Unlike some here I am not real good at words in cases like this. I had to have my best friend put to sleep today. I guess I am fortunate that this is the saddest day of my life and that unlike losing a child I will soon have nothing but fond memories. I am certain all dogs go to heaven.

Hugo,

I understand--completely. I had two dogs I had to have put to sleep at age 14 and two cats, one age 17 and the other at 13.

Cat's automatically go to "heaven" also. If there are no cats in heaven, what will dogs have to chase? If there are no birds or mice, what will cats have to do?

The loss of a long time pet can be just as devastating as the loss of any other family member.

I feel for your loss, Hugo.

Anyone who has gone through the loss of a pet understands what you
are feeling. It will take time to heal. Try to remember that you are not
alone in your sorrow.

Dogs offer unconditional love. They give love to those who mistreat them, and even more love to those who treat them well. I never met a dog who didn't have some good in him, and some dogs I have met struck me as better souls than some people. My two dogs are bounteous sources of love, inspiring aficionados of a warm bed, and they eat their dog food with the triumphant joy of a true gourmand. One of the greatest joys in my life is the opportunity to provide them with boundless land on which to run and play, good food, good veterinary care, and a good home. I dread the day when I must face what you faced today.

Any dog who lives 15 years is obviously well cared for. You did very well by Sheila.

I am terribly sorry for your loss, Hugo. We put our dog to sleep (he was having congestive heart failure) a couple of summers ago. He had been our "baby" for 13 years....way before the children came into our lives. Losing a beloved pet is like losing a family member or friend. It is awful.

Hugo, I can completely understand what you're going through. I have a cat to which I am very bonded. When the day comes for her... Well, for what it's worth, I understand.

Sorry to hear this, Hugo. Losing part of your family is never easy. You have my condolences.

I understand. I have had to have cats euthanized to end their suffering. You have my very best wishes.

Hugo, I'm really sorry about your loss. You truly have my condolences.

Yep, the dog's name was Jake for me, lab/irish/golden mix. Hit by a car in the 80s, seems like yesterday. He was injured too badly for a cure. They don't make wheel chairs for dogs.

Couple of cats passed on here, rag dolls. They aren't very hardy, tail end of Lydia's breeding stock. Silver, the feral cat, got it out in the hills -- coyotes or mountain lion. He was a bold one who probably went out hissing and scratching like a demon, his grey-black markings flashing in the starlight.

Take care & get another pup. Love comes and goes, each experience different, and each one better somehow.

Peace

Hugo -- I am so, so, sorry to hear of your loss. There is nothing anyone can really say to make it feel any better! But like Erassmussimo said, if Sheila lived till 15 -- she was very well taken care of and had a wonderful life!

Sorry Hugo.

Putting an animal to sleep is one of those decisions where you know you are doing the right thing but it still feels wrong.

It is a shame we do not have pets which live as long as we humans do.

Sheila had a long life at 15. She must have had a good life.

Hugo, I am sorry for your loss. My furry buddy died two years ago, after spending 13 years by my side. I am still uneasy about getting another dog, though my wife and kids both want one.

I ran across a poem (kind of) from somewhere, a while back. I'm not ashamed to say that it brings a tear to my eye everytime I read it. Hopefully you will find some solace in the hope that you may see Sheila again.

Rainbow Bridge

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 vigor; 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....

Author unknown...

Hugo, I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved dog. One of the hardest things we have to do as pet lovers is know when to let go. You have my sincerest condolences.

Thanks to everyone.

Forgive me for not seeing this sooner, Hugo. I am sorry for your loss, and I certainly understand how wonderful it is to have a truly good four-legged companion, and then to lose that companion.

When I was five years old, I got a water spaniel puppy named George. George was my playmate and confidant for many years. When I told him my problems, George would make sympathetic noises; I think he was trying to talk to me.

So before I started kindergarten I had George. During my freshman year in junior college, George died. He was a great friend. I was inconsolable for a while.

Thank you for sharing this. God must surely appreciate good dogs like Sheila and George.

I just saw this as well, and I'm truly sorry for your loss.

I am very attached to my own dogs, and I would be absolutely devistated in your scenario. There's not a day that goes by that my life isn't improved by the presence of my furry friends.

For some of us, our pets are our children, our best friends. When I imagine the end of my "friend" or hear about the loss of your friend, I am overwhelmed with pain and sadness and tears, and then I realize that on the flip-side of "the evil that men do", is the goodnesss and the righteousness and the empathy of many more men.

You are obviously one of the good folk! Invest your love in a new "friend"!

Our family recently had to put our dog of 15 years to sleep. The best thing one can do in this case is to thank them for the time they've spent and be with them in their last moments. My sympathies, bro.

Got another dog, a beagle, named Spencer, adopted from the pound. He is a royal pain in the rear right now. Gotta get him housetrained or his outside time is gonna increase. A sweet dog though.

Tough love in action.

Congratulations! & thanks for rescuing a pooch from animal jail.

For all those in this thread who haven't read it...any dog-lover must read Where the Red Fern GrowsWhere The Red Fern Grows. We had a German Shepherd, among many dogs...name of Lesco. Was deaf in one year. Got hit by a truck when he was sleeping on the road. One of the best natured dogs you'd ever find. Trucker that hit him was a dog lover too...he brought him to us after the accident. We buried him on a hill near our house. Later that year...red ferns grew there, in that exact spot.

Yes, indeed, all dogs do go to heaven.

Sorry to hear about your dog. I am a dog lover myself. My last dog died many years ago and I still miss her everyday.

I hope that Spencer will work out for you and prove to be yet another good friend, Hugo.

Congrats Hugo, and nice job saving one from the pound. Although a huge dog lover I’ve always had a special place for beagles, immensely loyal and intelligent.

Spencer will be alright. I have more patience with dogs than I do people. I guess that's because I've never had a dog let me down.

Hugo, I am certain you have never let anyone down, your dogs included.

You are not using the space for a picture in your profile. Why don't you take one and put it in your profile so we can see what Spencer looks like.

All in all, it sounds like Spencer is one lucky dog.

Good for you for rescuing a pup, Hugo! Beagles are wonderful dogs, and Spencer is a great name.