Well, we gave another one of our dogs their wings

[Mel46]

I know that it happens often, but giving our pets their wings is one of the hardest things we will ever do as caring human beings. It should prepare us for the passing of our human friends and relatives, but it has its own heartache.

Pepper was one of our rescue Jack Russells that we had for 6 years. When we rescued her she was close to death. We had to drive from Georgia to almost the Virginia border in North Carolina to get her, then rush back home so that we could get her into surgery. After that, and two dental sessions that ended with her only having 7 teeth left, she grew into a healthy, really happy, older Jack Russell who was just glad to be alive every single day.

Then, in November of 2020 she started coughing. It got worse, and her breathing got worse. The vet thought it was bronchitis, but medication didn't help. Yesterday morning, a little after midnight, we rushed her to the vet emergency room. Her tongue was purple and she was gasping for breath. The vet put her in an oxygen tent and started running tests. Everything was failing. He told us to prepare for her imminent death, so we chose to put her to sleep quietly and in our arms.

Here is a picture of her when she was in good health. She loved everyone and was always ready to lick a face or just sit in a child's arms. She will be missed greatly. Our grandson doesn't know yet. She taught him and his sister about loving pets, and receiving that love back without reservation.

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[Old Scoot]

My condolences. Sorry for your loss, I know what it's like to lose a pet. Our first Golden Retrever got lymph node cancer at the age of 13 and we also had to put her to sleep.

[Old Grinner]

Pets help remind us of what's important in life don't they? . . ..

My Boston Terrier was getting congestive heart issues and her eyes were getting cloudy in her last year.

I know what you mean about the "cough".

I started noticing that when I'd take her for walks she'd have to pause to cough once in a while . . ..

Since she passed I've since gotten a cat.

It's never easy losing a pet. They are indeed part of the "family".

[mymitzi]

What a hard thing to endure.........Sympathies to You and Yours Mel. Pepper was a very fortunate JRT You gave her your best.

[you you]

Very sad news.

[springer1]

So sorry Mel, she was a cutie and a great friend.

[Limey]

So very sorry, Mel. We have always had dogs and know how hard this can be.
Condolences from both of us.
Martyn and Liane.

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[Old Grinner]

So very sorry, Mel. We have always had dogs and know how hard this can be.
Condolences from both of us.
Martyn and Liane.

"Crossing the Rainbow Bridge" . . ..

If that story doesn't choke one up I don't know what will . . ..

[JohnL]

We feel for you Mel, our pets are part of our family, each have their own personality and are not much different from human beings, except their ability to forgive far exceeds ours. We have a 15-year-old cat and realise that one day he will get his wings (or horns).

I'll be celebrating my 79th birthday on Jan 15th and have already come to terms with that fatal disease called living. Enjoy each day surrounded by those you love, be that family, friends, random acquaintances or pets. As long as you have made life richer for them by knowing you, you have earned your place on this earth.

Preaching over.