This bit of information on Labradors is too often neglected when prospective owners fall in love with a puppy. We all love them – wriggly little bundles of energy. It’s difficult to imagine them ever slowing down and getting old. They do, though, and those who look for information on Labradors should ask, “How long do Labrador Retrievers live in human and dog years?”
Most North American and European dogs live, on average, about 12.8 human years, but some breeds live longer than others. In general, the life expectancy of larger dogs is less than that of smaller dogs. The bodies of larger dogs work harder, and tend to “wear out” earlier than those of smaller dogs. For example, while big, strong-looking bulldogs average only 6.7 human years, frail-looking miniature poodles average 14.8 human years.
Back to the Lab
But you want information on Labradors, not bulldogs and poodles. Your question was, “How long do Labrador Retrievers live in human and dog years?”
Labrador Retrievers average 12.6 human years.
That is not a given, of course. We cannot guarantee that YOUR Lab will live 12.6 years. To give trustworthy information on Labradors, we must also consider how your dog is treated. The life expectancy of any one dog must take into account the daily and occasional stressors encountered by that particular dog. It must consider physical stressors of cold, heat, obesity, exercise, lack of exercise, etc. It must also consider psychological stresses that come as a result of the treatment your Lab receives.
Most reliable information on Labradors points out that the dog’s length of life is further determined by what it eats, and what kind of care it receives.
Converting Human Years to Dog Years
Once we know your dog’s life expectancy in human years, we must convert it to dog years to realize how old that really is.
Many people believe that each human year equals 7 Labrador years. That is not accurate information on Labradors, however, since Labs reach adulthood within the first couple of years after birth, and a human baby requires 18 years to attain the same maturity.
One canine expert worked out a formula that is more accurate, although no one can judge the matter perfectly.
The Formula
That formula counts 10.5 dog years per human year for the first 2 years. After that, it figures about 4 dog years per human year.
Working that into our information on Labradors, you get these figures:
HUMAN YEARS / DOG YEARS
1…………….10.5
2…………… 21
3…………… 25
4…………… 29
5…………… 33
6…………… 37
7…………… 41
8…………… 45
9…………… 49
10…………. 53
11…………. 57
12…………. 61
12.6………. 63.4
>>> Labrador Retrievers average 63.4 dog years.
Live Long and Prosper
One final bit of information on Labradors: These dogs are bred to be workers, so they require regular exercise if they are to live long. Plan on giving your Lab 3 walks each day, or let him out into a protected yard to romp 3 times a day. Do not allow your Lab to remain inactive and become overweight.
Overweight dogs tend to die at an earlier age than trim, fit dogs.
I cannot believe a lot of the stuff I am reading. Just blows my mind how cruel people are to dogs. This was said in the post by Georgia, Sept. 2 2012.. She had to put her lab to sleep because she couldn’t afford 1600 bucks to get her surgery. How can you live with yourself putting a 5 year old lab to sleep due to hip problems. That is not life threatening and just really sad. How can you live with yourself!!!!!! I would have given you the money or you should of worked something out with friends or another VET. And then she goes and gets another dog to replace this one while its still alive and this dog is having pain as well. So she now says that this dog (only 5 years old) will have to be put down.. AND THEN SHE SAYS THAT SHE IS GETTING ANOTHER DOG… someone MUST STOP THIS…..I am in tears having to read what this terrible person did to these labs.. How dare you!!
princess will be 11 this year and her hips and knee joints are starting to bother her,she is having a hard time getting up from a sitting ao lying position.she gets regular excercise,she still likes to think she is a pup sometimes but she tires fast she is not over weight (62 lbs) she is just getting old.we love her
Hi EveryOne,
There is a new book out by Ted Kerasote the author of Merle’s Door. The new book is called Pukka’s Promise but it was originally going to be called Why our dogs die young and what we can do about it. It is full of wonderful information about how to get and keep a dog healthy. Things every dog owner needs to know. Told as a story it is easy reading and very informative. Highly recommended!
I MEET NELLIE IN CLEVLAND OHIO WITH MY SON DEVIN AT A SPORTSMAN SHOW.I WASNT LOOKING FOR A DOG BUT AFTER BEING INTRODUCED I FEEL IN LOVE WITH HIS BEHAVOR A SWEET CALM YELLOW LAB ALMOST WHITE IN COLOR SOME SAY HE LOOKED LIKE A POLAR BEAR LOL. NELLIE BELL AS WE WOULD CALL HIM WAS SPECIAL I WAS FORTUNITE WITH MY JOB AS A SELF EMPLOYED PLUMBER THAT I COULD TAKE HIM ALMOST EVERYWHERE WITH ME.PEOPLE WOULD ALWAYS COMMENT ON HOW PRETTY AND BEHAVED HE WAS HE WOULD JUST SIT IN MY TRUCK WATCHING AND WAITING FOR ME TO RETURN.JUST SAYING THE WORD BYE BYE WOULD GET HIM TURNING CIRCLES THAT MADE HIS DAY.AS TIME WENT ON AND NELLIE GETTING CLOSE TO 10 YEARS HE BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN I WOULD HAVE TO PICK HIM UP BY THE HIND LEGS TO GET HIM INTO THE TRUCK.HE WAS MY BEST FRIEND A COULPLE DAYS AFTER CHRISTMAS NELLIE PASS AWAY IN MY ARMS HE FOUGHT HARD AS I SAYED ALITTLE PRAY FOR HIM HE LOOKED A ME WITH HIS BROWN EYES AS TO SAY THANKS DAD FOR EVERYTHING I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN SOMETIME R.I.P NELLIE:-)
I have a very energetic Black Lab named Bouncer. He has lived up to his name and has become quit the escape artist. Though he never leaves the yard, we don’t have a fence. Where does he go? To the porch where he wags his tail against the door and when you open it he has this doppy grin on his face and a puppish look of innocence in his eyes. he seems to be thinking i couldn’t let myself out i didnt escape i promise, but when you turn your back he’s back at it. My all time favorite time that he escaped was his first time. He was 5 1/2 my husband goes to work at about 3am and as he was going to his car he saw this big black thing coming at him which at first he thought was a bear. Until he came into the light, I still laugh when i think about it. Too bad yall couldn’t see my hubby’s face. I was the one who had to get him rounded up. Even still the moment he finds a new way to escape he comes to the door first, but you have to be ready with the leash. I have learned quickly that with each escape he gets more and more brave at facing the unknown. if you open the door and see him then close it to get his leash or walk away he will run into the woods, and play a game of cat and mouse.
But all in all I love him, He is about 7 now and recently had more siblings but not puppies, Ali our kitten we rescued he was hidden on our property and abandoned by his mother. At 6 weeks old the kitten let him know he was not to be messed with. A week later a female Mallard showed up and started following me around, she was injured and couldn’t fly so we nursed her back to health thinking that she will fly away. Not the case she has become our labs shadow. She follows him and once when he went to sit down he almost sat on her. She didn’t know he was going to sit until it was almost to late, she had duck down and run to avoid being squashed. He is his constant companion she will follow him every where. It’s good to know he has more than 2 best friends. I know i will hate the day that is inevitable. I cherish the moments i have with him now so that i will have them to remember him. I love my Bouncer!!! through better or worse and in sickness and health i will always be here for him.
My Hannah is 10 yrs old. She is a black lab and she is so sweet. She just loves people. She follows my husband everywhere inside the house. She is in great shape and I hope that she has alot of years left in her….
I have read all the previous comments and I am basically pouring my eyes out. My golden lab is 11 years in November I have had her ever since I was 1 year old. She has arthritis and she’s kinda chubby so can only make it around the block once a week. She has lots of spirit as she does a slight jump whenever it’s feeding time or I just go out to see her. I will not be able to cope without her as she is basically my sister. Plus I don’t take dog deaths well as I know that dog has someone pouring their eyes out for him/her and when it’s time for my sister to go I won’t be able to sleep for weeks. My family is looking for a puppy I don’t know why though but now that I have read all the comments and I’m basically pouring my eyes out I don’t think I could cope with losing not 1 but 2 dogs in at least 12-15 years I just won’t be able to do it.
My dogs name is Pippa she is beautiful. I won’t be able cope when she leaves this world.
Courtney, I’m sorry for your loss. I just wanted to tell u tho, eating grass doesn’t give the dog Heartworms, they get that from mosquitos. They eat grass usually for an upset stomach, they usually Puke and feel better. Sounds like your boy had some gastro issues. Was he up to date on his shots? Could of been Parvo or Distemper. Maybe he got into poison? Hope this helps to shed light on your research. Take care ~Sadi’s momma
Had my Sadi girl put down yesterday. I lie here in bed with tears rolling down my face as I tpe. I had my gentle.giant for 13 years. She was a bit restless a for a few days, then started drinking massiveamts of water and urinating. She would struggle a little to get up and panted a lot, had double cataracts and could barely hear. Instead of paying exuberant vet bills, we decided to have her put down. It was So HARD watching her collapse and go. I’ve been a sobbing mess, swollen eyes, etc. I am feeling a sense of guilt, but she either had diabetes or kidney/bladder issues, with one being terminal with pain or on meds to control diabetes. I guess we took care of her dignity as well as our own before she suffered greater. We didn’t have to witness the brutalness of our dog suffering. But oh how my heart aches, I feel like ill never get over this.
I just lost my beloved black lab named Sally. She was such a wonderful part of our family. I know she’s not suffering anymore. We had her for about 12 years and was showing signs of slowing down. In the early years we had cats and she accepted them without doing them any harm. It was amusing to watch her chase them up a tree for the fun of it when I drove into the drive-way. Of course, she would let them sleep next to her when the weather was cold. She loved her dog house and knew instantly that this was where she was supposed to sleep and lounge. She would wait patiently for the pat on the head and showed us unconditional love every day. I miss you Sally.
My first lab adopted me when I stopped my Explorer to do some route work I did @ one time to support my son. I put the truck in park, lifted the back gate, & she came running and jumped into the truck, going over the cargo area, and landing in the backseat. I could see she was a purebred dog, I was terrified of leaving her on a major hwy; however I was also terrified of bringing her home, because we had a male mixed breed mutt. I didnt want her to become pregnant, especially if her owner ever reclaimed her. After stopping @ a vets office & explaining my problem the secretary got 2 men 2 get her out of my truck, an the vet showed me that she had been fixed. So I placed a lost pet notice in the paper. No-one ever called about her. So I kept her & named her Dummy. I was allowed 4 blessed years with her, until she began having problems standing up with her back hips. The vet took xrays & told me it would cost $1600 for surgery to realign the muscles in her hips, one hip would have to be replaced. As a single mommy I truly couldnt afford the $1600; so I brought her home, for one last month, with pain meds. During that month, I adopted another black lab, this one was a male. Dummy didnt like the little guy, sge just knew he was her replacement. I had just 1 picture of them 2gether, & I lost that to Hurricane Katrina, just 2 months afterwards, I put my big, sweet, lovable Dummy down & I cried so much, the vet had 2 drive my truck & I home. I was unconsolable 4 two weeks, but my male puppy Mojo VIII, brought me out of the depression, Over losing my girl. Now he’s also having problems standing up, when I took him 2 the vet, I asked the vet if I could give him some of the glucosimine & chondroitin that I take for my knees. The vet said that would be good for Mojo VIII. So it got better 4 a while, now its getting worse so I give him the “Move Free Ultra” 2 of them daily with 1 of my Gabapentin @ 100 mg every day. He’s able to stand on his own & doesn’t seem 2 be in any pain, maybe he’s stoned. I just cant bear putting him down, cuz he’s only 5 people years old (33 doggie years); & its tearing me up, knowing that if Mr Mojo gets any worse, I’ll most probably put him down around or shortly after Mardi Gras of 2013. I will get another dog, but never another Lab. They are too easy to love & too hard to get over losing; I’m thinking about adopting a small rescued dog of whatever breed from the dog pound. I just cant bear to lose my boy, but this time I want to have a little guy (girl) that can sit in my lap without breaking my legs. I was crying as I typed this, over my Dummy girl as much as my Mojo boy!!!! This was so hard to do, but it did help me.
Our sweet Taz is a male black Labrador who will turn 13 on Sept. 08, 2012… We got him and his brother (Stomper was a yellow lab) when they were 8 weeks old. Stomper died a little more then 2 years ago from a rapid growing cancer. That day was the hardest and saddest day of my life… Until now????… Because now we have to decide if it’s time to let Taz go home too… He is suffering from so many little things… He’s having difficulty with his breathing… Difficulty with walking… Lots of growths on his body, some of which have broken open. Loosing control and dropping poop and now it’s accidents with him peeing in the house. About 8 years ago he had a injury to his spine and we thought we might have had to put him down… Vet said surgery was an option but it would be very expensive or we can wait and see how he does. Well, we waited and he pretty much made a complete recovery… But, I’m sure some of problems he is having now with movement is a result of his injury and arthritis. He has been my constant companion… He goes everywhere I go. If I leave the house and he doesn’t go with, he waits by the back
door until I come back in… He sleeps on the floor next to my side of the bed… He is such an amazing dog. We will take him to the Vet tomorrow and depending on what the Vet Has to say, we might have to say our goodbyes… I just hate to see him suffering because he has given so much to us… I know the day will come when we will have to say goodbye… I just hope it’s not tomorrow!!M
my dog name was duke. he is a big black strong looking dog that looked almost like a pitbull. he was blind and he only notice things by hearing touching and smelling. he was a very playful dog he would run with us and everything. he would come into our garage and tear up our trash bags. he was the cutest dog although most labs look exactly alike they are just different colors. today im writing this on August 13,2012 because he died yesterday August 12, 2012. i dont quite know how he died but he did. and i miss him dearly already. i decided to do research because i would like to know how he died. he would eat grass and i would try to stop him but he wouldnt and i think when you eat grass you get heart worms. he could have died because of that. i had had him since he was a puppy, and i never thought i would ever love a dog that much. it just you dont think about things like that until it actually happens and it it a terrible feeling. i will miss Duke.
This past Monday we had to send our precious Yellow Lab, Cody, to heaven. She was 15 years old and struggled to get up and down. She had many fatty cysts and started a large growth on her leg. It was a labor of love to let her go. We were with her all the way to the end. Miss her so much, but we know we did the right thing.
Another important thing is genetics. Our Lab is 12.8 years old now, and even though we did everything right and then some he his health issues began early on. At first just benign skin growths, which needed to be removed, then mast cell cancer when he was five, diagnosed with early stage kidney failure at six, at eight a ruptured ACL, but the vet said the other would likely follow as it is rather a degenerative disease than caused by an accident. Sure enough, two years later he needed the 2. TPLO surgery. If there was one stressor in his life it was all those vet visits we had to take him to to keep an eye on things. Recently he has been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy and myopathy, plus a mild laryngeal paralysis, all of which will progress. Still we don`t regret chosing him; he is the most wonderfull dog one could ever hope to have, and despite it all we gave him the best life a dog can hope for: lots of love and attention, healthy food, long walks twice daily, and the beach on weekends. I work from home, so I am lucky in that I get to spend a lot of time with him. I hope to have him around a while longer.
we had to put our 12 year old yellow lab down today we called her rosie her offical name one we made up out of her lineage “princess rose berry of york” very sad she was a great dog she was loving, loyal,a great friend
I have an almost 15 year old chocolate lab, named Mocha. Each day she gets weaker but she continues to have that spark and gets mad when I am talking on the phone. I have three boys and this dog is so precious to my husband & kids. Reading all the comments makes me know there are so many people like us out there that just worship there dogs.
Our dog was a sparky pup and is now a stubborn old lady. I will take care of her until her last breath.
Love this dog!!!
I have four dogs, three yellow labs and a sale german shep. I acquired them at 6 weeks. two of the labs, and the shepherd are 14, almost 15. The other lab is 8 and is the child of the two other yellows. I have lost dogs to age and accident before, and it is always devastating. Dogs are such amazing creatures, and as mine age, and begin to show signs of dementia, arthritis, etc, I see the clock ticking down. they are so close to each other that they all sleep in a big pile on a huge dog bed. heads, tails and legs intertwined. I am making sure they get to go to all of their facorite places {beach, dog park} every week. I want their lastyears to be their best
Today we said farewell to Bear, my black lab. He went to the vet for his last appointment and was surrounded by his family, me, my wife and two of our three kids ( my oldest couldn’t do it). His arthritis and hip problems just became too much for him, he couldn’t even get up on his own these last few days. He was only 8.5 years old. We tried to do everything right, no table scraps, lots of exercise, regular check ups with the vet. I feel awful and miss him so much. The vet said that his hips were shot. I think he just got too big too fast and his bones didn’t fully develop properly. He was so smart and loving, he gave unconditional love to everybody he met. I miss you Bear, I’ll see you on the rainbow bridge some day! I love you so much!
It is always sad to say goodby to a special friend like Cocoa. We’re just glad you had so many good years together that will provide memories for a lifetime.
Before you scatter all of the ashes you might want to consider putting a few aside for a cremation pendant for a more permanent memory. You can learn more about them at http://psychecremationjewelry.com/about/pet-cremation-jewelry (this is not an affiliate account and I make no money from this recommendation).
Just had to put down our 15 year old lab, Cocoa, four days ago. She had struggled for the last year with seizures and her arthritis had gotten to the point where she couldn’t get up by herself. The last few months, her hips had become weak and she fell down a lot. We tended to her diligently for the last few months, but it became apparent that things were not going to improve. She was an active and outgoing dog for her entire life, until age began to take its toll last year. I held her head and stroked her ears as she took her last breath. A piece of my heart has been cut out and I don’t know if it will ever completely heal. She was my constant companion in the woods and on the rivers. She loved nothing more than to swim, chase her tennis balls, run after deer and rabbits and ride in the car. She was a joy in every conceivable way. On any given walk in the woods, she would find something early on and carry it in her mouth the entire time. It could be a stick, a hedge apple or even a rock would do. Something was always in the mouth. We pick up her ashes this weekend and will scatter them at her favorite swimming hole in a nearby river. It is only fitting that her final resting place be in the water. She will always be in our hearts. I will miss being awoken on those early Saturday mornings by that slobbery tongue on my face and that impatient bark which signaled it was time to get up and get moving. There were things to chase, woods to explore and waters to swim.
My yellow Lab is now 17. I thought she was going to die last week. She had a very bad cold. Today she is doing pretty well. I feed her soups and ground beef. She rarely gets “dog food.” Also I give her B Vitamins. Liquid or Sub-lingual tablets are the best. That helps keep her energy level up. It is funny because a year ago the vet told me she would be dead in the next couple of weeks. Well, she’s still alive and happy. 🙂
MY YELLOW LAB PASSED THIS MORNING AT ABOUT 3:30 AM. 13 YEARS OLD CANADIAN LAB WHICH IS A LITTLE HEAVIER THAN A NORMAL LAB, FIT AND TRIM ABOUT 90 LBS, STOPPED EATING ABOUT THREE DAYS AGO. THESE DOGS HAVE A WORK ETHIC LIKE NONOTHER. HIS ONLY GOAL IN LIFE WAS TO PLEASE ME, MY WIFE AND OUR THREE DAUGHTERS. THIS DOG WOULD CARRY GROCERY BAGS FROM THE CAR TO THE KITCHEN AND PLACE THEM AT MY WIFES FEET. IF I PLACED A DOG TREAT ON HIS NOSE AND TOLD HIM TO STAY HE WOULD STAY UNTIL I TOLD HIM IT WAS OK. THIS DOG WOULD DO ANYTHING I TRAINED OR ASKED HIM TO DO, ALL FOR A LITTLE PRAISE AND PETTING. I WAS PETTING HIM WHEN HE PASSED THIS MORNING. I STOPPED ONCE AND HE RAISED HIS HEAD AND LOOKED AT ME. HE IS AND WILL BE MISSED.
Our Chocolate lab was just a beautiful, loving, well-mannered dog and truly part of our family. We adopted him from a rescue and never knew how old he was. He had some arthritis problems for about 3 years now (that was manageable with glucosamine) and developed several of those fatty cysts in the past year or so. He developed laryngeal paralysis and had an attack to the point where the vet was unable to stabilize him. We could have done the emergency surgery for him, but were told he wouldn’t be able to swim and would still be very limited with his activity (which was very low already).
We felt like it was his time. It was terrible, terrible, terrible to have had to make that decision and has been so difficult for me. However the vet felt it was reasonable. We are thinking he might have been around 10 years old.
What age does arthritis usually set in for a lab? And other factors, that I mentioned? I just feel like I need to have a better idea of his age. Could he have been older? He barely had any white or gray, just sprinkles. Also, I learned from your site the importance of exercise and weight. We didn’t get him out walking much in the cold WI weather and he was heavier. I will definitely make sure exercise and weight management are a priority when we find our new family friend to adopt.
i have a black lab and he is a really sweet dog he nows when i am sad or happy he protecs me i am only a teen btw and he is about 3 years old and i want to have him atleast till i am married and even longer and i live in the country and we have pittbulls every were i got bit and it perced my leg but my brave littel boy got out of his long run[really big cage] and didnt kill it but fought it off of me and i felt bad he had a majer cut but i live down the street from a vet and i gpt on my quad and put my dog on and the vet stiched him up now he as happy and joyfull as can be he saves my life
luv you nixion
lauren
I am so sorry for all of your loses. My dog (addi) just turned 2 this March. She is a German Shepard Lab. Mix (I think). And boy is she a handful! I love her with all my heart, but trying to keep her occupied is another story…. How do I keep her from chewing on everything, digging massive holes, and barking all the time?
As I write this I am crying. I know our dear sweet Teddy Kennedy is coming to the end of his life. He is 16 and it breaks our heart to see him so unhappy..we know and we are hoping he will just slip away one night. He used to be able to run down a hill and catch a frisbee like Derek Jeter!! And run back up and want another toss!!!Now he can barely walk..Sometimes his back legs give out. He has spinal arthritis and 2 tumors on his fanny..but he really is too old for an operation. (the vet says she is afraid even the anthesetic would be too much,even the testing process would be so traumatic he might not get through that,plus sadly the expense envolved,”if he was 5 I would”nt hesitate to advise it but at 15,I cannot. Take him home and make him as comfortable as you can, you call me when you make your next descion,you’ll know when. I am so sorry” )He has a tumor on his paw. And just recently we felt a bump on his head.He used to be able to get the remote off the floor and bring it over to us and smile and be wagging his tail the whole time…now he never wags his tail. Everymorning he used to wait for the newspaper lady to come he would hear her truck and bark this was his duty!!! This was his responsibility..he got the paper!!! Neither rain nor snow nothing kept him from his paper!!! The other day I asked him if he was going to get the paper and he looked at me with his now sad eyes as I hooked his leash.( he can’t go out alone anymore..he just stands in our road and if a car should happen by he trots out to meet it as if he is going for a ride)anyway he picked the paper up snd promptly carried it across the road and put it in the ditch..He poops as he walks..sometimes he loses it in the house and he just looks so embarrased.. the other night he was panting and pacing at 3AM I had to let him go outside and he would not come back in… I had to go search for him… I found him way down the road in the field where he used to catch the frisbee..oh God.. I had to drag himhome.. then he didn’t want to come in.. he kept looking back. We have to lift him into his truck…he used to love to go for his rides now he just sits.He used to be on the alert for everything!! We even have a liscence plate that says TEDS TRUCK! We are truly heartbroken there are days when he won’t come out of the bedroom except to eat and drink…we miss his smile and that tail wagging so much,but we can still hug him and let him know we love him,and we are grateful for everyday we have, just hoping he is too. We tell him not to be afraid cause we see the sadness in his eyes. I know we sound crazy,but after 16 years we know his looks,his moods and his thoughts.I just had to say something to someone who has been thru this. It is so horrible.
Labs are the best. I have a 17 1/2 year old black female lab named Willow that is still hilarious. She can barely hear and has some arthritis we give her meds for. But often runs around in the back yard like a puppy. She has brought our family so much joy. Although I still can’t handle the shedding! But the investment in a furminator brush has made a big difference!
No one can believe she is as old as she is. They always ask me what I have done. Here is what I can think of that may have helped….
We have always watched her weight carefully ( I too use green beans to help with hunger, oatmeal or rice on occasion as well)
Lots of LOVE, she sleeps in my sons bed
I took her OFF flea meds and heart worm meds in the winter months
Took her swimming at the lake once a week
Have fed her science diet light for years and still do
I also have a beagle cocker spaniel mix that I have done the same for and she is 18.
I am so sorry for all of you that have lost your beloved labs. I am dreading the day my sweet Willow leaves.
Im so sorry for all of you that lost your Labs. I don’t know what I would do Without my black lab Phiniex. He is my best friend.
hi everyone i just thought i would tell you all about my wonderful chocolate labrador fudge!, she 3 years old and is so lovely and loyal, me and my family use to have a black labrador jake but he sadly passed away, a few months after we realised that we couldnt live without a lab, so we decided to get fudge, she is kind of a rescue as her previous family could no longer look after her anymore, but now she is living with us and having the time of her life!!, i would advise anyone how hasn’t had the expirence of looking after a labrador to go out now and purchase one!!, they are the best dog in the world!!!!
i love labs!! 🙂 🙂
First for prospective owners make sure you have the time and resources before you get a Lab (or any dog. And PLEASE PLEASE adopt. 8 million dogs at put down in this country alone for no medical or behavioral reason. Often rescues actually make better pets as well. Also the bigger the breed, and older the dog direct correlation on the likelihood to be adopted. I have various certifications that aren’t really relevant to go into…
So to the question / answer. I have an 11 (human yrs old lab)and a 3 year old Lab – both chocolate (no there is no difference whatsoever based on color.) Shamrock my older Lab has dyspepsia, arthritis, had fatty polyps (benign.) He has always received quality food and maintained a good weight (very import for labs because of the genetic predisposition to joint/skeletal issues) He (and every Lab) can take a regimen of what I give Shamrock now for 4/5 yrs. Vitamin A supplement, Vitamin E, Omega 3/6/9, Glucosomine and Chondrotine (sp) and at 65/70 Lbs can have 3 to 4 per day 81 mg Aspirin (with food) though usually have to wrap the latter two in a treat or hide it. Before and after exercise as well as daily maintenance. Your Vet can get you stronger Rxd is needed though some (like Tramadol are addictive to dogs (and people) others are not and are just as effective in the 350+ dogs I have worked with in some capacity. Carrots are better the “greenies” or a brush for teeth (his are sparkling white at 11) and most dogs love them. As he has gotten older I have decreased his exercise. The obviously signs of slow/trouble getting up and down, sore in the morning, not jumping up as high are obvious. So LESS subtle but important because of their pain threshold is LICKING AT THE AIR – a def sign of pain. Other aliments can be helped by many human Rx (from your Vet) depending on whats going on from Benadryl to benzodiazipines (sp)for anxiety, fear, etc to SSRIs for mood elevation. But like humans a solid diet and exercise at the best preventive medicine you can go with. Also your love and time with them goes just as far.
Our 501(c)(3)nonprofit organization trains and certifies service, therapy, support, other dogs (mostly their owners), advocate legislation, train the untrainable, perform surrender interventions, and facilitate rescue placement and logistics.
If your in the Boston area or anywhere and you’re and active advocate look us up; send an email. Google.
Maybe you folks will understand this, because it sounds awful too some but whenever the day comes and I hope it a long way off and peaceful that Shamrock does pass, it will be a more emotional impact on me then human friends and family I have lost.
PS – Most Pet insurance is a scam
God Speed to the Best Friends in the World!
My Mollie is 14.9 human years and she is doing pretty good for her age! SHe does have arthritis in her back and hips, and had two bouts of cancer last year. FOr the arthritis we are on a mulit-vitamin/minerals/herb therapy along with Tramadol and Metacam. The vitmins/minerals/herbs she has taken all her life along with nothing but the best foods, and for the first 7 years she had an annual vet check, after that she has it every 6 months. the vet check always includes complete blood work-up; I am very neurotic about my pets so any sign that something may be wrong she goes to the vet to check it out. That is how we found the two cancer tumors and caught them early enough that surgery was enough to get it all. I also have a 13 year old White German Shepherd that has intestinal lymphangiectasia and back problems. But with the right foods, excersize, vitamins, medicines and lots of love she is also doing well. Then there is the 2 year old pitbull who keeps everyone hopping, along with their 3 year old sister pussycat. We owe it to our pets to give them long, happy, healthy lives – I could never do enough for them in return for what they have given me. But I keep trying!!!! I hope to write again in a few years and be able to report how well they are still doing!!!! 🙂
Hi Tammi, It sounds like you have been a fatastic friend for your beloved doggie. If it were me I would not want my baby to suffer. I have done that before with several kitties and have vowed never to do it again. I think you will know when the time is right. I would be thrilled if Mia lived to be 14 years old. That is pretty old for a lab. Good luck.
