James Posted May 5 Share Posted May 5 On Monday I had to put my dog, Cato, to sleep. Some of you guys knew him from "his" fb posts via my account years ago, and from the time or 2 I posted photos of him here. I got him when he was 8 weeks old, and had him for 10+ years. He was an exceptional dog in virtually every way and we had a blast hanging together over those years. And given we live on, and spent a bunch of time on, the beach, he met, and brought huge smiles, laughs, affection and fun to 1000s of beach goers over the years to whom he, sans shame, would introduce himself, accept a zillion 'que lindos" and hugs, steal sandwiches, shoes, toys and even womens' underwear a time or 2....all while providing the people a blast of a time. He was a massive hoot ! He became a quasi celebrity on our beach. : ) I always dreaded the day I'd have to send him to God, but the grief related pain is more excruciating than I ever imagined. I'm actually handling it exceptionally well, and so no worries needed for me, but I'm finding it ponderable the level of pain induced by the loss of a "pet". I put quotes around pet as for many of us, whether we acknowledge it or not, our dog is truly a son or daughter to us and add to that an innocent being who depends on us 100%. Having to put a very very sick and in pain dog to sleep, especially when the dog is still full of affection for its owner, and neediness to boot, is a cruel circumstance I don't wish on anyone. My decision was right, and he went out as well as one could ever hope to..being loved, talked to and hugged by 3 of us as the doctor put him to sleep,.... so for that and for so so much more I feel grateful. He made me a better person and enriched life. A dog is truly man's best friend. Would love to hear you guys' thoughts, and experiences if you want to share. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhonda B Posted May 5 Share Posted May 5 Aww James, my deepest condolences. Your beautiful Cato, friend and companion. A love that is like no other. It is the deepest pain, and hurts to the core. Your words of affection for him are so well executed and true. I so feel for you especially when you say having to put him to sleep when he is still so full of affection ..it's almost too much to bear. They do make us better people don't they? And sometimes as we know is true, they enrich our lives more than some humans we know. Sending many hugs. Such a beautifully written tribute to your dear Cato.❤️ 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig Benfer Posted May 5 Share Posted May 5 I went through this about a year ago myself. I was completely caught off guard about how difficult it was and the amount of grief I suffered. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lew Bundles Posted May 5 Share Posted May 5 I never had pet as a child…So when my girlfriend got a dog, I figured “What’s the big deal?”…”It’s a stupid animal”…Boy, was I wrong…He’s my best friend…I could never picture myself being in your situation, James…I know the day will come but it seems like it’s the same as losing a family member…Hang in there, pal…It was a pleasure to have him for all those years… 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk Posted May 5 Share Posted May 5 James, so sorry to hear of Cato's passing. I know only too well what you're going through. We lost the best dog we ever had in December. Cruz almost made it to 11; that's a long time for a big Bernese Mountain dog. He was a Rock Star. He was the best-natured dog we've ever owned. About 3 years ago he contracted Degenerative Myelopathy, basically, ALS in dogs. It starts at the hind end and works its way forward, eventually debilitating the entire dog. Cruz never gave in, still happy and full of life until the end. I have not recovered from the loss, and frankly, never will. He was a once-in-a-lifetime dog. We were blessed he chose us to spend his life with. I feel like I know Cato through you on the message board. RIP, Cato. Cherish the memories. 2 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted May 5 Author Share Posted May 5 Kirk, I for sure felt I knew Cruz from your postings, and for sure knew how much you loved him. He WAS a rock star. It pained me to learn of his passing here today. One day you, Cruz, Cato and I will have a coffee together up there. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted May 5 Author Share Posted May 5 Some photos of my dude, he´s the Golden Retriever.. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susie b Posted May 5 Share Posted May 5 Sweet James, So very sorry that you had to experience this decision for Cato, but you were his healthcare advocate and made the decision for Cato's benefit. That being said, it's one of the hardest things you'll ever have to do, and also is one of the most painful. Companion animals are just that, our chosen companions. It's been said that you can choose your friends, but you can't choose your family. Companion animals are most certainly the exception to that rule. Friends and critters are the family you choose for yourself. Cato was also a well loved member of the EC.com family, so I know that your EC.com family is grieving with you. I remember the first dog in my family. My folks got him when I was six months old, so I had no recollection of life without him. When I was a sophomore in high school, his time came, and I was inconsolable. Since then, many gentle souls have been a part of my life, and each still lives in my heart, but when they pass, they take part of my soul with them. Give yourself permission to grieve, James. We share your grief. 🐾😢 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted May 6 Author Share Posted May 6 Thanks for those wise and comforting words, Susie. And I can't fathom how difficult it must've been for you to only know life with a certain dog till the age of 16 or so, and then to lose that dog. Wow. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted May 7 Author Share Posted May 7 Have you guys brought on another dog since?.....hope so! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk Posted May 8 Share Posted May 8 No. Cruz is a tough act to follow. Wouldn't be fair to the new dog. Maybe someday... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doreen Posted May 14 Share Posted May 14 fell apart when I had to put my kitty (well, he was a big boy about 20 lbs and 16 years old but he was my baby) . Couldn't stop crying for days Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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