Words cannot convey the appropriate amount of condolences to you friend.

You know, It isn't fair that our 4 legged family members don't get to live too long, yet still have to die .. old.

Time shall ease the pain. The memories are yours to cherish... 

Phoon said it well...John, I'm really sorry. We always had parakeets...but now I have my bud Zane.,,dreading that day...but, making happy memories, that you already have. By the way, it might sound truly illogical and ridiculous, but I believe that when our time to cross that bridge comes, they'll all be there to greet us...and it'll be endless summer.

Feels like part of your heart dies. I detest these stories. Brings it all back.

I remember when my West Highland Terrier died in April 2006. Horrid day. His heart more or less started to fail. Rather than going through it all… The vet was good enough to open the premises up that late night. I had to carry him in. Before I got to the table, he died in my arms. Feeling the life go out of him as the body became heavier and heavier I'll never forget. He was only a few weeks short of his 15th. Had him since I was 10.

She injected the syringe into his heart to confirm he died. They were so good enough to arrange the cremation and such. It even nearly brought her to tears.

Kind of unreal how you really don't realise how much they're truly apart of your life until death. The way it truly kills your heart on that day.

I also remember one time when he was a pup taking him into the vet for the certain injections they get. Seeing the man take in his Alsatian, then 5 minutes later coming back out with just a lead and sobbing. It was horrible to watch. All the owners sitting in a deathly silence. Even the reactions to some of the dogs. It's something I'll never forget in the early 90s.

That it does.  There is nothing worse than the responsibility/time for making 'the decision'.

My sympathies, John.

Thanks for the kind words, guys. Why do pups have to die so soon, Phoon? Doc, I'll be looking for my guys when I get to that bridge. I've had dogs almost every day of my life so there are quite a few waiting for me. Voo, I feel your pain. I've held each and every one of my guys and gals as they passed. I've always wanted them to know they weren't alone when they left. Paul, I appreciate your words of kindness.

I've had Diesel since he was six weeks old. My son brought him home and I thought he was the goofiest looking dog I had ever seen. He was all head, legs, and feet. Huge head, long legs, and gigantic feet! Watching him run all these years was a blast. He ran like a deer, more hopping than actual running. Watching him run after squirrels in trees was hilarious. He was never one to play. Not once did he ever fetch a stick or chase a ball. He was just my buddy. Anyway, this is what he looked like 5 or 6 years ago. People have told he reminds them of Santa's Little Helper on The Simpsons.

I know exactly how you feel. I got my friend as the runt of a litter...then she had 13 of her own in one litter. After that every few years she developed tumors in her breasts working from the front to the back and it's what eventually killed. When my little girl passed on I ended up flying back home to Pennsylvania from Florida after having her cremated...then bought her a casket and headstone with her image etched in it. She was my best friend...and even though this all happened over years ago...I still think about her. And the image on her headstone still hangs on my wall. I'd give anything to have another just like her.

Sorry to hear that John. I have had to do this a few times in my life sadly, but I always have to realize what was best for the animal, not my self. Time will heal.

My sympathies. I have a dog who is old and probably not gonna be here much longer....she will be sorely missed.

I wish you the best.

So sorry to read of your loss, John, it is never easy saying goodbye to a treasured pet.  We lost our Maltese cross, Toby, a couple of months ago, and it wasn't easy having to let him go, so I know what you're going through and I do feel for you.

One way to cope.

She's always with me ....

It is obvious from your post and how you speak of him, how much you loved him. That sucks so bad, the hole it must have left. Very sorry for the loss of your family member. My wishes for a quick healing heart which must be broken, so sorry.

thanks for the kind words, folks. i know i'm not the only person to have lost a cherished pet. it seems many of you guys have also. isn't it amazing how an animal can affect us in such a profound way? pets are great, aren't they?

Damn me for reading this.  Sorry for your loss John.  I feel your loss as I type this through my tears as it brings back sad memories for me.  When my Lady (shepherd) died it hurt so much I said wouldn't have another pet.  I haven't.  Again, I feel for you John.

No kids....but the one cat for 17 and a half years...yep, they do.

Felicity was replaced but then one of 'the replacements' fell ill.....and $7500 later she wasn't [though we're still no wiser what the problem was].

Put a hold on the [then] planned US trip....but she's fine now...so we're flitting off in Sep...

Not really, John. They enable the best parts of our hearts and natures to emerge without fear of shame or rejection...hence the depth of the sorrow of their deaths. 

18 1/2 years and died in my arms.... know exactly where you're coming from...

I still reflect and mourn all my furry companions, and some feathered ones too... 4 German Shepherds, 1 toy Poodle, 3 cats, a beloved cockatiel and an assortment of canaries and terrapins...

I was never going to have another after this last cat, but eventually decided to foster to get an animal out of a kill pound to prepare for a new home but he has since adopted me.... I'm a proud 'foster failure'... 

I hope you one day look for another pal at some stage... maybe a rescue.... 'out of cages onto couches' is my motto... 

sympathies to you.... nothing really helps ease the pain of losing such a close mate, but it softens a little over time...

Beautifully said... nailed it....

Our pets fill a huge void in our lives, and leave a void twice as large when they leave us. Love for our animals helps to keep us human. I feel deeply for your loss, While living in Nevada, I lost two fine dogs, one to cancer, another to an "unspecified toxic substance"(poisoned) I've never had another dog since. Here in Illinois, the current wife and I lost two of our best friends (cats) within months of each other a couple of years ago. We had both since they were kittens. We will never forget the joy they brought into our lives.

i sympathize with everyone here who has lost a furbaby. i still have two dogs and a cat so i'm not alone by any means. i don't think the Madison, Diesel's mother, will be with me much longer though. She's not dealing with Dezz's death very well. Jack, the wire-haired jack russell terrier (yeah, i know i put a LOT of thought into his name) is a 5 year old little scudder and Bones the cat is only 6 or 7 and a little dude so they'll be around for bit.

Mike, i didn't mean to make ya cry, bud. i completely understand though. I'm picking up Deez's remains later today and i guarantee you i'll be crying then. i'll need to sit for a bit in the parking lot to gather myself before driving home.

I think that's because we all have trust issues with other humans that prevent us from loving fully and genuinely unconditionally...with our animal companions, we really don't...so, the loss is so much greater. Maybe the fall from Eden bore the most terrible punishment of all...loss of trust and the ensuing loneliness.