Hi Everyone, My Lab, Mia, has been with me since she was 3 1/2 and she is now 11 1/2. She is starting to have some problems and sometmes I noticed that her breathing is heavy especially when it is hot out. The vet wanted to tes her for heart problems but I didn’t want to put her on any medications just yet although I think I will go back next month and have him do what he wanted as perhaps it will keep her more comfortable. Has anyone had their Lab on heart meds? I was wondering about the side effects and if it is better to hold off. She is a little overweight right now as she gained 3 pounds (my fault) so I have her on a littl diet. She is one of the best things that ever happened to me. She is a mix between a yellow and a chocolate and is beautiful inside and out.
I need some advice! Our yellow lab is 12 years old and she has a tumor the size of a softball. We took her to the vet and she said if we remove it, they would have to send it away to see if it is cancer or not. The vet said the surgery is simple but we are torn because the kids are attached to her and the cost of the surgery. She is obese (95 lbs). My worries is her age and obese part. What would you do if she was your dog?
I lost my beautiful Murphy just days before his 7th birthday; so I guess he was only about 40 years old in human years. He has pancreatic cancer after spending a lifetime with serious hip dysplasia, but his spirit was undaunted! He was a lover’s lover, full of kisses and hugs, always wanting to touch his humans and be as close as he could to where we were.
He was a mix, I must say, but mostly Lab mixed with something else which gave him reddish golden hair and white socks. Labs are the sweetest dogs around, and we are so blessed to share our lives with them.
Murphy’s passing was unexpected, but the end was, as you have said, very quiet and calm and personal. It was between us as I held him when he breathed his last. I still, 6 months later, haven’t retired his food dish, and his bed is washed but not put away. His ever-present hair was gathered one last time and put in a bag where I can keep it forever.
I have a black lab. We got her from a shelter. At the time, we were told she was about 1-2 years old. That was 12 years ago. The vet recommended that we return her (lots of medical problems) but she had been returned to the shelter 3 times already and we knew she came with a lot of problems. Now she is around 14 but probably older. She spends her time sleeping but lately she is vommiting and loose bowels. The vet wants to do heroic measures but to put her through anything more I think would be traumatic. She can barely walk, see but still hears well. She loves to lie on her therapeutic bed beside us and get brushed. Her life has been peaceful. Any comments?
We had our beloved Missy for just over 8 years, she turned 8 on Halloween.
We noticed a lump on her early in the summer that seemed to come and go, in August it appeared to be getting bigger, so we took her to a local vet, not her regular vet as that was a bit further away. They took some blood work and made us an appointment for a specialist as they had said she had breast cancer, upon more tests at the specialist they decided that it was a cyst, and wanted us to do surgery to find out if it was malignant or benign, we did not do this cause they could not guarantee that she would survive due to her current body condition. The last three months have been the hardest, we have watched her get weaker and weaker, to the point that she was once again not eating, and drinking excessively, we went away for 2 full days on the weekend, and my father in law watched her, and he let us know that she was not able to control her bladder anymore, we watched her, and talked to her often and told her how much we loved her, and how important she was to us. Monday November 21, 2011..is a the worst day ever, one that i will never forget…For majority of the day she was sleeping, she would go in the back yard and relieve herself come in take a drink and go back to sleep, that was her day, around noon we noticed that she was pooping blood clots and where she was laying through out the house she was leaving watered down blood spots, the look in her eyes told us that she was ready and that she wanted peace, we called her vet and made an appointment to see him that evening…when he seen her, she had gone from a healthy 78 pounds to a mere 62 pounds, and said she looked very sick and that we were making the right decision…at 9:35 that night, our sweet loving companion got her doggy angel wings and is now our guardian angel…It hurts so much, i know it has only been 2 days, but i still feel the need to call her, and hug and kiss her, and rub her belly, to let her outside to pee…i miss seeing her waging her tail greeting me at the door as i get back from getting the kids on the bus…I am at ease cause i know she is no longer suffering, but it hurts to see my kids suffering, and the emptiness that we all feel with out her in our daily lives like she was for so many years. We are awaiting the call from our vet to let us know that we can pick up her ashes, at least she will be home with us in some form…With Christmas just around the corner, it hurts to know that she will not be with us to celebrate, but we are going to buy the children a star and name it MISSY, so that every night they can look to the heavens and see Missy’s star shining brightly at them.
Missy you were our best friend in the whole world, no one can ever compare to you in our eyes…We love you to the moon and back…Always and forever MisMis!!
Hi I am reading the above letters with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart as my own blond Labrador Sarah is nearing the end of her long life of nearly 16 years she arrived to our busy house on the 20 of may 1996 a three month old tornado full of life my son P J was 9 months old.
She was a constant source of pleasure,a teacher, carer, counsellor she never asked for anything just gave, someone you could always rely on and would never let you down all for the price of a long walk every day.
I always knew this day would arrive and now I feel so guilty and don’t know what to do she has lost her appetite is very stiff dose not seem to be in pain but is loosing lots of weight. I had the vet with her today he suggested we put her to sleep
He gave her a steroid injection and some antibiotics and pain relief even thou it is not obvious that she is in pain. I cant let go I keep thinking of all the good times we had all of the great walks we done up to two months ago she would do summersaults when I walked outside the front door I feel that she can get better, it feels so wrong to end her life after all the pleasure she has given my family it feels like I am loosing one of my children I just cant let go how do I deal with the guilt
MY labretriever is going on 12 she still runs like a thorough bred. SHE ENJOYS A WALK NO SHORT THAN THREE MILES AROUND A POND SO SHE CAN CONSTANTLY GO IN AND OUT OF THE WATER.
my 14 1/2 year old lab died last november he had 3 legs as one was amputated due to cancer i was told he woul only live another 12 months he lived another 3 years i still think of him and weep,i also have a 10 year old lab and am dreading the day anything happens to her.
my 14 year old had a strangulated larynx so i had to make a decision on what was best for him and it destryed me and my kids (in who are all in their mid twentys ) but i still think of him and his funny ways
reading the comments above bought tears to my eyes my black lab othello went to a better place november 2010 he was perfectly healthy and vet said he would never die of old age he had 3 legs as he had cancer in his knee joint so it was amputated i was told it would extend his life for 12 to 18 mths he lived another 3 years afterwards .
he had to be put to sleep as he has strangulated larynx whixh apparently is common in old labradors. i had him from 0 weeks as his mother was my dog so watched his birth it is just coming up to the first aniversary of his passing and i still miss him .
i also have a 10 year ols lab and im dreading the day i lose her on a happy note i now have 4 labrador grand puppies that are really cute
I have a 9 yr old golden lab the past 2 summers he has had seizures I assume it has to be the heat. We have tried the blankets on the ground wet and frozen but he won’t lay on them he has plenty of cool areas to lay but still has had them. If anyone has any other suggestion we can try would love to hear
My son list his great love, Mocha, tonight. A chocolate lab, sweet tempered tempered….the pain is incredible at her passing. Kidney failure took her, and the vet eased her way. How will we carry on without sweet Mocha? Love them every moment! I hope we see her angelic face again at the rainbow bridge….kisses to our Mocha..XOXO
I just put my dear Mo to sleep today. He was twelve and a half and we lost his brother three weeks ago. He got to the point where he couldn’t get up, was dragging his hind leg and was shivering all the time because he was so scared. I feel as though part of me has been amputated . Thank you to all who have posted and understand how deeply we feel the loss of our labs.
My labrador is 18 years and three months old. He is an old fellow. Still goes for short walks. he is almost deaf and does not see as well as he used to but seems as smart as ever.
You will know when the time has come. My black lab dog was just a few weeks short of 14 when I had to have him put down. He had had two major cancer operations in his lifetime, the last one being when he was 10. I worried that I would not know when his time was near, but I did. Broke my heart to have him put down, but couldn’t see him suffer. Rest in peace, Tip. You will always be my boy and I miss you even after nearly two years. I also rescued a black lab bitch six years ago, so she eases the paimn.
We just euthanized our 13 year old Labrador. She was a very large dog that at once weighted 120 pounds but still looked lean. Her paws were extremely large as a puppy. She was a very tall Labrador compared to others. About one year ago we noticed her hips were starting to bother her. She could no longer walk up the stairs. We adjusted her diet to shed some pounds to make her more mobile. She go to 94 pounds and she looked so skinny. She could no longer take her steps without stumbling. Eventually we had to lift her up every time she wanted to move. I had to hold her up so that she would not fall as she was peeing. So sad to see her suffer. Then she would no longer eat anything. She would struggle to drink as well. She also began to shake and shiver. She brought us job throughout the years. Thankfully this was the only time she was ill.
We just had our black lab (female) put to sleep (6th Oct 2011) she was 16 and a 3rd exactly! we miss her terribly, it was such a hard decision to make but we could also see she was really struggling and had been for some time even though she was on Metacam.
Rest in peace my Georgie girl.
I recently lost my black lab Midnight. My house is so quiet now. I live alone and he was my best friend for the last 12.5 years. I miss him so much. He got me through some very dark times in my life, and after my divorce we moved to Florida and only had each other. I miss his smile, his sweet eyes, his gentle personality, his unconditional love, his licks and kisses. I will never have another dog like him. I think I have cried every day for the last three weeks. I have felt guilty that I didnt spend more time with him, taking him for walks, playing with him and hope I wasnt the cause of his seizures. They think he had a brain tumor. He was always so healthy until the end and I thank God he didnt suffer long. He loved life. Every day was a new beginning for him. He didnt think about yesterday or worry about tomorrow. I wish I could learn to live my life the way he lived his. I wish I could have had him just one more day let alone four more years. There is no one to mourn my loss with me. Midnight was my family. I talked to him all the time. He was my baby and my best friend and if I could do it differently I would give him even more love because of what he gave me. People arent as loving. I dont believe Midnight had a selfish bone in his body and he loved me for who I am not what I could give him although now I wish I could have given him more. I love him. I miss that I will never be able to hold him or love him again.
My black lab Sierra is 15 years old. She falls when trying to get up the steps and she has developed a hacking cough. We are trying to decide wether to put her to sleep. But I am just not ready to let go. She has been with us for a long. We don’t think she will make it through the winter. What should we do??????
i have a black lad named jake, he is about 4 years old and i love him to death. Sadly i know he is really fat, he weighs 130. I cant stop his weight gain because when we took away his man hood and just piles on the pounds. What can i do and how long do u think he will live with him being so fat? I just want him to live as long as possible without heart problems or any other health risks.
Monty is our 9 year old white Lab we adopted at 10 months old.. We are considering another pup for adoption in part to lessen the future pain of her death on our family. She is healthy and my husband thinks it would break her heart to bring in anither “love.” What do you think?
Sorry about Hugo but glad you had many good years together. No contradiction as to age of death. Some die at 12-14-16 or even older. But some contract a disease of some sort and die as young as 6-8-10 so the “average” is about 12.6. It’s sort of like humans. Some die young and some die very old — but there is an average that is somewhere in between. Only God knows when that time will come.
my great labrador dog Hugo , died yesterday . he was 14.5 years old .
Me and all the family miss him allready so much. we are criying day and night . He was just one of the family , and we fill that the house is not the same without him. I have him from 6 weeks old , so he is with me all this years , in good times and bad ones. Me and Hugo had our spacial langughich . it was inought for me to nodding my had and he was getting up ready for his trip . I fill that althought he got the best food ( hills & eucanuba) best vet care , i did some mistake trying to solve his aging hip that got weeker when he was 13.
i didnt know that a yellow lab can get 16 years old ? looks like the article speak about an avarage of 12.6\12.8 , mine was 14.5 and people are talking here about 16 ? some contradiction , isnt it ?
any way , we are so sad …… 🙁
I lost my Katie on Sunday, she was one month shy of being 14.
She was the best friend I ever had, full of love and life.
Sadly towards the end she was very lethargic and had terrible arthritis which left her in agony.
I did the humane thing and had her put to sleep, I know it was for the best.
Katie came into my life when I was 22, she actually belonged to another family in my neighbourhood but I befriended her and she ended up spending more time at my place, so much time that her original owners pretty much let me keep her.
I am 35 now and I am so greatful I got to spend one third of my life with her, I loved her so much and now I am finding it hard to cope as everywhere I go I am reminded of her.
To those of you who have living labs, love them for their lives are short but worth every single minute you get with them.
RIP Katie. x
We have a sweet, wonderful 14 year old yellow Labrador. His name is Sunny. Sunny is having serious quality of life issues that developed over the weekend. He cannot stand up. He is conscious, but has no strength in the left side of his body. It seems like may have had a stroke over the weekend. Before that he had become almost entirely deaf and probably blind in one eye which has a cloudy appearance. His legs cannot support his 95+ pound body. I took him into the veterinarian this morning. The doctor said we should put him down. We’ll probably do this as family members gather this afternoon at 2:00 p.m. However, in light of the comment I’ve seen about Vestibular, a.k.a. old dog disease, vertigo, etc., is it worth putting him down? Today is a sad day in my household.
well ,. i have a dog , he is a chocolate lab ; his name is chester . i had him ever since i was four or five , i am thirteen right now . he has a tumor behind his ear , and he might have it on his leg to .. its not spreading at lease thats what his vet said . but he is like my best friend , cause i got him when i moved to a small farm . well he has about six to seven aceres to run and hunt , thats not counting the field , but would he have a better chance of living for a longer time if he has all the aceres to run ?
Awww, my doggie Duke can’t die. He is not allowed to cause I’m immature and would miss him too much. There will never be a dog like Duke! He is my baby boy. I love him too much! No one can take him from me but God!
My black lab Jaquar died yesterday in the process of are relocation from Michigan to Califorina. I was not sure if I should have had him tranported in a van with out us. The trip was to take 5 days he and his sister 10 years old on the second day of the trip the tranportation van called me to tell me that my black lab (Jaquar) did not make the trip. I am so sadden and blaim myself for transporting him this way. They say he had a heart attack I believe he was lonely for me. I will miss him greatly his sister is still in route and should be in Califorina this Friday.
This Spring (2011) my wonderful Flat-Coat seemed to hit an age wall at 11 and a half years. One year ago we often hiked 4 miles with Buddy always leading a bit (don’t tell Cesar). Now in the Fall, he is dragging after a quarter mile. The motivation is there, but the strength is not. He is always considerate and never complains, and still has the heart of an 8 year old kid. Once gone, I expect him to be waiting for me at Heaven’s gates.
My lab Blatz lived to be 17 my parents got him as a wedding gift a just a few months I was born. He was a great dog and I miss him so much.
Today I came home and found my 8 year old Yellow Lab Brandi dead on the kitchen floor. I am devasted we have had her since we have been in our house. I don’t know what happened we did she die? She was very playful and loving, I will miss her.
We came to this site as our lab approached 15 years because we knew we were fortunate that she was still with us and so healthy. She has left us now. Very suddendly but she did not suffer. She brought us so much joy and we have yet to experience the full effect of the loss. We cry often and it is hard to console eachother. My daughter has not lived without this dog. I thought writing here might help. We are deciding on some memorial in our yard.
I have just found this website and find it very comforting. Our lovely Major passed away a week ago, he was exactly 14 years. 14 years full of love. I recognised that he was getting restless and agitated. He went blind in one eye but his main problem was his back legs, he kept falling down and really struggled to get up again.
The end was quite tasteful. Two vets came to the house and we brought his big bed into the garden, so he was lying in the sun when he got his injection. I held his head and he just gave a huge sigh, like an old man. I also thought that his hairs all over the house would upset me, no, I feel he’s still with me. Well I guess he is, in my heart forever.
Yes, labradors are very hard to get over, but they are the most loving dogs too and just give love tirelessly.
Take care friends.
I currently have a black lab who will be 13 years old this month (born Sept 98) and she walks with difficulty and is given pain meds when needed. We feed her healthy dog foods from Pet Smart and left over chicken and beef on the side in small quanties. I give her (Cindy) a fish oil tablet daily and a vitimin E (400 units) gel capsule, and a vitimin D pill. She has a voracious appetite (typical lab) and we have to monitor her weight constantly as an ongoing battle. She is moderately heavy but continues to be ambulatory. On the subject of pain I know that labs can be very stoic. I once had a male lab (approx 10 yrs old) that was suddenly experiencing noticable hip dysplasia problems and the dog’s pain (unknown to us at the time) was so horrific that he bit a hole in his steel water dish. Shortly after consulting with a vet that evening we deceided it was best to put the dog down. It was painful to say the least
I just felt the need to share….. I had to put my Yellow Lab LOKI down on 8/25/11 1 week shy of his 11th human birthday and it about killed me!!! He had arthrits brought on by being attacked by 2 pitbulls in 2006. My vet had him on deramaxx and that helped him for a few years but the arthritis got the best of him. just thought i would share and maybe help me with my grief!! LOVE YOU LOKI!!!! WE ALL MISS YOU TERRIBLY!!!!
Aww. I shouldn’t have read any of the comments. Everyone’s stories are reminding me of my old friend Opie, who passed away when he was 13. That was about five years ago, and I still find myself missing him.
It was January of 2009 when I packed up my car and made the 5 hour drive to start a new life with my husband. I always knew that I wanted a chocolate lab and 2 weeks after my move we added little 8 week old Riley to our family. She was a cute little ball of curiosity and mischief and was into everything! House training took a while longer than I had hoped and I only had 1 pair of shoes to my name, but we loved her unconditionally. I stumbled onto this forum by accident and I am sorrowful for all of you who have lost your beloved lab. Riley is only 2 1/2 years old and already I can’t imagine life without her.
All of the chewed shoes and emergency vet bills for eating things she shouldn’t are only small unimportant details in comparison to her loyal devotion and unconditional love for us. I could only hope to show her the same character. Riley has always been exceptionally attached to me and very overly protective, but 2 months ago she proved just how protective she really was when a stranger walked through our back door and Riley instinctively put herself between us. The intruder was terrified of our “security system” and took off as quickly as he’d come. I will forever be in her debt because of her
bravery and I will repay her daily with lots of love and treats.
I have a saying that I use a lot and it goes “owning a lab comes with the acceptance that you will never again own anything nice”. And if that’s true, then I guess I’m perfectly fine with it. I hope that I will be as lucky as the rest of you and spend every day with my girl until she is ready to go over the rainbow bridge in her very old age.
The memories and stories I could share are never ending. With Riley in our lives, there is never a dull moment. She keeps us laughing and she tries my patience, but she is the most loyal friend I have ever had. My love for her is so deep and I know that she feels the same way. There truly is no dog like a Labrador retriever.
Just this morning I lost my bestfriend, her name was Nala. She was 17.5 which makes her the oldest dog of her breed I’ve seen. She lost her hearing a while ago, she still had superb eyesight and smell though. It’s a common thing for labs, like mist larger dogs, to lose the total control of their hind legs and hips. It is a shame that she’s gone but she will always be alive in my heart.
I have 2 chocolate labs. They’re brothers. One is more American Lab and very lean and full of energy. He loves to catch a frisbee. On the other hand, his brother is more English and probably outweighs his brother by 10 pounds. He’s shorter and more of a momma’s boy. He’s lazy in a way and stays right by me when I take them outside.
I love these two so much and I know one will go before the other. I just hope I have them for many years to come. They’ll turn 3 December 3rd.
Bullet is the stellar lean guy and Bleaker is the short chunky one. They’re inseperable too.
My girl Shadow just hit 16 yesterday, truly is a blessing, we didnt think she would make it.. its awesome… had her since she was 6 weeks! had her for more than half my life!
i have read some really heart breakers here, i was looking for people like you for some comfort right now my lab whi is going to be 10 next month was just diagnosed with colon cancer and it is reducing in size so fast and this causes her bowel movements to get smaller and smaller each day, she goes out and tries to go for 30 minutes many times a day and it just makes me cry to see this happen and i can’t do anything for her, we are right now waiting for the bad day which isn’t far away. i don’t know how i will survive with out my molly. this all happened so fast, one day i took her to the vet because of her getting up slow because of her joints so he gace me some pills to give her for that, then she started having blood in her stoll so i called my vet and he gave me another pill to counter act the side effects of the 1st pill and after a few days the blood in the stool went away then her poop started getting smaller in diameter so took her back in and he did xrays and it showwed her colon had an area of the colon that was reduced down in size so he sent me to a specialist for more tests, they did and altra sound and found that her nodes not alot of cancer and that there wasn’t much that could be done other than surgery and chemo and it would cost alot and the cancer would comeback and this would maybe prolong her death 10 months. so i have to spend everyday crying and watching he stool get smaller till there is no more stoll and then i will have to say goodbye to my baby.. this just sucks so bad, i have no idea how to deal with this.. i am going to see an oncologist tommorw kinda for a 2nd opion, i just have to know for sure that i am doing the right thing with my molly…
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Hi all!
I have three yellows and my favorite old girl named Sugar just turned 14. This girl has overcome two mast cell surgeries, pymometria infection and surgery and has diabetes.
I was going to put her down twice when she had the infection because she was suffering..but her brown eyes were still sparkling and she was fighting. That was 14 months ago and she recovered. Still going strong today, can`t run like she used to but still tries to chase the rabbits in our yard.
We just lost Casper he was family. July 20th. He was always getting in trouble. He was very active and everyone in the neighborhood liked him. He tangled himself up a lot which led to his death. I think of him often and took time from work to morn his loss and i still hear him bark. I am depressed but getting better slowly.
i have a 5 year old golden lab i have spent alot of time with her teaching her different things but i also spoil her rotten she does everything i want her to do even goes to the toilet on command i give her plenty of excercise and she luvs her ball time recently i introduced her to my 4 month old son and she was very gentle ive got to say that labs are the best family pets to have
My black lab Jake is 13.7 human years. He has had a hacking cough then a gag and swallow for years. The vet said it was a normal old age lab cough, then another vet did an xray and it showed nothing so he treated him for an upper respiratory infection which didn’t help, then 5 mo later when he began coughing non stop over the weekend, I took him to a weekend vet and the xray showed something in his lung pushing up his trachea. Antibiotics and steroids were prescribed to him and he got better. Then we took him off the steroids to see what results we would have, he bot worse. The vet then took him off the antibiotics and we did just the steroids and he got better again. The follow up xray didn’t show any change (hoping for a possibility that the antibiotics got rid of possible pneumonia or something like that). Since the xray hasn’t shown any change, the mass is presumed to be cancer. I don’t know how aggressive this will be, but my heart is hurting! I tear up just writing this, I can’t bear to lose him. He is such a character and I know I have given him a good life, and he has given me good love. Besides him, I have a 13.2 yr old German Shepherd with degenerative myelopathy, and a 6.7 yr old red nose pit bull with bone cancer that has already outlived his prognosis. I’m going to lose all of them this year or two. God it hurts 🙁 I love my pets sooooo much! I feel for every one of you on your stories, God bless you all.
My loyal beautiful 12 yr and 2 month old chocolate lab/chesapeake retriever Bailey didn’t show much interest in his breakfast this morning but having gotten into a couple of cherries the other day from a neighbors tree i thought maybe it was nothing more then a tummy ache that would pass.when my family and i gathered at a food laden table for lunch and Bailey was not in his usual meal time routine of pacing around the table usually staying closest to the smallest members of the family who are most prone to drop or spill some morsels of food,it did cause some minor concern and i went to see what my sweet bailey boy was up too,bailey was panting slightly laying near the patio door that leads to the back yard.i said to him oh my poor baby are you not feeling very well?he wagged his tail and looked at me with his big brown heart melting eyes .i opened the patio door and the two of us found a nice shady relaxing spot on the grass where i knowingly scratched all his favorite spots and petted his soft velvet ears that had would perk so slightly when excited,that would listen for me to call his name to come for a meal a walk, pretty much everything but a bath with a joyous eagerness,the ears he used to protect me and family with by listening for danger.i sat there for maybe close to an hour the first half of which bailey rested his head in my lap they way he has since he was a puppy.he had started panting more and drooling but still seemed relaxed and in no way in pain .after a another half hour went by with no improvement and a very small vomit i decided to get the phone book and see since it was a sunday and getting near to 3 pm which if any vet clinics were open.his regular vet was not open and i decided to call the only one in my town thathad a emergency 24 hour care to see if there was anything about baileys behavior to bealarmed or anything to make himbetter.i gave all hissymptoms to thevet and he said it sounded like bailey was sick from a upset tummy and i should wait till the next day and bring him in if he had not improved.my husband was leaving with thechilbren for the beach and i walked them o the front ofthe house to see them off sincei wanted to keep an eye on bailey,i watered a couple plants and headed back to see howbailey was doing, i looked and i noticed that there was some poop on thelawn and bailey was not laying in thespot where i left him oh good i thought hemust be feeling better i looked around the yard and say him laying on hisside near thye very back of the yard ,when i got close to him i hearbreakingly noticed that he was doing worse.his tummy had swollen slightly and his breathing slow and laboured and he was not very responsive when i said his name and looked into his eyes that had a strange lookto themi had never seen in the 12 years of memories we shared.my heart broke my bailey was dying before my eyes pouring with tears i couldn’t keep him from going even my very heartwrenching attempts at mouth to muzzle cpr i prayed would keep him from leaving me.but in what was one of the most painful moments of my life he died.
We lost our Dante yesterday. He was our beloved yellow lab of 13 years. He was the “man of the house” and our constant friend and companion. I have two young girls, ages 5 and 7 and they do not remember life without his presence. Their hearts are breaking. Dante was their protector and never left their side when they played outside. I keep thinking he will breeze by and oddly seem to catch glimpses of him roaming our yard. My daughter keeps saying she hears his collar jingle, something that you would hear during a playful trot or shake of his head. Our dog would actually smile. He loved people and had the purest of hearts. There will never be another…
There is such a void and emptiness in our home. Lately, I could tell he was deteriorating and I told him recently that it’s okay to leave us, we’ll be okay… I couldn’t bear to have seen him suffer and he allowed his passing to be as smooth as possible for us. He had such loyalty and consideration until the end. When I let him out yesterday morning, he crawled under the deck and went peacefully. He will remain in our hearts forever!
I was fortunate to find your comments on Sunday evening, June 10, 2011 as yesterday I had to put my best friend to sleep, my dear Emma. I absolutely adored my 12 year 3 month old gal pal and we were the “Apple of each others’ eyes.” She had never been ill, yet I saw the deterioration of her gait, energy level, and her being restless. I had to be unselfish yesterday as I found out about the extent of problems she was having and which would cause continued deterioration. She had some tumors, but one on her spinal column was causing her to not have feeling in her back feet. She could walk, but it became an unusual gait and was causing her distress. I did notice changes over the past three weeks, yet she was still eating and not having accidents in the house. Sadly, 2 years ago I had to put her pal, Philbert, another Black Lab to sleep as he developed a quickly developing tumor under his tongue. Neithr of my dogs were ill until the end and yesterday I had to let Emma go while she had dignity. This is the first time in 25 years I have been without a dog and it is lonely. I loved having Emma sleep on the bed; it felt safe and cozy. I know I will give another dog a home, but I need to get over this heavy heart first. I am glad aI found this site. Thank you for “listening.” Jeanne
Before you scatter all the ashes, you might want to consider keeping back some of them and embedding them in glass jewellery as a permanent memorial. Many people have really treasured them. A good place to have that done is http://www.solsticeglass.com/hand-blown-glass-jewelry/glass-cremation-jewelry/view-all-products.html.
hello everyone i thought that id let you know that we had to put down our black labrador jake last week .. he kept having fits and it wasn’t nice to watch as they where getting worse and were obviously stressing him out and was in pain with them..it wasn’t fair on him and it wasn’t fair on our other dogs watching him go through this, so i think we made the right choice to take him to the vets to be put to sleep , we are getting his ashes back and scattering them in his favorite place (otleys chevin) there he will be able to run around until his heart is content …. sleep tight jakey love you always xxxx
we also had to put our black labrador jske to sleep yesterday we know now that it was the best thing for him as he was a very big labrador and lived til he was 13… he was the cutest largest lab ive ever seen in my life… i now know how it feels to loose someone who is part of your family ,,, we will miss him loads still love him and never forget him… so sleep tight jakey and love you lots my old man! xxx
hi everyone, just thought id let you all know that my jakey has now been put to sleep.. we sadly had to take him to the vets yesterday as he kept having these horrible fit kind of things… i know know how it feels to loose your best friend and someone who is part of your family… we will miss him so much but he will never be forgotten… he was the most cutest largest labrador ive ever seen, and will remain in my heart forever and ever,
love you lots jakey and sleep tight my old man! xxx
I only came on here because my black lab ‘Toby’ was four at the weekend and he suddenly seems to be sleepier and for the past two nights didnt want to go for a pee at night (and he always wants to go)….. I am now sat here in tears reading all the comments. Luckily, my wife is out….. I love him so much and reading your comments makes me realise how important a part of my life he is. He is fast asleep on the sofa next to me without a care in the world. I know it sounds stupid with him only being four but I really dont know what I would do without him.
