My ornery one...godspeed

[Canula2000]

Yesterday I brought my fanc girl home and buried her in the yard. It was one of the hardest things I have yet had to do in my life. I loved that dog, as much trouble as she was. I keep saying she is just a dog but really she is more…she is MY dog! If only I could have been more, done more, if I had not had kids, or not had other dogs then she would have been okay and here with me.

I have never known an animal so smart and clever and humorous and mischievous and stubborn yet so wonderfully devoted to me. I loved that dumb dog.

It has been a long journey with that crazy girl and now that the journey is over sadness is here but there is a certain amount of relief and calmness that I have not felt in a long time.
I want to thank all who have helped make this dog’s life good as short as it was…your help on this forum was more than I could have ever imagined. When we were looking into euthanasia at one year old I never thought she would become anything she did. She was “managed” and lived a happy life until her end.

I especially want to thank JudyW who answered all the hard questions and made it real. I want to end with her special quote that helped me walk the walk….

“Dear friend,
I know how very hard you have worked with this girl and of course the more time and effort we put in, the more committed we tend to be. It is hard to discontinue a project even when it is turning out badly. Not meant unkindly, but I often wonder how much of that commitment people have (not just you) is affected by the thought that it is someone else who is likely to be the one bitten? Or the other family members who must constantly adjust normal living to accommodate your commitment to this dog? I would not like to think that my family and children especially, had to monitor all their friends and activities because I was more committed to a dog than their comfort in their own home. In such situations, the child who forgets is often bawled out for being careless. Well, who exactly is being careless and what message does this give to your children? Are they the ones who will be filled with accusations and guilt if one of their friends is injured? Do your feelings about this dog supercede your commitment and responsibilities towards the home you are providing for your family?”

[debbiej]

I'm so sorry that you had to let your girl go, she is free now. how good that she had as happy a life as she could, that she had you to keep her safe and managed. my thoughts are with you.

[tilly]

i don't know your situation, nor did i know your dog. you clearly had a very hard decision to make, but you did what was best for your dog. it is obvious you loved her very much. and you proved it by setting her free.

i am thinking of you.
mathilda

[KatMc]

I'm sorry for the decision you had to make, but it sounds like you made the most loving and unselfish choice for your dog and your family.

Godspeed little one,

Kathy

[livertw]

You gave her the greatest token of your love by setting her free. Rest in Peace.

[goforit]

You did you best, and now you have done what's best for her as well as your family. God Bless

[Troodie's Mom]

They are never just a dog, they are our friends and our family,
they live in our hearts. They also know we love them, and clearly
you gave so much. I'm sorry for your loss.

[miccmill]

Oh boy,just seeing this. I'm sorry for you loss.

I'm managing a dog with issues also and your experiences have "gone before" to help teach me things I needed to know. There have been honest words from JudyW to myself as well.

Thank you for posting about your final act of compassion for your special girl. If I need to make a tough decision in the future, I'll make the right decision because folks like you shared your experiences.

[blackluv]

What a lucky girl to have had you on her side, watching out for her! My thoughts are with you at this time.

God speed precious girl - you are now free of all hurts.

Moni