Been up all night... feeling sooooo guilty... :(

Thanks carmac.

Totally agree with you CT, it is the best thing, there is no alternative and the making of the decision was the easy bit. If we didn't make that decision, she would suffer a painful, lingering end over the course of many hours.

Gotta say, we don't arf love out pets eh!
 
John, Sorry to read about your Belle, as one who has only recently gone through the same heart wrenching decision 16 days ago this has brought tears to my eyes, not because it reminds me of Willis, our Cavalier, but because I genuinely feel for what you are going through.

Have a good cry like we did, however hard it was to make the decision, the joy Belle has brought you will through time far outweigh the sadness and pain of saying goodbye to her.

Thinking of you,

Mal.
 
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stay strong my friend. :thumbs:
 
Sorry to hear about your poor friend.

I'm an insulin dependant diabetic myself and I can tell you that sometimes it's extremely difficult to control my blood glucose. Things like exercise, sickness, drink, and even emotions can throw readings way out of whack. I can't imagine trying to control it for a dog!

I hope everyone does ok. You'll no doubt have lots of great photographic memories :)

George.
 
:( So sorry to hear your sad news. You and your family have my heartfelt sympathy - I know all too well that it's a heartbreaking time for all. :'(

Try and take some consolation in the fact that you gave Belle a fantastic life - and gave her all the love she could ever have wanted. :love:

Ian
 
It's the measure of a caring owner to do the right thing even though it hurts like hell.

Take care of each other.

Sending much love.
xx
 
My thoughts are with you and your wife john..:'(


and a special hug for heather :'(


md:(
 
Galaxy66 said:
John, Sorry to read about your Belle, as one who has only recently gone through the same heart wrenching decision 16 days ago this has brought tears to my eyes, not because it reminds me of Willis, our Cavalier, but because I genuinely feel for what you are going through.

Have a good cry like we did, however hard it was to make the decision, the joy Belle has brought you will through time far outweigh the sadness and pain of saying goodbye to her.

Thinking of you,

Mal.
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Thanks Mal for your wonderful comments. I sure did have a good cry, and I am not afraid to admit it either.

Nikonian said:
stay strong my friend. :thumbs:
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I will try. You're a good un Nikonian, thanks.

BadgerLover said:
Sorry to hear about your poor friend.

I'm an insulin dependant diabetic myself and I can tell you that sometimes it's extremely difficult to control my blood glucose. Things like exercise, sickness, drink, and even emotions can throw readings way out of whack. I can't imagine trying to control it for a dog!

I hope everyone does ok. You'll no doubt have lots of great photographic memories :)

George.
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Thanks George. You're spot on there... she may be a dog, but she absolutely was my friend. We took Belles medication and treatment seriously - and is why we decided not to have her put to sleep when she was diagnosed with diabetes. We worked hard to give her quality of life, trying to make up for what she could no longer do day-to-day. I am happy we did that.

irw1 said:
:( So sorry to hear your sad news. You and your family have my heartfelt sympathy - I know all too well that it's a heartbreaking time for all. :'(

Try and take some consolation in the fact that you gave Belle a fantastic life - and gave her all the love she could ever have wanted. :love:

Ian
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Many thanks Ian, your comments are appreciated.

AliB said:
It's the measure of a caring owner to do the right thing even though it hurts like hell.

Take care of each other.

Sending much love.
xx
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Thankyou Ali, family matters all the time, but it's times like these when family matters even more. Heather was really upset, but by golly she was my rock. What a girl.
..MD.. said:
My thoughts are with you and your wife john..:'(


and a special hug for heather :'(


md:(
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Many thanks Dave, I shall tell Heather you said that - she often asks of you... the guy who lent Heather his hat... "I liked him Dad". You made an impression there matey... :)

Well everyone, she's gone, and I have to say that though she went peacefully and in no pain, it was without any shadow of a doubt, one of the worst experiences of my life. I didn't end up taking any shots, as I simply could not bring myself to, Belle looked awful and had gone downhill significantly since we dropped her at the vets this morning. When we arrived at the surgery, she looked dreadful; so sad, so pitiful, I didn't want to take any shots. Jen took a few on her iPhone though and I shall post just the one here.