I totally agree that people without dogs/labs will never understand how important they are. I sometimes think about when ‘that day’ will come. I know it is stupid with a dog still so young but I know I will be a mess.
anyone got any ideas on when is best to get a second? I dont want to ruin his personality as he loves being spoilt but at the same time, he loves to play and I think a friend would be good for him. He gets loads of exercise so there are no problems there.
Everything I have read above has truly touched me. I am so sorry for all of your losses and hope you can cherish the memories of your beautiful Labs. Toby has just snored and is now sleep walking……
Best wishes to all!
I have a growing concern for my 10 year old yellow lab. Bella has always been a little high strung, but recently she has been even more so. She barks and growls at strangers (to her) that arrive at my door. Yesterday, she bit the Culligan Man! He said he was fine, but I was appalled and embarrased. Now I feel I can’t trust her. My other dog is a golden retriever, 8 years old. She loves everyone and has never shown any aggresion. Any suggestions, or opinions?
I just LOVE my 3 year old black lab rosie and think she is the best thing that ever happened to me. LABS RULE!!!
Sorry to put a dampener on things but healthy dogs can become very quickly ill – We have a black lab who only a few months ago was slim, trim, ultra fit and healthy – Everyone commented how he looked and acted like a much younger dog – He is 10 and a half – Then suddenly he started a cough and being sick – The vet has found tumors which are now spreading and are inoperable – He probably has only a few weeks or short months – He is on steroids to help him especially as now his breathing is affected – and yet through all this he remains his usual – gentle affectionate loyal self – Wonderful dog – we will miss him but wouldn’t have missed his time with us – Love your dog like they love you – How ever long they live it will always seen short…..
i had a precious chocolate lab named Buddy, up until just yesterday(6/8/11). i was not sure of his age bc he was given to me by my brother. he got jumped on last year and had to get sewed upthey determined that he was around 6 to 10 years old. just this past tuesday he had got hung up with a female mutt so when i found out he was going up the road again so i brought him home so they wouldnt get stuck in the middle of the road. so i put him on the leash which was late in the afternoon, a few minutes later he had got hung up with her again. i poured water on them a few times to keep them cool then they finally came unstuck. the next morning around 11 am i let him off the leash and noticed he looked dehydrated so wobbled over to the woods and layed down so i brought him some water later on that same day around 6pm we found him stiff under my mom’s porch. buddy was the sweetest pet,friend, or family member anyone could ever have had. i would give anything to have him back.everytime i think about what happened i blame myself bc i put him on the leash. all i wish for now is to get to raise his puppies but i dnt even know where she ran off to. i miss you buddy so much. my lab was so tender and sweet when it came to the kids. i wish i knew what really happened to him if he had a heat stroke, or heart attack, or if it was my fault for leashing him up and not letting him off before it got too hot. i am sooo sorry buddy if it was my fault if i could take it back i would have put you inside rather than leashing you up. please forgive me if it was my fault. love you buddy…love mommy
My girl Gina lived for almost 16 years and was playing with my 6 month old black lab and my 5 year old chocolate lab until the last day god i loved her and thank god i had the other 2 to help me through it and they had me to help her i will always have me a lab
Hi,
I have a beautiful Black labrador who is 12.6 years old. She was just diagnosed with canine myelopathy which effects the movement of the hind legs. It is difficult for her to get up and to go up and down stairs. I help her when she needs to do this. She is not in pain though. She also has moderate arthritis in her hinds which compounds the problem. She can still walk, but only short distances (it MUST walk to keep muscle mass to fight the arthritis) Otherwise she is in excellent health, and as is true with many of your dogs, I’m sure, she is the best and most friendly dog in the world. She has a regal quality about her and is very polite. I am looking for a home for her because I am moving to San Francisco in two months for work. I cannot take her with me because, if you know SF, there are no yards, and I can’t walk her on the streets because they are too busy and her disease causes instability in her legs. Does anyone know of someone in Northern Califonria looking for a special needs dog? Or a reliable placement agecny? I want her to have a good home! Thanks.
So glad I found this site..lost my loving shelter a number of yrs ago, and now watching my son’s semi-human chocolate lab get older. She’s very grey, sleeps a lot, has cataracts, but her loving nature never changes…and sometimes she catches a good scent on the Spring air…and for just a minute she’sjer sweet young self again! At 12 her time is quickly passing but we love every precious moment!
Our chocolate Lab is four months away from his 13th birthday, but I am not sure he will ever see it. He has become confused, incontinent, sometimes aggresive and is finding it harder and harder to get up the steps into the house. He gets confused and doesn’t know who I am, growls at me like I am a stranger and recently bit me while I was brushing him. It breaks my heart, because he feels ashamed when he does these things like he can’t believe he actually did that, but he can’t help it. I know it is probably time to let him go and have some peace, but I have not been able to do it. He has always been such a good boy, very smart, fun personality and so loving. I don’t know if it is time…how do I tell. I don’t want him to suffer, but I am afraid I will be making an irreversable mistake.
Hi,
I put my beloved Chelsea 12 years down a Golden retriever yesterday morning. I am filled with grief.
Like Jake, she had hip arthritis and she was slow to get up. She still had a good appetite and all her witts but she had accidents in the house and a growth her head the size of a golf ball. she was going deaf and developing cateracs …. i didnt want to wait until the very last moments…so i got up one morning and took a photo of her and i and the kids and brought her to the vet. i couldnt stand to be with her so i dropped her off.
i feel grief in hopes i made the right decision for her, but i felt that all i would do for her would prolong her suffering.
I’m about to lose my dog Annie. She’ll be 11 in three months. She has cancer, I’m not sure which one because I halted the tests. Some form of bone cancer, perhaps. It’s in her lungs as well. She’s my third dog, in my lifetime, and she’s the greatest angel I know. I’ll miss her so much, I don’t know how I’m going to move around in my space, my life, without her.
I love you Annie.
hahah funny i havn’t seen marley and me yet either i dare not to… i think that i will cry alot if i do hahah… but when jakey goes to heaven im sure ill watch it 🙂
I lost my old girl Emma last night, she was 15years old and had been with me for everyone of those amazing life changing years. She was my constant companion, she was with me through high school, college, moving away far from home, failed dates, marriage, she even walked me down the aisle. I love(d) that dog more than any one human i know (even my husband)I adopted her when i was 15 from the local shelter, she was 9 months old and had already had 3 homes. I look back now and i realize what a holy terror she was for about 7 years LOL…but i also look back and remember that those times are what made her, and i who we are. Last summer we “accidentally” found a mass in her abdomen. I’m a vet tech, so i knew right away it wasn’t good news, but she was so healthy still, just arthritic. The vet told me a few weeks to a month, but that grumpy old lady showed them all and lasted 10 months! I don’t even think the mass had anything to do with her end…
a week ago she was still hopping up on the couch to snooze in the evenings, she was still going up the full staircase on her own at bedtime, she always slept with me, always. As the years passed she went from bed companion to on her own bed beside the bed. Then in the last week she started refusing food, or only eating very small amounts of things we cooked special for her (mind you we feed an all home cooked/raw diet to all our dogs) then yesterday she just didn’t want anything to eat, or would try to eat it and then spit it out as if her spirit wanted it, but her body said no. It broke my heart to see her stare at me like that, her brown eyes begging. She had also started having huge pees that looked like nothing but water, i am sure in the end it was kidney failure that took her…which i know many cultures consider this to be the proper way to end ones life, the kidneys contain the life force and when it runs out, thats it. I am also so thankful that she was only really “sick” for a few days, and let me know when her time had come. A co worker and good friends came over and we all laid in the backyard in the early evening sun with her and said good bye as the wind carried her beautiful spirit away.
We then passed the bottle of Jameson and said something to her and had a drink, giving one to the earth for her.
oh Emma, i love you so much. I know our spirits will cross paths again.
As an owner of 2 labs, I understand all of your comments and thoughts on labs. Ginger is 12 this December and is definitely showing signs of aging. I too have started her on tramadol usually nightly at bedtime to make it easier to rest. We have Skippy as well, 2 year old, and he is all puppy and very obnoxious at times. He loves to play and really loves it when Ginger will play with him. Since we have started using the tramadol more regularly she has really been getting a burr in her bottom at times and playing with him more. I am hoping she will keep going a few more years, but I certainly don’t want her to be in pain. My mother had a small dog that was almost 15 when she put her down, and after all was said and done discovered that the vet would have advised her to put the dog down a year earlier and she was waiting cause she thought that the vet wanted her to wait…. The sad thing is that the dog was having a lot of difficulties.
Mark
Molly, I fed my dog lean meats, chicken, and fish, brown rice and fresh veggies. She was a lab and enjoyed every meal. We also gave her an apple a day or a frozen banana, peanut butter and honey, yogurt treats I made for her.
Lyn, The best thing you can do for your black lab is to put him out of his misery. You owe that to him! Please don;t make him suffer another day. He’s telling you by his crying and change of disposition. Please do the unselfish and right thing.
I have a question for those who succeded to prolong their dogs life so much..15,16,18 years is fantastic..Can someone tell me what did they eat to live that long
I have a 5 months old golden retriever female and i love her so much..I would like her to live that much, so i need your advice..Thank you
After reading all of your stories I can’t help but cry.. I to have a black lab who I’ve had since I was alittle girl. Just recently he became I’ll out of no where : ( he can’t lift his body up and Is constantly in pain and crying. Hearing this all night breaks my heart I always knew this day would come but I didnt know it would be this hard and painful. If you try to help him up he either cries out or tries to bite out of pain and all I can do is watch. I just started him on tramadol but it doesn’t seem to be working it can be because he isn’t used To it yet but waiting n watching him. Suffer is killing me… I paid 703 dollars at the hospital to hear they are not sure what’s hurting him it could be his spine or old age for that amount of money I still feel left in the dark… I love my dog so much i just need advice on what to do when he cries or can’t get up : /
i know what you mean liam… its a sort of relief if you know what i mean when you just write a little bit about your furry friends… i hope that your other labrador will have a good life as i wish to for my jakey too
…… i still havn’t seen marley and me yet i will find it to upsetting
:(….
but im sure i’ll watch it someday 🙂
Liam,
I enjoyed reading your post. I just experienced the same as you almost a week ago. My yellow lab, Bailey, was 14 years and 11 months when we had to put her down last week. We got her when I was 7 years old as well. She was my best friend and a member of the family. I miss her more than anything. She never had one problem in her whole life up until a few weeks ago. Within these past few weeks, her condition started to change. She began to cough and pant excessively, and she was so restless. We found out she had a mediastinal tumor…located between the lungs and probably didn’t have long to live. Because she was so old, we didn’t want to put her through any tests or surgery. We decided to enjoy every moment we can with her. I was also in denial of her health and wanted to keep her around for my own selfish reasons. She was still eating and was very alert, but her physical condition was getting worse and worse. Her legs and hips were giving out which is very common in Labs, and she began to collapse because of her breathing troubles. The last night we had with her was awful. She was so restless and looked so uncomfortable an depressed. I knew that she beginning to suffer and I couldn’t put her through anymore pain. It was the hardest decision i’ve ever had to make. When we got the vet, she went so peaceful without a move or sound. Thats how I knew she was ready. Even though sometimes I wish I hadn’t done it, I knew it was the right one. I want to remember the good memories I had with her, not the depressing ones. I’m still in shock that she is gone, and every little thing reminds me of her. I don’t know how long it will take to recover, who knows if I ever will. I know I will never accept her death, but everyday seems to get just slightly better because I know she is at peace. I haven’t gotten her ashes yet, but when I do thats when I will feel confident that she will be with me forever. RIP Bailey, Jake and to every other dog that has passed <3
We wish nothing but a wonderful life for our little puppy. Most of all, we wish that he lives his life completely to HIS standards and not to ours. As his owners, we would gladly accept and embrace him for eternity. Although this is not possible, but he will always have a place in our hearts.
I am so sorry for all your lost 🙁 I hope they rest in peace and I hope their next life will be beautiful . God bless you all for being good damn owners ! 🙂 oh and thanks erin for the advice ! Ill think about it thanks. 😉
Thankyou Katie! I hope your Jake remains well for years to come. and am sure has had a brilliant life.
I forgot to mention that we also have a chocolate lab by the name of Macy. She celebrated her 8th birthday yesterday and is also lovely and very affectionate. She misses Jake too. They were great friends and he was all she had ever known. Iv’e noticed grey starting to grow on her face lately, and rightfully so as she is not a baby no more.
They never did have a litter together although i would of loved for them to, not to say that he didnt try! lol.
I miss my boy terribly. I reminisce about him everyday and think about all the joy, laughter and happiness he brought into our lives. He truly was a blessing. I will miss the way his ears used to perk up when I walked into the room and give out a little shout, as if to say ”Hello, Im Here!”.
Little evidence of him around the house still remain. Like his blanket hasn’t yet been touched, food bowl still remains. and his fur is still evident in the cracks on the garden floor. but his memory will live on in my heart forever.
I look at photos of him everyday and even his spirit in them final shots shines through. He never let his handicap get him down even up until the very end. But I guess there comes a time when you have to call it a day!
I watched Marley & Me a few days after Jakes death. I never could watch it when he was still with us. But I wanted to as the emotions of him were still raw. I wanted to see if they perceived the whole euthanasia subject correctly and amazingly it was very similar and just as peaceful.
People who haven’t loved a pet will find it strange how people deal with the passing of a family companion. But its nice to come somewhere and read about people that are going through a similar situation as you.
But when it comes to Labradors i could not recommend and praise them any more than I do. Perfect creatures.
I find writing about him very therapeutic and have written numerous passages about him. But he is in peace now and that is all i wish.
love you my boy
Liam, I understand your pain. I had the same experience as you with my girl, Coco. She also ate until the end. I was using a belly brace to hold her up to walk in the mornings and some nights. Like Jake, she still had her wits until her last day. She went peacefully and tomorrow we will pick up her ashes from the vet. I can’t wait to have her home again. I don’t think life will ever be the same without my furbaby.
It’s nice to share these stories and know that others are going thru the same emotions and experiences. I’m sorry for your lost, I understand how devastating this is for you.
Estelle Aversa says:
March 16, 2009 at 3:34 am
My heart is heavy as I type this, I have felt everyone’s pain about their ailing dogs. I too, have a sick chocolate lab named Coco. Her vet thinks it’s a brain tumor…..as do I. She is 12.1 years old. The MRI to confirm this would cost $1,400! We opted for the meds, for seizures. We’ve had Coco since she was 8 weeks old, she is my first pet and I love her as a child. We have all been a mess and are fearful of the future for her. I don’t think I’ll ever have another pet…the heartache of their short life is so devastating. We all know they have short life spans but when their puppies we think the time will last forever. Well, the end is near and I think I’ll need therapy after all is over. I hope and pray she goes in her sleep, but as I read on this site I know the reality. God bless you and your four footed children!
I left this comment almost two yrs. to the day that we put Coco to sleep. As it turned out Coco did not have a brain tumor, as her vet suspected. It was vestibular disease, and she recovered nicely after a couple days! The next two yrs. were tough. She started knuckling on her left back paw. The vet said it was a spinal problem. She started pooping while she was lying down. She would fall in her pee and poop because her legs were weak. Her tail barely wagged anymore and she couldn’t take our daily walks. Sunday, she had a seizure:( All night she panted and was breathing weird. The next morning she could not stand. I could see in her eyes that she was done fighting. So, I made the hardest decision I’ve ever made in her care. I had her euthanized. She was my companion for 14 years, she gave me joy and unconditional love. I will miss sweet face and love her forever.
awww im sorry to hear about jake liam… i aslo have a black labrador named jake he is gorgeous, but recentley he had a fit due to the warm weather which was to much for him to handle as he is an old man now (13)… we rushed him stright to the vets and they said that it is common in labradors as is arthritis…they said that he may never have one again or they will be regular..so they gave us some atibiotics, and i asked them to look in his ears as they hav’nt been checked in a while… it happened to be that he had ear infections in both ears poor boy… so we took him home and he started to have little fits where he like lost his balance and was’nt with it for a while i thought that it must be his ears.. with seeing him loose his sense of balance… so we took him to the vets for a third time the next day, and they gave us some drops… we have been putting them in now for a week and he is so much better..when ill we took him around the steet near our house for a walk thats all he could manage .. but today for the first time in two weeks he has been to the park and he loved it…. bless him i thought we had lost him but he is still with us and i hope that he will be for many more years …. good old labradors xx
I’m sorry to all above about your losses. I grew up with a chocolate lab, Daisy, and she was my rock. I was very very ill as a young child and she never left my side. Her loss was devastating, it came the day after my parents announced their divorce. Today I have two labs, a chocolate Moosey, white Karma. They really make my life complete. Moussey has started to develop some joint pain and I’m just hoping that between me, the vet, and Karma that we can keep her strong for years to come.
I had to take my old boy Jake for his final visit to the vets last week. I have been utterly devastated since, but i thought writing about him would bring me comfort and closure.
He was the most gorgeous golden Labrador, with a big pink nose. His temperament and personality was unlike any other. He was 14yrs 9mths old and led a fantastic life.
I was 7 years old when he came into my life and I cherished every moment we spent together. He watched me grow up as I watched him grow old.
I know its a cliche that a dog is a mans best friend, but the statement could not be more true in consideration of us two. I feel as though there is a huge void left in my life.
He grew up in a Pub environment and he was a local institution. people used to come from all around just to see him.
He was always a chunky guy, but towards the end of his days had shed a lot of weight but his appetite remained good, which led me to believe there was something wrong. He also had hip-dysplasia and really started to slow-up.
But his wits were still with him even up until his final day, which made the whole scenario a lot worse to deal with. His mind was good but his aging body was struggling to keep up. Many a time i would have to help him up onto his hind legs.
He even got slightly incontinent which i couldn’t bear to see as it had really started to become evident that he was now an old man.
It is a terrible thing having to decide the outcome of somebody’s life and was the hardest decision i have ever had to make. At first i was in denial about his health and it really would have been selfish to keep him going any longer. I just wanted what was in his best interests and hope i mad the right decision.
I am relieved that we decided to do so when we did as to see him deteriorate would not bear thinking about.
I took some photos of the pair of us in a park opposite the vets moments before his appointment. and these i shall cherish them forever.
He slipped away so peacefully on the 4th April 2011. and looked so beautiful as if he was in the most deepest sleep. His ashes were returned to us yesterday in a lovely beechwood casket which perfectly complemented the colour of his coat. He is back with us now and i hope he is in peace now.
I am remembering more and more memories of him as everyday passes, and these alone bring a smile to my face.
My beautiful boy i will love you for ever and shall never forget you. hope you are resting now and shall see you again one day I’m sure, my mate.
JAKE
When I’mWe have a chocolate lab and she is 12 years old. Lucy is the best thing that came into to our life. She has her own huge pillow that she sleeps on. When I had surgery she laid by the couch the whole time I couldn’t get around. I love her so much! She follows my husband when he mowes the grass. Where ever we are that’s wear she is. When I’m sad she licks the tears off my cheeks when I’m happy her tail is wagging and her eyes are bright. I pray I still have some more years left with her she is so VERY VERY special.
Kevin, i’m really sorry to hear about your dog, Shadow. 🙁 When i had to put down my springer spaniel that was the worse thing i had to do. 🙁
Jenny, the retrievers seem to be a more hyper dog (personal experience) and yellow labs can be as well (especially the American dog). I have the English breed (european) and she’s really mellow and sweet. 🙂 My yellow lab will be 10 soon and she’s just the sweetest dog ever! 🙂 I have some friends that have a gold retreiver and he’s just as hyper as can be! He’s out of the puppy stage and has always been hyper. So, before choosing (if it’s not too late by now) the best thing to do is do some research. While, both breeds are excellent with children (in my oppinion from what i’ve seen and when we did research on my yellow lab before getting her and my springer…they are great with kids)
And it’s true, you do need a big yard for both breeds of dogs. They are big dogs and need lots of room for hunting and roaming around in the yard. 🙂 best of luck to you! 🙂
So sorry about your loss Kevin and Alex! It just takes time to get over a “best friend” that is that special. When we got our black lab “Duchess” she was 5 1/2months old and very abused. She was catatonic, meaning every position you put her in she would freeze. We were told by a vet that she should be put to sleep but we decided to try. Then I noticed as a puppy she would get up like a very old dog and we found out she had severe hip dysplasia. We put her on meds and the vet said to get her swimming. So everyday on our walk she would swim across a swift river and after 6 months or so she didnt even needs meds anymore. She became such a sweet loving dog that she went to work everyday with my husband in a nursing facility. Residents would report that she visited them the same time every day. When she got really old my husband would ask if she wanted to go and sometimes she didnt go. One day when she was 18 years we took the day off and went to the river and sat in the water with her. (it was a hot day) she died a week later. I am so thankful for that last day. So my advice is spend a special day with your lab at least once a month, cause when they die you will cherish that time you spent.
My yellow lab, Scones, was one month shy of his 16th bday when he moved on to bigger and better things just yesterday. He was the most loving, polite, and trusting member of the family. All he asked for in return was a spot on the bed during thunderstorms, the shielding embrace of my arms and the courage he seemed to gain from a kiss on the head whenever the rumbling scared him.
I loved every single day we had together and I would give anything to have just one more. Labs are so easy to fall in love with, but so very hard to get over.
Kevin,
So sorry to hear about Shadow. You must have taken really good care of her and given her lots of love for her to live so long. Today I just found out that my dog’s cancer (tumor on her leg) had already spread to the muscle below (despite surgical removal) and she has developed a heart murmur so her prospects aren’t good. Athena is a 12 year-old mutt (German Shepherd/Lab mix we think) from a shelter and I am not ready to say goodbye anytime soon! I know what you mean about remembering the funny things. I am sure Shadow will stay in your memory forever.
Today I lost my black lab “Shadow” She was 16 1/2 years old or 77 if you use the formula above. We had her since she was two months old. She was one of the family. We’re trying to cope with her loss and can only think of the funny things that she used to do. When she about one year old a neighbor of ours at the time told us that we should have her put down because she thought that the dog was too aggressive. I have to say that she was one of the best dogs I have ever known. I am glad that we didn’t take that woman’s advice then. We will miss Shadow very much.
I just got a 5 yr old lab and a 2 yr old mix. I fell in love with the 5 yr old because she’s not so hyper so I bring her in the house all the time. What should I do about my 2 yr old. I heard it isn’t that good to leave dogs outside because they can get frustrated and act up. But my 2 yr old is too hyper and makes my 5 year old anxious. What do I do? Help!
To shay
You must give them plenty of exercise , take them to the park or the beach , take them for long walks in ur free time and be sure to give food that’s only necessary and when u throw the ball or stick and wants them to return call their names and clap ur hands and when they come back give them a treat so they know they are doing something good , kEep on calling their name or whistle to get their attention oh and remember exercise is important
I have two labs and they are so sweet and funny they are not old they are 1 and 2 years old and they love to play but they don’t know how play fetch the don’t bring back the ball any ways.
My two dogs are extremely FAT and I don’t walk them at all so what should I do??????
Hi I’m interested in Labradors and golden retrievers and also the labrador retriever , they are all so good and its hard to decide. I would like u too say what u think is thE best plz
***OLD DOGS WITH VERTIGO*** For all of you with OLDER DOGS.***
My dog got VESTIBULAR (aka old dog’s) disease February 2010 and again this past February, but it was much milder the second time. It was a sudden onset – she couldn’t walk or even stand and had a slight head tilt. I thought her hind quarters gave out on her but then I noticed her eyes were bouncing back and forth from left to right – very rapid movement. The vestibular (inner ear problem) caused vertigo – and that’s why she couldn’t stand – she was dizzy. Motion sickness pills prescribed by my vet helped. Keeping the dog in a well lit room AT ALL TIMES until the vertigo goes away also helps – they usually show improvement in a few days (took my dog 2 to stand again). Another symptom is they tilt their heads, which sometimes never goes away. A friend of mine had this happen to her old dog also. The emergency vet charged them $500 for a diagnosis – completely unnecessary tests. I had never heard of it before and I now try to tell everyone I know who has a dog to save them $ and save them from the heartache of putting their dog down unnecessarily. Give them a few days, most of the time, they recover fully.
I give my lab green beans too – it’s just a filler so they feel satisfied. They are especially helpful if you’re trying to get your dog to lose some weight. My vet also recommended them – use the NO SALT canned beans. My dogs seems to prefer the french cut 🙂
For Malcolm- it’s awesome your lab is still around at 16! I have one that’s almost 15 and she’s showing her age. According to my vet, labs typically have a high tolerance to pain (I can agree from personal experience with mine). I started my lab on tramadol just last month after advice from my vet. There were nights where she was extremely restless – up and down, in and outside – a lot of panting, standing, some whining; lying down was done slowly with care. She just didn’t seem to be able to get comfortable. It wasn’t every night – maybe 3 or 4 times a week. It was clear she was having discomfort. The restlessness, panting, and slow movement are signs of pain. Sever signs would also include no appetite (hard to think of a lab that way), lethargic, lack of interest, depression. Since she’s been on the tramadol there have been no nights of restlessness and she moves a little faster. I’m very happy to have made the decision to put her on it. We have to be their voice, they can’t tell us, so it’s important to be in tune with their behavior. Enjoy every moment you have with Dutch, it’s so precious. 🙂
Our black lab (Dutch) is getting ready to turn 16 on April 11th. Her eyesight and hearing aren’t that great but she can still smell (food) very well. I notice she is having trouble getting up and sitting down. I know she must have arthritis. I don’t want to see her suffer but I can’t tell because she still gets excited when our friends come over and pet her. She’s been a great dog & I sure will miss her. How can you tell if she is having severe pain?
What do the green beans do if you don’t mind me asking?
I’ve read everyone’s post. I too have a black lab who is approaching 13 years of age. Last year I almost put her down due to severe gastrointetinal issues. The vet was even in agreement….even though all her other blood work and weight were normal and that of a much younger dog or so my vet said I talked with a animal rescue worker and she suggested switching her to a grain free dog food. It was a true miracle. We have had no more issues with her pooping and peeing all over the house. We feed her canned green beans in the morning (I saw this on the Discovery Channel and my vet was AOK with it) and then in the evening we feed her 1.5 cups of grain free dog food which you can get at any pet store. Hope this information is helpful.
I have a 4 year old black labrador.His name is Shiney.He is a very energetic dog,full of life and love.I read through a couple of comments people have posted here.One thing i must admit that it brought tears out of my eyes. I dont understand how these canines can make you emotional when all this time many of us used to be proud on how practical they are.I just want to say that i empathize with each and everyone of u guys whose beloved labrador companion passed away.I understand the fact that my lab is just 4 yrs old and has an awesome life to come.I wish that he stays healthy and immortal(which i know is stupid).Please pray for my labrador :)!!
Our 13 1/2 year old black lab, Maxx, has had seizures since he was a youngster but that never slowed him down! He is very friendly and extremely smart, much smarter than the house humans he lives with! He has a smei-paralyzed larynx- one side only – which I think is causing him to pant heavily at different times. He was really good all winter but now that we have had a few warmer days, he pants and pants after being outdoors to do his business. He also sneeze a lot so he’s off to vet tomorrow. I think he could have allergies which make his breathing worse. He has arthritis as well and his back legs are weak. He had trouble navigating in the heavy ice and snow we got all winter but we just hoist him up and he manages! He takes 1/4 deramaxx tablet each AM and a small dose of solaxine for hypothyroid. I would appreciate any advice/info/tips re: the heavy panting episodes. Labs are truly the best dogs ever…..and all your stories made me cry!
awwww bless… i have a black stormley labrador named jake.. he is soooo gorgeous, he will be 13 in october… but despite his age he still enjoys his walks in the park and woods around our home, and loves swimming…he lives with 2 staffy puppies that tease him all the time knowing that he can’t run after them.. he soon shows them up when it comes to swimming though.. i hope he still has a few more years in him.. as he is such a joy to have in the family…. good old labradors xxx.
