GeorgiaPD 408 Posted July 6, 2013 Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 (edited) Well, today is officially in the top five for the worst days in my life. My former partner, long since retired from service, had to be put down today. We have been fighting some major arthritis issues with him for a few years now, but his heart stayed strong. Everyday he would go out to my patrol car and try to get in, knowing that he could not. Every time I got called for a late night Swat callout, he would race me to the door. When my son was so sick and required us to be near him at all times, he never left my son's side and would wake us up if we fell asleep from exhaustion. Our vet told us that he would let us know when it was time, so we just kept him comfortable. It was the least that I could do for him as he had saved my ass so many times. He was not just a pet or retired partner, he was a family member. This morning, he woke me up holding his leash. We have not been able to take him on a long walk for over a year now, so I knew. And when he refused the meds that made his life bearable, it just solidified what he was telling me. I called into work and took a sick day to spend with him. He got that walk that he was wanting from this morning, a good bath and brush. I contacted the vet that has been there for him since day one and she agreed to come out to the house so that he was comfortable. He died laying in my lap, knowing that he was and will always be loved. Good-bye and until we meet again my friend, you will never be forgotten. Edited July 6, 2013 by GeorgiaPD 6 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Big John! 2,062 Posted July 6, 2013 Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 What a very special bond you must have had counting on each other on a daily basis. I'm happy for you in the sense that you were able to enjoy the gift of the time spent with your best friend. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sunnybean 939 Posted July 6, 2013 Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 (edited) Sorry to hear about your loss. I know your pain. Its brutal. For me, time was the best healer. Getting there is tough. Good luck. Prayers sent. Edited July 6, 2013 by sunnybean 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
patriot 7,197 Posted July 6, 2013 Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 I know what you feel. My border collie was my best friend. She died at age 12. My most sincere condolences. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DLT 1,646 Posted July 6, 2013 Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 Sorry to hear about your loss. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ARCHANGEL 104 Posted July 6, 2013 Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 I feel for to you an your family. He was a wonderful, faithful friend and family member. Prays for the sweet guy, you and your family. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LuPiN8oR 333 Posted July 6, 2013 Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 Im sorry for your loss, im dreading that day when it finally comes. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
saltydecimator 482 Posted July 6, 2013 Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 (edited) man you gonna choke me up!!! sorry to hear that... Edited July 6, 2013 by saltydecimator 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
U.S. Pratorean 1,234 Posted July 6, 2013 Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 You have my deepest condolences. Reading about your loss made me re-live the loss of my hunting partner. Joey loved chasing pigs. He passed on in his sleep after 14 years. I do miss him. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MT Predator 2,294 Posted July 6, 2013 Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 Sorry for your loss. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
YOT 3,742 Posted July 6, 2013 Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 I offer my most sincere condolences and prayers for you. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sport Rescue 245 Posted July 6, 2013 Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 Not knowing you, but knowing the bond and the feeling of losing someone so special is making me remember those lost. My sincere condolences. He will be waiting, however long, for y'all to meet again, Thinking 'bout ya here in Texas... 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Juggernaut 11,054 Posted July 6, 2013 Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 you and yours are and have been in our prayers. So sorry for your loss... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tim2shu 48 Posted July 6, 2013 Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 It just doesn't seem right that what is called mans best friend is around for just a short time, sorry to here ii 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
pjj342 632 Posted July 6, 2013 Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 A kind of similar thing happened to my parents. They had a german shepard and he was a great dog. He was the best watch dog ever and my dads best friend in the world. One day without warning, he bit my mom twice, once in the arm and once in the stomach. He was always 'mouthy' but he never clamped down, as to actually hurt anyone. Well, this time he clamped down hard and my mom needed about 17 stitches. The next day he was put to sleep. We were all crushed, but it had to be done. Mom was alone with him everyday and we couldnt risk a 'next time'. My condolences man, I thank you both for your service. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gunman1 1,753 Posted July 6, 2013 Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 So sorry for your loss GeorgiaPD, time will heal the pain of the loss, faith will replace the pain with great memories. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
honkytonk 30 Posted July 6, 2013 Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 I'm very sorry for your loss. There is nothing in this world like a good dog, they make our lives so much happier. I know it sounds cliche but thinking of the good times you had together or something he used to do that would make you laugh actually helps. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
breid1970 327 Posted July 6, 2013 Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 Morn your loss and celebrate everything he gave to you and you to him. It choked me up reading that. Unconditional love. My prayers go out to you. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Spartacus 1,619 Posted July 6, 2013 Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 Sorry for your loss GeorgiaPD. I know how much that hurts. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GeorgiaPD 408 Posted July 6, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 Thanks to all for the kind words and prayers, it has helped. One of the hardest parts about this evening was trying to tell my 3 year old where his buddy went. Thankfully, he goes to a Christian Pre-School, so they have already started teaching him about Heaven and God. It was a relief that he understood, because I was completely dreading trying to make him understand. I guess that I should start paying more attention to what he is learning in school. Again, Thank you to everyone for the support. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bigtwin 219 Posted July 6, 2013 Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 Sorry for the loss of your companion(perhaps the family companion)! The last post about telling the three year old...just about kills me. I have a lab that has been an awesome companion and a great family dog for lack of a better term. A month ago we found out she has terminal cancer. My daughter is three, the dog is eleven, I don't look forward to telling my daughter what will happen to "her puppy" when that time comes! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
thebuns1 4,323 Posted July 6, 2013 Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 Sorry for the loss. Glad you got to enjoy many good times with him though. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sim_Player 1,939 Posted July 6, 2013 Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 (edited) Time will help ease the pain. I've had many dogs come and go (5 in the last 20 years) and each one has a special place in my heart. ~Sim Edited July 6, 2013 by Sim_Player 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cobra 76 two 2,677 Posted July 6, 2013 Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 Oh man I'm so sorry buddy. Prayers up my brother. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DogMan 2,343 Posted July 6, 2013 Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 Man, I'm so sorry to hear that. Been through it several times and it never gets any easier. Not that any of them can be replaced but getting another, especially a rescue dog, always seems to make getting through the loss a little easier. Regardless, time is a good healer. Take care. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lone Star Arms 2,047 Posted July 6, 2013 Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 I'm so sorry to learn of your loss, GPD, and so glad you were able to say goodbye the way you did. Mike 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Photoguy 202 Posted July 6, 2013 Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 I'm sorry for your loss. A dog's soul, grit and loyalty is unmatched in the human world. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Superhawk138 202 Posted July 6, 2013 Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 Sorry for your loss Justin. You have some very good memories of the times with your special friend that will never go away. Sending prayers to you and the family. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
David Mark 2,452 Posted July 6, 2013 Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 Condolences GPD. Sounds like you had a very special partner. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Big John! 2,062 Posted July 6, 2013 Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 Do you have another partner now? Just asking since you said that your partner had been retired. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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