Got the Veterinarian coming.

[NM_Shooter]

I'm afraid that my old dog has seen his last sunrise. 

Ben's legs have been giving out, and today he collapsed in the house.  I had to help him get outside, and he collapsed in the yard and could not move.  I carried him back into the shade on a dog bed, and he has been there for six hours, trying to get up once in awhile.  It's time.  I called my wife and kids, and they'll be here for an hour or so before the vet arrives. 

I knew this was going to be hard, but I didn't realize the extent.

[MountainDon]

I'm real sorry to hear about Ben. He seemed to be a very nice well behaved old soul.

It's hard to see them go. I still think of my/our cairn terrier who lived with us for 16 years.

Our condolences to A, M and S and you

[fishing_guy]

You have our sympathies.  We had to put down our black lab/Newfie mix a couple of weeks ago.  We knew it was time.  He had us for 10 1/2 great years.  

[rick91351]

It is surprising how big a hole they leave when they are gone.   

[kenhill]

It is a sad day when you lose such a good friend.  Ours climbed mountain peaks with my wife.  Climbed a local peak one day and the next day had a stroke.  We went to the vet and the dog stumbled over to the vet and put her head against the vets leg like she was saying it is ok, it is time for me to go.  It was very emotional.

[muldoon]

sorry nm, it's tough losing a member of the family and thats what they are.  can you post some pictures of him?  sounds like a hell of a good friend. 

[Homegrown Tomatoes]

sorry to hear that Shooter

[dug]

My condolences also.

I am going through the exact same turmoil right now. My dog, who I've had since a pup is losing his legs as well as being deaf and half blind. He still has good days, just lying in the sun, but as I write he has fallen on the porch (again) and awaiting my help. Just 3 months ago we walked several miles each day.

I can understand what a tough decision you faced.

[NM_Shooter]

Thanks to all.  It was most rough for my youngest daughter, but I'm glad we were all here at home and Ben didn't have to go in to the vet.  He was a good one.  We got him as a rescue dog... somebody had mistreated him and dumped him out on the interstate when he was about 4 or 5 years old.  We adopted him from a rescue group.

He didn't jump, lick or bark.  He knew which rooms he could be in, and you could teach him anything if you were holding a dog biscuit.  He would sit on the driveway and wave his paw at friends when they left.  After he went deaf, he learned our hand commands sort of by himself, as he was always looking to please us. 

My oldest daughter said it best a little while ago.  She said she was glad that he was part of our family.

Me too.  Rest in peace Ben! 

[bayview]

   Our condolences . . .   

   Our pets are a big part of our lives.   Some, we treat almost as our children.   They can bring us a lot of happiness and joy.

/

[peternap]

Sorry Shooter!
They really are one of the kids and your best friend rolled up in one.

I haven't cried about anything since I was 6 or so but bawled like a newborn when we had to put our last one down. I'm praying Zeus outlasts me because he would be harder.

[StinkerBell]

<HUG>

[Sassy]

So sorry     Thanks for posting the picture - he looks like he was quite a friend & beautiful, too.

[glenn kangiser]

Sorry bout that Frank.  I hope it will not be too long until another "right" dog comes along.