My old yellow Lab is going to be 18 soon. Buddy is slowing down a bit. His mother was a chocolate lab that passed away at age 17. Labs are such beautiful good natured dogs. He really perks up when we doggy sit a little poodle.
When we had our choc lab, she went deaf. Buddy became her hearing dog d
for the last two years of her life. No one trained him. he just seemed to sense it and when we called them, he would go and put his paw on her back and she would follow him.
Love my old fella. Hope he has a couple years left in him.
Awwwww…sorry to hear your loss…. we have a black stormley Labrador, he will be 13 in October he is great!…. despite his age he still enjoys his walks and loves swimming in the river…he lives with 2 puppy staffys that tease him all the time, knowing that he cant keep up to then when running.. but he soon shows them up when it comes to swimming… we hope to have him for many years to come as he is such a joy to have in the family…… good old Labradors xxxx
I just lost my sweet girl yellow lab Casey to Lymphoma this weekend. She was 13 and in great shape even after 2 ACL surgeries years ago. I don’t understand why all these labs are getting dang cancer….what is happening? Is it the food? Genetics? We are just crushed about her passing. Love you Casey!
i can feel for everyone. lost my lab march first. he was the best friend i ever had. iam not sure yet what was harder when my father died or had to put chance to sleep.he was 13 everday they say it gets better but is not for me. i pray for him every day. i know he is with my dad looking down on me and in a better place.he was haveing a hard time getting up.I own a excvating co. dug my fathers grave. with chance i had to have one of my guys do it.things are just the same in my life. it is hard for me to think of anything eles but how much i loved chance.when my day was bad i would come home and he was there and i forgot the bad things.i get up at night looking for him still and can see him playing . him and dad are playing together waiting for me.I LOVE YOU CHANCE FROM MY HEART.
Hi everyone..omgosh…from puppy to what? Senior in a blink..oh what our beloved Chancie boy is going thru…and his momma and family….so many tears…he’s my lil love!
Sherry..u are right ..ur nine ur old is senior but still has god willing many good yrs…we have a product called help em up harness sold at our orthopedic vet…company out of Colorado…anyhow luv it for our bilateral hip dysplasia and left elbow dysplasia lab! We too live in a tri level home and chance has always wanted to ascend the stairs to sleep with us…not sure what ur vet will determine but the harness certainly helps with assisting chance ascend stairs or up the portable ramp I lean on the side of the Toyota sienna minivan…yep we leased that to help make it workable for him and his momma…a great situation for his ortho needs..we had him assessed in mill valley,CA at the Samms clinic who has had very nice solutions to assist chance including underwater treadmill exercise, cold laser to stimulate healing and pain management and monthly injections of adequate and legend to keep joints lubricated..if he had been much younger we would have consider hip replacement surgery…the website also describes options for stem cell regeneration. Chance cried out out of the blue a few yrs back and we were stunned at his diagnosis as we had a close relationship with the vet since he was a baby
So stoic that it had been troubling our happy boy…I wish u the best at helping ur lab with the pain…as for us things have gotten super hard since fall…probable laryngeal paralysis since September..followed by some partial deafness.followed by hypothyroid..and now the biggest blow..Feb 15 ruptured spleen due to hemangiosarcoma! My heart is breaking! It seems premature to have our Chancie boy ready to depart..we are seeing an oncologist who says there is a protocol that has the potential to hold it back possibly for a yr to 12 mths as long as he tolerates treatment and has quality of life. We will proceed as long as that is true…I told her I have his back…whether it is to give him a fighting chance..or to pull up my boot straps and help him pass if the treatment is not tolerable and makes him not feel good and no longer has quality of life…Chance is absolutely the sweetest most adorable boy who ever lived! He has soooooo much joy..so intelligent ..knows hundreds of words..sentences..and always wants to know if it has anything to do with food! He puts a smile on almost anyone who greets him…he still wishes he could run down the driveway to get the paper, bark at the deer and the squirrels…fly thru the air like superman and land with a big splash in the pool ” Air Chance”. I wish you all peace and comfort in your hearts..and strength to get us all this unmercifully heart wrenching journey to let go our beloved companions, babies with now white muzzles.. Strength and blessings to us all white hair loves of our lives.
I am beyond sad. I feel as though i am the one who has been “put to sleep”. I knew it was coming and every day i would beg God to please let my beloved black lab Casey go in his sleep over night. Yesterday my husband and myself took my best friend of 14 years to the vet, it by far has been only second to my mother dying of cancer…..the worst day of my life. I look for him in the morning, i see him still lying about on the back porch, i swear i hear him in the middle of the night, i cry constantly and look as though i’ve been beat up. I have. I smell his collar and try to convince myself that we had 14 wonderful years. He never let me down, ever. I must write to you all on here, whoever you are, because i feel you will all understand because after all…you are here too. Casey and i met by chance. I went to west los angeles shelter looking for a small dog, what i fell in love with was a teenage black lab who laid against the fencing begging for affection. At our shelter they actually post when the animal will be put down. I played with him for 2 hours in the shelter pen, went home and knew the date was 2 days from then. I knew my apartment did not allow pets, i took a chance. I said to myself “i’ll come back on friday with a collar and leash, if he’s there i’m adopting him.” I didn’t drive, i had planned to walk him home that day….He was there, i adopted him, and then it started raining. ugh! I decided i would call a cab company, lie about the size of the dog and tip the cab driver extra. The cab driver was very understanding because he too had a dog and was forced to leave it behind during the revolution in Iran. I cleaned his back seat, tipped him well and took my new best friend inside. Over the course of two weeks i hid my best friend from my apartment manager until one day she found out..I also was able to talk my way out of that by sharing with her that i was a single woman and it was either a dog or a gun…she left us alone. Casey had been there through 14 years of crappy boyfriends, 911, my mother dying of cancer, endless shredded couches, through everything. This pain doesn’t go away, there is no replacing him..this was my soul mate in a fur coat. Life changed, i got married, i had a child, a better paying job. Casey’s body got old, i made a very difficult decision, but i know he would have done the same for me…..i love you CASERBEAR, I LOVE YOU……
I am writing this through tears :(. Our English Chocolate Lab just turned 9 in November. Risti is on Thyroid medication but has been is good health and is the best Furboy ever! We bought him as a surprise birthday gift for my husband and he holds a very special place in our hearts. Friday night he didn’t get up in his loveseat and we didn’t think much about it until he wouldn’t walk up the stairs to go to bed. Dad helped him up to the kitchen but he couldn’t make it up to the bedroom (tri-level home) so I had him lay down on his bed in the kitchen and left him there for the night. This was the very first night he’s stayed downstairs since he graduated from the kitchen. I called to make an appt with his vet for Monday as she wasn’t available until 4PM then. He stayed on his bed all day Saturday except to go out and to go eat. Last night he made it up to the bedroom with help from Dad because he wanted so very much to come up. Today he hasn’t been off of his bed except to get helped out for potty breaks. I also had to hand feed him most of his breakfast and dinner. His hind quarters seemed weaker today but he didn’t let us know if he was in pain…except that he was panting alot this evening. I planned on staying downstairs with him tonight. About an hour ago he tried to move over to the patio door to let me know he wanted out again. Usually he goes out around 10PM and is done for the night. I tried to coax him up…and he cried out :(. Had my husband come down and he tried to coax him up…but Risti cried out again. By this time I was in tears. I feel a swelling on his back so am assuming that is the area that is causing what ever is going on. Please keep Risti in your prayers as he is still a young pup and I don’t want him to have something major wrong with him. Praying that he will heal but very worried.
I understand all ur feelings. I firmly believe that All ur best friends are running around and playing in paradise.
Hooch… ah.. Hooch! The neighborhood love bug when he runs his route. He is 13, a yellow lab, he grabbed us when he was 6 weeks old. He has traveled the entire country many times over. We were big rig drivers in those days. Bit by a mama alligater on the snout at 9 months old, ( wow) that is a story. Hit and dragged by an F-250 truck when he was 6 years old. Lost his tail in that one. Took pics with our 6 month and 9 month grands on the deck of our house, gentle as could be. Never Ever has had a bad moment with we humans. EVER! He is all gray now, face and paws. His hips hurt and he has begun to dribble when he stands. He is still so loving and dear. I know he is in pain because if he has much activity it takes him a while to just move around at all. He coughs and sometimes he throws up his food. Sometimes he won’t eat at all unless I give him my special cooking (family food)! What to do? I don’t want him to suffer needlessly but he still seems alive. My neighbor said he thinks he is almost deaf cause he doesn’t respond as he normally does. Should we keep watch and just wait? I don’t know what to do. I love Hooch.
Dave-So sorry about Sasha. Our dog Abby is in a very similar state and we are trying to determine when/if is it time to make that decision. We’ve also had frustrations when it comes to her potty issues and also feel guilty about that. Tears were pouring down as I read your post, we know how you feel. Abby has had an amazing life, it’s hard to see her this way. She still has life in her eyes…how can I decide to put that out? She has a hard time walking from short distances and most of the time collapses before getting to her destination. Yesterday she peed all over her bed and pooped on the floor. Her favorite thing to do is eat…she will still roll on her back and kick her paws in the air…she still has some joy, it just seems so limited. I wish she could talk and tell us what she feels…
I must be lucky two years ago my WESTIE passed away 3 months before being the world’s oldest dog. That leaves only my Black lab, Buddy to get all the headturns and attention. He is 184 lbs, with a 32 iinch neck collar. On Feb. 8th, 2011 he turned 19 years old. He’s never had dog food in his life. his bed is a queen size 4inch thick micrfiber mattress. His diet is cooked red meet and chicken, He loves busy bones. It takes about 20 seconds for him to stand up and he walks slow a little bit … and then some more….and then some more….. his hole face and belly is grey hair.
I would just like to reassure Dee that there is a heaven for our beloved Labs when they die. We lost our much loved yellow labrador Dexter at the age of 11 in 2007. My husband always said that he didn’t want another dog after him. Well, I was talking to my son about the possibility of talking my husband round to the idea, this was almost one year to the day that we lost Dex. The following morning (Sunday) I got up and went and sat in the living room for a while before making coffee, when I noticed something on the rug by the fire (where Dex used to love to lay). When I went to see what it was it turned out to be a dog biscuit (the ones that Dex used to love). I would point out that these were all got rid of when he passed and I didnt have one in the house, so where had it come from, it certainly wasnt there the night before. My only explanation is that Dexter had come back just to let us know that he is still around. I firmly believe this and it gives me great comfort. God bless you Dexi, there’ll never be another Dexter Baby Puppy.
Today is a very sad day in our family life. Our 19 year old lab had a stroke at 3:30am. Her legs quit working. The vet we have said she went blind. Daisy had never bit any one but today she bit my son-in-law. When we were at the vet it was a family decision to let her go back to Jesus. He was the one who made her and gave us 19 years. Daisy loved to camp, walk, and watch mommy cook. Her favorite food was hot dogs so today we stopped and bought her a pack of wieners and gave her 4 of them. Today my best advice is to love them. Labs are special – that is why they are great. Pray for us. We have some sad days ahead but some wonderful memories. God bless.
I have a Black Lab that my parents rescued about a year after my last dog (a golden retriever) died at about 15 years old. This black lab that we rescued had been thrown out of a car and the person driving behind that car happened to work at an animal shelter and took it there. It was apparent that the dog had been abused. It had a couple white patches of fur which we found out to be scarring and whenever my dad were to do something like say, pick up a newspaper, she would flinch. Eventually she stopped doing that and began to feel much more comfortable in our home. We got her when I was about 3 or so and they didn’t know her exact age but estimated it between 12 and 18 months. I will be turning 19 in April, which means she will be around 17 years old. I am now away at college and no longer living at home and I don’t really know how that will affect her. Since a couple months before I left, She had started to become Senile, she started to have trouble walking up the stairs, she has cateracts and pretty cloudy eyes, and she seems a lot more lazy and slow and sleeps a lot. I don’t know how much time she has left but she is in good health besides that. In this article, it says that how the dog is treated and how much stress it has etc.. is a definite factor its life span. I don’t know how uncommon it is for a Black Lab to live to be 17 years old especially after it has been abused as a puppy but it seems like she doesn’t have too much time left at this point.
We just lost our yellow lab yesterday he was 15 1/2 yrs old.. We died at home, we knew it was time we had an appointment to take him to the vet about 2 hrs before he died on his own..The worst part is that our 11 yr old daughter went to sit with him and he was already gone. I felt so bad, for one my daughter had to find him like that and then he was alone when he died, I wanted to be there with him went he passed. He was the best dog loved to go camping and just be in the sun.. He wasn’t a fan of the water he hated getting wet. We know that he is in a better place and no longer in pain. We love Bo, you will always be in our hearts. Thanks for being our first dog and growing up with Austin, Alexis and Brock. We loved you so very much!! Run all you want now and get those birds.
Dave, I am so sorry about your Sasha…I had to put my Dylan down on Monday after almost 15 years. Got him as a pup (8 weeks old) about a year before my husband and I got married and now we have 2 kids (11 and 6). He could still walk, but struggled since he had a huge tumor inside his hind quarters, he was also deaf. As you said about Sasha though, Dylan was still VERY happy, and he was still eating every day, in fact he brought me his Kong that morning asking for a treat. You may be thinking why we decided to put him down if he was still getting around…the tumor had basically found an exit point and was bleeding and oozing gangrenous tissue. My thoughts (as well as the Vet) were that it would only be a short amount of time before it would take over his organs (lungs and such) and he would be in a lot of pain as and he had gotten very uncomfortable in just this past week. I too am EXTREMELY upset cry every day and night and cannot sleep. Don’t feel guilty, it sounds like you gave her a great life. 15 years is amazing for a lab. It does make you forget about the last year of frustrations (poop on the floor at least twice a day, and we had to carry him up and down the stairs every night to bed, he was 100 lbs). I am so sorry for your loss… I’m sure Sasha and Dylan are in doggie heaven running around together… 🙂
I lost my yellow lab and best friend of 15 years last Thursday. She was with me from the time I was a single guy owning his first home to getting married and having 4 children. I knew the time was coming but was in severe denial likely at her expense. Sasha hadn’t been able to walk well since she had vestibular syndrome about 1.5 years ago and her back legs would cross and her back feet cup. She’d also lost most of her hearing. She had been having accidents in the house for the last 6 months anytime she tried to get up so I would help her outside each time. For the last 3+ months I would bring her to the door and hold her up while she went off the side the the steps. She still held her head and had the glow in her eyes like she always did and would snuggle and grunt with you. She ate very very well and waited to get her treat after going out each day but had lost much of her weight. She’d still play on her side from time to time by herself. I think it really hit home last month when a friend who always played with her came over with his family and started crying when he saw her.
Last week she became stomach sick. I thought she would be okay as this has happened before. It took a turn for the worse at night and she ended up dying at home around 4AM. I was up with her until 3AM and thought she would make it till I could get her to the vet in the AM.
My greatest guilt comes from not taking her in earlier and not being as loving in her last year due to her potty issues as I should have been or being next to her in her final moment. I feel I let her down at the end and it’s killing me as it should. Something to consider if your pet is also nearing the end. Sometimes you don’t see it and don’t realize how much they still mean to you until they are gone. Looking at the old pictures and videos of the things you used to do and the times you had really makes you forget about the last year+ of frustrations they may have given you.
We just put down our Chocolate Lab,(Kate), who was just one month shy of her 14th birthday. Katie had been thru 2 cancer operations, 2 large tumor(3+lbs. each), and was taking 7 pills in the morning and 3 at nite, for over a year. She was on arthritis medicine and Tramadol for a long period of time. After her last operation in September, 2010, Katie seemed to be doing well, but within a month she developed Masticular Myasitis, which might have been an auto-immune response to the surgery. Her head caved in, and she became blind in one eye because the third eyelid covered up her eye. Still, she engaged with people and enjoyed her life. For the past several weeks, Kate was having difficulty getting up and she was falling a lot. She still had her appetite and she had control of her bodily functions, so I didn’t want to do anything. But she increasingly became disoriented (although I was giving her Novifit for cognitive dysfunction which helped somewhat), and she would get tangled up in chairs and furniture. My husband has been trying to get me ready for her end, but not until this weekend did I agree to go to the vet and abide by her decision. I asked her if Kate was her dog, would she put her down and she said yes – she didn’t have any qualms about it. So, we did it. I can’t help but feel that we should have let her live longer -the vet said that Labs will eat forever and try to please their owners and that Kate could live on like this for a while, but that Kate no longer had the quality of life she had before. The house is so empty and I miss my sweet dog so much!! Someone please tell me that we did the right thing!
We are faced with this decision right now. Our black lab Dylan is 14 and 7 months (yesterday). He still eats every day and in fact just brought me his kong so I would put a treat in it. However, he has a large tumor that has been oozing and bleeding (near his rear end) for a week now and is having trouble walking. The smell of this discharge is overwhelming to me and my family. It’s the hardest decision to have to make because he still seems so happy…
Lost my 13 year old Bob, a yellow lab yesterday following bleeding an diagnosis of spleen tunour. He just had his last birthday last month. My heart was broken seeing him bled, but even more torn apart when thinking of signing for euthanasia. Bob knew my agony and left us naturally a few hours before we had to make that choice, sparing me from more pain. He was my first pet and always a puppy in my eyes… although in his last days, we called him “good boy” and “our old man”. He had always been playful and affectionate. His favourite food was orange and when he was a pupp, he used to jump up whenever we mentioned or showed orange in front of him: ) his body would be cremated next Saturday and we would spread his ash and plant a new tree (perhaps an orange tree) in our garden to remember him.
BOB, SO SORRY ABOUT YOUR LOSS. I HAD TO GO THROUGH THE SAME THING BACK IN JANUARY. MY YELLOW LAB WAS ALSO BLEEDING INTERNALLY AND I HAD TO THE SAME DECISIONS YOU DID. I MISS MY LAB SO MUCH AND I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IS GOING THROUGH. KEEP HE IN YOUR THOUGHTS AND REMEMBER ALL THE GOOD TIMES. SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
My dog Kirby Golden Lab was 13 he had a cough and lump on his side. Went to vet did a chest x-ray and found tumors and cancer in his lungs. Two days later he
started breathing very heavy at night and the lump on his side broke open. So
he was having problems both breathing and bleeding. I took him to the vet the next morning she wrapped up his bleeding lump and gave him a shot of morphine. I had him one more day feed him steak for his last meal and took him for his last ride back to the vet.
I miss him very much. He left this earth with dignity and did not suffer.
I will always have Kirby in my heart.
Found out today that my Lady has bone cancer. She is a beautiful 9 year old black lab. I have cried on and off at work today and just can’t imagine how I am going to tell my daughter that Lady is sick. Santa brought Lady to her when she was just 4 years old, and she is still her “puppy”. We don’t know how long we have left with her but we plan to make the most of our time together. My heart goes out to everyone that has lost their best friend.
Our Magneto has been with us for 13 years. He has raised 3 grandchldren, protected the family, guarded the neighborhood and been a companion. He has two torn ligaments in his front legs, arthritis throughout his body including the vocal cords, and has a nasty bacterial infection that is recurring, so he has made messes in the house that he is ashamed of. Worse, he has been snapping at our female Shep and now at my wife who raised him. He has trouble getting up. The Vet explained that he is in pain and it will only get worse. This Vet has been his Doc for 10 years. Keeping him this way would be selfish on our part. We got him a steak dinner last night and in 3 hurs will take him on his last ride.
My black lab/beagle mix is 14yrs and cannot swallow solid food. His vet has him on an easily digestible/high calorie can food. I also soak a high quality dry dog food and puree it. He loves that most and seems most satisfied after eating it.
My dog is skinny but is gaining some weight. He goes up and down the steep basement stairs watching the 2 cats he raised. They just love that dog!
I realize his days are short; however, I wouldn’t want any other type of dog other than a lab or lab mix.
Emma, our yellow buckskin color Lab, is 13 1/2 and sweet and still pretty. She has arthritis which we have been treating for years. She is still plenty active, climbing stairs to be with us even when we discourage this. Now she has lymphoma cancer and the vet says she has lived a long life and that chemo therapy and other techniques may extend her life a while. Why should we prolong the suffering she will have. Our family is devestated and our neighbors too. This wonderful passage must end. I don’t know how to face what is ahead. Emma, you will always be with us, you will never be alone, don’t be affraid. Thunder always goes away.
My 15 year old Nitie went to heaven this past Sunday. Ive cried everyday hysterically ever since. I miss her more than anyone Ive ever lost. She really was the sweetest black lab as everyone would always say. I hope our heaven is connected to doggy heaven because thats the only thing that gets me by. I had her from 8-24. She watched me graduate elementary, middle, high school and college. I love you sweet Nitie Nite
Hi,
I have been reading all your comments and my heart is broken. I have a Chocolate Lab and he is going to be 11 years old next week. We have been giving him Glucosomine with Hyaluronic Acid for 1 year now, and we just started to also give me Traumel. Anything to help with his hips. He is also taking some vet medication for the hips and allergies. My boy is my life. I love him with all my heart and I cannot imagine life without him. Unthinkable.My heart goes out to all you that I have lost your labs. Its like a part of you is also gone. 🙁 God Bless
My yellow Labrador called Beckie died when she was 6. She had some tumor on her head : (
I lost my black lab 3 days ago, the quiet in the house is really awful. My three kids are heartbroken, as I am. He was 14 this past October, and although he slowed down the past year or so from arthritis in his spine, he was just a happy guy. He still brought you his ball, still went on his walks. A week ago his back legs gave out and couldnt stand. Took him to the vet, and they gave him a shot of steroids and gave it a small chance of working. In two days he was walking, up on the couch again, and playing in the snow(his all time favorite. His last day, he cuddled on the couch with us, played in the snow, ate some lasagna, and at 10pm got severely bloated. rushed him the the ER, had Gastric Dilation, as well as an enlarged liver and spleen. We stayed with our baby, it was very peaceful for him, but this is much harder than I thought. Miss him under the kitchen table laying on my toes, sleeping on my legs in bed, cold nose in the butt while Im cooking, and outside his huge paw prints are still in the snow. Miss you, Iggy…
AC
I feel for you, its been 2 weeks since I lost my Lab Bonnie. Nobody can decide for you, letting go is the hardest thing in the world but at the end of the day you must think about how they are feeling. Bonnie also lost control due to her arthritis, and I know she hated having accidents in the house. In one way we are happy she’s not struggling anymore and is resting peacefully.
Unfortunately as you know passing away is a fact of life and im sure your children will understand and learn from it. Let your children know there are many dogs going on a new adventure at this time and im sure my Bonnie would be happy to meet her.
Whatever you decide I wish you the best.
My Tom is 12.5 and lying on the sofa next to me snoring well at the minute. Love to everyone whose four legged friends are failing – we hope the sad day will never come but we’ll be wanting the love returned when out turn comes xxx
lost our 9 year old black lab “Minnie” yesterday due to kidney failure. She will be greatly missed by family and our other yellow lab “Audie”
I’m not sure what to do. Our sweet lab is almost 13 years old and has had a tough time getting around for the past year. She takes lots of falls and I help her get up several times a day. We have gone to the vet, but there really isn’t anything they can do for her. She can’t hear anymore and I think she has dimentia because out of the blue she starts barking for no reason. Now she seems to have lost her bowel control- several messes per day in the house even though we try to have her go outside very regularly. My children are 12 and 9 and will be devistated when she is gone. I’m not sure what I should do, I have been giving my children gentle warnings that she is not doing well and doesn’t seem too happy. They say she’s fine and tell me not to do anything (our neighbor recently put his dog down and it’s on thier mind). I’m having an aweful time trying to decide what to do.
I want to thank everyone for sharing. My dog Prince who is 13 is not doing so well. He didn’t eat for 6days so when he ate Saturday we were very excited. However, yesterday he threw everything up including the meds for his arthritis and pain. I’m so very sad and today he’s experiencing very unusual breathing. He’s the best dog ever and I don’t want to let him go, but I also don’t want him to suffer. My husband is in denial which makes it even worse. He goes back to the vet tomorrow. Thanks for letting me share…
Dee, my lab turned 14 on November 9th. I can’t bear to think about loosing her. So sorry for your loss. Look up “Rainbow bridge” there is a very nice poem. My family tells me I will be knocked over when I cross over the rainbow bridge, for all the animals I have had in my life….I hope that is true!
Dee-someone has my copy so I cannot give you the author but Barnes and Nobel carries the book I got when we had to put out beautiful blsck Lab *Nicki* to sleep at the age of 14 a year ago July. It is call *Cold Noses at The Pearly Gates** God has always had a plan in his world for animals*they do have a place and a purpose-thery will be waiting for us-if you read the book-please tell me what you think** God Bless
Can anyone give me some reassurance that there is a heaven for our dearly missed pets?
I lost my 14.5 year lab/retriever on Wednesday January 19th. She grew up with six children who adored her. She suddenly became weak and within a day just completely couldn’t move. We took her to the vet, me and the kids, knowing we wouldn’t come home with her. We gave her an amazing sendoff but I must say it was the hardest day for me and the kids.
Our Ginger suffered with arthritis of her hips. I started giving her some Motrin….NEVER DO THIS! She ended up having a bleeding ulcer which is what killed her. No doubt she was more comfortable, I had NO idea that dogs and cats cannot tolerate Motrin/Tylenol. NO IDEA! We couldn’t afford the alternative therapy from the vet. The guilt I have is beyond words. BEYOND! Although our Giner was slowing down, she would still be here today. I will carry this with me for the rest of my life. If my mistake saves another pet, then Ginger’s death will not be in vein.
RIP Ginger Girl. I will never let you go.
Our English choclate lab turned 14 Jan 15. She is slowing down, has dropped from a top weight of 86 to 67 today. She is not eating well, and is slowly losing her hearing and sight. Went to the vet today, he took a blood and urine test. She has been a great dog, and I hope (but doubt) we will have her for awile.
HI! We have a 12.5 year old yellow lab.I was looking at his papers the other day, couldn’t believe that he was this old. Doesn’t seem possible for our baby to be a old man. We had Brutus mom Sophie a black lab. We lost Sophie 4 years ago to cancer. Brutus is slowing down and has problems with his hips and legs getting stiff we also have to keep a very close eye on him due to having accidents in the house. Our youngest daughter is 25 and she picked Boo Boo (Brutus) out of the litter of 8. She kept taking him out of the kiddy pool that they were born in in our kitchen and taking him to her bedroom. LOL Brutus has been a great dog. He’s my third lab and the best one. Boo has been great with kids, he loves everyone. He has put up with a lot through the years even the cats bothering him. We have even had to have him on water pills and pain meds at times the last couple of years. Our 4 month old grandson has had pictures taken with Boo. If anyone is looking for a great family dog I say a LAB.
I lost my Chocolate Female Lab last night. She was 13 yrs 9 months. I would have to say at the age of 12.5 she did slow down to refusal to walk etc. Think this graph is right on. Like another commemt: I miss my best friend of almost 14 years.
We lost or Golden Lab “Bonnie” this morning. Bonnie was 13.5 this weekend, she suddenly took a turn for the worst and just didn’t want to get up. Vet said there was nothing more we could do.
She suffered with Arthritis, which first showed its signs when she was 7 years old. After many years of treatment it finally caught up with her. The whole family loved her and she will be greatly missed, I will always love you my baby Bonnie XXX
Judy i’m so sorry 🙁 RIP Kolby i’m sure he was a great dog i hope you and your family are okay, remember the great times you had together
I lost my 12 year old yellow lab this morning. Kolby was his name. He was the best companion anyone could have. He became sick a few days ago and I knew he was suffering and that the end was near. He will really be missed by our entire family. We will always love you Kolby. RIP buddy.
