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Archived Message

ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
by LibbyJ

I had to put my "Best Friend" to sleep last night. My dog, Chico was 16 years old and the only child I have ever had. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. It hurts so bad. Like someone ripped my heart out. I can't stop crying. He had been sick for a few months, losing weight, not eating. He was skin and bones. The vet said his liver and kidneys were shutting down because his skin was turning yellow. I just want to tell all Dog owners to love their dogs and treasure the short time you have with them. My Chico was treated like a King. I will miss him dearly. Libby95

DISCUSSION:

My heart goes out to you, as I to had to put my best friend down 2/1/96. I had her creamated, she is here at home in a little brass urn, my children have been instructed when I die my beloved little Tasha goes down with me. 2/1/ is also my birthday. Tasha would have been 16 in June. I miss her so much. I now have a little pomernian, and I do love her but no way near what I felt for the Maltest. I was going toget another Maltese,but was afraid I would always be comparing, I felt it wouldn't be fair. Dottie
-Dottie

Dear Libby, I understand your grief and send you a big hug. We went through a similar experience earlier this year, our Rastus was also 16 and it was the worst thing that had ever happened to me. You will never forget your Chico because he will live in your heart forever. These wonderful little dogs are so much a part of our lives and give so much to us that when we lose them it is unbearable. I know that this would be the last thing on your mind at the moment but I hope that perhaps some day a new fluffball will help to ease your pain. Chico would want you to be happy more than anything else in the world.
-Deanna (Moose & Squirrel)

Libby, I know this doesn't help much but I do know how you feel and send my deepest sympathy. I had a 17 yr old Yorkie who was my first and had to be put down also. It is something I will never forget (and it was 11 years ago) but have survived. What you had to do was in the best interest of Chico and I'm sure he couldn't have asked for a better Mom. Be kind to youself and in time, your heart will heal. Again, my deepest sympathy.
-Robin D.

I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am. I can not even begin to understand the hurt that you are feeling right now. Just know that no matter how hard it is now you best friend is much better now. Please know that you are in my thoughts. Yavonda, Fergie and Bacci
-Yavonda

Libby: So sorry, Koko, Shayna and I hope your pain goes away, but we know you will never forget your baby. Our prayers are with you.
-Shelley

So Sorry to hear of your loss. I also recently had to put my best friend to sleep. My Taffy was also 16 years old and very sick. Although it's hard to beleive the pain will lessen. I will be praying for you.
-connie

I'm sorry to hear about your little pal. It's like losing a member of the family. Time does help. When our dog died a few years ago we thought we'd never want another one. They're too hard to lose. But, after awhile we did get a new maltese puppy. She's so delightful. It helped to fill the void. Even though she'll never replace our first maltese, we now have a new little fluffball to love.
-Darline

Libby - My heart and prayers go out to you! The very best friend I ever had was my Maltese, Coco, who died at the age of 12 years on April 29 of this year. My heart still aches for that precious little ball of sunshine and fur! I never realized that losing her would be that traumatic, but she was part of everything in my life. Please know that the memory and love doesn't fade, but eventually the pain begins to lessen. I cried day and night for 2 weeks, took Xanax daily, and prayed a lot. Since then, a new little fur-ball has joined me - Mali, a female Maltese full of life and spirit! I love her very much, but my memories of Coco have not dimmed. I wish that I had known about this website at the time of my loss. There are so many wonderful, caring people that post here regularly. Also, I highly recommend that you check the fantastic site - petloss.com - another place I wish I had had when I was going through the hardest times. My friends sent me a beautiful Hallmark card at the time of my loss: "They will not go quietly, the pets who've shared our lives. In subtle ways they let us know their spirit still survives. Old habits still can make us think we hear them at the door or step back when we drop a tasty morsel on the floor. Our feet still go around the place the food dish used to be. And, sometimes, coming home at night, we miss them terribly. And although time may bring new friends and a new food dish to fill, that one place in our hearts belongs to them ... and always will." Sorry this post is so lengthy, but I wanted you to know that your pain is deeply felt by others who care and wish you the very best. Jackie Smith P.S. Make sure you read Rainbow Bridge!
-Jackie S

Libby, Taffy and I send our love, and know how hard this is for you. I had to put down my 14 year old poodle, Bo, two years ago. I felt the same as you. I realised a few months later that I could not be happy without a dog, and eventually got Taffy. She and I talk about Bo sometimes, and although you never forget, it helps fill the void in your heart, and life.
-Robin K.

