Thank you all for your input. I can't tell you how much you all helped me muddle through the last week.
We said good bye to our boy today. The vet was compassionate--told me when I consulted with her on Friday that she believed that Russ was mentally ill from his earlier trauma and his file showed a history of problems. She believed putting him down was the compassionate decision.
As we spoke today she gave him left over chocolates from Christmas and feed it to Russ as I said good bye. I kept thinking that meant that Russ will come back to us as a happy chocolate lab.
I decided today I was going to donate blood to get something good out of a bad day....but you can't walk into the Red Cross so I made an appt for Thursday in Russ's honor. I hope to learn a lot from this and be a better person.
Thank you ALL for your thoughts. I read then reread all your comments. They were sooooooooooo heartfelt and insightful. Thank you.
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
I know today was difficult. I am sorry. I hope donating blood this week will give you some closure and you can be at peace. Sounds like a good idea to me.
Please take comfort in knowing you did the right thing, the only thing you could. Be good to yourself. I know it hurts, but you had no choice. You gave Russ a good home as long as it was possible.
A very difficult decision, but I do like your optimism that Russ will return as a chocolate lab. I sincerely hope that happens for your family. Traumatized animals need our compassion and what you did today showed that compassion.
Thank you for sharing. I believe your decision shows that you were the one who truly loved Russ and didn't want to abandon him. He needed you to make that decision for him.
I love the idea of him returning as a chocolate lab.
I am sorry you had to go through an even more traumatic experience making this decision, but applaud you for having the courage to do what really did need to be done before something even more horrible happened.
I love the way that you are finding positive ways to commemorate Russ. Nicely done.
I'm sorry. You made the right decision and it was a very hard decision. I am a huge dog lover and although I read your earlier posts I found the situation so sad that I couldn't respond. And others had already articulated my thoughts. Without a doubt, it was the correct decision but I am sure it was very sad. I love that you are honoring him by giving blood. A beautiful homage.
Thank you for the update. Even though it must have been heart-wrenching, you made the right decision. (((Hugs))) to you as you go through this tough time!
Thank you for the update. This was a difficult time for you and your family. You did the right thing. Someone could have been injured or another dog could have been injured. I like the chocolate lab idea! I am thinking of you.
You definitely did the right thing.
That was the reason I shared my experience with you.I know how hard that was. I am glad that your vet was so compassionate, and guided you correctly. The rescue should have never let him go to a home. Hugs to you, you are a wonderful person.
I can’t imagine the pain that you had to endure. I’m sorry that the rescue people were contributing to the anxiety. Russ has it good for the time that you loved and cared for him.
I am so glad you were able to contact this vet and were treated with such compassion. It sounds like you absolutely made the right decision. (((HUGS))) to you and prayers for you!
> 
01-26-2021, 04:21 PM
