Two weeks ago today we put down our dog, one of the hardest things

[Popeye]

I have ever done. 

We got Murphy, our Maltese 13 years ago, from a local breeder.  The boys wanted a dog and since we are allergic in the house, a Maltese was one of the better breeds to get, almost no shedding.

He was a great family dog, went with the family to the kids ball games, never on a leash.  He always kept us in his sight.  When he didn't want to be bothered by smaller kids, he slept under out chairs.  He stayed in the yard, sometimes sitting under a tree watching the kids play.

He also was by my side when I work nights from home, never more than a few feet away.  He always
sat with me when I watched TV.  In his later years, I had to pick him up to put him by me in the chair or put him in the truck when we went somewhere. He loved to stick his head out the window and feel the biker breeze.  Like they say, bikers know why dogs love to stick their heads out the windows.

Still trying to get used to the fact that he is gone. Lizzie and I decided we can't go through that again.
My mood has not improved much in the last two weeks. I know in time it will get easier but the house seems so empty without Murphy.

Sorry this has nothing to do with bikes, can't tell you how many times I tried to make this post. I have seen other posts about losing their pets and have felt their pain.

Thanks,

Popeye

[Stanley Steamer]

my Wife and I decided not to have kids but we have an 8 yr old Chihuahua.....and I dread the day when something major happens to her or we have to tell her goodbye...I'm sure I will cry like a Baby!!.....She thinks she's a little "Princess"...and is the real "boss" around here.....

I don't think we'll have another dog after she's gone either....

[Ted_N]

. . . is to put down a dog you love.  Done it several times and  it doesn't get easier.  My wife works in vet hospital and it's tough for them much of the time.

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

Went thru the same thing about 3 months ago with our loved Shana a 14 year old Rottie we got from the neighbor that saved her at the pound and couldn't keep her. BEST dog/companion we ever had and swear we will never have another. Wouldn't be fair as any dog we would have would fail by comparison. Still see her as I held her eyes when they gave her the shot. She went peaceful and isn't hurting anymore. Hang in there......................................

[VALKTERY]

Keep the faith popeye , it will get better . For me the 2 weeks befour putting our lab down and haveing to make that decision  was the hardest, 13 years makes for a very strong bond. and sounds like you and your dog were very close knit. some people need to jump back in and get another dog, I feel the same as you thoe and just can"t do it. there will always be those reminders of the good memories , but just know if your pet was in pain or was not able to do things a dog needs and wants to do, it was the kindest thing you could do for them...

[doubletee]

Sincerest condolences. I know how hard it is. It's been almost 3 years since we had to put down our Golden of >13 years. As others have said, we'll never have another. My wife would like one, but I don't ever want to endure that pain again.

If you're anything like me, Murphy will probably never be far from your thoughts, no matter how many years pass. But, it does get a bit easier with time. Hang in there.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

We had a Siberian Husky his name was Doc for over 14 years and when he died it really hit my wife and kids very hard I'll admit I shed some tears myself. We've not and never will have another dog no sence in putting yourself through that kind of misery IMO .

[the inspector]

I gotta tell you Popeye, I know how you feel we had to put our beloved pet down and I know that is one of the hardest things to do. It almost seems to me that your love for your pets is deeper then some people you know including family. Your pets always had unconditional love for you and that is deep my friend. So if you find youeself crying it's OK most of us tough motorcycle guys and gals will be crying along with you.......

"the inspector"

[rainman]

Know what you are going through.  Wife and I have had two malamute’s one was a giant. We had to put her down at the age of 15 and said the same thing we never have another one. 4 years later we got the giant malamute.  She just up and died in my wife’s arms at the age of 4.  This time we said we would never have another dog.  And again we got another on about 3 years ago only this time we got a German shepherd.  Toyha  that’s her name will not leave are side she thinks she is on of us. Can’t even go to the bathroom without her wanting to be right there.  And as far as toyha and the grandkids will just try and lay a hand on them and you will end up with some teeth marks on you. And if you are a stranger you will be missing some fingers. She sleeps on my side of the bed in the floor but if she had her way she in the bed with us (ant going to happen). I will say one thing about her. I wished my kids would lesson as will and as good as toyha does.
Hang in there popeye things will get better and you love dogs as it sounds in time you all will find another. 

[Hotrodwing]

I feel your pain also our shelti died last valentines day>  I knew it was coming i could just tell spent the last few night before hand with him. He went in his sleep and looked at peace. The next part was not at all easy.  Since it was so cold out I had to build a fire to thaw the ground so i could bury him next to our Samoyed.  After Sheba our smoyed died I felt the same way. I did not want another dog but my wife and daughter got Checkers the shelti he was a show dog, but other than walk next to you on or off a leash he would not play or rarely bark. I felt sorry for him and figured he was better off with us where he could try to be a normal dog. It never really happened but I am sure he knew he was loved none the less.. Still miss him but never got really attached as our samoyed.  We now have a maltese who is a little manic and follows me all over.  The wife wants to take him on the bike but not sure on that part yet.  The only other thing I can say is rember the good times I am sure they will out way the bad it will take time.. God Bless

[sugarbee]

it IS a difficult decision to make.  We had to put our beloved Spuddy down, my daughter was the only one with guts enough to go in with him when they did it, I just could not do it.  She said he looked into her eyes, and then he was gone 

They become family members to us...and we still miss that little bugger.

[..]

Another gant in my eye.

I'm stareing this event right in the face.

[f6john]

  There's a lot of responsibility involved in being a pet owner. It's not for everyone as is evidenced by the shabby treatment some owners exhibit. We're only on this world a relatively short time and I can not think of a better way to keep in touch with our innermost selves than through a pet. They have a way of looking past our faults and find the good as only true friends do. The pain associated with the loss can only be an indication of the importance they were to the family. If we are to compare our pain of the loss of our own pet, we only need visit a local animal shelter. I could not work in even the best one out there but I am glad to know that there are those who can and do.

   I only suggest that when we are feeling down but maybe a little hopeful, visit an animal shelter just to see if there isn't a loyal, deserving, friend in need just waiting for us to share the love that we know we have.