Hi everyone I just read all of these Lab Lovers stories and cried my eyes out on Thanksgiving Day my 8 year old Chocolate Lab Cocoa(english blockhead 107 lbs) started acting funny being the holiday I sid we would wait til the am to call the vet well it’s friday and our vet is close til monday so I took him to the er vet well I will never ever do that again he was misdiagnosed I think mainly cause he didn’t know his history my poor baby was bleeding internally, by Monday when my vet was avilable the infection has set in so bad that 2 rounds of antibotics did help so I had to make that awful dission that killed me but atleast I was there with him. There is so much more to this story but can’t write it all. Cocoa was the best dog anyone could have ever asked for he truely loved unconditionally.
My first Chocolate Lab Albie lived 16 year and did really good til the end.
I have a 14 year old Black Lab who is doing pretty good for his age. I don’t look forward to making that dission for him.
Please to all Lab owners/lovers feed your dogs good food all natural and be real carefull of the drugs these dr.’s want to push on them try the natural-holistic ways first it is safer and easier on your dog.
My heart goes out to all of you I don’t know if I will ever get over the loss of Cocoa he was my traveling buddy 11-29-10 R.I.P Cocoa, I did have him cremated so i can take him with me and talk to him every day.
Jodi is our yellow lab. She was 16 in September, and is amazing for her age. She’s almost completely deaf, but still sees squirrels in the back yard, just doesn’t have the stamina to run after them any more. She was having bowel continence problems for a while, but the vet discovered anal gland swelling; when they were removed, problem solved! It’ll be a sad day when we have to make the decision to put her down, which I have to think is eventually coming. I’ve never had to do that before, and I’ve had dogs my entire life. (My husband says she’ll probably outlive us!)
We lost our sweet black lab Oreo this morning. She stopped eating a couple of days ago, and last night starting coughing up a lot of mucus. We had a vet appt for her today, but she died in her sleep surrounded by her pack at 6am this morning. She was 14 years old.
We love you so much Oreo. I hope you are running arthritis free in dog heaven now.
Daddy
My beautiful yellow lab Skip started getting sick the week before Christmas. He was reverse sneezing uncontrollably and his doctors thought he had a foreign object lodged in his throat. A rhinoscopy showed nothing, and we thought maybe the object had dislodged itself on it’s own. Skip continued to deteriorate and started having twitching and yelping fits and began drooling, pacing, and circling. After several trips to the emergency room and an MRI we discovered he had a massive brain tumor that was causing his brain to herniate into his spinal column. We chose not to wake him up from the anesthesia as he was probably going to die within a day or two. He was 6 years old, he only lived half of his life and yet gave back twice as much during that time. We love him and miss him so much. RIP Skipper 8/9/04-1/4/11.
My wife and I went to the local dog pound 15 years ago and pick out a 6 week old lab we named Wags! Actually our son named her because the only thing on her body that moved was her tail!
It hard to believe that she is 15. She is as much a part of our lives as each other. We love her very much.
She has had some tough times recently and we now believe that she may have either liver or possibly kidney problems.
She is still our baby, but we know whats coming and we don’t know how were going to deal with it. We know this is part of life and we have so many wonderful memories… You just never think that this time will actually ever happen. Were headed to the vet tomorrow. I pray no matter what they find that she wont ever suffer! Were blessed to have a wonderful friend and pet.
Our chocolate lab, Sadie, gave us 13 wonderful years. We finally had to make a very difficut decision last night to put her down. It was a decision our 21 year old daughter and 16 year old son helped us make. We got her when she was a puppy, and feel our family will never be the same. She had been slowly losing weight over the past 12 months. She had good and bad days, but seemed to have more good than bad. This is why it was so difficult for us, as we still saw so much life in her. She wanted to keep going, but her body kept reminding her and us that she wasn’t going to be able to keep winning the battle, no matter how much we “all” wanted her to. We decided we didn’t want to risk putting her through more pain and suffering, so let her go peacefully before her pain got too bad. We wanted to protect her from the inevitable pain that was fastly approaching, and remember her in a calm state, rather than watching her continue to decline. How nice it would be if we were all able to just die peacefully in our sleep, with our family there rubbing our back and hearing how much they love us, and will see us in heaven someday. Rest in peace Sadie girl and we will see you in heaven someday. We all love you very much and will never forget you. Love, David, Anna, Brittany, and Brett.
Well, I just posted on here last night about my Kirby being sick. It turns out he had a tumor on his spleen, his belly was full of blood. The Dr and I decided it was best to not let him suffer any more. He was having trouble breathing. So we sent him on to Heaven. I will miss him so much. He was a great dog and a wonderful family companion…. RIP Kirby 1/6/00 – 1/4/11
My yellow lab Kirby will be 11 in 3 days. Just 3 days ago (holiday weekend) he stopped eating and is very lethargic. He wobbles when he walks. His whole personality has changed. No more meeting us at the door, not more playing with his babies. He just lays on his bed all the time. He is still drinking, I have put a bowl of water by his bed, so he still goes out to pee. He usually wants to stay out to play, but now he comes right back in and lays back down. I just got back from the Vet. They did blood work and found that his Red Blood Cells are about 30% low. They have no idea why. They gave him a cortisone shot and told me to keep an eye on him for 24 hours and call tomorrow night if he is not doing better. If he is not better by then they will do an Ultrasound on his abdomen Wednesday morning.
He has been with us since he was 9 weeks old. My kids have grown up with him. I would love to have him around much longer, but would never want him to suffer.
Has anybody had this happen to their dog? I would appreciate any advise.
Thank you for all your stories. I just lost my dog Misty a yellow lab although she was more white than anything, she was so loved. We had to put her down on Dec 29, she was just shy of 10yrs old. She had a large tumor behind the liver, and went into liver failure, she went down quickly, and did’nt suffer much. My husband and I were there as the vet put her to sleep, she died in my arms as I told her how much I loved her. It hurts terrible, I miss her , and wonder if it will ever get better. Her loss has rocked our world. We have two boys 7 and 9. My husband and I had her before the kids, she was like one of my children. She was the best dog, perfect dog for kids. Labs are so loving and kind. I feel she was taken from us to soon, we should have had more time. Those of you who lost, please tell me it will get better.
I feel with all of you Labrador lover. I adopted a black mix Labrador over one year ago from a Shelter. Her name is Belle, she is the best dog I have ever known, she is very smart. But when the TV is loud, she will go into the other room, one time I was arguing with my son, she was hiding. She is very lovable, good hearted, patient. The only thing she will never learn, is to chase cats, squirrel, lizzard and anything what is flying.
I am very sorry, when I read of all the labradors, at which age they where leaving us, I do not want to think of this at all, it will be horrible. My Belle is my baby and I love her very much. I am very sad about the onces, who lost there beloved one. God bless you.
My yellow lab Maddie will be 12 next month. She hasn’t eaten properly in a few days and is so dehydrated and lethargic. Every time I think I should put her to sleep she looks at me and wags her tail. She is happiest in the car with me so I have been taking her everywhere. I am so sad. I am taking her to the vet first thing in them morning and holding out hope but I don’t think there is much. She has been such a huge part of our family that I don’t know what I will do!
We have just had to have our lab put to sleep on thursday and we are absolutely heartbroken, sheba was 14 and a half so she had a great life but the last 4 weeks she started deteriating badly and on thursday she couldnt breathe properly and could hardly get up, the vet said her heart wasnt functioning properly and her lungs were filling up with fluid and there was nothing he could do, im so glad she was at home with us and my husband held her while she went to sleep, it was one of the most awful days we have had, and it is so strange without her especially when we have been out and come back to her greeting us, and now a empty bed, sheba has been such a big part of our lives and she will be truly missed, i just hope that now shes up in doggy heaven running around happy
I have a yellow lab named Libby who just turned 16! She’s been my best friend since I was little and I couldn’t imagine my life without her. Labs are amazing dogs, in that once they bond with an owner, they know exactly how you feel and what you’re going through. They’re better than any person I know.
I had to put my black Lab Nero to sleep last week. He was 13 and had a stroke in June. Thanks to Prednisone, we were able to spend an extra 6 months with him.
It was the hardest decision I ever had to make, but he was very frail. He will be in our memory forever.
Our sweet yellow lab Tucker will hopefully make it to his 14th birthday next month. He almost died 4 years ago due to laryngeal paralysis, and after a costly tie back surgery he bounced back. Now his back legs/hips are failing him to the point of not being able to get up on his own. Some days I get so frustrated with him, the last few days he has had so many accidents in the house I have to make him sleep in the laundry room tonight. He has been such a huge part of my kids, age 11 and 17 lives, but I know the end is near. He still has that puppy face with those big brown eyes that pour out so much love for us, I just want to hold him and love him forever.
We just had to put down our sweet baby red/yellow lab with beautiful green eyes this morning. She had an obstructed bowel and the toxins had entered her belly as well, she lost 20 pounds in just a few days and was in such poor health there was nothing we could do. She was only 7 years old, and the smartest dog you could have ever imagine. WE still have her mother who is on her last leg right now too. I just thought that we would have Britney for at least 5 or 6 more years, and this was so unexpected and I am not dealing with this very well. I picked her out of a liter of her mother 7 years ago when my husband and I had just started dating, so it is like part of us has left. God bless my baby and we miss you so much Brit Brit.
We lost our beloved Cayman at 10.5 Lab owners should be aware of Hemangiosarcomas… He was simply the best and we miss him greatly.
My lab Sammy is 14 years old… went to the vet yesterday and the vet was very surprised that she was that old. He said her heart sounds very good. She have bad arthritis in all 4 legs but is on medicine for it. The vet also said she probably only has a year or 2 left, VERY sad :o( but you never know. My mom had a lab and he lived for 18 years. I love my Sammy girl, she is the best dog!
We have a yellow lab, Zoe…a Tennessee gal who is 15. She is having all the signs of an elderly little lady, hips, blind, hearing is shot, and now she doesn’t know when to go number 2. Just goes when she gets the urge. She’s pretty good during the day, but at night she sleeps in the laundry room in case of an accident (she has always slept with me, but seems content with the washer and dryer). Other than that still eating well and goes on nice long slow walks with her dad (my husband). She’s the apple of our eye, loves our kids like her own siblings…not too enthusiastic anymore, but still a twinkle in her eye when she gives us love nips. And…she still craves her baths. Think its the water? HA! I pray for a quick easy ending when God calls her up to Pup heaven…they will swing open those pearly gates for sweet Zo Zo. I hope there’s a lake, pool, pond, or ocean up there in doggie heaven….and tennis balls. Wish we could post pictures…she’s still a beauty!
We lost our baby girl last nite to kidney disease at 11.5 years. Was peppy up until the last few days. Labs are the best dogs ever!!!! I am devastated.
Hi everyone,
I lost my boy Maynard a English bred Black Lab unexpectedly thanksgiving night, he was just shy of 11 yrs old. He was a very healthy, alert and strong dog and full of love and energy, 85lb boy. He was at the vet 4days prior to treat what the vet said was a pretty good ear and minor skin infection, I guess it was worse then that. He was on antibiotic and Prednisone for 10 days. He never showed any signs of old age or discomfort, pain….nothing. He just died out of nowhere, I am shocked and so upset. I haven’t told the vet yet, I need a few days to access and comprehend this. I don’t know if the steroids caused this, the infection got into his blood and organs or it was just coincidence. The only sign or symptom he showed was that morning he was urinating a lot and even went in the house, which he has never done before. I thought he lived to an average age until I read all of the above stories, 14 and 15 yr old labs, makes me feel like my boy got shafted, he was so healthy and dead because of an ear infection? I don’t even know why I am writing on here, found this while searching. I love you Maynard, Big Boy. I am sorry I couldn’t have done more. Love Daddy.
I have a yellow lab named Max. He is 14 years old and losing his hearing and he moves around slowly. He still loves to go for rides in the truck. I am very lucky that I am able to bring him to work everyday. He is still able to climb the 3 steps to get into the front door at home, but I am thinking about building a ramp for him.
We had to put our little Golden/Lab Haley old to sleep last week. She was only 9. We’ve had her since she was 5 weeks old. The best dog in the world, loved everyone, very gently with our 2yr old. She was very healthy until 3 weeks ago. Came home one day and she didnt get up and greet me at the door with licks and happiness, her gums were pale, rushed her to the vet. Found she Had a tumore on her spline, we opted for surgery hoping it wasnt cancer, but found out it was a few days later. She was all healed up from surgery and thought doing great. Came home last week she greeted me with the same way she used to, came inside begging for food, then all of a sudden got week and layed on her bed and couldnt get up again. The same thing was happening again, she must have started bleeding inside, and was getting weeker and weeker. We decided it was best not to have her go through this anymore. The last week has been so emotional, we miss her so much. She really was my wife and I’s first child. Love you Haley…
My family and I just had to put our beloved Fuji to sleep less than an hour ago. He lived a wonderful 13 years. I have had him since birth and since I am in the Air Force he got to travel the world. We sure do miss him. We believe he had a stroke two nights ago. He got real shaky when he would try to walk and last night he just fell and could never get back to his feet. I had to carry him. He had been having issues with his hips, but that is common in Labs. Anyway he was a great and very loyal companion. I’m sure I will have other dogs, but I will never have another Fuji. We miss you boy….
My yellow lab went into the next room when the humans got too loud. Think that is related to loss of hearing.
I have a chocolate lab, Zadie. She is about 11 years old. She is a typical lab, she loves to play catch, go for walks and has always loved to hang out with my kids and their friends. However lately she wants to spend all of her time outside. When the kids get to loud she starts to shake uncontrollably and wants to go right outside. Is this typical as dogs get older or should I be concered. She has been eating and drinking. I am getting worried. Does anyone have any advice?
I just want to follow up. Our lab Brandy passed peacefully in her sleep about 3AM this morning, at home, on her favorite bed, by the front door. We had no idea she had the big C (confirmed on her spleen and intestines last Friday via Ultrasound and samples) but looking back on it, she was first sick on Oct 23. So she had just less than one month to live from first symptoms.
Jason, my advice to you is quality of life for your lab. You want to provide the best care possible. I do not know anything about Solentrol. Being gradual is important as is proper nutrition especially at his age. Can you cut down his food just a little bit each day? Maybe provide less food, but more often. I know that is not easy, I should be able to lose weight using the same method – but not so easy!
I have a chocolate lab who i got from the shelter so i don’t know his exact age but by my best calculations he’s 14 years old. He is 15-18lbs overweight. Otherwise he’s in pretty good shape for an old dog. But I can see him getting older every day. He doesn’t want to walk around as much at the park etc.
A vet told me about a drug called Solentrol that helps dogs lose weight. It would take at least 6 months to lose the weight with Solentrol. I love him so much and can tell it must be getting tough on his legs carrying the extra weight. I want to start him on Solentrol but wonder sometime if its worth it. What if this is his last year?
I had to put down his best friend, another smaller lab mix ,last year that was 14 1/2 years old and had really bad arthritis and eventually started not being able to control his bowel movements. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do. I know that day is coming for my other dog too but am stuck between trying to help him lose weight to make life easier to move around or letting him just enjoy the best most comfortable life he can without putting him on something and restricting his diet a little more.
I wish I could just ask him. Any advice?
Our black lab was only 11. She had paralysis of her larnex. She could not breathe and had frequent attacks where she would weeze and foam at the mouth. There was absolutely nothing we could have possibly done to prevent that. She was a happy dog and loved going to the beach to dive for rocks. We loved her very very much and will miss her.
Our 12 yr brown lab Brandy went to the kennel while we were away for a week. We got the dreaded call from the kennel when we were gone that Brandy was ill. She was not eating (not that surprising as Brandy is the most picky lab I have ever seen), but was also throwing up and having the runs. When we returned she had lost several lbs but seemed to be doing better. She has relapsed the last couple of weeks and will not eat much of anything. I had fed her some chicken, cheese, and a few nuts, and some pepperoni. She seemed like she wanted to eat more but then she turns away. The vet took x-rays a couple days ago and is doing an ultrasound tomorrow. She said it seems her organs are pushed up which may explain why she is not eating and unfortunately might be caused by a tumor. That being the case I am afraid we will be losing her. Elaine and Dawn, if your dogs will not eat, try hand feeding them a variety of things. The dogs body is telling them something is wrong. Not sure there is much you can do. They have to eat to stay alive. It’s hard to know when it’s time, and you should always base that on the dog’s (and your) quality of life, and make sure the dog is not suffering in pain. We had to put down our lab Shari of 15 years and our cat Kilat of 16 years. Each one was very difficult, and it took months to get over it. We love out pets. Mike, I also questioned if we did the right thing, but I believe we did.
We have had Angus since a 9 week old puppy, now coming up 14. He was diagnosed 12 months ago with liver problems, and 10 days ago stopped eating. His blood test on Monday showed his condition has deteriorated. He isnt eating and Im trying to keep him hyrdrated – he’s very tired but is still managing to get up and go outside to the toilet and doesnt appear to be in pain. Im really not sure what to do for the best for him, any help/advice would be appreciated.
thanks
I am struggling to know what to do for our yellow lab, Nala. We have had her since she was about 6 weeks old and she is now 12. She can’t hold anything down and is quickly losing weight. My heart aches. I took her to the vet where they rehydrated her and gave her a round of meds, but it didn’t help. I know she felt better being hydrated, but it was a temporary fix. She bounces around here and still acts like she could have a lot of life left in her, but she is so dehydrated and I am sure suffering. I have changed her food, fed her rice and done everything I have read about doing to help her. I don’t know what to do for her. Any suggestions as to what could be wrong? Anyone else’s pet experience this?
Rudy was our chocolate lab that we had since he was 5 weeks old. This past weekend we put him to sleep. He maintained a weight of 130 lbs during most of his life and as the vet said, he was not fat, just a big tall lab. He was 13 and the best dog in the world. My wife and I are having a tough time dealing with the decision. We loved him so much and he loved us. Our family will miss him so much.
Kristina,
Blood in the urine is a typical presentation for a urinary tract or kidney infection. Being unable to hold the urine is also a symptom of a UTI.
I have a black lab(Sweetie that is now 10yrs old. She has been such a great dog! I have two girls that are now 8yr and 4yrs so they have grown up with her. We just had to drop sweetie off at the vet for some testing. She has recently just started peeing all over my dinning room. I took it as she was getting old and just couldn’t hold her pee anymore, but then a few nights ago I noticed blood all in her urine. Has anyone had this problem with their lab? Does anyone know what it could be? People are telling me it probably is just a UTI, but as I sit her waiting for the vet to call me all I can do is freak out!!!!!
My lab came from the pound so I don’t have an exact date of birth. But based on her age at the time – around 6 mos. – the vet has her at 14. Labs are the smartest and most loveable dogs. She went to obedience classes and is so well behaved. She is having problems with her hips and I keep her on glucosamine which is helping. I know she is getting at the end of the road and it breaks my heart to think about the time when she will no longer be with me. After my divorce 7 yrs ago she has been my roomate and goes everywhere with me she can go. My heartfelt sympathy to everyone as they lose their beloved friends.
We had to put down our beloved yellow lab down on Saturday. He was 14.5 years old and was an absolute joy to be around. He was such a companion to our family. We have two kids – 13 and 10 and they are having a tough time, but my wife and I are finding it even more difficult. RIP Murphy. You were there for us everyday for 14.5 years and we’ll miss you greatly. Thanks for the wonderful memories.
Our black lab is 14.5 years old and we bileve she suffered a stroke this weekend. We are taking her to the vet…pray for her and us.
Hey Alex so really sad to read your devastating story in the post above, most be a horrible time for the whole family and my love goes to all. Remember all the fantastic times that Buddy has given you all and the joy he has shared in your life. Good bless
Alex,
we too have just put down our beloved chocolate lab for the same issues. The tears are pouring from my eyes as i am writing this. Know that you are doing the right thing for him. Our Dakota was 14 and the best dog anyone could ask for. With four children (him being the first) he was unbelievable to them.
He will be dearly missed as I’m sure yours will be too. Good luck & God bless.
We love and miss you Dakota!!
We have a 14 year old Chocolate lab and are planning on puting him down within the next week. His back hips are weak and barley functioning, he pretty much carries himself with his front legs. Hes deaf, diabetic and barley can see. He is also having trouble controlling his bathroom movements. We have him on deramaxx(sp?) for the next few days, but I can tell hes lost his fire. He was an amazing dog, he and I have had so many adventures and he was really apart of the family, Bo, i love you buddy.
We have our first Lab. He is a black lab that is 15 months old now. We named him Potus (that would be President of the United states for my Canadian friends). He is an absolute joy to be around. When he is not working he is such a ham to watch. When he is playing and excited you can’t help but get drawn into those intelligent looking brown eyes. He has been training as a Search and Rescue Dog since he was about 12 weeks old and with any kind of luck he will be ready to attempt his certification this spring.
P.S. Don’t trust anyone not covered in Lab fur.
Nice to hear stories of everyone’s experiences with labradors. Our Chocolate lab, Buddy, is now 9 years old. He’s always been a joy to have around, everyone loves him! Unfortunately he’s just been diagnosed with Tetanus, but we’ve caught him fairly early on so I’m hopeful (like the vet) that he’ll make a good recovery.
I’m only sixteen, so Buddy has been a big part of my life. I’m hoping that he’ll be okay, as he has a been a great, loving, companion for many years, and definately an important member of the family. I definately hope to get another of the same breed in the future.
hey there lab lovers. we have a yellow lab named indy who is 9yrs old now. what a character he is. smartest dog i have ever known. just an absolute joy to be around. loves his tennis ball also. ears in the morning greannie afterwards and then its people time. hanging out on the couch like one of the boys. labs are truly great people to be around. and yes i did say people.
I have had a black lab for nearly 4 years now. Her name is Shadow (VERY original, I know.) A family friend found her, put up found dog signs, and never got a response, so he gave her to us. She’s so sweet. My little sister, who was very young at the time, went right up to her and pulled her tail, and Shadow didn’t offer to bite her once. Right now, Shadow’s having some hip problems, which are probably related to hip dysplasia. She’s gotten to the point where she can’t lift her butt off the ground almost overnight. We might have to put her down, but only because we can’t afford to keep her on meds for the rest of her life. She’s been a good dog, and I definitely recommend labs for people who want a good family-friendly dog.
Well…we had a yellow labrador female…live 15 full happy and active years. She had 3 litters of puppies, and is grandmother to many. Loved everyone and even did the bone on the nose trick–even after she had gone deaf! We will miss you…she was an absolute joy. Forever in our hearts…we will miss you.
We have a yellow Lab that is now 14 years old. He has always been a very active dog and is now having some rear hip problems otherwise his health is very good. He is also blind and deaf but knows his way around the yard and the house. Had to close off the swimming pool area after a couple unplanned midnight swims.
I’ve had Labs for many years. My current Lab just turned 15 on Sept. 24/10. She still runs and plays and is in really good shape for her age. Labs are known for gulping their food. To prevent that, use an old frying pan as the food dish. The food will be spread out so they can’t eat mouthfuls at a time.
My family has had a black lab for 7 years now (just turned 7 today) and he has been the best dog we have had since day one. i my self am 15 years old and hope he never has to go but they all do i highly recommend you get a black lab also his name is Nemo. Word of advice dont let him sleep on your bed when you have a single…
Me and my family have a black lab he is almost 2 his name is mid night he is such a grate compaion my sister in law got him for my daughter who was 2 at the time he is so protcitive over me and her he is my baby and a member of our family he is one of my children I will never own any kind of a dog other than a black lab I’m looking forward to mant wonderful years with our baby I highly recomend black labs to anyone looking for a family/kid friendly dog
I had a Black Lab. named “Eightball”. He was my first dog. I just put him to rest this past year, “2010”. He was just over 18 years old. Besides his hair falling out in some areas and a few lumps in his skin here and there. He could still walk around fine and even stand up on his hind legs to greet me, wagging his tail. I wanted him to lay to rest before he got unhealthy. No telling how much longer he could have gone, but he had a wonderful, loving life. I can’t wait to see him in heaven, running with the Angels.
Coco our chocolate lab is still with us and she is 16 years 3 months. She has been with us since one year old. She is an amazing girl and gave us years of fun and love. I can’t imagine when she is gone. We thought at one point this summer that we would have to make that dreaded decision, but amazingly she bounced back…
She has lost a lot of weight, is wobbly on her feet, lost vision and hearing, but she is still happy we believe. She follows me everywhere….my constant shadow. With help, she is still able to go down 8 steps to the back yard.
Yes, she has many accidents and an always upset stomach, but I am more than willing to clean up after her as long as she still has that look in her eye…I don’t think it is time yet.
I cry as I write this because I know that day is coming soon…don’t know how I will deal with it, but I will be there with her every step of the way.
Coco, I love you so much.
I can,t tell you how upsetting these stories are to read. My lab is 15 years old and is got non cancerous tumors that are the size of softballs and skin is a mess, but is very active and still full of life.I have been informed by the vet that the time is near,and because of this information I have put my own life on hold just so that she is never alone.
I have a black lab that just turned 16 years old and doing surprisingly ok! But he is winding down. He was a highly trained hunting dog, and my (now ex)husband adopted him when he was 7 years old as a a purely “work” dog. Given his day to day training & work as a bird hunting dog, he was incredibly fit and strong. He was going to be put down a year ago since my ex had a new hunting dog, but I couldn’t bear the thought since he still seemed ok to me. So with the vet’s blessing I took him in to my new home, thinking perhaps he only had a few months left. He has some hip dysplasia in his back legs, they think a bit of arthritis, and he pants very loud, but I give him Tramadol (for pain) and PPA (for bladder control) – although it isnt working all that well anymore so I had to get a belly band (pee strap) so if he dribbles around the house its not on the floors. I feed him primarily dry food (Eukaneuba for senior dogs), and some meat sausage product, along with glucosamine biscuits. Otherwise no special diet.
I’m struggling a bit with when to put him down, since he can still get up on his own for the most part, still loves to run after his stuffed toy duck when we go outside, and eats & drinks just fine. He is getting a little clumsy (eyes are going) and I think a tad deaf, but its not extreme yet. Every month or so I do see a bit more of a decline, some days are worse than others, but its a very gray area since he still has a beautiful spark to his eyes and wags his tail and loves to run to get his toy.
Outside of a major accident or trauma happening (i.e. a stroke) I really don’t know at what point to put him down. I don’t want him to suffer, and am fully prepared and ok to let go, but this gray area can be hard since he still seems happy.
My chocolate Lab Allie died on 1 Jul 2010. She was the best dog anyone could have. Beautiful, loving, smart. I love her so much and miss her terribly. I have been crying for 10 weeks now. It will get better with time. She was 13.5 years old and had a rare liver disease and spine disease which she probably had in her for awhile but everything broke out around the middle of April and then she went downhill fast. I am just glad that before she suffered to much pain she died peacefully in her sleep at home in her comfortable surroundings. It was still a shock to find she had passed away. I think her heart just stopped due to all the health issues. If you truly love your dog then it will take along time to adjust. I will never forget Allie and she will always continue to live on in my heart. Allie my pretty girl I hope that one day we will be together again. Allie is buried in our yard and has a small headstone on her grave that I had special made for her.
Today our yellow lab ceased being able to walk. She is 15 years old and has been the best friend anyone could ever have. I love her so much, and I am crying as I type this. She has been experiencing problems with lumps for some time. We had a few removed at the vet a couple of years ago. The vet said they were not malignant. She has arthritis and her back legs were barely able to serve her, and today she lost the use of her back legs. She had to be encouraged to eat the last couple of days but didn’t eat much. I dread taking her to the vet tomorrow. I can see in her eyes she is bewildered by what is happening to her. She yelped twice this evening trying to get up. I can’t sleep … I love her so much… God bless her
Today at 12.00 midday our gorgeous girl, Kobe, was put to sleep. We had Kobe 3 years before our first child came along so the kids have never know life without her. She was 13 years and 8 months. For the last year though she started going downhill. I think her kidneys were failing as she lost so much weight and had a lump the size of a huge orange on her back. She was vommitting and her back legs were failing. The pain is unbearable for all of us right now, we’re going to miss her so much. I’ll miss working at home with her lying on the floor next to me. I’ll miss her barking and her cuddles. But now she’s in heaven with a renewed energy and rid of her aging body. She was so trusting and so loyal. The vet came to our house and it was like she knew straight away as she tried to get out of the room. We all hugged her as she was put to sleep and the look of trust in her eyes and she stared at us all… knowing she could always count on us. I can only pray we did the right thing by her.
