Time to let her go.

[Tyre Tread]

Well after four years our rescue German Shepherd, Petra will go to the vet for the last time.

She's almost twelve now so not bad for a GSD but it is with tear in my eyes and a heavy heart that I type this.

I know its for the best but I am dreading it like I have dreded nothing else in my life before.

There is no option. I can't let her suffer.

She is such a gentle soul has converted many to liking GSD's and a softer gentler dog you could not find.

[Jasandjules]

Sorry fella. But this is the most important act we can do for our pets.

[Stedman]

Tyre Tread said:

Well after four years our rescue German Shepherd, Petra will go to the vet for the last time.

She's almost twelve now so not bad for a GSD but it is with tear in my eyes and a heavy heart that I type this.

I know its for the best but I am dreading it like I have dreded nothing else in my life before.

There is no option. I can't let her suffer.

She is such a gentle soul has converted many to liking GSD's and a softer gentler dog you could not find.

Your post has summed up the love and compassion you have for her. Petra will have given you some fantastic memories over the years - I see it as you're simply returning the favour, one friend to another. A lot of us have been there, done it and seen it. I wouldn't be surprised if all of us said it felt like yesterday. It's crap mate, it really is but deep down you're doing the right thing and you know it.


I have one of these that is on my keys. Just a little part of Cracker with me at all times.

Good luck over the next few days,

Stedders.

[Jasandjules]

Oh, and if you want to cry once she's free, go ahead. Real men don't cry? F**k that, cry if you want to.

[AmiableChimp]

Sorry to hear this bud.

I hope it passes as painless as possible and you can take comfort that she will be in a better place.

Stay strong.

[Tyre Tread]

Thanks all. Think I just needed to vent

Cry after she's gone? Too late. I've been blubbing on and off all day.

[mattfuey]

I feel your pain.

In late October last year we had to take our 13 y/o German Shephard for her last ride to the vets.

One of the hardest things I've done to date was standing in that room, holding her paw and stroking her head as she passed. But it was the right thing to do, and after bringing me 13 years of joy and happiness, the least I could do was help her when it was her time and be there when it ended.

Best of luck with it all.

EDIT:
Apologies, just read this back and realised I've rambled on a bit there..

[CAPP0]

Really sorry to hear, OP. I know that in the very near future I will need to write EXACTLY the same as your post with only the name changed My old girl is currently happy, calm and comfortable but she has a veritable shopping list of underlying conditions, all of which are currently manageable but won't be for ever. Each time she's ill (this last weekend a case in point) I think that it may be time but then she gets through it and perks up again. I know that won't last forever, and I know that I'll be in bits come the day. Good luck, think back on all the lovely times you've had together and the great life you have given her.

[ehonda]

Jasandjules said:

Sorry fella. But this is the most important act we can do for our pets.

I agree with this entirely, ensuring they don't suffer in repayment for all the years of friendship is the least we can do.
Well done OP for rescuing her in the first place and being there for her.

[Bit of a Unit]

We are staring down this barrel with our two yorkies, both 18 one has failing kidneys and the other is now almost completely blind and deaf. Ours are also rescue dogs, just think about the quality of life you have provided and no one can take away the memories.

[ali_kat]

As J&J said, this is the biggest act of love we can ever do for them, it's also the hardest

[R6VED]

Our dog is only 6 but pedigree Boxers don't have the best life expectancy, about 8-10 years, I hate that he is already approaching old age and that my 1yr old and unborn baby may not be old enough to remember him.

It will tear me in two when the time comes, I watched Marley & Me again the other day and the tears were just running down my cheeks as I identified with what I will have to do some time in the future.

Big man hug to you buddy.

[Lost soul]

It is a very hard thing to have to do, but I am sure deep inside you know its the right thing to do

[bexVN]

The toughest yet bravest of decisions, tore me to bits letting my Jimmy go last year, still hurts like hell now (he was only 9)but I know it was the only decision I could make for him before he collapsed/ fell etc. Always remember you only ever had her best interests at heart.
My thoughts are with you.

[Squadrone Rosso]

A similar day was one of the saddest of my life. Feel for you very much

[tdm34]

Really feel for you mate, last year we had to take Chica because of a brain tumour, and it took months to get over it, she was such a characterful little moggie....



But a few months back we ventured out to the local rehoming center where we happened upon this mini-panther
This is Treacle



She'll never replace Chica, but she's charmed her way into our affections, it'll be raw for a while but after a while you'll know when you can start again and give a home to a new GSD....

[Dibble]

Nothing to add that's not already been said. I've been there (twice) and it's horrible. There's a definite hole when they're gone, but I've recently rehomed a "new" rescue. He's not a replacement for either of the other two dogs, he's an addition.

Chin up.

[mrmaggit]

Petra has been there with you, make sure you are with her at the end.

It's hard, been there, got the tee shirt, but it's part of the deal, as I see it.

maggit

[riosyd]

One of the hardest things in my life was saying my final goodbye to Dino (golden retriever age 13) he was an absolute darling and my first ever dog. The vet came to the house and I fed Dino chicken and steak as he slipped away peacefully in my arms (I'm welling up just typing this). I had to be there for him in his final moments as he been my faithful friend his entire life. Sad times

[Stedman]

Jasandjules said:

Oh, and if you want to cry once she's free, go ahead. Real men don't cry? F**k that, cry if you want to.

:nod: