago and I've been very grateful of her company the last few days, we've spent hours walking about the local lanes and parks, just watching her play and gamble about is a reminder that life still goes on and the joy that dog ownership brings and she's been a great source of comfort these last few days.
Edited by fizzwheel on Friday 17th February 19:57
I feel for you. It’s taken me 10 years to be ready for another dog (see Vizsla/Pointer thread) and yet your post instantly made the room very dusty!
Dogs have many fantastic attributes but for me, without doubt, the best one is that they are never not delighted to see you! Even if they know they’ve been a bit naughty!
Dogs have many fantastic attributes but for me, without doubt, the best one is that they are never not delighted to see you! Even if they know they’ve been a bit naughty!
Wow, stunning pair - RIP Jake and Tessie, as others have said, very sorry. Fantastic photos; what an amazing time they had together. It's just over a year since my first dog (also a black lab died) I still miss her, but I am very grateful for the joy she brought into our lives. We are all made up of borrowed stardust, and you will be reunited.
moorx said:
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful boy; Jake was a lucky boy to have been so loved for so long.
My first dog (of my own) was also called Jake so this touched me even more.
I am thinking of you and wishing you strength, I know it is a horrible time.
Our first was a rescue we called Jake, aka Jakey pup, aka cupcake.......My first dog (of my own) was also called Jake so this touched me even more.
I am thinking of you and wishing you strength, I know it is a horrible time.
So sorry for your loss, I know just how hard it is.....
In time, you will only ever smile when you remember him and the things he did.......
sorry to read that. A sad story, handsome animals.
On another thread, we had out cat put to sleep a month ago. Was sad, the vet had treated him since he was run over & she too was upset. But it was painless & the right thing to do. A kind thing to do.
Since then, the MIL passed away in hospital. Basically starved herself to death. The cats ending was far more humane..
On another thread, we had out cat put to sleep a month ago. Was sad, the vet had treated him since he was run over & she too was upset. But it was painless & the right thing to do. A kind thing to do.
Since then, the MIL passed away in hospital. Basically starved herself to death. The cats ending was far more humane..
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