13 Years and 7 Days

[gary_in_neenah]

I wasn't going to post this as I thought members might be getting tired of these stories but we lost our Yellow Lab this morning and I felt it's the least I can offer a great dog that gave us 13 years and 7 days of love and companionship. Molly had been in declining health since February, mostly Chronic Arthritis in her hips although she made it out for her daily walk until the last day of her life. Recents months also indicated some dimensia setting in with anxiety issues. Nevertheless, even on her worst days she never failed to greet me at the door when I came home from work.



We knew time was getting short and had talked with the vet concerning procedures, costs, etc.
In recent days she'd been heavily medicated for pain and anxiety and her personality was just a shadow of herself. I came down for breakfast this morning and she couldn't get up to greet me, the best she could do is raise up on her front legs...and that's when I knew that today would be the day.

Of course this had to happen on a Sunday when everything is closed. We were able to locate an Animal Hospital in Appleton that could take us and we made the drive that I had dreaded for some time. Thanks to the people of the Fox Valley Animal Referrals, you helped us through a difficult day and your kindness and professionalism shows.

I didn't mean to take up this much space on John Dee but I guess it's was one of those days that requires some closure. If you've got a dog at home tonight, give'm a nice hug or scratch behind the ears because they're with us for such a short time.

Gary

 

[snoluver1]

Sorry for your loss Gary. Its always tough loosing your buddy. 13 years is a lot of memories, and don't worry, nobody here is going to fault you for trying to get some closure. I'm sure many more will chime in with words of condolence better than mine. Just know, a lot of us feel your pain.

 

[ezra]

hard day sorry for the loss of Molly. I am sure she had 13 great yrs. molly will be waiting for u when it is your turn to walk through the gates

 

[Admin]

Sorry for your loss Gary. 13 years is a nice long time for a lab, although it sure is never long enough.

Hang in there, time really does heal all wounds.

-John

 

[LoveMyDobe]

You are in good company with us dog people on JD. I feel your pain as all us do. This kinda thread has been happening WAY too much lately. I cry everytime someone post a death of their fur kids. It is very hard for you and your family, you will never get over it, you will just get thru it. Spoken from experience of losing many Dobes in my life.

 

[willey]

Gary, so sorry for your loss. I just went through it back in June with my Golden Retriever and the pain goes away. The memories are what bring smiles and joy knowing they gave us all they could in that short time they are with us.

-Bill

 

[jr37]

Sorry Gary!

I had to reach down and give my sleeping "fur lizzard" a little pet as I read your story.

 

[Deleted member 10829]

I am glad you shared your story with us, it's all part of the healing process. We have 3 dogs at home and I dread the day when I have to make the same decision. It's not that far away for our Jack Russell.

Molly sounds like she was a great dog, and for a lab, she lived a very full life and was lucky to have a family like yours, by all indications.

 

[skiroule]

Gary, this is especially tough, since I consider you to be one of my closest JD friends. Even though many years can pass, it just seems like our time with our four legged friends is all too short. Don’t even think about the need to apologize for expressing your feelings here. Like LoveMyDobe said, a lot of us have made that journey and always shed a tear when we read about someone losing their long time companion.

Our daughter has a big golden name Molly and even though she is not our dog I will be heartbroken when her time comes. Before coming downstairs to check the board I was sitting with our youngest dog family member sleeping on my lap. This takes on a little more meaning tonight.

Take care.

 

[polarisrider1]

Sorry for your loss Gary. You are amongst friends. Now to scoot my dogs back over to my wifes side of the bed. A new puppy is what Molly would want you to have.

 

[bigvin]

Gary,

Sorry for your loss bro.
Cherrish the memories.

 

[Bradzoo]

Gary, very sorry for your loss, I think the older we get the harder it gets on us.

 

[mezz]

No need to apologize, I am very sorry to hear the sad news. 13 years, your a lucky man. As mspease stated, your posting helps begin the healing process, & as John stated, time does heal. Been there a couple of times, take care.-Mezz

 

[joks79]

Sorry for your lose. I lost one of my dogs last month. I miss him everyday, but it helps to think of all the smiles he gave me.

 

[cummins]

Sorry about your lose; we just went thru the same thing two months ago. Time does ease the pain. I still got choked up a month after we lost Gracie, certain things will trigger your memories of Molly and the tears will eventually change to smiles and the happy times you had with her. All the responses from the J D members helped me and will you too. You'll eventually know when its time for a new buddy, please consider a rescue/shelter dog.

 

[choc_lab]

Sorry for your loss ,I feel your pain I just lost my 13 year old Lab this last summer . Time does ease the pain but you will never forget the fun things you did and the places you went with Molly

 

[MonkeyWrench]

The choice you made for Molly was difficult. I am not usually one comment (hence my lack of posts), but felt compelled to offer my condolences.
We have been through this twice in almost as many years.(we don't have children, so you can imagine it was tough)
What I can share is it is harder than most realize, and that's OK.
Soon the good memories will outweigh the loss.
We did get a new puppy after losing each one, more for the loss of companionship of our other pup(seemed more difficult for them). Neither replace the buddy(s) we lost but brought new positive energy and different Quirks.

The youngest is not quite housebroken yet, but we are much better that were with the first two. Hopefully on our last case of Bounty.
Thank god for tile!
You'd never think a steaming pile would bring a smile, but it can!

Josh

 

[gary_in_neenah]

A short note to thank all those with the kind words. Like so many have said, each day gets a little bit better. I lost my dad a couple of years ago and the thoughts and feelings are much the same in losing one of our pets. It's not easy but it is part of the Life Cycle that we all encounter.

To all those that posted their thoughts, thank you it was much appreciated.

Gary

 

[smgabe]

So sorry to hear of your loss Gary! As a lab-bud I know exactly how you feel... lost my baby-girl a few months ago (she was a little over twelve). They'll never be forgotten...!

 

[crispyknite]

Sorry for your loss gary. What a pretty girl she was.