Michelle
My husband and I had never had a pet before. Our son and daughter bought our chocolate lab, Farfel, for their dad when they were in college. She was our constant companion for 14 years. Our children joked because she got away with things they would never have gotten away with. We fenced the yard and got air conditioning for her. My husband wanted a hunting dog but she was afraid of loud noises, so after her first outing she never went hunting again. Everyone in our small town knew her. Being retired we spent all our time with her. Our grandson fell in love with her and they were best buds whenever we visited. The end of May she began having difficulty walking and we took her to the vet. He gave us some medication and she took it for two days. It was Memorial Day weekend and our daughter and son-in-law were visiting for CA. We spent the weekend at my son’s. Farfel just stopped eating and drinking and she was slowly becoming paralyzed. We took her home after everyone saying goodbye to her and taking some lovely pictures. We called the vet on Memorial Day but they were closed. She never got up again and she became violently ill. I never left her side for 24 hours and I promised her she would not have to suffer any longer. We got an appointment for Tuesday afternoon and when the vet asked if we wanted him to try any tests to find out what was wrong we said no, we had promised her. So we held her in our arms as she quickly went to sleep. We stayed with her awhile and then left. We have her cremains and her paw print on our mantel and not a day goes by that I don’t remember doing something with her. Although we loved her and miss her we know we will not get another dog to replace her.
Please keep our dog the “Champ” in your prayers. he is a cocolate lab – 12.9 years old in human years. just diagnosed with heart failure in left side of heart. Going downhill day by day. The Champ is the best dog a person could ever have. We are trying to propeare ourselves and make right decision based on what is best for him and not us. very very hard.
Well my dog otis is 15.. Just turned it a few weeks back..he has come a long way . When he was 6 he got out..searched for him for a while that night and no luck..we left the garage door open for him.. That night he had made it back to the house and was struggling to survive .. My front yard right in front of my window was torn up and we got a phone call sayin he was on the side of the road a few houses down in front of the road..the police officer told my dad he was sorry..he thought he was dead.. We brought him to the animal hospital and they said it didn’t look good .. And I rmemeber the last time he looked at me .. I thought that was the last time I was ever going to see him..we brought him home a few days later and he had some siezures occasionally and we were giving him his meds.. He feel down right in front of my dad and my dad said “this is it” I am bringing him down.. I said noooo dad he’s made it this far .. Give it some more time.. Ironically the next day he stopped the siezures and the twitching of his paws and recovered so fast.. He has now lived for another 9 years .. At age 15 he’s a “miracle” dog.. He’s my best friend and I am hoping he has another few years left.. He’s still strong and I give him 3 pills a day for pain ..if he has any and for his hips and joints and to support his bladder.. My 15 year old black lab otis is again a miracle dog.. I love him to death
Three weeks ago we lost Braxton, our loyal and loving yellow lab. He was 13 years and 8 months young. He had the heart of a puppy right to the end. Braxton was a member of our family, and will be missed for many years to come. Both my husband and I are retirees, and our pets fill a void for us in that we are empty nesters. Braxton was diagnosed with Cushings 5 years ago, at which time we were told that he would most likely not live longer than another 2 or 3 years. We moved from Maryland to retire in Southeast Georgia
in December of 2006. We found a wonderful vet down here in St. Mary’s, whom we feel gave him excellent care, thus giving us more time with our ‘little boy’. He lost use of his rear legs for the most part, and would often need to be lifted to his feet. There were times when he would lose his balance and fall mid stride, needing to be lifted back to his feet. He was prescribed medication for his arthritic condition, along with pain meds for when he would have restless nights. We love him still although he is no longer here on earth with us. There have been a few times my husband and I have worried that we might have cheated him out of a few months of life here with us, but have had to ask ourselves if we were thinking more of his feelings, or our own need to have him with us. We have been assured by friends and family and our vet that we made the right decision in having him euthanized. Still his memory is vividly with us, and often share memories with each other of some of his habits and behaviors. He is gone but never forgotten.
We had to put our 14 plus year golden lab mix, Peaches, to sleep this past Tuesday. I have never had a dog as a child due to my brothers allergies and being newly married 15 years ago, my wife Lisa brought home three little pups one Sunday and asked me to help her choose one. I didn’t even want to have a dog at the time but one little pup would not leave me alone and kept running over and placing its head on my shoe so I gave in. Little did I know that this dog was going to be so attached to me and become a major part of my life over the next 14 years. We have since added three children to our nest and Peaches slept under the crib of each child after they were born. Two years ago, we found a 3 mo. old terrier mix puppy and adopted it after the original owner no longer wanted him. Peaches accepted this puppy like it was her own and the new puppy (Buddy) literally attached itself to Peach wherever she went. Over the past several months, Peaches has had cancer and had wasted away to about 30 lbs. but still kept a bright spirit and a wagging tail for all of us. In 14 years, she had never bit or snapped at anyone. This past Tuesday morning my 10 year old son was up at 6 am to say goodbye to one of his best friends and sat with Peaches for two hours – petting and speaking to her. Peaches maintained her spirit and dignity right up until her final moments with us and is still alive in pictures and movies with our family. She also lives in our hearts and memories and I am truly thankful for this wonderful pet that God blessed us with these many years. I know that we will definetly meet again. I also know that I may have another lab someday but Peaches is the first and will always be the best! God Bless you and keep you –
I lost my black lab.on 8/10/10.Dolly was my best friend,she was 9.In April of this year she had a cancer lump on her breast and I had it removed at that time I thought I had saved her life but on 8/1/10 she became sick again.This time her kidneys didn’t work right,she was at the Vets getting an I.V for 2 days when we picked her up she still didn’t seem good and only lived a few more days.Still don’t know if I want to get another black Lab.or not but I probably will.I wouldn’t trade those 9 years, sadly missed.
We just lost Blazer over the weekend to chronic arthritis. He was a great dog and we loved him very much. When he was first diagnosed five years ago, we put him on Wysong dog food and organic treats as per the vet. He improved until last year when he started getting shots and pills — holistic supplements at first — and then pain relievers. He was ok until about three weeks ago when he slowed down a bit more. Still, he was getting around and was happy and all of his other tests were great. Then he woke up one morning and could barely walk. We put him to sleep that night and I stayed with him until the end. Today I found out that we possibly could’ve prolonged his life by adding fish oil to his diet a few years ago to slow the arthritis down. He also had a bone chip in his back right knee. Hopefully this will help future dog lovers care for their pet a bit more.
I had to put my sweet dog Gabu down this morning at ten and a half years of age. He was a 100 pound black lab/mutt with a white tip on his tail and white bowtie and chest. This is the worst day of my life, i’ve not been sadder. He was diagnosed with Congestive heart failure a month ago and the meds gave him an extra month. He never did any wrong and loved everyone. I wish I had given him more walks is all i can say, dogs love their walks and he didn’t require a leash even in the city. He could always find someone to pet his bottom, especially at my work which is with adults with disabilities. Best dog I could have ever asked for. Gabu I love you.
First I want to speak to Becky who wrote on July 23rd about her “Jazzy.” I hope you’ve forgiven yourself because clearly you are a wonderful loving person that rescued a needy animal and the world needs lots more like you. The ending of your story is very sad but it doesn’t lesson the pain you’re in. Your love for Jazzy is just as deep as anyone else has for their beloved pet. Jazzy knows who loved her and she understands… I’m sure of it. I’m about to put down my 13 1/3 year old lab and I’m feeling guilt as well even though I know he’s sick and it’s time.
Yesterday we had our beautiful girl Velvet put to sleep.She was only 4 and the most gorgeous black lab you could hope to meet. She had liver failure and it was the hardest decision to make, but watching her fade away was not something we could do to her, so we let her go whilst she still had some of her characteristic bounce left. The four of us have gone to bed in tears and woken up in tears, no greeting this morning.Despite the pain I am so glad to have had the pleasure and honour of having her as my friend 🙂
I am 12 years old and I got my puppy when I was 3 months old. Now he is 12 too, and he is sick a lot. This article was right on about the age, and at 12 1/2 he is getting put down. 🙁
A year ago today-we had to put our *beautiful=black Lab Nicki to rest. Not one day has gone by I have not mised her or shed a tear. I will miss her forever. Her best friend in thr world *Happy-Girl* after months of looking around the house for her has gotten on with her life. I was given a 2 1/2 lb little Chi for Christmas last year. I have always been a BIG dog person-but our little Lizzy is a doll and has brough great joy to our lives , Lizy and HappyGirl have bonded and are darling together. I was so sad I thought I could never get another dog but I am glad Lizzy was a present because I would never have gotten a Chi-oh-what a sweetie* Nicki will always be a HUGE part of my heart-ut for the ones of you feeling so sad-time will help and try to keep in mind what my Vet told me* He said “There is another furry friend needing a wonderful home* and all the love you can give them* It is never easy. I realize everyone thinks differently-but i bought the book *Cold noses at the Pearly Gates* It made me feel a bit better- I like to picture ALL my furry girls cuddled up to my family members who have passed and waiting with tails wagging for me* This makes me smile* God Bless you all*
My heart is broken and I feel like I failed my Jazzy. I found her abandoned when she was about 6 months old. I ended up keeping her because it was love at first sight. She had terrible food aggression that the vet said stemmed from what she must have gone through before I found her. I tried training her, fed her in her crate away from my other two little dogs, etc. But she would get into the garbage or wait until I wasn’t paying attention and grab food off the counter and end up attacking one of my other dogs if they got too close. My yorkie lost an eye to her in one attack. The other day she attacked my mom’s dog for eating food that Jazzy wanted. It was human error that led to the food being left out while Jazzy was out of her crate, but my Mom’s dog had major puncture wounds. The vet advised me to have her put down as it was his experience that dogs like this can’t be “untrained” and that as they get older their aggression gets worse, not better. For the safety of the other little dogs and for the safety of my little niece and nephews, he advised me to have her put down. It was horrible. I cried and apologized for letting her down. She was only 7 and I miss her in so many ways. My family just seems relieved that she is gone. I am so upset by the whole thing.
It’s hard to type this note because it’s hard to see through my tears. My beloved Kizzy was put to eternal sleep on Friday, July 16 at 4:00 p.m. She was 11 years old; almost 12 come October 31. Born on Halloween and the last of the litter, Kizzy was special. She never met any one she didn’t want to lick! And like getting into mischief. One Thanksgiving you nearly ate an entire deep fried turkey. She’d sneak a meal every chance she had. I loved to watch her “stalk” the rabbits in our back yard. Although she never caught one, she had good fun trying. Kizzy was the one constant in my life the past 11 years. I didn’t worry about being alone if the kids were out or if my male companion had plans. It didn’t matter because I knew that when I went to bed at night, Kizzy was there. And when I awakened in the morning Kizzy was there and at the door barking when she heard the garage door go up at the end of a work day. She left me way too sudden and too soon. About 5 weeks ago she’d undergone surgery to repair a torn CCl in her left leg. Afterwards she hobbled around a bit but seemed to be healing. However, I knew something was wrong when she refused to put any weight on her left hind leg. Then I noticed she was favoring the right hind leg. Finally convinced my friend that something wasn’t right and we took her back to the vet. Xrays revealed she’d ruptured the CCL again and surgery was needed again. So she went into the hospital on Wednesday for a morphine patch and surgery was scheduled for Thursday afternoon. I got a call a work saying surgery wasn’t going to be performed because Kizzy had collasped while out side to answer nature’s call. Whe she was finally able to right herself, she walked to the right. After work, we went to pick her up and discovered she was paralyzed. Coulnd’t move the hind legs or the front legs. She could barely lift her head and I’ll never forget how her eyes looked. Anyone who’s had a lab knows how bright eyed and alert they are. The vet gave her a very strong shot of Cortizone hoping she’d improve during the night. She didn’t. She lay all night where we placed her making a sound that wanted to be a bark but wasn’t. I didn’t sleep the whole night and stayed awake for her. I gave her water with a syringe because she was awfully thirsty. When she didn’t wet hersef after having had so much water, I knew she would not come around. The next morning we took her back to the animal hospital and they made a pallet for her in one of the islolation rooms. And that’s where she was when I went back to see about her. Kizzy’s condition had not changed and xrays showed she had spondylosis and something else that looked suspiciously like a tumor. The vet said we should put her down ’cause the prognosis was not good. I didn’t want her to suffer so held her in my arms and told her how much I loved her. And what a great friend she’d been; never judging and only wanting to love me to death. I whispered in her ear how much she was loved and that I’d tried to provide the best life I could for her. I hoped she been happy. I think she was. When the vet said “she’s gone”, I tmy heart broke and is still. I miss my Kizzy more than I can say and wish I could have another 11 years with her. I know that all dogs go to heaven so take comfort in knowing I’ll be with her again. In the meantime, I’ve asked relatives who’ve gone on ahead to look after her until I can once again. I love you Kizzy and will for the rest of my life.
Hi im kayla my baby girl well not so much my baby anymore going on her 14th birthday is still going but not very strong she sleeps all the time. she has horrible athrites in her hips. i dont know how long we have but it brings a tear to my eye when looking in her big brown eyes surround by her droopy black fur. im 11 and i had roxy sence the day i was born she was a family pet and now we have a 2 yr old yellow lab that roxy treats like her own puppy. i cant even think of what imm gona do with out her being there waiting in the yard after school. or giving her my left overs from dinner or sneaking a few french fies to her. or even seeing her curled up in my closet on her body pillow scared to death by the lighting. im gona miss sleeping in my closet with her just to keep her from crying all night.even tho in my heart it feels like she is gona be with me till im 70 years old my head reminds me everyday how hard it is on her to just sit up.
On May 28 our beloved black lab Amy collapsed in the back yard. The sadness that I felt at that moment was truly one of the worst moments in my 57 years.
We wrapped her in a blanket and called our youngest son who came with us to the vets. Her spleen was full of cancer we had found out just a few days before.
We said our goodbyes and sobbed for a long time. She was our walk mate and a true companion to my son when he was very sick with leukemia at age 14 through 18. She meant so much to our family and the grief is just so hard to cope with.
Thinking back over a decade of the wonderful memories and family times is helping us slowly heal. We would like another lab but this pain is not something I relish going through again. I empathize with all of you who are sad and as always, time slowly heals but we never forget.
Our Precious Nicki will be gone 1 year on July 30th* Not one day has gone bye I have not missed her and kissed her picture each night. She live to be 14 and truly a wonderful loving girl** Our Lab-St. Beernard who is 12 *HappyGirl* missed her best friend -so very sad. For Christmas I was presented with a 2 1/2 lb. chi – wow- what a differnece- never ever had a little dog. Well-my little *lizzy* is now 10lbs-still small but good size for a chihuahua* but an absolute doll-acts like my BIG dog*
You NEVER get over it-you just remember how much Joy they brought to your life and what a good life you gave them. You offer another dog the same love-they would want you too* It took me a long time with each animal to finaly realize you must realize this is the circle of life* and it sucks** for sure*
me and my family had a black Labrador he was called shadow and he lived to a good 18years and 6 months till we had to put him to sleep after his kidneys started failing him due to a type of cancer which was causing him pain and stress and effected his mobility,
i had him since i was very young and was closest friend i had as i could never go out when i was young due to my disability that causes me to take fits and blackouts so shadow was bought for me and good thing about him was me and my family trained him to howl or bark for help if i ever collapsed when younger as when ever i used to go out back to play in garden if i took a fit you couldnt see nothing due to neighbors hedge so dog was best alarm you could get as he would bark and howl neighborhood down till some1 came to help.
so the longest a lab can live that i know of is 18years-6months if looked after with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise
shadow was my best friend and i miss im dearly and dont think i could find a better dog than him
So wonderful to read all your stories to help comfort me. My beautiful lab, Anna, had to be put down on Sunday night. It was the hardest thing we ever had to do. She was 12 years and 9 mos. I guess that’s good for a lab. She was literally the best dog ever. I can’t even bear to be in the house without her. She had gone deaf, lost most control of her bowels and was panting profusely all the time. I kept thinking that God should take her that we shouldn’t have to make this decision. Then, she walked right by me and released her bowels and just fell into it. I knew that was my sign. I am overcome by grief and don’t know how I will get through it, except that it’s hour by hour, day by day. She never harmed anyone or thing and was the sweetest dog you could ever have. We have to tell our kids this weekend. They are away at granparents. Any advice on how to ease their pain. They are 11, 10, and 8.
On June 21 the entire family had a very difficult task, Griffey a Yellow Lab of 11 years was put to sleep.He was a loveable Lab; he was our protector / friend / clown. His last few days, the entire family noticed he was struggling going up and down the stairs it was a daunting task.His gasping for air was the entire family’s concern.
The 1st drive was to the Vet where it was discovered he had issues with the folds in his throat which opens and closes for food / air to enter.It was hard to hear the news and there was a chance to do an emergency operation which would stitch open one fold. But great care afterwards would be needed.
We took the drive to Langhorne Pa. throughout the drive he was breathing hard and when we arrive at the hospital he was wheezing, He struggle to get out and he made it to the door and collapsed the vet rushed him in and was able to stabilize Griffey.
The cost of the operation was not an issue, but as they prepped him they did some x rays and found out his stomach was twisted and a softball size tumor was found during the X rays.
The quality life for Griffey was going to be short 2 -3 months and survival rate with this operation was not looking good. The family made the decision to put him to rest. Griffey just turned 11 on June 19th. It was as though he waited till the entire family was present.
Things the entire family will miss:
*Griffey looking out the front door, he knew when you were pulling up and greet you with a wagging tail.
*Sharing snacks while watching TV.
*In the morning he would place his nose in your ear and breathe rapidly forcing me to get up and feed him.
I will always remember the time, I had a take out order. A huge T Bone steak placed it on the dish on the kitchen table, and went to grab a soda from the fridge only to see the steak was gone. Here’s Griffey licking his chops and I just said What about me? As I made a PJB sandwich.
The Entire family will miss him along with his two buddies Mollie (a rescued dog from a shelter) Rusty (a Pug / Beagle mix). I was told Rusty was howling as we took Griffey to the vet. Both Molly / Rusty were in Mourning. We came back with heavy hearts; Rusty was under the bed Molly was in a corner.
Missing Griffey is the hardest.
Has anyone had any experience with labs in hot climates? My gorgeous chocolate boy Zack is only 6.5 but slowing down dramatically and has leg and skin problems. I am concerned. I know hot climates are supposed to decrease the lifespan of a dog. I got him in winter in Japan and moved to Bangkok the following summer. He went from 2 hour walks to 45 mins max. Now he can get to the end The poor boy is about to face a move to India. Delhi in summer hits 48-50C! I’d really appreciate any advice.
Holly says:
I recentley just lost my 8yr old Black LAB , for 3 days my dog salem was throwing up every thing she drank and ate. Her appeitite wasn’t good and very thirsty. I took her to the animal hospital and she was very dehyrated , They told me after all blood test and xrays ,she was septic through her whole body,I was shocked and upset because I had no idea she was that ill. I lost her with in 24hours.It hurts so much ,she will be dearly missed,RIP My Salem!
We have just had our beloved black Lab Pebbles put to sleep at the age of 13yrs 3mths.For the last year he has been very wobbly on his back legs, diagnosed with arthritis by the vet, but could not tolerate the medication prescribed. We had given him “Vetvits” for joints from the age of 7yrs and i really think this helped him stay as mobile for so long.Sadly in the last year he became unable to hold his bladder for long,and we put him downstairs where the floor was slate tiled so we could clean it, and took him for an extra toilet trip before bed. He then began to slowly loose control of his bowels too, but was eating, walking( although shortened) and still showed an interest in life. That was until last Friday when he suddenly became very weak, took to his bed, would not eat even his favorite biscuit, and was to us obviously dying. We made him comfortable and sat with him, however he suddenly got up staggered outside and began coughing with struggled breathing, he almost completely collapsed, we carried him back to his bed and i rang the vet immediately. By the time the vet arrived he was again settled although very weak, the vet took his leg, he didnt flinch or pull away, and put him to sleep while i held his head in my hands. He had the most peaceful and dignified death, with his family at home. We miss him terribly but know that the time was right to let him go, the last selfless act of love you can do for your dog .
I love my lab lexy and she is an old dog we sespect only a coupele more years @ best are on her but considering we dont know her age she could live till only tommarow or until 2015. Either way im very proud of my retired nursing home dog. When I was in second grade our bordercollie german sheperd mix died 2 this day i miss her
It’s really great to have a forum to express feelings about our beloved four legged family members. We have a black lab named Jazz who will be 11 in July. He is a spunky vivacious animal with great energy and personality. My husband has been trying to prepare me for Jazz’ demise since Jazz was 8. For some reason I allowed myself to get sucked into my husband’s way of thinking and we got Jazz a companion. A 4 month old lab mix. Initially I resented the new because I thought my husband was trying to replace Jazz, but now I see that the new dog is doing Jazz a world of good. During his last visit to the vet, the vet thought Jazz was 7 or 8 years old. He says Jazz looks great for a senior dog. I was so insulted when he called him a senior because it’s just so hard to accept that my companion has aged so fast. My mother died three months ago and Jazz has been my greatest support. He understands my moods, looks and gestures. I love him dearly. He is aging everyday he even has a white face and an entirely black body. We’ve had Jazz before our 2 children. We were allowed to practice parenting with Jazz. We also have a 14 year old cat. Last year Jazz developed arthritis. He is on maintance meds which are working okay for now, but I always worry. I’m just glad he has chosen to share his life with us. It has been an honor being his adopted parents. I love my boy! 🙂
Doug and Nancy I do know your pain it really hurts so bad to lose your trusted and faithful friend. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about Wrigley. He was such a great dog and in July it will be a year that he is gone. Even my sons talk about him everyday. One of them has video so when he opens his cell phone he see him running around. As time goes by you stop crying and you just miss them. I still look for him everyday when I come home from work. It was the hardest decision I ever had to make when he got sick to put him down but I think he was grateful at the end I didn’t make him suffer any more and I was with him till the end. Give yourself time that is what I did and the pain gets better as time goes on you’ll always keep them in your heart.
This is for Nancy. I had a little baby named Madison (chocolate lab angel) she was 9 1/2 years old and the livelyhood of my home and my life. I lost her on May 31st 2010 to “accute septic pancreatitis” in less than 48 hours of showing me symptoms of being sick. My whole world stopped in one phone call from the vet, it doesn’t seem fair to me. I have a yellow lab too named Emily and she is 12 years and 7 months, and to be honest, I was expecting her to pass before my baby because she is older of coarse. I feel like I was blind sided and I too feel crushed by what happened, but you have to believe she is happy where she is now, and that you will see her again someday. She will be right there waiting for you when you get where you’re going. My heart is with you and I truely hope your pain from your loss gets better with time.
Doug
I have 4 dogs and they are sooo well behaved, but some times they get distracted by the other dogs. When that happens I do the following and it has worked well!
Warm-ups and Cool-downs!!!
Prior to any strenuous training, exercise, or event, have a short warm up period, a walk or a jog or a run to relieve pressure on the bladder.
Give the dog the opportunity to loosen the muscles that might have become stiff through sitting or lying down.
Briefly massage the shoulders and rear hip areas ( slow firm circular movements) and run your hands up and down against the hair of the dog’s back.
This often encourages the dog to flex muscles and stretch.
Teach your dog to stretch on cue.
Warm-up exercise should be short and effective and not tire the brain or body.
If your dog has to be tired to be controllable in competition, your dog has not been prepared properly.
After training, exercise, or actual work it is also necessary to cool down and relax your dog both physically and mentally, and reduce the adrenaline rush.
Free from distractions,a short walk, a massage, and a light drink of cool, (not cold) water really helps your dog to unwind.
PLEASE HELP YOUR DOG AND MAKE A CHANGE TO THE EARTH!!!!!!!!!!!
Emily
XOXOXOXOXOX TO THE DOGS!!!!!
My beautiful Lab, Sera, was euthanized early this morning. She was 12 years, 7 months. We found out just two weeks ago she had hemangiosarcoma, which caused a ruptured spleen tumor. She was seen at Madison Wisconsin veterinary school six months ago and three months ago and they missed anything wrong both times. Now she is gone and this is the worst pain imaginable. My heart is broken.
In a few days it will be 11 months since my yellow lab of 12 years will be gone. I still miss him everyday and when I come in the house I still look for him to great me. We had decided before he was put down that we would not get another dog since our kids are now in college and we are busy working. He was a great dog and I will never forget what joy he brought to our lives. I think a pet is a friend who is always there for you and I know wherever he is he is missing us as much as we miss him. One of my sons read somewhere that a Lab is the hardest dog to get over losing because they are such loyal friends. I truly believe that is true. I miss him and will think of him always.
Amanda, I see no reason why you should not buy a 7-year old dog. She will still have many good years left. If she is a bit overweight, you can help her out there by making sure she gets a lot of exercise and perhaps be put on a diet. Check with your vet. Labs are wonderful and I’m sure you won’t regret buying her.
Hi There, I have been reading everyones comments and I am buying a Labrador at the moment. She is 7 years old and the seller has told me she is extremely fit and healthy, and judging by the pictures I have seen she looks well…..Just slightly over weight.
Do you think it is a good idea to buy a labrador at that age? x
My lab is 15 this week…she has severe dental disease and has begun not eating. Vet came to see her today and prescribed prednisone for her terribly swolen gums and some strong pain meds. She seems more interested in food and actually woke up when I greeted her tonight. she sleeps most of the time, vet said not to let her do this, ecspecially if she is outside because of flies…We love her so much and are trying to keep her comfortable until it is her time to go. Labs are such wonderful companions, I think all the time about how she has watched over my children like she were their mother.
Well, I took my dog to the vet today for a check up, in my earlier post, I mentioned that I was worried about my lab, and that he’s turning 11 years old in January next year, and he’s starting to show some signs of ageing. My vet said he’s in a great condition for an old dog, although it’s comforting, but he also said that he has never seen a lab live past 14 years.
Is that true??? I’m so worried, it’s like everyday that goes by is a day less I get to spend with him… so.. another three years only is going to be so tough for me. I don’t know how I would handle it, I’ve never experienced death of someone close before, and knowing that my best companion will be leaving me in three years time is really difficult . This is going to be a real blow… and I’m so scared…
On this past Sunday morning my husband and I found our beautiful , sweet, and lovable white lab…Miss Savannah of Georgia dead… I have been crying for days…she had gotten sick on wed….I went on line ( wIsh I had taken her to the vet)…instead, no food for 24 hours…then chicken and rice…by Thurs. nite she seemed to recover but on Sat afternoon she took a turn for the worst….and we found her dead Sunday morning… the saddest part of the story is she was only 41/2years old….after speaking with her vet. we think she may had had the stomach turning thing…she was my companion … Our first lab lived 15 years so the idea that a lab so young and vital could die so young has been a SHOCK. Going on line has been a comfort, along with so many of my friends who have been so kind in their comments to me on FaceBook. Has anyone ever bought a dog from Joy Cook in Savannah Gerogia??? She had to close her business but I would love a puppy from a relative of Savannah’s.
Hi all, I stumbled across this site while searching for information about caring for old labrador. I have a beautiful white lab, he is 10, he has always been fit and lively, and behaved like a little puppy, until recently, I’ve really started noticing that he’s really getting old.. he sleeps a lot, and is less active. He used to follow me up and down the house, and was constantly wanting to play, but that has all stopped now. He just sleeps most of the time. I’m really worried, although I know the time will come, and if he’s lucky, he’ll probably have another few years to live. It breaks my heart to see just how fast time flies, and everyday that passes is a day less that I get to spend with him. I am hoping the day will not come.. I’ve never really experienced losing someone I’m close to, so I’m really scared how I would cope if my lab passes away…..
It’s lovely to hear all the stories from everyone here, I’m really glad I’ve found this site and for those of you who have recently lost your beloved companion, my heart goes out to you, and I feel your pain.. may your beloved companion rest in peace, may they be healthy, lively and happy in heaven like they once were, on earth.
Yesterday my Nikki was trying to get in my sons truck and just fell back on her back legs. He said she limped off and got on the porch. Nikki will be 13 May 24, 2010. When I got home she was on the porch. I went in and came back out and she was headed to the woods. It was storming and I could not bear the thoughts of her being out there and hurt. We went and brought her in and tried to keep her comfortable. She cried all night until I finally helped her on the couch and there she rested until morning. She is outside now she can’t hold her hind end up for long. This will be a hard decision to make if she does not improve. I would be selfish if I continue to let her live in pain. She has had a great long life and has been the most wonderful companion for my self and my family. It will be hard to let her go, but I cant see her hurting. Nikki we love you and when you go we will miss you and look for you still when we come home. Knowing you will be in doggy heaven and free from all pain. Love you my wonderful girl. Her real name Lisa’s Summer Nicoal born May 24, 1997. Nikki for short.
