Today we had to have our 14 tear old Austrailian Shepherd/Collie put down. She was without a doubt the smartest dog I have ever been around. She is responsible for me even liking dogs around, as when I was young, we had nothing but the dumbest of dogs, and I never really cared for them. She basicly trained my other 2 dogs, so far as what they were allowed to do and such. She would give them warning barks when they were screwing up, and if they didn't listen to her, she would come get us!

She had problems with arthritic hips for the last 3 years, and they have gotten real bad over the last 6 months. If she would loose her footing, or lay down on a hard floor, she could not get back up! (it was kind of funny to come home and find her stuck in the kitchen!) She also got to the point of not being able to handle steps, even falling down them backwards a couple times. What made us decide to do it, was over the past month, she rapidly lost bladder control. That along with it being an event when she actually would move from room to room told us it was time.


She was a GREAT dog, and will be sadly missed by all who ever came in contact with her. Even my 24 year old son that has to always show he is a hard as*, broke down and cried over the news. I pray she is in a better place, pain free, and chasing after her tennis balls. :cry:
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Sorry for your loss Bill when you told me on the phone that you had to put her down I knew you had had a rough day. I hope you guys will continue to enjoy your other animals and maybe they will help remind you of the fun times you had over the years with her.

I am sorry to hear about your loss BiXLL. People with no pets sometimes dont understand just how hard it is to lose a pet. When you have one for for a while they become part of the family,and the loss of them can be devistating. My parents lost their cat that they had for years a while back. All us us really took it hard,hard enough that my parents have told us they would never own a pet again because they just couldnt take that kind of pain again. Our hearts are with ya man.

I know how you feel BiXLL. I had a cat name Cotten that was a gift from my parents on my 15th birthday. I had to put her down in 1999 at 14 years old she had skin cancer. In time your pain will heal and you realize that you did the best thing for her at the time. You never forget them. Please know that my thoughts are with you

BiXLL,

I am sorry for your loss. I know the pain of having to part with a trusted and loyal companion. It's hard to let go, but you should take comfort in the fact that you had MANY good years together.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.