A note from the bottom of my heart

stateofmind

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Jul 16, 2007
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When I put my two dogs down I came on here as well Chris. This is a good place to mourn. I'm not as huge of a dog lover as others on here, but it was two of the hardest days putting those wonderful beings down. I'm sure this day is just that much harder on you guys. Heartfelt condolences man.
 

WhatchaGonnaDo

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Jun 28, 2011
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This quote gets thrown around a lot, but I think it rings true. Some dogs are more people than people.

We get so attached to these animals, knowing that we are going to outlive them, and it is still just absolutely gut wrenching when we have to let them go. They are truly amazing creatures. I don't think it's possible for any human being to be as genuinely happy as a dog is to just be with you.

Great write up Chris, I definitely had to wipe my cheeks a few times to get through it. You're in my thoughts.
 

WalkingCY

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Sep 26, 2008
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This exact same thing happened to our three year old Golden Retriever Fizer. The EXACT same thing. Loss of appetite, being told he had something wrong with him. And, at such a young age. My wife and I think about him every day, we often talk about him too.

He too had some special moments, much like the ones with your Paisley. And, she meant a lot to you guys because that was your first kid/pup together. That's how my wife and I saw it too. Try focusing on those good times instead of those tough last moments.

Keep your head up man.
 

cyclonespiker33

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I'm sorry to hear this. I would hate to think of this happening to my baby. Thoughts and prayers to you Chris.
 

carvers4math

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Mar 15, 2012
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My sweet puppy died of brain cancer at the age of 12. He was there when I came home from the hospital when my father died to lay his head on my chest. He seemed to know my mother was gone too when he rested his head on her slippers and sighed. There was no comfort for me when he died right before I sent my oldest son off to college. They love us unconditionally and often understand what we are feeling more than people do. So terribly saddened by your loss.
 

BuffettClone

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Jul 7, 2012
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I'm so sorry for your loss Chris. My heart sank reading Paisley's story. I have 2 dogs that were my and my wife's first babies as well and dread the inevitable day they leave us. She sounds like an amazing dog and I wish I could have had the chance to meet your Pretty Paisley Jean
 

chuckd4735

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Wow man, I cant even imagine. My fiance and I got a dog not too long before you got Paisley, and we don't have any kids so I completely understand the whole "its not just a dog" thing. I would simply be a wreck if anything happened to him.
 

mt85

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Mar 24, 2006
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Chris I'm so sorry for your loss. I regret that I never had a chance to meet Paisley. I would have loved to meet such a great spirit. I imagine she is playing with all the children in heaven as we speak.

I don't know if you have ever had a chance to see this, but some of the greatest wisdom can be found in the innocence of children.

A Dog's purpose - from a 4 year old

Being a veterinarian, I was called to examine a ten year old Irish wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for the four-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a
few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion.

We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.

Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, "People are born so they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The four-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."
 

2020cy

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Aug 7, 2006
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Our first dog was also a golden and got cancer at age five. We treated her for a few months at the ISU vet clinic, but it was too late. Basically, it was our first child, tough times. I'd like to tell you it gets easier as we have had several dogs now, but it doesn't. Hang in there.
 

CYlent Bob

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Aug 7, 2006
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No words, Chris.

We're sorry for your loss, but glad for the time you got to spend with her.

She sounds like one heckofa dog. After all, the brighter a star burns, the more brief its duration.
 

ISUChippewa

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My thoughts and condolences Chris.

My family and I have always been more "cat people" ourselves, but we did have a sweet little dog named Kelly a long time ago who had to be put to sleep due to the health problems associated with old age. In more recent times we had to put our cat down due to the same reasons.

Pets give you unconditional love and acceptance (even cats), and it's tough to know that a source of such pure love and joy is gone forever when they do pass away. Your post brought tears to my eyes that haven't dried up yet.

I am sorry for yours and Ashley's loss. RIP Paisley, have fun in dog heaven.
 

Cyclone90

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So sorry for your loss Chris. We lost our 14 year old Golden a few years ago to natural aging and it was a devastating loss to our family. I can't imagine being broad sided like that after coming back from vacation. We have another family dog, who is great and we love very much, but she'll always be compared to the first who holds an irrevocable special place in all our hearts.
 

mj4cy

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Mar 28, 2006
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Couldn't agree more that Dogs are apart of the family. They do not care how bad your day was, they are there to love you as soon as you walk in the door.

Losing a pet is never easy, but sounds like you have amazing memories!
 

CykoAGR

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Dec 16, 2008
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CW- Im so sorry to hear about Paisley.

Dogs are special animals, their love is unconditional and the way that they can bring a smile to your face is incredible. Much like the story about the young boy in your post.

Paisley wasnt trying to be nice, she was just being herself and that is what makes it so awesome.

It is hard to say goodbye to a pet no matter how old, yet it is unfair to lose such a young dog that obviously had so much to give.

Time will help to heal and someday I hope you will have another dog and experience all of the good things that comes with it.
 

ruxCYtable

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Very sorry for your loss, CW. We had to put a dog down in late 2011 and I still think about him everyday. The good news is, after grieving for a while, those thoughts will start to make you smile.