I picked Heather up from school early as there was a chance she would go straight to her friends house and not have a chance to say her goodbyes. I have to say though, that even though Heather was very upset and cried loads, she was also my rock. She had never seen Dad so upset before, and she rose to the occasion. What a girl, I am so proud of her.

Sorry for sounding like a blabbering old fool folks, but Belle was my loveable, smelly, 'old girl', and I loved her tremendously. I'll leave this thread for now with the last image we have of Belle. I am holding her with Hev next to me. I know it was for the right reasons, but I really don't like playing God. Ten minutes after this shot was taken, she was gone.

Thanks to you all for your wonderful 'virtual' but nonetheless, tangible, support.

p515590706.jpg
 
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I'm so sorry you have had to go through this - I know from experience how devastating it is. I have had to make the decision with a number of my past furry family members and being there at the end has never failed to make me feel like a total traitor - even though it is obviously the right thing to do and I knew I owed it to them to be there and hold them as they took their last breath.

It sounds as though you gave Belle a great life and the sad thing is for the priviledge of knowing her you now have to live with the pain of losing her too. I often think that the amount of pain you feel equates to the amount of love and joy they give you. You will be able to enjoy all those lovely memories when the immediate emptiness and pain she has left behind behind recedes but for now you and your family have my deepest sympathy xxx
 
really feel for you, so sorry. my dog is getting on in years now and i know that he hasnt much time left, and as i have chance to move away soon he is 1 reason that would make me not leave, pets do that to you.
but reading this thread, what you have to remember is that 1 1/2-2 years ago you thought that you was going to loose Belle and she pulled through, and then you managed to give her a couple more years of love, happiness and life, remember her, and yes be sad for a while, but then be glad of what she gave to you and the life you gave to her

Gary
(written with tears in my eyes)
 
I'm so very sorry to hear your sad news. As a Cavalier owner myself, and having lost 2 of ours last year, I know exactly how you feel. She looks like a lovely girl and tough with it, given all she went through last year and before.
No shame in crying over a loved one, I still shed an occasional tear over those I lost and was inconsolable for a while.
She will never really be completely gone as she will remain in your heart, always.
My sympathy to you both at this unhappy time.
 
So so sorry to hear about this. Like many others I imagine, I have a tear or two in my eyes typing this! But what a beautiful girl she was - and just think what a great amount of love and care you gave her for all those years...she really couldnt have had a better home. Best to you all and hope you are ok xxx
 
We are all thinking of you and your family, John. Terribly sad news.

I dont know if you know these few lines but I will add them anyway, they seem to give a great deal of people in your situation a lot of comfort. I think Heather especially might like them.


Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigour; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....




Janice
 
Janice said:
We are all thinking of you and your family, John. Terribly sad news.

I dont know if you know these few lines but I will add them anyway, they seem to give a great deal of people in your situation a lot of comfort. I think Heather especially might like them.


Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigour; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....




Janice
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John, we found this poem very comforting when Janice kindly posted it to us shortly after losing Willis, I am sure it will be the same for you.
 
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John - sorry to hear about Belle, it's awful to lose your pets (family members)

That's a beautiful poem Janice, may I send it to a friend who has just lost their spaniel?
 
John, sorry to hear about that :(

Like said, even though it might not be a consolation to you now. You made the right choice, and you've given her a great life. So there's no doubt she went with a thankyou smile :)
 
My parents recently lost their dog, they took comfort from this poem i sent them, hope it helps xx

May I go now?

May I go now?
Do you think the time is right for me.
I've lived my life and done my best,
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?

I didn't want to go at first,
I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now
to a warm and loving light.

I want to go. I really do.
It's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day.

To give you time to care for me
and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and afraid,
because I see your tears.

I'll not be far I promise that,
and hope you'll always know
that my spirit will be close to you
wherever you may go.

Thank you so for loving me.
You know I love you, too.
That's why it's hard to say goodbye
and end this life with you.

So hold me now just one more time
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me,
you'll let me go today.
 
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