Dear Libby- I have Zachary. He's my little treasure too. I can't even anticipate the pain that I will feel when his time comes. He's only six, but someday I know that there will be no more Zachary. If you gave Chico the kind of life I give Zach, I'm sure he will be eternally at peace. I will hug Zachary when I log off, and I hope that a little of the love and comfort escapes and travels to your corner of the world, and Chico's corner too.Respectfully, Kathleen. Chgo, Il.
-Kathleen

Thanx for all of the support messages. It means alot to me to know you care. Your messages really help me cope with this loss. The crying still comes. I still imagine I hear my Chico in the house. I expect him to meet me when I come in he door. I know it will take time. I just didn't expect it to hurt so bad. Special note to Jackie S: Thanx for Rainbow Bridge. Again.....THANX SO MUCH!
-Libby95

Libby, I already posted a message about your maltese, but have been reading this website with tears in my eyes, from other people that have lost their furry little friends, makes me want to go out and find another replacement for my beloved Tasha. I have the little Pomeranian, but she just isn't the maltese! Just don't know where to go from here. Dottie
-Dottie

Dottie, I plan on getting another Maltese. My Chico was the best and it's so hard without him. No I'm not expecting the next one to be exactly like Chico but I do think the Maltese is the best/smartest/and most lovable breed. (Just my opinion)
-Libby

Dear Libby, I found Rainbow Bridge on a very good friend of mine's website, as she loster her cat Scritchie, not too long ago...I hope this helps... 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 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 or old are restored to health and vigor; those who werehurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days 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 andplay 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 toeach other 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...never to be separated again.Angela and "Socks"...
-Angela

Well, I want everyone to know I went out last night and bought a new little boy....14 months old. We're calling him Buster. I just couldn't stand it. The house was so lonely and I missed my Chico dog so much. This little bundle of joy is so sweet. No he will never replace Chico but I will give him as much love as I can. He will be SPOILED rotten.
-Libby

Libby, just had to send you this...last week i had my 2 lhasa apso's put to sleep, 1 was 16 and one was 15. both were blind and having other problems. i hated to do it, but it was the kindest jesture possible..went out saturday and brought home a 4 month old maltese(bundle of joy). my 6 year old son and wife have finally stopped crying, and are busy welcoming him into there arms. memories of the 2 lhasa's are always going to be with us to cherish. and now we begin to collect new memories of our new addition...a real animal lover loves all...god bless
-michael

Michael, thanx so much for the note. Yesterday was a week since I lost my Chico. And I too was constantly crying. Everyone thought I was crazy to cry for a dog. But my new little boy is the sweetest thing...it has filled a void that was there but as I said before Chico was my life. Yes, it's time to start new memories. Good luck!
-Libby

Libby, I'm so glad you decided to get another baby. I lost my Casey in February and, of course, am still saddened by it but almost had to force myself to get another two months ago and she is "Wonderful" and absolutely helps the healing process. I wish you and Buster everything warm, loving and fun. Enjoy him and have a terrific life together. All the Best! Robin and Bailey.
-Robin D.

Thanx, Robin & Bailey for your loving thoughts. Yes Buster has been a big help in the healing process from my loss of Chico. Its been a week and 5 days and I still cry for him. The hurt is still very painful. Buster has been a big help. This little guy is so sweet and lovable. Like a teddy bear. He will get alot of love as long as he is with us. Its like he knows and feels our pain and wants to make it better. Thanx again for caring.
-Libby

I understand because I am going through this with you. Saturday, Phoebe was put to sleep. Phoebe has been my "child" for 12 years. It was one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do. Her vet told me two months ago after doing several tests that she might have cancer. I took her to another vet for a second opinion after she was not getting any better, and she stayed two days with an IV and given two types of strong antibiotics. Saturday I was at the kitchen sink and heard a thump. Phoebe had fallen on her back and could not roll over,and when she walked her back legs would go apart because she was so so weak that she could not stand or even hold her hand up. I bathed her and took her to the vet. She was so weak she just lay on her blanket and would not even look at me. I knew I would not bring her home. I cried on the way to the vet, but I talked to her about the fun times we had shared and that I understood she did not feel well. The vet explained her condition and worded it as well as I could have asked for. He explained that I was doing Phoebe a favor and it was probably the most humane thing I could do to put her to sleep. He explained that he could not prolong her life or make her well. He could give her medicine to ease her suffering, but she was not absording food and it was like starving to death because of the cancerous tumor in her small intestine. I did not want to see her suffer, and even though it has certainly been a tremendous loss, I know in my heart I have done the proper thing. I will be sharing your loss and your feelings.
-Lisa

Lisa, I'm sitting here crying my eyes out for you. It's been 2 weeks since I lost my Chico (16) and it's still hard. Please read Rainbow Bridge....it helps. This web site also helps and talk to friends with pets who love them as much as we do, and understand our pain. It was very hard to do what we had to but we couldn't see them suffer. (Also visit Petloss.com) I don't know if you are ready for it or want to but the best medicine for me was to go out and get another Maltese. My new baby is 15 weeks old. We named him Buster. He doesn't replace my Chico but it helps. And believe me,,,I have had him a week and he's spoiled rotten already. Again, I am so sorry. Our thoughts are with you. Love, Libby, Les & Buster
-Libby & Buster