Last week I lost my beloved Lab. His name was Rocky. He lived to be 13 years and 4 months. My son had had him since he was born. I miss his company and his barking. And most of all our walks. I could not let him suffer anymore. He was loosing his vision and his kidneys were failing. The one night me and my husband had taken him outside for his nightly constitution we noticed that something was wrong. He just stood in the yard and stared. Would not come to us would not do his business. He just wanted in to go to his bed. I had noticed to that his testicles had swollen. We knew he had a stroke. He was also full of cancer. We had gone threw this last winter. But he surprised us by doing a turn around. But this time I knew I couldnt let him suffer anymore. It broke my husbands heart. We had told my son that we had to get the vet. But he would not face the fact. I waited until the next day until my husband had went to work an my son to school. I called the vet to come and get him. The hardest thing I had to do. The worst part was that my dog got into the car with the vet with no problem. I had said my good byes I knew that I could not go and watch my best friend be put down. The sadness is still there. Excepting to hear him everytime I come home has not gone away. We will love you forever Rocky.
Thank you to all who commented on this site. My Zena was over fourteen years old, but I could never have been ready to say goodbye. I have always felt that you cannot let your dog suffer or have a low quality of life. I was responsible for taking care of her up to and including the end. I was just not prepared for the aftermath of grief. Our house is so empty and I am so depressed. My duty seemed clear at the time, but now I am haunted by recriminations and guilt, that I could have done more, should have had more tests done. I just didn’t want to put her through anymore. Has anyone read Kipling’s The Power of the Dog? Can’t read it without crying..
Hey, I really feel your pain. I too lost my puppy (Brook). He was a beautiful strong and smart black lab of 11 years. A great loyal trusting friend that never asked for anything only love, time, food, and water. A magnificent friend that I miss everyday. I see him everywhere, in my truck, by my bed, in the field, and on his mat. I lost him suddenly this past weekend when he had Hemangiosarcoma or internal bleeding. One evening he was perfect and then the next morning he was slow, and disoriented. Still left wondering what happened? I brought him to the vet and right away he said that my boy had fluid in the belly region. He tested it and said it was blood and he said there was nothing he could do. He had lost too much blood and that a tumor ruptured. I was thinking that it might have been poison. Not for a minute did I expect to lose my great friend but I spent a few minutes with him (heart breaking) and then I put him down. He was so gentle, he made six or seven slow deep breaths and slipped away. God, it tore my heart out. Just too hard to realize that he is gone and went so fast. Miss him barking in the back of my truck or running through the woods and bringing in my ducks. Oh wonderful companion I miss you like crazy and will never ever ever forget my little brookie. To all those who have lost their faithful companions I sympathize with your loss. Not sure how I will manage without my boy brook.
Our 14yr old lab died Saturday morning. He suffered a heat stroke last summer and it effected his body pretty bad. We thought for sure that he would have to be put down. But even though my Blue was old and his body showed it, his spirit was so young at heart. He improved over about 2 weeks and he was Blue again. Well, Friday morning, he suffered a stroke. Took him to the vet and they did all their blood work, pampered him, got him comfy and let him come home. The vet couldn’t tell us what to expect with Blue because he such a fighter. I truly believe he wouldn’t survive through our Texas heat this summer, I brought my Blue home Friday evening and stayed up with him throughout the night. Saturday morning he was up walking, he drank water without me having to give it to him through a syringe and he ate without me having to hand feed him. He had a little pep in his step, tail wagging and bright eyed. I thought you little rascal, you did it again. I had to take my daughter to my mom because they had plans. Before I left, I put Blue in the garage, turned the fans on for him and he was all cozy on his bed. Gave him a kiss on the forehead and his tail was wagging at me. I left my house at 9:15am. My brother was coming over to treat Blue with acupuncture (which by the way, is GREAT for animals) around 10. at 10:05 I got a text message from my brother to call him ASAP. I called Dan and it was the most awful news. Dan found my Blue…..dead in my pool. Which I still can’t understand. He couldn’t walk that well, especially to walk up the steps to get to the pool. I flew home and when I got there, I saw Blue. My beloved friend. I fell to my knees holding him, screaming and crying because I was so sad, but I felt so guilty for leaving him. I felt like I neglected him. I called our vet, told him what happened and he said this is VERY common for Labs. They will either go off and die or they will drown themselves. Is this right? Our hearts are so broken. When I pull up to the gate, I no longer have my yellow lab wagging his tail and barking to let everyone know someone is here. I no longer have my Blue that sits at my backdoor waiting to come in. No more scratching at the door with that “hey, let me in woman” look. Blue was old and lived a great life. Spoiled, pampered and loved. Rest in peace my good ole Blue.
It is a comfort to be in the company of those who understand. My rescued black lab had lymphoma. Chose to have him treated, and he lived well for 8 months after diagnosis. Had sudden liver failure last week, and we had him euthanized. He was my companion and friend and walking buddy. I’m not sad for him, as he had a good life and I did not let him suffer. I’m sad for me, who misses him so. Since he was a rescue, we don’t know how old he was. We think he was 11 or 12. His papers from the shelter said “young adult” in 2000 or 2001. My ex-husband left him behind when he moved to Florida.
Matt_ Rider sounded wounderful and it sounds like he had the most loving, caring owner too, to have him in your arms and kiss him over and over, he would have felt loved and at peace with you. I am so sorry you are missing Rider I can really undertand how awfully upsetting and heartbreaking it is for you. My dad died many years ago, he loved dogs and had a super sense of humour, he was kind , caring and loving I often look up to the sky even now and tell my dad I love him, I will ask if he will look after Rider, Rider would be happy with my dad until one day you will see Rider again when you can be his daddy again. My black lab is Hooch, the vet has spoken to me about putting him down, at the moment I spend my days cuddling him and tears too, knowing it is nearly his time. He hasn’t eaten much the last few days and his back legs have given away a few times, he has bad arthritis, I will be the same as you Matt- loving hooch holding him and kissing him as you did Rider. I appreciated your time as it makes me realise I am not alone in my turmoil and wanting to do the best for Hooch. I feel quite alone in my decision but it is so hard when they lick you and still wag their tail when you cuddle them. Kind regards to you Matt and all the people on this site who have lost their wonderful best friends. We are not alone when we read others experiences. Peace to all. Dawn
I lost my 10 1/2 year old Black Lab today. He could not use his hind legs any more. We had to have him put to sleep and my kids are devestated along with my wife and I. Buck we will miss you buddy. Hope you found the swimming pool in heaven to have fun in. Love Dad.
My lab just passed away on 4/2/10. He was 15 years old. I know it’s only been a short time, but I miss him already. Every time I walk out to the back yard I expect him to pop his head out of his house. He did live a long life, but still it’s hard to let go. I asked my girlfriend, as we were out on the front porch, if she thought he was up there having fun as he should. She said “yes honey, he is and looking forwarded to seeing you again”. Rest in Peace Rocky. There will never be another one like you!
My precious Baby left us yesterday. She was a 10 year black lab. The most beautiful sweetest girl in the world. She so loved life and loved our family. She followed me around from every room in the house. She had stopped eating on Friday and I noticed her tummy was swollen on Sunday. I took her to the vet and he said she was building fluids in her chest and abdomen. He sent me to a specialist and they did all the sonograms and x-rays and could not find a tumor, just several dark thick spots on her stomach, liver, kidneys, and spleen. She started throwing up blood. The only thing they said they could do for her was to give her a platelet transfusion to see if they could get her blood to start clotting again and then try and do exploratory surgery to see what was causing her to bleed internally. She was so sad. I could not put her through exploratory surgery. We made the decision to put her down. We held in our arms and told her goodbye. She licked the tears from my face. I still can’t believe this happened. She was running in the park on Friday. I feel like I should have done more to help her. I can’t stop crying. God please take care of my precious Baby. She was the best dog I have ever known. I will love and miss her everyday for the rest of my life. I love you Baby.
Hello; Rider, my best friend passed away today at 3:20 am. He was 13 years and 4 months old. He passed away in my arms, as I stroked his ears and kissed him over and over. No signs of pain or discomfort – it was his time. My best friend, my true companion, Rider gave only love, and received the same in return. I miss him dearly, he will always be with me in my heart, and in my mind – the best friend I’ve ever had.
Rest in peace, dear Rider, I love you,
Matt
Just lost my best friend “Missy” of over 14 years today. Just cant quit crying. I have never put a pet down , just couldnt bring myself to do it. But I called the vet Friday and he said I had to have an appt, and it being Good Friday I would have to wait till Monday. She didnt have till Monday……….she began to suffer so much, it just broke my heart. Even as sick as she was, she stayed concious till almost the very end–and so glad to feel my touch, and hear my voice.
She couldnt stand, and was having diherrea all over and vomitting, and her bladder kept going………….but she would whine, like she was apologizing. I would tell her it was okay, and then she would quiet down, and relax.
She had cancer. A large breast tumor. We had it operated on once and it came back. It had burst once, and she was fine for a couple years……then it came back again. It burst again just before she died.
I never thought I would want to put my precious friend down, but it tore my heart out to see her suffer so. We live in a small rural community, and there was no vets open to take her to, till Monday.
She deserved to die better. She was THE best dog ever.
She was there for me, when my family wasnt. When I was sick a few years back, she never left my side.
I am really going to miss her !
hello,i have a gentle,well behaived,very loyal 13 year old lab,he was brought from a good breeder in chile,he has suffered all his life from skin allergies and hay fever every summer,he now has a few bleeding tumors,one on top side of his head and one on his side,now and then they bleed,he has a large tumor inside his outer earlobe which is growing considerably larger each month,he has arthritis pain in his back legs but still walks around his feild,he can,t see too good and his hearing is not too good either.our vet said he has cancer and can,t really do anything for him ,its horrible to see him like this.we got him when he was three months old and we had just got married so he is our first baby,no matter what happens he will always be a very important part of our family ,we will always love and respect him ,he has always been so loyal to our family and everyone loves him.he never barks and has never bitten anyone just adorable and loving ,you cant beat having a labrador!!great dogs!!!!!
Reading all these stories has totally touched me…I just lost my girl Daisy a beautiful yellow lab that blessed us with 13 wonderful years…I think she went into acute renal failure suddenly. She had been healthy just bad arthritis. She went for a few walks the week she died,…eating and drinking normally. And I got up to go to work and she had been laying on the floor incon of bowel and bladder and unable to get up her back end was totally down..I felt so terrible….knowing she is dying. Not wanting her to suffer…I was with her petting her telling her how much I love her.She was my baby before my boys were born. And we buried or Choc Lab Ginger(11yrs old) last Aug 09 due to bladder CAncer…so it has been soo hard to lose your best friends. We have one boy left our border collie Jett…allhe knows is life with the girls..he didn’t eat for a couple days after Daisy died….life is short …and a dogs life even shorter…I just hope and pray we will be with them again someday…I’m so sad…but have to work through the grieving process. It just stinks they live such a short time compared to our life span 🙁
CANDY……..name of my dog. he was a very cute, 2 yr 7 month labrador pup. he passed away yesterday on april 1st……..made me a fool and…….gone. ooh, it really hurts alot when your best friend………!! i didn’t knew that it will hurt me like this. when i bought him from delhi…..2 yrs back….i knew that some time he will live me……but i didnt knew that time will come so soon…..still i am cryin……i love u candy……u will always remain in my depest corner of my heart……will mis u alot…..be happy where ever u r. its been three months i saw u last…..when i left u, i thought to c u again soon….but i could not make it for u. i wish i could c u before u left!!! i wish…….plz come back to me candy…….plz come back to me……
To Barbara, mum to kiki. So sorry for your loss. I just read your log and cried my eyes out for you. I lost my beautiful yellow lab lily six weeks ago so I know exactly what you are going through. I still cry on a daily basis, and the ache inside for her is painful. They bring so much joy to our lives that it’s harldy surprising how much we miss them. Go with the flow for the next few weeks, it’s the only way to get through it. Good luck to you
.-= Diane´s last blog ..How Long Do Labrador Retrievers Live – Human and Dog Years? =-.
I am now sitting beside my precious black lab coal. He is having difficulty with his hips but is on Metacam. He still walks in the yard and does his business with control but more frequently. After reading some of the comments I really understand the heartache many of you have shared. I know that time is short but I make the best of it. Coal is 15 years and 4 months! I read one comment of a lab living to 17. I hope that can happen. I have had many dogs live 16+ years but they were small breed dogs. Coal still gets treats like baloney, golumbki(polish cabbage, burger, and rice), plus his regular dog food. I never was crazy about choices but lucky that he never had any weight issues. He has lost muscle mass in the past year but since he was 5-6 months, he has weighed 75 lbs. People may think I am crazy but love, living inside with the ability to roam with no crate, share people “junk” in moderation seems to have given me a special bond and longevity in my dogs. I have young children that want a puppy to run but really understand that Coal is king and it would be very unfair to bring another at his age. Jumping on his hips could prove to be fatal. They get it! I know some day there will be a puppy but one thing I know for sure is they will live like my King. No special diet, no crate, no chains, just free.
I lost my beloved last week and like everyone else on this site I am completed devastated and I will miss her everday of my life. She was a beautiful black lab named Kiki who was 10 1/2 and we were so close; she was the love of my life. She died of Hemangiosarcoma and I had no idea she was sick until the night she collapsed and we rushed her to the emergency vet. Two days later I called back for understanding of what happened to her and a more experienced vet looked at the x-ray and bloodwork and said she had tumors in the spleen and liver and the tumors started causing her to bleed internally. A few years back, she had a couple of benign mouth tumors and one on her foot which I had surgically removed but because I kept her on a very healthy diet I thought we’d be able to beat it but it sounds like this is a common cancer labs, shepards and goldens get and they have no idea what causes it. I am completely lost and devastated and having a hard time moving on. Labs are a wonderful breed, she has made me fall in love with them. I am going tonight to pick up her ashes, hopefully I can get through it and move on.
our choc lab BOSCO lived 9 years he came down with liver problems the 2nd time around he had bad sizers and was lyhurgic we ran him to the vet hosp. but it was not good he was suffering and not moving he was like a big puppy all the time and smart as a whip well miss him dearly so will his playmate dog CINDER who is now mopeing around the house
I CAME ACROSS THIS SITE AND IT HAS HELP ME A LOT MY SISTERS LABRADOR WHICH I ALSO FELT HIM TO BE MINE TOO PASS AWAY JUST OVER TWO WEEKS AGO IT CAME AS A SURPRISE HE WAS ALMOST 13 JUST A FEW MONTHS AWAY AND HAD BEING DOING GREAT RUNNING PLAYING GOING TO THE BEACH, THEN ONE DAY HE JUST BECAME SICK WE TOOK HIM TO THE VET AND HEARD THE SAD NEWS HE HAD CANCER HE LASTED ONLY HOURS, LABRADORS ARE REALLY STRONG THEY WILL NOT SHOW ANY SINGS OF ILLNESS UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE OF THEIR LIVES I LOVE HIM FOREVER “ANGELO” WE CREMATED HIM AND KEPT HIS REMAINS AND TO ALL OF YOU OUT THERE WHO HAVE LOST A PET JUST A REMINDER THEY WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU IN SPIRIT, THEY ARE TRULY MAN BEST FRIENDS
Wehad to have our almost 13 year old yellow lab put down on Valentine’s Day. Lily was my most precious beautiful girl, and the pain of her not being here is unbearable. She was totally my shadow, followed me to the bathroom, kitchen, where ever i went. Unless you’ve had the love of a devoted dog, it’s hard for people to understand the grief. It has been 24 days since we lost her and it feels like I haven’t kissed that beautiful face for months. By the same token I am still barely getting through the days. Labs are truly the most wonderful dogs in the world. Life will not be the same without my precious girl. I miss you so much lily.
We just lost our beloved yellow lab Tyke. He was 2 weeks shy of 14. He was our baby before we had babies and he will be in our hearts forever. Cherish everyday that you have with your labs and give them extra kisses from us. He was hurting with arthritis and in the last month was barely eating. He always weight 80 pounds which was a perfect weight for him. Thankfully he went naturally and we did not have to put him down because that was a decision that was to hard for us to make. Though we would have if we saw to much suffering from him. We knew when it was time for him and I told him it was alright to go. The next morning he was gone. I’ve been crying all weekend and my heart is heavy but I have so many wonderful memories with him and the family. – M
To Sandy (March 7) and Kay (March 8), My prayers are with you and your beautiful labs. Please, I ask that you ask for further blood tests for you labs and get a second opinion. My beloved Lucy, who passed on January 26, was at the hands of a vet who was border incompetent. When I moved her to a crictical care hospital, only then I found out what the vet who was trained in India failed to do. It could not hurt to get a second opinon. –Audrey
Our Lucy is 13 yrs and 5 months. She has been having lots of hip discomfort and we have her on an anti-inflammatory medicine for that. Sometimes she has a hard time getting into a position to lie down. She’s also been a diabetic for about 5 years. My husband follows her outside and collects her first morning urine every day and hasn’t missed even one day doing that. She has to have two shots every day and eat special food. All this has made us love her even more. She’s always been so sweet, so energetic, and so incredibly smart. We are agonizing as the days go by and we know we have less and less time with her. Tonight, her legs went out from under her quite hard. It’s very painful to watch. She has cataracts and runs into things if we don’t stop her in time. Her physical life is deteriorating, but her quality of life is still good. She knows we love her. We pet her and talk to her continually. We’ll not put her down unless her pain becomes unbearable or she is no longer able to respond to us. We will love and cherish her every second until then. When the time comes, we’re keeping her ashes with us. We’ve decided we can’t stand the idea of putting her under the ground. We’re hoping her ashes will get buried with one of us someday. She belongs with the family for eternity.
I’ve been reading your stories and I’m sitting here crying. My best friend Robby was diagnosed with Degenerative Myelopathy. He is a 10.5 year old lab. The vet tells me there is no cure for this disease. It is similar to multiple sclerosis in humans. He’s my first dog I have ever owned. The vet said this disease is common in German Shepherds. I did some research on the internet and found sometimes it can affect Labs. It’s very hard to see him struggle to walk. He drags his back leg and stumbles. I’m told there is no cure. So I’m trying to keep him as comfortable as possible. From what I’ve read, the disease gets progressively worse. We still go for short walks as they say exercise is good. I did everything I could to keep Robby healthy and strong. I also have a Chocolate Lab Lola. She’s confused because she’s not sure what’s going on and they both look at me crying all the time. I’ve never been through the experience of losing a pet. I’m so lost right now. About 10 years ago, I lost my fiance to cancer. So I can only imagine how hard this is going to be. I keep praying to stay strong and enjoy having Robby here for what time he has left. Thanks for listening.
We have two beautiful yellow labs. They are 13.5 and 11.5 years old and have been absolutely the best companions you can imagine. Gracie now has many fatty tumors on her body, some of which are quite large, but none of them is impeding on any organ or her ability to walk/run. We had several taken off a few years ago, but the surgery seemed to be harder on her than the tumors, so our vet agrees that we should just let her be. She has always been a docile dog, but she is healthy, other than needing thyroid meds.
Maggie is the younger of the two and she is probably heavier than she should be, but even the vet agrees that 1.5 cups of dry food a day should not cause her to be overweight, so we are checking her thyroid for the second time.
My children love these animals and I cannot imagine life without them, but it occurs to me that Gracie is now beating the odds and Maggie will be soon. Can you brace yourself to lose a family member? I think not. And, who knows, maybe we will have two of those long-lived blessings. I’m grateful for every day with them.
My moms Lab was put down some days ago and I did’nt even know it, they told me they were going to do it but I didnt know when. he was about 13 years old,he lived a pretty good dog life I think!
To Jeff’s email 2/27/2010: Jeff, have you also tried glucosamine? This helps with arthritis and has done wonders with my lab Poochie and Lucy had improved when she was on it. Also, my friend took her 14 year old lab to the vet last week because she was walking in circles and having a hard time getting up. She found out her Lab’s cholestrol was quite high, this and another blood test determined that this was a precursor to seizures. Please take your lab to the vet, it might save her life in the long run. –Audrey
hey that is great i loved it. there is some great info there and there is some great stories to read. i love labs because i have one and her name is r*** and she is fun and with the exercise she goes on a walk once a day but she as lot of land at home so she runs a lot and she loves to play on the trampoline. my puppy is so cute thanks for the info.
My 6 year old lab weighs about 100 lbs but is not fat and she is havin problem standing up and walking
it’s seem to be her back hips what could this be
I lost my best friend yesterday. My black labrador Rommel. He lived for 14 years and two months and was the most beautiful boy in the world.
He was diagnosed with cancer of the mouth where a tumour was forming in may of last year… was given a few months to live… and he nearly lasted a whole year – what a trooper!!!
He suffered with arthritis which is common with this breed, and finally had to be put to sleep yesterday after failing to eat or drink for days and could not stand.
He was the most fantastic, loving, loyal pet we could have asked for and I would advise anyone strongly if they are considering to get a pet to get a black lab. We had a fantastic 14 years with him, which we all treasured.
I cannot put into words the upset in my household at this time. He was such a big part of our family.
We all loved him with all of our hearts… he will remain forever with us..
He was the best friend anyone could ever hope to have.. I will miss him every day of my life.
My pretty girl, Hattie Mae~13 years old, yellow lab is not doing well either.
It is so hard to watch the go down little by little every day. We almost lost her 3 years ago to Phnumia. Her strong will pulled her through. She has been holding her own since but with scared lungs causing breathing problems. However, she now has numerous bleeding sores all over her. The vet said labs get them at her age and nothing can be done. She also has a huge internal tumor on her chest under her left leg. She has to relieve herself about every 2 hours & on top of all of that, she can hardly move because of arthritis. The only thing keeping us from putting her to sleep is she is eating and sleeping well and still thinks she is a puppy when she goes outside. She hobble runs to her frisbee and barks at me if I don’t feed her cookies on time. I so hope she just goes in her sleep …
Donna Triv – I don’t know if you have been checking in on these comments or not, so you may not ever see my reply here, but I wanted you to know that you are not alone! We just lost our beloved 7 year old lab Zoe one week ago tonight, on February 16th at 8:33 pm. She had internal bleeding from a tumor, either on her spleen or intestines. Our poor girl had always been there for us, always happy and healthy. We thought we did everything right with her, from the time she was a puppy. So I feel your pain.
RadioguyJ (at) gmail.com if you want to chat about our beloved labs. Sometimes that’s the best way to heal these wounds.
I just lost my Lucy, my 14.5 year old black lab on 1/26/2010. It is very hard to function without my beloved pet. I took her to a vet who was not competent and when I finally moved to her a Critical Care Vet, she passed peacefully in a warm loving environment. I miss her so much that I still cry and wish I would have given her more hugs when I had the opportunity.
I am sorry for those of you who have lost your four legged family members.
I got my first Lab “Duke” in September of 2007. He is such a joy, he loves life, and his other two dogs. He was twelve weeks old when we got him in Washington state while on vacation, he was supposed to be my husband’s dog but lucky for me he choose me. I was very ill the first year we had him and the happiness in him was contagious. Wonderful breed of dog, won’t own anything but labs from here on out.
Our yellow lab, Oakley, turned 13 this month but I don’t think he is going to live much longer. His hips are bad and he can hardly walk — falls down. His rear legs aren’t strong enough to lift him up and we are now lifting him. I just found him out front laying in his pee. He chewed our door jamb from house to garage today — wonder if he was in pain and frustrated? My husband is going to be a mess when Oak is no longer here. Oak traveled to our Arizona house with us 30 trips a year — played in lake. He loved to go in our boat — he knew when the diesel truck was hitched to the boat and we were going boating — he would bark as if to say “I’m going too!” He went camping with us. Oakley would every day wait for us to get home so he could lay in the front yard — unleashed. Kids loved to stop and pet him as they couldn’t believe that he wouldn’t leave the yard even when other dogs came by. My husband has been the best “dad” Oakley could have ever had — this is going to be hard on him but I think it’s coming soon(?)
Kane, my 15 1/2 year old labrador and best friend died last night. He had problems breathing throughout the day and it appeared that he could not get comfortable. I petted and stroked him all day as he looked into my eyes as too say,.,.”scott, it’s time for me to say goodbye” All of a sudden he stood up and stumbled outside and layed on the grass. I let him stay for awhile and carried him back to his bed. Within a minute, he stopped breathing and passed away. No pain and in peace. I never thought I could feel as sad as I do now. I miss him so much!
His little 14 year old lab girlfriend now looks confused and tries to find him
but cannot. I expect to find her a new puppy companion as soon as the grieving is over.
Gotta love them dogs!!!
My Lab.,.,Kane is 15 1/2 and is in distress. He has been on pain meds for a few years for athritus and for thryroid issues. Now since this morning , he has difficulty breathing, pale gums and stopped eating. My vet says,, tests,, tests tests, but when I asked him if the tests will help him in the long run,.,.he said no. I am so confused as this is my baby and I love him so much, He appears comfortable, but in distress. I want whats best for him.
We lost our Mutt Puppy (9.5 year old Black Lab) earlier this afternoon. He hadn’t been eating all his food, but he’d done this before…and always seems to snap out of it a few days later…I miss him so…. 🙁
recently lost my black labrador.”tammy” she was 17 yrs old.i would love 2 have another labby but one getting on in age to suit me as i am a fit oap.iv thought of a new puppy but i dont heve the vitality to have one so young.if there i anyone finding it difficult to continue to care and love for unseen resounds please contact me thank you.ps i live on the south east coast.couldn’t keep tammy out of the sea,(you know what labbies are like haha)best wishes alan
I have been lucky enough to be blessed with two labs Aticus and Jazz. Jazz being the oldest (9). Jazz has not been eating for days and throwing up. I took her to the vet last friday and then again on monday as she was still not eating. They did a ultrasound on friday and found she has a huge blockage from her stomach to her rectum. I asked the vet if I could go on payment plans as I am a cancer patient and do not any longer have a job, he told me no, we do not except payment plans. I now have been left with putting the love of my life down. I have been told the surgery will cost me 5,000 dollars of which I do not have or I would do the surgery quickly. When did it become all about money for the vets and when do we put a price tag on our animals head. She is now shaking my guess would be from pain and when I ask the vets for pain meds he told me she did not need tham. So tomorrow I will not let my baby suffer anymore I will be forced to put her down. Thanks for listening P.S I cannot stop crying……
I just read the email from Kevin regarding Charlee and it sounds like she had a wonderful life. We got Jammer when he was 3 months old from a pet store. He had been there over a month and no one wanted him as he was too big. A short time later we found out he had hip dysplasia and we worried he would not have much of a life. He ended up being the most friendly and happy dog I have ever owned and he never let his hip dysplasia affect his love to run or to go for walks.
I also read the post of Donna Triv about her dog which passed away after an operation. What was his name Donna? It sounds if you are questionning your decision to give him an operation. I think you did the right thing.
The same thing happened with Jammer. He was diagnosed to have a tumour in his testicle and some masses in his spleen. He had an operation on September 1, 2009 to remove his testicles and spleen. The testicle tumour was not cancer but it was causing his body to produce enormous amounts of estrogen which caused him to have a skin condition, lose weight, and lose all of his hair. At first the specialists did not think the masses in the spleen were cancerous but the testing came back a week later saying he had blood cancer and was terminal. Jammer had a good 4 months of life after the operation before the cancer finally got him. He was not the same old Jammer but we watched him closely and he still wagged his tail and enjoyed his walks so I am glad we did what we did. We put him on low does chemotherapy pills rather than the more intensive intravenous chemotherapy because we did not want him to be any weaker than he already was as a result of the estrogen problem. He would probably still be with us if we had gone for the more intensive treatment but we just could not do that to him. We did what we thought was best for him and I am sure you did as well Donna. Thanks to all of you for sharing your wonderful stories and for letting me share mine. Rod from Calgary.
