Off Topic........
 

I have been through this 2 other times and I dont know if I can take it again. My Best Friend in the whole world my Black Lab Sabbath is at the Vet. My wife Connie and I had to take him there today and this is the first time in 10 years that he has been away from us, were devestated.
In the last couple of day's things just have'nt been going so well for him and were both afraid he may not come home again with us. He's been more than family and the best darn dog anyone could ever have, please say a Prayer for My Buddy.
(BP)

Sorry to hear that Breechplug. I've had dogs all of my life and loved every one. They're family members and it's tough when they go. I always say that's the last one, but always get another pup. It's just not a home without a dog.

Thank's Semi....
I know exactly what you mean and I've said the same thing too. But this dog was smarter than a human, heck I think he thinks he's a human. He's not gone yet but Connie and I know what's comming when we get the phone call tomorrow and all we've been doing all night is balling our eye's out.
Im sure there's a handful of a Lab Pup out there soon who will be just jumping and licking on me to take him home, I just cant forget the others and have a hard time knowing that the next one will only be here for a short time no matter how good of a life I give him.
Each time I lose a Best Friend a part of me goes with him.
(BP)

I know how you feel BP, I have had dogs all my life and right now have a yellow male and white female labs. Several years ago I use to have heelers and border collie. That male collie was the smartest dog I have ever had, I think he knew what I was thinking before I did. He died from renal disease when he was 7 years old, tore me up so I know how you feel. Best wishes to your lab.

Sorry to hear the bad news. I got a little tear in my eye reading your post as we lost our lab a year ago, and it made me think of her. Labs are magnificent dogs and I know how you feel. Maybe he'll get to go home with you. I pray that he will.

I know how you feel I lost my best friend an Irish Setter some years a go to cancer and replaced her with a Black Lab who fell down the steps and broke his hip and it would not heal had each for 12 years and have not had one since.
I hope yours comes home better soon.

Three years ago this month, I was forced to take my black labrador who was 14 years old to the vet. It was the hardest thing a person has to do. I sure understand what you and your family is going through. My best wishes on your friends recovery. I have yet found the will to get another dog. Just too many family things going on right now. But I sure miss having one around.

It is very hard. They become a part of the family. I had two Siberian Huskies that I lost in the same year. I had them fourteen yrs, broke my heart.

Sorry to hear and praying for a recovery. I have lost quit a few over the years and it never gets any easier losing a friend and loved one.

Feeling your pain B.P. As the others have stated, I believe we have all experienced the anguish and pain that you are feeling. It is hard to loose the only true friend that no matter how stupid we could get, they could'nt wait show their immense love for us. Best of luck.
JS

I know how you feel. I have been through this a few times also. My thoughts are with you and Connie.
Art

I had my chocolate labby 17 years. Had to have her put down two years ago.

Men women or children could not have a better loving friend than a dog. They are always happy to see you even if you just yelled at them a bit ago. They tend to always want to be by your side even when sleeping. They all tend to have their own personallity too.
Isn't a person that can compete for the best friend award and win againest a dog.

Takes a bit of time to get over the missing of a good dog but it does happen after a while. Some times a long while. One I lost was such a a great dog and friend to me when she passed it took two years before I even thought of getting a new one.

I have 3 pound pups left right now. Spoiled rotton with heated water dishes, heated houses, carpeted floors even though they are inside. they have 10x10 pens inside and 10 x up to 20 out side. Today with the wind and cold they are shut inside. We walked thru a herd of deer this morning with out them (deer or dogs) batting an eye.

Still hurts real bad looseing one. May the great spirit look after your pup.

:D Al

Feel for you BP. Been there as well. I've had labs all my life...and have 2 now. Hang in there bud.

Up-Date, the Vet called this afternoon and said our Lab could have either a Coronal Virus or it could be his Liver is shutting down and they wont know for sure untill tomorrow. If it's just the Virus it hopefully can be cured with the antibodys that there giving him, if it's his liver he'll have to be put down. The vet along with the antibiodicts put him on a I.V. for his dehydration.
On a better note My Dog has found a intrest in a Blonde Lab that is there, he really likes her a-lot. I'll let you all know what I find out tomorrow.
Thank You all for the replys and wishes. And for all of you that have lost a Dog and Best Friend in the past my heart goes out to you also.
(BP)

Condolances my friend. I know what you and your family are going through. I hope your buddy comes home again. Hard to believe that a dog's passing, when it comes, can actually make a grown man (or woman) cry.
Three years ago, I lost 2 labs, only 6 months apart. A mother and daughter. Its tough but there is nothing like a new puppy to help you get over it.

Prayers coming your way BP! Hope yoiu hear some good news tomorrow. My wife is a vet tech, and she is always bringing home dogs and cats that people bring in and dont have the money to take care of them, and turn them over to the clinic. Keep us posted BP.

