male only Bummed Beond Beleif . . .

[MegInNOLA 531]

Hi Rootman:

I'm just seeing this thread--I'm so very sorry for your loss. Losing a beloved pet (in your case, 2) is losing family members--period. We had our beautiful old cocker spaniel put down in December right before Christmas because she had what our vet called "doggie Alzheimer's." She kept getting lost in the house, sometimes forgot how to eat, and would easily get trapped in crevices and be unable to get herself out. It was heartbreaking; we knew when we took her in that we were doing the best thing for her, but it was SO HARD!!!

I know you wish you could have said goodbye to them; I guess maybe your wife was thinking she had the time and the strength to take them (perhaps also saving you the grief and saving them from further suffering), so she went ahead. I agree with the poster above who said talk, love, forgive, and look ahead. We're not getting another dog at this point, either, but we are happy that our rental apartment comes complete with 2 beautiful golden retrievers for us to love on whenever we like--my husband is going back to college full-time, so we've rented a garage apartment close to campus for a weeknight sleeping place (our home is about an hour and a half commute in to the college--I teach there); the owner of the apartment lives right there in her home with these beautiful dogs, so we'll see them frequently. We find ourselves petting other people's dogs sort of maniacally because we miss Lili so much...

Eventually, all the love to and from pets must make this world a better place... so never say never to another one. They sneak up on you with their cute furry faces and pure souls. I still cry for my dogs (and am doing so right now, in fact); they were/are a part of my life that I wouldn't trade for anything. We miss them, absolutely, but eventually you'll also be able to Celebrate that you shared your life with them. HUGS!!

[bigsleeve56 266]

Maybe a convertiable for a midlife crisis.

[Tipintx 41]

I too am sorry for your loss. Maybe your wife was trying to shield you from the pain of having to make those hard decisions? I pray you find peace and comfort in the midst of your mourning. Isn't it wonderful that we are able to love and receive love from our animals? I won't be surprised if some lucky stray worms himself into your life again:). I really am sorry you are hurting.