My Boy RUDY has CHF its terminal

[YorkichonBella]

I am so sorry that Rudy is having to go through this. Sending Thoughts & Prayers & Blessings for Rudy. It is the hardest decision ever when the time really comes, but remember that you don't want him to suffer. He knows you Love him with all your heart. HUGS & PRAYERS for Rudy & you!

[Ladymom]

My heart breaks for you. As the mom of a 15 year old, that decision is the one we dread.

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this -- the last battle -- can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close -- we two -- these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

-- Unknown

[yorkieusa]

I have gone through it twice. My heart and prayers are with you. I know how painful a decision it is.

[lisaly]

Below is something I find very comforting. We love our babies so much, and we will do anything to spare them pain. It becomes the ultimate sacrifice if we decide to do what is best for our babies, even though our hearts are broken. I hope you have more days ahead with Rudy feeling better and getting stronger. We understand what you are going through and are here to help you.

Living Love

If you ever love an animal, there are three days in your life you will always remember...

The first is a day, blessed with happiness, when you bring home your young new friend. You may have spent weeks deciding on a breed. You may have asked numerous opinions of many vets, or done long research in finding a breeder. Or, perhaps in a fleeting moment, you may have just chosen that silly looking mutt in a shelter--simple because something in its eyes reached your heart. But when you bring that chosen pet home, and watch it explore, and claim its special place in your hall or front room--and when you feel it brush against you for the first time--it instills a feeling of pure love you will carry with you through the many years to come.

The second day will occur eight or nine or ten years later. It will be a day like any other. Routine and unexceptional. But, for a surprising instant, you will look at your longtime friend and see age where you once saw youth. You will see slow deliberate steps where you once saw energy. And you will see sleep where you once saw activity. So you will begin to adjust your friend's diet--and you may add a pill or two to her food. And you may feel a growing fear deep within yourself, which bodes of a coming emptiness. And you will feel this uneasy feeling, on and off, until the third day finally arrives.

And on this day--if your friend and God have not decided for you, then you will be faced with making a decision of your own--on behalf of your lifelong friend, and with the guidance of your own deepest Spirit. But whichever way your friend eventually leaves you---you will feel as alone as a single star in the dark night.

If you are wise, you will let the tears flow as freely and as often as they must. And if you are typical, you will find that not many in your circle of family or friends will be able to understand your grief, or comfort you.

But if you are true to the love of the pet you cherished through the many joy-filled years, you may find that a soul--a bit smaller in size than your own---seems to walk with you, at times, during the lonely days to come. And at moments when you least expect anything out of the ordinary to happen, you may feel something brush against your leg--very very lightly.

And looking down at the place where your dear, perhaps dearest, friend used to lay---you will remember those three significant days. The memory will most likely be painful, and leave an ache in your heart---As time passes the ache will come and go as it has a life of its own. You will both reject it and embrace it, and it may confuse you. If you reject it, it will depress you. If you embrace it, it will deepen you. Either way, it will still be an ache.

But there will be, I assure you, a fourth day when---along with the memory of your pet---and piercing through the heaviness in your heart---there will come a realization that belongs only to you. It will be as unique and strong as our relationship with each animal we have loved, and lost. This realization takes the form of a Living Love---like the heavenly scent of a rose that remains after the petals have wilted, this Love will remain and grow--and be there for us to remember. It is a love we have earned. It is the legacy our pets leave us when they go. And it is a gift we may keep with us as long as we live. It is a Love which is ours alone. And until we ourselves leave, perhaps to join our Beloved Pets--it is a Love that we will always possess.

-Written by Martin Scot Kosins

[boopie8]

Thankyou all again for the lovely lovely thoughts..............Rudy goes to the vet Late morning tomorrow............I will keep you posted as to what happens...........You guys are wonderful..........Rudy and Boops Mommy

[jacquelinebabco]

My thoughts and prayers are with you as you make a most difficult decision. We all have all been through this and understand the devastation. I too have a very young dog with CHF and I dread the day I will be making that same appointment. I am crying all the way through this post and wish I could be there with you to hold your hand and support your heart. May the prayers of all lift you up and comfort you as you face tomorrow.
Hugs
Jackie

[ladyjane]

I am so sorry your Rudy is ill. Will keep you and him in my thoughts and prayers.

[shodanusmc]

So very sorry to hear the Rudu is sick. He is in out thoughts and prayers

[EarthAngel]

I am keeping you and Rudy close to my heart in prayer. Dyan