Feel for you as I have been through this many times, both with my own animals and with clients as I am a vet. Sure hope he pulls through. Even with the liver, it is such a remarkable organ that given a little help sometimes it will surprise you and start working again for a while. If he is interested in another dog there, that is a good sign! Good luck.

B.P. I pray that your buddy will come home and make a full recovery. It is always a sad event to lose a four legged family member. We lost our old dog in 2005 to lung cancer. She was 11 years old and it hurt so bad my wife and I agreed not to get another dog. About 6 months ago we got Jack, a put out, just as our Sassy was and he has been with us ever since. On the third of this month we had our old 17 year old cat put down. It is the saddest thing we have ever had to do. So- I feel your pain. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Just had to put down my own best girl lab right before Thanksgiving. (almost 12) Still hurtin... Got a 1.5 YO that has a lot to learn to fill those ol paws...

Hope all works out well for you and yours!!!

Up-Date
Connie and I went to get our Dog Sabbath today, about an hour ride to get there and I thought I lived in the Country, nothing but corn fields and more corn fields as far as the eye can see.
The Vet showed us the blood work exam and explained it could be 2 things, a corona virus or his kidneys because of old age. If it's the corona virus it will be cured. My dog looks so much better! he's EATING and happy. I swear he gained back 10 pounds, he looks it anyways.
He ate like a Pig when we got him home, he's on a chicken and rice diet for the weekend then we have to go back again on monday so they can retake some more blood and see if the medications they gave us are working and find out exactly wich one of the things it could be that he has.
All i can say is when he left the other day he was'nt eating anything or drinking, he was vomiting and shaking and looked really thin, now he's a completely different dog. And he even wants his Biscuts, so I gave him a couple even though I was'nt suppos-to.
All I can say is Im completely surprised and happy with the outcome so far. Thank's for all the Wishes! connie, I and my dog really appreciate it!
I'll fill everyone back in on monday afet we find out more.
(BP)

Make every day count with him. Even if they lived to be thirty years old it still wouldn't be long enough. Had to put my 13 year old yellow female down last fall and hardly a day passes I'm not reminded of her.

It sounds like he's on the road to recovery. Lets hope so!

That sounds real promising, glad to hear it. Lets hope he's over it and you get alot more time with him. Nothing beats a great dog, truly man's best friend for sure :)

It's a sad day for my wife and I, we had to have our Lab put down today. We went in for more blood work and he did'nt have the coronial virus that we were hoping for that could have been cured. His liver and kidneys were worse and shutting down.
Thank's everyone for the prayers and thoughts.
(BP)

Sorry to hear that BP, At least he won't have to suffer.

BP - being a dog guy myself as I train and judge hunting tests for a dog org. It is never easy to loose a friend who has been with you through the thick and thin. With the many that I have been graced to share hunts with - some good some bad - well they each leave a hole in your heart. Think of all the good times you had.......

Sorry for your loss -

Dave.....JW

Very sorry for your loss.

Breechplug... I am sorry to hear that news. It is not a easy thing to accept. My condolences.

Peace... may you meet again on the far side of the river where there are an abundance of awesome dogs.

BP,

My dog is not a hunting dog but he is like the third child. I know how it feels to lose one. Hang in there.

I am sorry to hear the sad news and sorry for your loss B.P.

I know many of us on here have been through this more than once, it's one of the worst things I have ever had to do or go through and I feel for all the others who have been through the same.
My Daughter moved out a couple of years ago and that left Connie, me our dog and a Bird, a cockatiel that my wife got from her mother for a birthday present years ago. I did'nt want a Bird! But as a gift it was here to stay.
Connie works 3-11 so my nights are spent with my dog and the bird. This dang bird ended up being a smart sucker, we'd talk to him and befor long he talked back, he was as smart as I never thought a bird could be. He would even call my dog. So I grew accustomed to the dang little bird and so did my dog, we were 3 at night, my nights were filled with the bird singing songs (and he new the words) and the bird harrassing my dog, he got used to it,,,,,,,a few months ago our Bird Passed. The Big Hunter I am never thought a bird could hold such a place in my heart as he did, but I missed him dearly.....then it was just my Buddy and me at nights, I think he missed the bird to as he always looked up to where his cage used to be. Now my Buddy is gone and it's just going to be me alone at night. So Im still glad I have all of you on here to keep me busy and my mind in a better place.
Now ever since Connie and I have been married (25 years this Aug 27th) we've had a dog, 3. The one befor My Black Lab was a Golden Retriver, he lived untill he was 12 then came my Black Lab Sabbath and he has been with us for the last 10 years. He was a one of a kind Lab, smarter and more handsome than any Lab I ever saw, and he loved us dearly. Connie and I love Dogs, especially Labs but how did all of you move on to another dog, did any of you feel quilty and feel like you were forgetting your best frined and just replacing him with another?
We want to get another one but not just yet, I dont know If I will ever be able to look at another Lab without seeing My Buddy in his face, or if I could give him what he deserves without thinking of my Boy.
Or should I just look at it like Im giving another Lab a great place to live with pleanty of Love and a good life while he's here and just thank GOD I was fortunate to have the one I did and love the next the same. I dont want to replace my Lab, I just want to love another one as I did with the one I just lost......please help me decide, Im so lonely. Im afraid the next one will take me with him when he goes and I know one day that it will happen again.....what should I do?
Im sorry for asking this but I know there's many Dog Lovers on here like me and Im looking for some answers, please help me decide. It's the waking up in the morning without him there to greet me and the rides in my truck and the time spent afield, the love and companionship, it's all gone and Im devestated and heartbroken.
(BP)

