Goodbye Sally

Well Sally's gone now.
I gave her a little breakfast yesterday of scrambled egg and buttery toast, her favourite. I couldn't fuss her too much because then I'd get really upset again and she'd get all worried. I was fine until I started to get ready to take her then I went to pieces a bit. At the vets the receptionist was so good, she knew Sally really well because we were pretty much regulars there over the last year or so, and Sally was a character because she hated going everytime and would scramble to get out the door. She took us staright away into a room and Sally's favourite vet came to her but she started to get stressed when she trimmed her fur on her leg so she then had to sedate her because it would be too distressing for her. We had to wait then 10 minutes. Then when Sally was settled she put her to sleep. I've never had to do it before because my dad took my old dog for me because I wasn't brave enough but I wanted to be there for Sally.
We're having her cremated and then I'm going to either scatter her ashes on her favourite walk or bury them in the garden and plant a tree, I haven't decided yet.
One minute I feel guilty and the next i feel panicky because I know i won't see her again.

thanks oxide xxx

I know exactly how you are feeling, because I had to have my scottish terrier put to sleep recently. Like you I knew it was the right thing to do, I totally identify with your feelings of guilt and then panick, Planting the tree is a nice idea I like that, I scattered Dinkys ashes in her favourite spot in the garden, sending you bigs hugs

Thank you allie, i just read about dinky on another post. So sorry for you too. xxx

Just remember you did the right thing.
You know it was the right time , and we all know it too.
Problem is I know it still hurts like hell.

You have done the right thinkg for your baby. Big hugs to you and your family.
I lit a candle for Sally last night x

What is often not right for us is right for our pets and you did do what was for the best

From Ruby and me. You did the right thing. Run free at Rainbow Bridge Sally.

It may seem impossible to believe it right now but by being with her you gave her the biggest gift of love and kindness we can give them. I think you have been very brave.

Rest in Peace Sally

I really need to stop reading this section :-(

RIP little girl.

Thanks everyone, especially staffylover70 for lighting a candle for her, that is so kind. xx

R.I.P Sally. Hugs to you jane,

rip beautiful sally.xxx

I am so sorry ; rip Sally. You were loved.

A Parting Prayer

Dear Lord, please open your gates
and call St. Francis
to come escort this beloved companion
across the Rainbow Bridge.

Assign her to a place of honor,
for she has been a faithful servant
and has always done her best to please me.

Bless the hands that send her to you,
for they are doing so in love and compassion,
freeing her from pain and suffering.

Grant me the strength not to dwell on my loss.
Help me remember the details of her life
with the love she has shown me.
And grant me the courage to honor her
by sharing those memories with others.

Let her remember me as well
and let her know that I will always love her.
And when it's my time to pass over into your paradise,
please allow her to accompany those
who will bring me home.

Thank you, Lord,
for the gift of her companionship
and for the time we've had together.

And thank you, Lord,
for granting me the strength
to give her to you now.

Amen.

- © Brandy Duckworth, 1998

Thanks again everyone, and thanks oxide for the prayer, that's so kind of you to post it.
Missing her this morning, even though she was a placid dog and spent most of the time towards the end just sleeping, the house seems too quiet now. Cassie seems to be actually depressed, if that's possible.
Everyone here has been so nice, thanks so much

It is a big adjustment. Cassie will certainly notice the difference in her pack and in your attitude.

Helping Your Mourning Dog with the Loss

If your dog is showing signs of grief after losing a canine companion, it is important for you to try to help it work through its grief.
One way to do this is to provide the surviving dog with more affection and attention. Trying to engage your pet in an activity it enjoys will help take its mind off the loss, but be aware that some dogs in mourning will be resistant to playing. The key is to keep trying and to continue to provide your dog with attention. Most dogs in mourning will return to their normal
activities in about two weeks, though some can take up to 6 months
before they fully recover from the loss.If your dog is expressing its grief in an undesirable way, such as howling or otherwise vocalizing excessively, you should use caution when giving it attention. If you provide your pet with attention or give it treats in order to stop the vocalization behavior, you will be reinforcing the behavior and your pet may continue the behavior even after the grief has past. Therefore, it is important to provide your pet with the affection and attention it needs while it is engaging in appropriate behaviors. So long as the undesirable behavior is related to the
grieving process and you do not reinforce it, the behavior should subside after your dog is done mourning.If your dog seems to be severely depressed and is not moving through the mourning process at a good pace, you may want to consider talking to your doctor about giving your pet anxiety medication. Otherwise, remember that with time comes healing and, with the help of your love and affection, your pet will likely return to its normal self.

My heart goes out to you Jane as we our lost little Phoebe last August it's such a heartbreaking situation to be in but Sally is at peace now.
I don't know if you are interested in this or not but if you plant a tree you can buy (on that well known auction site) a personalised memorial plaque and they will put any text or poem on the plaque with a picture of Sally.

Run free at Rainbow Bridge Sally.

Thats actually a wonderful idea nothern_girlie.

Thanks northerngirlie that's a great idea, I'd never thought of that, I looked at them yesterday.
I'm going to be moving house in about a month, so I want to take her ashes with me and plant the tree in my new garden. I will find a special place for her there.
So sorry to hear about your Phoebe xx

arrr, so sad, sorry for your loss jane, you did the best thing for her, she is now at peace watching you now.

Im sad to hear your news. R.I.P Sally at rainbow bridge xx

It really is a hard thing to come to terms with Jane. But Sally is now at rest & you are a wonderful owner for seeing her throu this hard time. It is the best for her though very hard for you & Cassie. She will cert be missing her as well. Many hugs to you both. My heart & thoughts are with you at this time.

I'm so sorry to read about Sally. It's so sad. xxx

jane are u ok? i have been thinking about you today how is cassie coping aswell.

Hi Staffy2
I've been sad today because I just got Sally's ashes back. I really miss her. Cassie's been actually depressed, I'm sure, Oxide said it's because she is missing a pack member. She seemed a little better though today, i have to say.
Sally reminded me of one of those matriarchal elephants when you watch the nature programmes, the elderly one that leads the way and reassures the others in the family, because she was so laid back and placid and not bothered by anything, where as cassie's a bit insecure. Sally would go in the garden, cassie would go in the garden. Sally would get on the chair, cassie would get on the chair. Sally would bark at something, Cassie would bark.
The house seems so quiet without her presence, i still can't belive she's gone. Thanks so much for asking xxx