Had to put my old boy to sleep tonight :(

[Joolyjoolyjoo]

I had to finally make the decison, although it hurt a lot. He was 16.5, and had been slowly going downhill for a wee while, but in the last 2 weeks he seemed to deteriorate quickly. Not the best timing, given the housefire we had a few days ago, but I knew I couldn't put it off.

Told the kids, only dd2 wanted to be there, so DH and her brought him to the surgery after we finished and I did it. I know it was the right decision, but still hard.

RIP, Murph We won't forget you.

LOL- I probably could write a book about his exploits!!

Murph was what I affectionately called the Forrest Gump of the dog world

He used to chase squirrels and run into the tree when they went up it. One time he chased a squirrel and got his stoopid head stuck through the bars of a fence- squirrel tittering at him on the other side, small crowd of people gathered and were talking about calling a vet- I could not admit that I was one

He used to go in the car to work with me every day (in the boot), then to the park, then back, then home. Then one day he jumped up on the bonnet of the car, and just sat there looking confused...

So many many stories. am enjoying re-living them

Jooly hugs to you!!!
Run happy at the Bridge, Murph!!!!!!

I am so sorry for your loss. We lost our beloved Wei this year, suddenly at the age of six.

My parents' ancient springer was diagnosed with terminal cancer last year and is still hanging on.

Whichever way you lose them, it is one of life's greatest cruelties that pets don't live as long as people

But I like to think of it as God's sneaky way of letting us have more pets that we love in our lives

Definitely try and do a little book of stories. With be cathartic to write it all down and will be great for your DCs and you to read later on.
Sorry for your loss. It's no less heartbreaking than losing a friend. Well, actually, that is exactly what it is.

I'm laughing and crying now! Murphy sounds like a real character

We're almost 10 months on from losing our dog - I cry at all of these threads on here. Everyone on here was so supportive when we knew we were coming to the end with Treacle. It really is a horrible time, but remembering the funny bits helps :)

aww im so sorry.

x

Jooly I am so sad for you. You did the right thing by Murph- you must have loved him very much. Hope you are getting some RL support and can cherish the happy memories. Loved the wedding story.

Jooly. I am so sorry to hear about Murphy. I have always read your posts with interest as I too have an elderly border collie boy who is in decline. I hope I have your strength when it comes to the time. He sounds very much like my old boy in his prime - border collie body, but what happened to the brains? RIP Murphy. Hope you are happily chasing squirrrels at Rainbow Bridge.

So sorry for the loss of Murph. It is never an easy decision to make, but it is the last kindness you have done for him.

I was all teary at the thread, then read about the bridal party. That made me laugh. Isnt it amazing how dogs have the ability to make us go from one extreme emotion to the opposite in a couple of minutes?

lots of dog hugs and love from my hooligans. x

I'm sorry to hear this, poor old boy :( It must have been hard for you to do it yourself - though maybe that's the best way, being with the person he knows and trusts best at the end. I agree about it being your last kindness to him.

16 happy years is a wonderful thing as well, and you gave him that. I love the stories too, it's incredible the things they get up to or the havoc they wreak sometimes!

Jooly I am so sorry to hear this news. He does sound like a great guy. How hard to have to do it yourself but equally how reassuring for Murphy to have not a worry in the world and be surronded by people he loved

Oh, I'm so sad for you reading this. It must be harder, I think when you have to do it yourself. Such a hard decision to make, but you did the right thing and he was surrounded by people he loved.
Loving reading the stories about him!

Now got me crying with laughter. I'd buy that book!

So sorry Jooly Sleep well murph x

I hope you are okay joolyjooly and I am sorry for your loss :(

We had to do the same last week though the decision was taken out of our hands somewhat. Our dog was 18, we had had her as a rescue dog 16 years ago and she had been a bloody good dog, but like your dog in the past few months she had deteriorated quite quickly, had got stiff on her back legs and looked old, poor thing. She was still going a walk though and eating etc so we decided to wait until something happened if she carried on like that as she seemed happy and healthy, just old iykwim. But last week she had a massive seizure :( and I came back to find her in a terrible state, I asked the vet not to anything for her but to put her to sleep at home and she did :( god it was so hard and so sad but I have to keep reminding myself that we gave her a good life and she was a happy dog. The children are devastated though and I am alot more upset than i thought I would be. I think even when you treat them as dogs (not humans :o ) it is such a loss of a companion.

RogerMelly Although I was almost kinda hoping something like that would happen with Murph and take the decision away from me as it were. It doesn't make it easier though, really, does it?

Glad you all like his stories! My old neighbour reminded me how we used to walk down the street- me, the dogs, then our 3 cats following us in a line. The 3 cats have all gone now, and I immediately had a vision of them meeting him at the pearly gates and them all going in single file

sending big hugs to you and your family. Have been there twice and know how you feel. RIP old chap

Jooly, I'm so sorry for your loss, but you know you've done the right thing.

Murph sounds like such a character - I hope our dog turns out to be as much fun and brings as much joy as yours has to your family.