First off I want to say how sorry I am for your loss of a great friend. I know exactly how you feel for I have lost many a good dog through my lifetime. My dad was involved in field trials as a handler and also a judge for many years. Needless to say I had a lab around me since I was a child. I was very sad to see each one go but there was always another one or two to come along after. I remember each and every one and loved them all. You know you'll never be able to replace Sabbath and you would never want to. Your just getting a new friend. When our last lab passed away, we ended up getting a minature dachsund.He is our first small dog and he really loves us and we love him. Go find yourself a new buddy to hang out with when your wifes at work. I think you need that.

I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. I know how hard it can be to lose a friend like that.
As for what to do now, I think it depends on the person. I'm the type of guy that has to be occupied all the time. I have to have something to do, sounds, etc or my mind starts to wander real bad. I guess for me I would prefer to have a new puppy to work with than to sit and do nothing. I know it's hard when there's so many similarities in the dogs, but I think once you get started with one it will quickly distinguish itself with it's own personality and quirks.
So that's what I would probably do. It doesn't mean it's the right thing for you, but hopefully it helps some.

A man who loves dogs should have a dog.

I don't own a dog for a number of reasons but a good dog is a wonderful friend. And I think labs are some of the most fun, most loyal, and full of great character. A mean lab is a rarity in my experience... in fact I don't recall one. I have enjoyed a lasting friendship with a couple of labs even though they didn't belong to me. Completely different dogonalities ;) but both fine dogs. I was heartbroken when the first of them was killed (car). Her name was Katie and there'll never be another like her.

Sorry for your loss... but don't wait long before getting another.

BP... I have been where you are now. We put our black lab Maggie down in 2008 after a long and wonderful life (12 years). You and Connie will know when its time to expand the family, theres no set time. As for us it was about a year. Our new Lab Tuco was born Dec 2009.

BP...First off, I'm sorry for you loss...I just read this for the first time tonight...

Now...My Dad died in 1975, I was 20...There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of him...But...I'm glad I had him as long as I did, he got me ready to take care of myself...Within 3 years of Dad dying, I was on my own, living in Atlanta and teaching hydraulics, transmissions, engines and electrical systems for John Deere...

Why do I say this???

Because you said everytime someone died that you knew a piece of you died...After my Dad died, I felt him with me...This was actually the time that I finally started believing in God...

Try to think of your dog in the same way...Sure, it's sad that he is gone but you are much better because he was in your life for many years...He's still with you and will always be with you...

You can't replace him but you should start a new life with another...I knew after my Dad died that he didn't want me moping around feeling sorry for myself and your lab doesn't either...

Go get another....Good luck...

BP, sorry to hear it. Man I was hoping he was on the mend.

I've had to do it several times. Our last one was one of the best labs I ever had. He was a great dog that we got from a rescue league. He was old and grizzled, but awesome for the 4 years we had him. My wife was out of town...and it was just me and the two kids (at that time 4 and 7). My dog had been on the downhill side, and unfortunately got very sick while my wife was gone. We live way out in the country...no one to watch the kids, so I had to take them with me to take my dog to be put down. WOW, what a tough day that was. We all cried, and I had a hard time explaining it to them. But, life goes on. We gave Merlin a great home while we had him, and he knew he was loved. A few mos later we got 2 new lab puppies, a brother and sister. They are now 6, and great dogs also.

I'm sure you treated your dog like gold while he was here...don't fret over getting a new friend when you are ready. Its just another page in life.

Sorry to hear about your friend!!!

After I had to have my last Lab put down due to mass cell tumors. I swore, I would never have another. I had to take hime to the vet and sit while they put him down, it was the hardest thing, I had ever been thru. That includes my grandparents funerals, I know that sounds bad but, I loved my dog. Probably more than any human other than my son and wife. He was essentially my second kid. I had him cremated and he sits on my mantle beside my favorite picture of him and me.

After about 9months my wife came home with another chocolate lab, She later said she thought it was time. I kept my distance for as long as I could stand (about a week) I just didn't want to get attached. No matter how I tried to push the pup away, He chose me as his human and would keep coming back.

Thats been 6yrs. ago and although I think about my buddy all the time. Bailey has eased the pain of loosing him, I know that more than likely, it will happen again. And I know now after an amount of time, I will adopt a new one. I mean who else will put up with all your BS and be happier than ever to see you.