8.26.2006

Rest In Peace Dusty


Today at 11:00am, we had to make the choice to let our sweet dog, Dusty, go.

Thursday we took her back into the vet because she just wasn't eating and her bowels were bloody. They kept her for two nights. Today they gave us the call that she wasn't going to make it. We ran to the animal hospital and saw what had happened to our puppy. She had deteriorated to a mere 3-4 pounds. Her breathing was extremely labored and shallow. She was exhausted and she gave us a look that was just asking for help to relieve her in her suffering.

I can't even write about it without bursting into tears. It was a terrible decision that I hated making. I hated watching my kids say goodbye. It was so hard to see my husband get so emotional. But it was so terrible watching her suffer that way.

She was a good dog. The best of dogs. Rest in peace Dusty.

37 comments:

Cheri said...

I'm so sorry you had to go through that. I think that's one of the most difficult decisions a person has to make. You know you're doing the right thing but that doesn't take the hurt away.
My sympathy to you!
Cheri

Mall Worker said...

I am so sorry that you and your family had to go through that! You and have my deepest sympathies.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!

Julie said...

I am so sorry.

Wendy said...

I'm sorry to hear that. I know that is so hard. I remember this happening in my family when I was 10.

Valarie said...

Oh no! I am so sad to hear that. I'm sorry, Stephanie. That's a sweet photo with your girls

Anonymous said...

Oh, Stephanie! I'm sorry.

Jamie said...

So sorry for you and your family's loss. I hope you can find comfort in knowing that Dusty had a happy life with you guys.

Char @ Crap I've Made said...

(((HUGS)))

I'm so sorry!

Unknown said...

Gosh, my heart goes out to you! We don't have a dog right now but those we've had in the past have been just like another member of the family.
Deep sympathies!

uuu said...

I am so sorry to hear about Dusty! My prayers are with you.....

Dawnyel said...

Stephanie, I'm so sorry you've lost a member of your family! *HUGS*

April said...

I've never been through something like that before. I can only imagine, but my heart hurt for you as I read your post!

Millie said...

A good dog is worth her weight in gold. I'm so sorry you lost her. :(

((((hugs))))

Nettie said...

I am so sorry, Stephanie. It is such a hard thing when a member of your family dies, including the family dog. {{{{{Hugs!}}}}}}

Missy said...

My heart is breaking for you and your family. ((((((HUGS))))))

Butterfly Mama said...

I'm so sorry for your family's loss.

sheri said...

I'm so sorry. While I've never really had to make that decision, I'm sure you know it was the right decision, as hard as it must have been for all of you. That picture w/the girls is so precious!

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Pets are truly part of our families. They add such dimension to a home. We had to make that decision not very long ago. I am sure your pup like ours will be remembered fondly and with many stories when the initial pain and shock has gone away.
Right now, one of my wee "lords of the manor", sits instinctually beside my when I am having a day of physical pain which are tunring into daily things sadly. He knows, and he serves his mama in the form of protection and wet little pup kisses. Ah, that all of our problems could be fixed with puppy kisses.
He sends one your way to all of your family. And I send my humble condolances.

Anonymous said...

I'm so so sorry.

The Amazing Trips said...

OH NO ... I am SO sorry! I gasped out loud when I logged on tonight and saw your post. After reading about Dusty a few days ago - I thought for sure she was healed. I have tears in my eyes just writing this. Losing a pet is so hard. I know how difficult of a decision it was that you made - but it was the right thing to do and incredibly humane. You did for Dusty what she could not do for herself.

We lost our beloved labrador retriever two months ago, after almost 13 years with us. It was a wonderfully healing experience to write about him on my blog. I think it's my longest post ... ever. (And that's really saying something!) Not that you need any more sadness - but here's the link: http://amazingtrips.blogspot.com/2006/06/monty-our-dog-72693-62306.html

I'm sending up many prayers for healing - for all of you.

Lana said...

so sorry to hear that, dogs become part of the family :( {{{{HUGS}}}}

Anonymous said...

Oh I'm so sorry. That is never, ever easy :(

Chrissy said...

Stephanie~~{{HUGS}}! A dog's love is completely unconditional and I know that you all loved her, too!
Bless you for leaving comments in Blogdom today~~many people care about you and we will lift you up in prayer. C

Tori :) said...

I'm so sorry Stephanie!! We had to make the same tough decision for our dog, Princess, 2 years ago. Maybe Dusty and Princess are playing together now. :)

Kelli said...

Hugs, I know that broke your heart.

Jane said...

Just wanted to send you hugs again! ((hugs))

Hope you are feeling a littl bit of peace. So sorry about Dusty.

Theresa said...

Oh no Steph! I thought we were on the road to recovery after last week's episode. I'm so dearly sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Lots of love, T-Lo

Michelle Fluttering Butterflies said...

Oh, I'm so sorry :( What a hard thing to go through :(

utmommy said...

I'm sorry for your loss. My parents just went through that with a dog they've had for 14 years. It was so hard on them, as I can imagine it is for you:( (((((HUGS)))))

Teresa said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. It's a really hard to decision to have to make and it sounds like you made the best one for her.

Lei said...

i am crying for you - my condolences to you all.. what a tough decision to send off a pet. my cat was put to sleep when i was about 10 and i can relate to the sorrow. hugs!

Lara said...

I'm sorry about your dog. I wish I could buy you a new one just like it but I can't cause I don't have enough money.

She looks too cute to be gone.

From Kate
(my six year old)

ShelahBooksIt said...

I'm so sorry! I've been following Dusty's saga and I know it's a been a hard few weeks for all of you.

Carrie said...

That is such a hard decision to make. I am so sorry . . . big hugs.

Melzie said...

Oh no... :( Never easy having to put down an animal you love. :(

Anonymous said...

Our sympathy! This is one of the hardest things to go through... it's amazing how big of a part of your family, your life a pet becomes. I'll be thinking of you!
-Ashlee

Super Happy Girl said...

I'm catching up with all my fav blogs.

So sorry to hear about Dusty Steph, what else can I say that could convey my sympathy and hugs?