Today we were forced to make a difficult decision regarding our 11 year old chocolate Lab- Skor (yes, named after the candybar). Skor would have truned 12 on Saturday, but we couldn't let him live this way just so we could celebrate his birthday. I am to, to say the least, DEVESTATED. Skor had not been himself for months- growling at our 2 yr old black lab, not eating well, difficulty getting up- but this would clear up after a day or two. Well 5 days of not eating and basically needing to be lifted made the decision to see the vet easier. But ultimately the final decision was a nightmare. Why do we have to make these decisions? Why do we Love these animals so much?
Well, 1 look into Skor's eyes would answere that question for you. His unconditional Love for me, my wife and my daughters, his constant comapnionship. THIS SUCKS, but wouldn't trade a moment of it. I will never forget our last few minutes at the vet, he kept looking at me and I could see he was ready. How could I possibly know that?- I felt it. He looked right into my eyes until the last moment- and I cried but tried to be strong for him. He didin't want to leave us- it took 2 shots of sedative to make him sleepy, he fought through the first. But in the end it was peacful and painless, and he is in a better place. WE MISS HIM, but he is no longer in pain.
Don't let anyone tell you these dogs can't feel or deduce our emotions. Our 2 yr old lab wouldn't let me out of the house after I loaded Skor in the car. He had his chance for goodbyes, and loved all over Skor in the garage, but he knew he wasn't going to see him again. When I returned home, he sat with tail tucked until i sat and then he came over, burried his head in my lap and let out a gut wrenching sigh. I broke down again and just sat with him and let him cry.
To all those out there that have had a similar decision to make I respect you. For those who will have to make it in the future, PLEASE consider your pet and make the decision for him/her and not what would make you feel better. I hurt, but I know I did the right thing for Skor.
Skor: we Miss you
we Love you
Happy Birthday on Saturday April 4
The Bartole Family
Well, 1 look into Skor's eyes would answere that question for you. His unconditional Love for me, my wife and my daughters, his constant comapnionship. THIS SUCKS, but wouldn't trade a moment of it. I will never forget our last few minutes at the vet, he kept looking at me and I could see he was ready. How could I possibly know that?- I felt it. He looked right into my eyes until the last moment- and I cried but tried to be strong for him. He didin't want to leave us- it took 2 shots of sedative to make him sleepy, he fought through the first. But in the end it was peacful and painless, and he is in a better place. WE MISS HIM, but he is no longer in pain.
Don't let anyone tell you these dogs can't feel or deduce our emotions. Our 2 yr old lab wouldn't let me out of the house after I loaded Skor in the car. He had his chance for goodbyes, and loved all over Skor in the garage, but he knew he wasn't going to see him again. When I returned home, he sat with tail tucked until i sat and then he came over, burried his head in my lap and let out a gut wrenching sigh. I broke down again and just sat with him and let him cry.
To all those out there that have had a similar decision to make I respect you. For those who will have to make it in the future, PLEASE consider your pet and make the decision for him/her and not what would make you feel better. I hurt, but I know I did the right thing for Skor.
Skor: we Miss you
we Love you
Happy Birthday on Saturday April 4
The Bartole Family