My wife and family lost our chocolate lab on feb.3 2010, It was a very sad day. Charlee was with us for 14.5 years at age 4 she was diagnosed with addisions diease she nearly died thaen but with a monthly shot and lots of love we kept her for another 10 and a half years. Yes I’m sad today and I cry when i think about her but I also cry and laugh when we talk about all the funny things she did all those years. I did forget to tell you that we got here at the animal shelter when she was 8 weeks old after someone dumped her at the mall parking lot. Someone found her shivering under a car and to that person I say thank You for giving us the opprtunity to have such a wonderful chocolate Lab. Rest in peace Charlee:(
I lost my black lab/ border collie cross, Jammer, on January 23, 2010. He was almost 10 years of age. He was 100 pounds initially but had dropped to about 65 pounds near the end. He was diagnosed with cancer and other health problems in September of 2009. He had a number of operations and treatments which cost around $15,000 but, in the end, we could not do anything more for him as he developed a cancerous tumour on his heart and his heart was not pumping enough blood through his body to allow him to continue on. I am crying as I type this. I do not regret the money that I spent as he was my best friend and I would have done anything for him. At one point he had lost 95% of the hair on his body but it had almost all grown back by the time he left us. I was so proud of him. Rest in peace Jam.
Hi,
I read your note and thought I’d tell you about a product I tried for my 15-year-old lab mix Allison. She was having trouble getting up the 3 steps of my front stoop after coming home from our walks. She even slipped and fell down the steps a few times. It broke my heart to see my once vibrant dog having trouble just doing this easy task. The product is called Flavocin and is a glucosamine and bioflavanol supplement. If you just google it you can buy it online. It helped Allison who now gets up the stairs just fine. She’s been on it for about 6 months and seems to feel better. Her back legs were getting wobbly and she would poop without really sitting down. I called it the poop and scoot. Now she “goes” fairly normally.
Just a note….Flavocine is a bit pricey at $35 a bottle of 90 tabs. They recommend one tab per every 20lbs of body weight. For Sherman that’s 5 a day so the 90 tabs would go fast. I found a very similar product in the pet section of my local Walmart. It’s called glucosamine plus by Pro Pet. It goes for about $10 for 60 tabs. It uses the same one tab per 20 lbs ratio. I give Allison one flavocin and 2 glu+ tabs daily. She weighs about 55lbs. I hope this helps and wish you the best of health for you and your buddy Sherman.
All the best,
Pierre
I have posted before as we put our Precious Black Lab Nicki to sleep on July 30th of last year. There is not a day goes bye that I do not look at her picture and shed a tear-we so loved our Girl. She left behind a ton of my Chikdcare kiddos and families that loved her- and all of us and she left behind her best Friend in the world-our Lab-St. Bernard who is 11-her name is HappyGirl.
This year for Christmas I was given a 2-lb Chihuhua-my Grnadsons Girlfriends puppy had a litter. I named her Lizzy and now I believe God has given her to me to have the same-quality of life as we have offered our other furry family members. I can now look at Nickis picture and smile and remember how blessed we were to have had her for 14 years.
Many of you think you will never feel better and it is a long time comming-but the good times will ond day out weigh the grief you feel-please believe that. God Bless you all* Pauline
i have my 1st lab cashew and she is a pure breed . i was in tears till i finished reading your sorrowful stories….
My lab is only two years old but Reading these stories is making me cry knowing that I too will have to say goodbye to my best friend cashew , best wishes to you all.
im very scared about my dog as – she is only 1.9 years old and she is not keen in breeding . she is a pampered and well maintained lab.there is a lab living next door and always flirts with cashew(my labs name). my family wants litter but i think it will effect cashews health and behaveour. i also think shes too youngto have pups.
please….if someone has an answer to this,mail me at– sai.sita@yahoo.com
I just read about your lab having had a few seizures at about 5 years of age. I have a big black lab named Kona who started having seizures when he was almost 5. I learned that about 12% of labs have idiopathic seizures disorders. Kona is now almost 10. He has been on medication to control his seizures for almost 5 years. He has has a great life. Other than dealing with the break through seizures he has been one healthy pup. The last three months he has developed liver problems due to the medication he has been taking to control his seizures (phenobarbital). We are now in the process of adding another med and weaning him off of the phenobarb. I don’t know if his liver will heal, but am hopeful that we will have a few more years with him. Right now he is so very sedated but I know that will get better as the medications are adjusted. Long story short–your puppy can still have a great life ahead of him so long as you can manage his condition. Good luck to you both.
We always think we never do enough. You should not be so hard on yourself. Just the fact that you are here and saying these things shows how much you really cared for your pet. My sympathy goes out to you.
I keep saying the same thing over and over. my dog just died yesterday at 8!! did I do something wrong? but he did have 3 masses on his spleen but I feel like I did something wrong or not enough…
my wonderful 8 year old black lab died last night in the hospital. His spleen had been removed with 3 masses on it. wouldn t know if it was cancer for a few more days. thought he was coming home today but stopped breathing last night then went into cardiac arrest. also needed a blood transfusion after surgery saturday.I am absolutely distraught. He was such a kind, loving, gentle dog. I have been crying for 2 days.
You can question your decision over and over and over again. We had to put our first lab down, she was 14 and a half too, she stopped eating, drinking and had bad arthritis, we would have to help her up and down the stairs to go outside. She still did quite fine on her walks in the morning but she lost a lot of weight and muscle too. Now her sister will be 16 in 4 months and she is still pretty active and seems to be doing well although I have to take her to the vet today as I have seen some blood and mucus in her stools that have been runny for the past few days. It was a hard thing to have to put your best friend down but on the other hand do you want to see them stumble and suffer till they go naturally? Every dog is different, it’s funny because the lab we have now, she seemed to have all of her problems when she was younger and now she will soon be 16! I know a guy who had a 19 year old male black lab, he finally had to put him down last summer. He still looked like he was in good shape but as the owner you have to make that decision when it ‘s time to let them go. Thanks for letting me share, you can e-mail me anytime. Paula, Ontario Canada
Lost, my dog died yesterday
What wonderful stories to read….
My chocolate lab Coco is now 15 1/2 years old. We took her from a bad situation when she was a year old. She was kept in a crate in an unfinished basement and only let out twice a day to go outside. When we got her she was super wild and did not know how to play with a toy.
We fell in love with her in minutes. She has been with us since. She has been through two crutiate ligament surgeries and now at the the age of almost 16, she is still able to walk around on her own. We have made sure to keep her weight down so she would be with us a long time.
She can’t see well as she has catacts and her hearing is not so good, but she is a doll…She follows me all over the first floor of the house always needing to be near my side. She is my precious baby and I pray she has more time with us. We cherish every moment we have with her.
i am 10 years old and my mom and dad are vet’s i try to save as many animals as i can i love animals and hope you can help save animals to thank you love emma yoder please halp
I have a yellow lab that will be 13 years old in a couple of months. We never thought he would get that far. At age 6 he had a stroke that took out his hearing and vision in one eye, and two short years later found out arthritis had effected his hips and spine. We put him on medication, and he purked right back up. At age 11 a cloud went over his good eye making him almost completely blind. But, to this day, when we rise, so does he, when we go, he goes, he is loyal, and still bounces around and wants to play in the pond and fetch like he was a puppy. I feel very blessed to have had him for so long, and cherish the time I do.
So sorry for your loas of Wrigley. Hershey had seizures too but they were never that serious. I am so sad for your daughter’s loss. She would have loved him.
Today has been one year since we lost our sweet Chocolate lab Hershey. He was almost 13 years old. What a sad day it was for me. I try to hang onto the funny memories of a dog that was such a character and so lovable. It is hard to imagine the day that you will no longer have your dog by your side until it happens and then it is a real ache that does not go away. RIP Hershey. We miss you and love you so much.
Harrell, I lost my Kahlua tonight. I believe she had cancer. I found a lump on her tit about a year to year and a half ago. I just feel so guilty for not bringing her to the vet. It’s just been a financial struggle for us the past year. Hope all will be okay.
I just lost my baby girl. She was about 10-11 yrs old. She was a chocolate lab. Ever since I had my twin boys I haven’t had as much time with her. I feel guilty now. I love her and miss her! I wish I had brought her to the vet when I found a little lump on her side a year ago. We just haven’t had any money to do so. I’ve always taken such good care of her since having her as a puppy. RIP Kahlua
I had a tumor removed from my Lab and the results came back that she has breast cancer. It was the size of a tennis ball in her tit and came really fast. She feels fine but I know what the outcome will be. She will be 10 in Feb. Has anyone had this happen to their dog and if so any time frame I maybe looking at?
I just received the worst news in the world this morning. Last Monday, I kenneled my two Labs (Wrigley 5 year old chocolate lab and Jake 8 year old English yellow lab) because my wife and I were expecting our first child. Upon returning from the hospital on Friday, I decided to leave my boys at the kennel for a few extra days so our new daughter could get acclimated to being at her new home. I had planned on picking both of them up today. At 7:30 this morning, I received a call from the kennel’s owner (a friend of ours). When I picked up the phone, he informed me he had some bad news. He told me that Wrigley had died. When I went to the kennel to see my best friend for the last time, the kennel owner told me he thought it might have been a seizure.
I have been literally crushed all day long. I feel like part of my heart has been ripped out. He was such an important part of my life and I was hoping he would be for my new daughter as well. I just wish I had one more day to spend with him.
Thank you everyone for sharing all of your posts. This is, by far, one of the toughest deaths I have ever had to deal with.
Rest in Peace Wrigley-Dad will never forget you!
I read the last post on this site from George, and I know exactly how you feel. As our vet told us when we put our lab down on November 29, knowing when to let go is also showing love for your pet. When I’m alone, that’s when I cry. They don’t ask for much; all they want is you. I am still grieving for my brown girl.
My female black lab Brandy lived one day shy of 14 years. We had to put her down Tuesday night 12/15. I think I am two days later just now functional. I never thought I would grieve this hard. I came home and now just being able to think or talk about it, googled how long labs live and came across this site. Doing fine reading all the posts then I find the one I left earlier this year on 5/15/09 explaining how my dog is doing. Waterworks all over, I forgot I posted, epsecially since I don’t usally do those things. But love and grief make you different. So all my dog’s symptons are on my previous post. Mostly arthritis and basically rimadyl made her functional. She was progressively getting worse. We went on vacation for 10 days and before we left she started not walking on one of her front legs. Usually the neighbor kid takes care of our dogs (we have a 12yo golden ret too), but I thought she needed more care so I paid an unemployed friend to live here and leave them in the house all the time. I got emails that she was not doing good but didn’t really think that bad. We got home Monday and I fell apart. She was so much worse, could barely move. I had to carry her wherever she needed to go like outside to potty. She sleeps next to my bed and kept me up all night wimpering, I kept petting her. I went to work the next day but my partner stayed home. Halfway thru the day she stopped eating and was not even keeping water down. I got home and she was still a little coherent, but went down quickly. Labored breathing and obvious distress. I had no choice but to take her to the animal hospital to end the misery (hers, not mine). She was so far gone. At the hospital she started losing all bodily functions. I am convinced she waited until I got home from vacation for one last night and day. I hurt so much. I had her most of my adult life. I can’t keep looking down whenever I get up from my desk or couch because she is always at my feet, but she’s not there. I will miss her, but had 14 wonderful years with the best dog ever. I love and miss you Brandy.
I have been reading all your stories and felt for all of you who lost your best friend. Our Chocolate Lab Tobi is 14 years and 9 months old and we have been blessed with a very active and healthy dog. She does have some weakness in her hind legs and stomps around like a soldier but this does not stop her from doing so. She still manages to get onto our bed, sofa and walk up the stairs. She loves the snow and still swam like a fish this summer. I am always wondering how long she will keep it up and I was happy to read that some of your dogs lived to 16 or even 17. I hope she will keep going strong for a while. She LOVES to eat but we manage to keep her at her ideal weight of 65 pounds. I am grateful for every day she is with us.
Another good book is *Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates* It was my choice of books to confirm what I already knew-one fine day in Gods own time our sweet-precious Labs will once agian give us a Big kiss* for right now they are in God’s care-free of pain-just waiting for us to join them** *Our Precious Nicki passeed on July 30th-09* I do believe I will miss her for the rest of my life* She is resting with all our furry animals who went before**
My husband and I just put our beloved chocolate lab, Magic, to sleep yesterday. I read some of the postings about guilt over doing this, and we have such mixed feelings about this, too, although we knew she was very sick. We had her operated on at the end of April for laryngeal paralysis; after that she could no longer bark or swim. But we were able to have her with us for another seven months. It was kidney failure that finally caused her failing health. She was 12 years, 3 months old. We have a 7-year old yellow male Lab, Duke, that I know is missing his big sister. He went over to lie on her rug last night which is very unusual. Has anyone read the book called “Separate Lifetimes” by Irving Townsend? It has a story in it called “The Once Again Prince” that really touches your heart. There is a quote in it that goes, “We who choose to surround ourselves with lives more temporary than our own, live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached. Unable to accept its awful gaps, we would still live no other way. We cherish memory as the only certain immortality.” My sweet, dear brown girl. My heart aches to see you again.
It is so wonderful reading about all the lives that have been touched by the love of a laborador. I have been luckily loved by two so far. Dune, a yellow 96lb Marley like beast, was the first (1986 – 1998) and Keila , a gentile submissive thinker, is my second. She’s an 8.5 year old black lab that recently learned how to play frisbee. Nothing too strenous but she’s having a good time learning something new. It helps keep us all a little bit younger. I think Keila will be with me for another 8 years or so. I wish cloning was cheaper because she’d be the one!
Bob,
I am so sorry for the way your family and your beloved Max were treated during his passing…..so people have NO compassion. I was very fortunate to have a wonderful vet and assistants who loved my Chocolate as much as my family and I. They were very compassionate when I brought her in to be put to sleep and they even stood there and cried with me!!! When I finally let go of my girl they hugged me and told me they would take great care of her and would call me when her ashes came back. After I got her ashes back they gave me a poem called “The Rainbow Bridge” if you get a chance to read it you should b/c it tells us how our “babies are healthy and care free, but yet when we cross over they are waiting for us….it really helped me alot. I once again am sorry for how you were treated and hope that the uncompassionate people who took care of your Max will get their karma someday!!!!
I know this is a late reply as I was trying to determine whether I should take in my lab’s mother. Her mom is 9. I had a small mixed terrier for 14 years. A stray I adopted at the age of 2. In his final years he developed liver disease. We caught it in time and treated it. As part of his diagnosis, we ran a full ultrasound. This test revealed that all was clear internally. Four months later he began to cough and at six months he was back in the vets where he was x-rayed. There it was, clear as day, a sarcoma in his lungs, larger than a golf ball. Also, pushing on his heart which contributed to the cough. So, this can happen and very quickly. I had a lot of discussions about how his ultrasound was so clear and then “this”. Apparently, these cells grow so rapidly once established. We treated our poor dog for as long as possible, even having him biopsied and C.T.’d by an animal oncologist to see if there was anything we could do. He held on for a year more. It is unfortunate and sad. I still miss him so much! Best wishes.
As I write this my best friend in the world is dieing she is 12 yrs old. I got shelby when I was 32 and she is a doll she has cancer and in the morning I am taking her to the vet to be put down. I found this site just typing and passing the time. I cannot sleep all I have to say is GOD bless you all. Labs were put on this earth to make mankind happy and mine did for many years. thank you for your time SHELBY I will never forget you. Love Barry
We just found out recently that our 5 year old chocolate, Beau has had a couple of seizures. I sit here reading these comments and writing this with uncontrollable tears running down my face. Beau is the most special friend to us, and unless you have owned a lab you wouldnt understand the loyalty and friendship that comes with owning one. I am just terrified of losing him, especially after watching “Marley & Me” the second time tonight. I know that all I can do is give him the best life I can while hes here, but I dont know how I will ever face when its his time… I am already so sad and scared.
hi pauline are you talking about black betty or someone elses dog ,thanks susan
i have had black betty for 15 yrs my youngest daughter is 16 , she is a black lab mix and has been my friend,daughter,baby sitter and alot more than she was ever meant to be,she was raised by a single mother (me) along with my two daughters who are 16 and 18,i love her more than i can ever express,she has always loved the attenion and played with the male friends in my life but jumps to my feet and growls at the harshed word said to loudly,she is barely eating,drinks alot of water,throws up even in her on bed which she never does,also has urinated on herself last few days and is totally lifeless,she does not make any sounds or appear to be in pain but obviously if you have a lab you know how they hang there head in shame when do something,i dont say anything or yell i know she is sick or dying i have put a pallet in the floor and petted her all night last night today and will tonight,is it worth having the vet do test it is 750 dollars and i am layed off,if someone out there thinks there is a chance then the money does not matter,i just need to know the symptons of a dying lab,also her back end is barly getting her out of bed in the morning to get up,please help
Thanks for the sentiments. I did not think that this would hit me as hard as it did.
That is exactly what my precious Nicki did*** God Bless your family*** Pauline
Our Chocolate Lab Luka died on November 13. He lived a wonderful 14 years and 7 months. We thought that a day would come when we might have to put him to sleep, but he died on his own terms. That morning, he quietly slipped away while outdoors with one of his favorite friends, the elderly care taker who maintains my in-laws land next door. When Lyle did not see Luka after 10 minutes, he found him lying peacefully in the grass nearby. I thought that it was rare that old dogs die on their own, but our Luka did just that. We are having a tough time with his passing, and miss so much. He was the first dog my wife and I had just after we were married. He was like our first child. He has a “brother”, Ike, a nearly 12 year old Yellow Lab, and we are giving him extra TLC to help him get through. Sweet Dreams, Luka
I came across this site looking to find something about the life span of Labs. We have had our Angel for 10years and she was a few years old when we got her. for the last Two days she is not eating, laying around and gets up with distress, breathing hard. My two children are just devastated that she is about to die. She has been healthy until now. When she gets up it is like her hips just don’t want to move. Is it time to say goodbye to our “Angel”?
I do not know why I still read these-but I guess I love idea others love their Labs as much as we loved our *Nicki** July 30th was the date I kissed her nose as she passed. Our other dog-her best friend is a Lab-St. Bernard now 11. I cannot force myself to get another furry friend for a long time. For all of you wondering how long it takes to get past it-I have no idea. I still feel so sad some days- but for any of you who question IF you will get that BIG kiss from your furry friends again one day-read *Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates** It gave me the Answers I needed. God Bless each of you* Pauline
In re: Bob, What a bunch of blood suckers they are. I can’t believe they could be so heartless. Sorry, also for you loss.
My lab died last night. (the lab discussed two comments above)I took him to the vet this morning in order to have him brought to the crematory, as I had my other dog 4 years ago. I paid for the previous dog when he arrived in a small mahogany box.
I gently wrapped Max in a blanket, gave him a kiss, and placed him in the car. It was a somber drive that I knew I would remember forever.
This time, when the vet employees came outside with a stretcher to retrieve my lab, Maxwell, from the SUV, they also brought the invoice of $355.00 for the cremation. I didn’t pay much attention to the bill, as I knew I’d take care of it once the ashes arrived. I was just barely keeping it together.
I said that I’d bring it home to my wife. They immediately stated that “unfortunaetly” it was payable then and there. I was just trying to keep it together as it was, and now they wanted me to cut a check over the dead body of my blessed lab, who was lying right there. They are pure evil. I slammed the door shut and said that I was taking him home.
Upon arriving home, I explained to my wife that our Maxwell was still in the car and that the Vet would not take him without a check for $355.00. She called the owner of the Vet business, who agreed to take the body, and apparently agreed to accept payment upon delivery of the ashes. NEVER DO BUSINESS IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND. In my opinion they should lose every license they have ever had.
We have a black lab and his name is Bud and we love him to death. He will be three on Nov 30 and I am wondering are we bein the best momma and daddy to ours as the lady with the 14 year old one. We feed him only Eucanuba Premium dog food and I take him out to play ball will his kids play and he is always mest with. His girls always play with him and he runs around our down stairs all the time and we give him alot of love he thinks he is a poddle LOL… So I guess my question is are we raising him right or not???
November 3, 2009: My yellow lab is 13 years and 10+ months old. Now he cannot get up. He is presently lying comfortably on the floor near a bowl of water. It is the saddest thing I’ve ever experienced. I remember in 1999 (ten years ago) he (Maxwell) was jumping into the Atlantic Ocean to fetch a big green plastic ball. He would swim out 25 or 30 yards in three foot swells to get the green ball and bring it back to the beach. Now, in 2009, I gently splash the water in the bath tub onto him as I pet Maxwell, in order to soak his old bones. I whisper into his wet ears: “Remember the ocean?” It seems to give him some relief. He is a saint. He never had a problem, always was there during difficult times, and is now resting quietly near his favorite toy (a green stuffed animal). A small blanket lays over him to keep him warm. He is taking food and popsicles. It is the saddest thing I’ve ever seen. My heart is breaking.
I have concerns over my 13+ yr old female lab. I know she has hip problems on her right side and has a hard time getting up sometimes. I can’t really afford a hip replacemant. I feel like if she starts showing a lot of dis-comfort, I might have to have her put down. I have had her since she was weaned. I feel sad over this and don’t know when to say when.
We had to put our Lab-KARSTEN- down last Friday morning. She was 15+ and had grown progressively weaker over the past month. I could not stay in the room with the Vet. Mary Ann did and sobbed for 5 minutes while holding her. We have had 3 large dogs-a Dob & a Shepherd over the past 30 years, but Karsten was the most gentle dog most people had ever met. It’s been 4 days and I know our memories of her will bring us pleasure down the road. But this is one of the toughest things I’ve ever had happen. Mary Ann remarked that she didn’t cry this much when her mother died @ age 96. Thank God we have not lost any children or grandchildren, but Karsten was a Person with Fur, and right now we are really aching. Goodbye Good Dog-you brightened our lives for these past 13 1/2 years.
Our 13 year old Black lab, Jaeger, had his spleen removed this morning and is doing much better than expected. I was so nervous and afraid that he wouldn’t make it through the surgery, but our tough boy has pulled through. Thank you to all of you that have written in on this, it is so helpful to read all of your stories. Labs are truly wonderful animals and we are so blessed to still have our baby.
We lost our yellow lab Casey this past Friday morning. She would have been 9 in December, and it was a blow none of us saw coming. Casey had a brain tumor, which was undetected and acute, she lost her battle in roughly 24 hours.
Casey was a gift and a joy- every day I tried to let her know how loved she was, and how special. She was our baby, and will never be forgotten. I’m writing this because I had no idea labs were prone to brain tumors after the age of 8. I’ve heard of joints/hip problems, as we all have, but never brain tumors. Signs are so subtle and Casey was a bit quirky by personality, so nothing really changed in her. But mainly symptoms include head rubbing, fear of stairs, and change in appetite.
My advice to everyone with a lab in their lives is to be as pro-active as possible. Do not be afraid to question your vet, or get second opinions. This is your family member, who cannot talk, so you must do it for them. In our case we were told it couldn’t have been detected (or results changed) but in other cases if you catch it early enough, there are treatments.
Best wishes to all and I hope this information helps someone out there
It has been nearly 3 months since our beautiful-precious *Nicki* passed. As she passed-I was kissing her nose and telling her I loved her. Reading all these posts in is so obvious there are a lot of lab lovers** They are truly Gods gift to us. Like another person on here-each season I too remember all the things we did that season. Walking in the rain and leaves was a great thing* god Bless all of you for sharing* Pauline
My black lab Rhino died at home Sat morning, he was over 16 yrs old. We found him 16 years ago after he had been thrown from a car and left to die. We took him to the vet and said to fix him and find him a home. We didn’t think we had time to give a pet. The vet fixed him and insisted we keep him. We did and we are so glad,I can’t imagine life without that big black dog. He made us walk in the rain, get over stains on the carpet,showed us that broken pottery has more character and that butterflies are worth chasing. We will miss him much.
Still missing my Hershey. He loved to run and play in the leaves. Every season seems to bring back fresh memories of him. He was an amazing dog and friend to the end.
My beautiful baby dog is now 15. We got Toby at 2 months old when i was 9.
My mum, Toby and I were as close as we could be. I’m an only child, my Mum was for the majority of my childhood a single Mum and he literally is our best friend. Work and life has taken me to London but i write this having travelled home today after a 6:00am phone call from my Mum this morning. We knew he was deteriorating and didnt’ have long left. I hoped he would get through xmas so i could at least spend that time with him.
it is clear to us both now his time has come and it is the best thing for him.He will be put to sleep tomorrow or Friday. I knew i would be sad when the time came. Normally I am like most blokes and can put a brave face on things and accept thats just how life is. But seeing him how he is, knowing this is the end and i think a few of your comments touched on it, coming home and him not being where he has always been does hurts so much. I have no idea how i will feel afterwards.
My conciliation is i know he has had a good, healthy life and there is nothing else we could have done for him, it is just his time. Reading all your comments and knowing others had been through the same has been comforting so i thank you and just wanted to add something. I know everyone will say it but he is truly an amazing dog and i will never forget him. You have brought us so much happiness Toby, thank you and rest in peace.
LABRADORS ARE AMAZING!
Kind regards, Pete x
Well this morning I went out to feed my boys, Zeogon and Jaegar when I got outside Zeogon couldn’t walk. His tumor on his leg was swelled double its size and he wouldn’t eat. I took him in today and had him put down. He was hurting so bad. It was so much harder than I thought it would be. God Bless my boy! We will miss you soo much.
We had to put our black lab Misty down on Thursday. She was 16 years and 4 months. Even though we knew the time was coming because of her age, it was the hardest thing we ever did. She’d been having trouble getting up from a sitting position for the past month, limping and having trouble getting up stairs and on furniture. Last Thursday, she broke her leg coming in from outside. It would have required surgery, and I couldn’t put her through that at her age, even if she could get around on 3 legs, which she could not. I miss her so much, especially in the morning when I wake up and she’s not at the end of my bed where she has slept for all of her life. Maybe it was God’s way of telling us to let her go – the choice was taken out of our hands. I miss her so much.
We have a 12 year old chocolate lab mix. Zeogon is a wonderful boy. We got him 10 years ago when we got married. He has been a wonderful joy to our family. Over the past four years we have noticed he has gotten very heavy. I took him to the vet in March and they told me that they wanted to do bloodwork and xrays, because they thought he had thyroid problems and arthritis. Since March we have gotten another purebreed chocolate lab. Jaegar has helped Zeogon alot. They are best buddies. But I have been noticing that over the last couple of months Zeogon is becomming very cranky and not wanting to play as much. When we took him in in March, he had a hot spot, we got it cleared up. But we have noticed the last couple of months that he is starting to get these large tumor like masses all over his body. He has one on the front of his right leg and one on the back left leg. He also has a large lump under his right eye. I don’t want my boy to be suffering. But my husband and I have been financially strapped the last few months. Can anyone give me any suggestions. Everyone we talk to says we should just put him down. I don’t know what to do. My main concern is his comfort and quality of life.
It was July 30th we put our so very precious black Lab of 14 years to rest*our princess Nicki**
I can sometimes make it through the day without a tear but for the most part-I am still very sad. Her best friend-a Lab-St. Bernard of 11 years is finally just starting to sleep at night without roaming around the house looking for her-she actually sleeps now in the exact place her best friend slept. I know Nicki has joined our family of furry friends who have gone before her-and she is in no pain-but our hearts still ache. How lucky all our furry friends that we all write about had us to love them** They were truly blessed as were we* Pauline
Hi everyone,
It is conforting to know that my sweet Clover lived to the average age. She turned 12 on June 4th of this year. Last Friday was a normal day for her. Breakfast, lay by the shower while I showered, get her collar on, and jump in the car to ride to work with me. When she got out of the car she had a sip of water, did her rounds for a couple of minutes then picked up her rope toy and started picking a play fight with me. I indulged her and tug-o-warred, and tossed it a small distance. She seemed very spunky that morning, more that usual. After just a few minutes of light play my Dad took over and played with her the same way. Not a minute later he was calling me to her side. He says she brought the rope to him and tug-o-warred then looked at him funny and collapsed! As she layed on her side I called her name and she looked up at me briefly as she tried to pull in a breath. Quivers went up and down her body and I tried to help her get a breath by giving her a little shake and lifting her head. When her tongue came out and loose I knew she was gone. Not even 10 minutes after I got to work she was gone. So very sudden and unexpected as she had no present health problems and was acting so full of energy. We rushed her to the vet down the street who confirmed her passing. I described what happened and she said it was probably a heart attack! What! I have never experienced that with any pet. She is now buried in one of her favorite romping spots and will be forever missed. I am grateful she didn’t suffer nor did I have to make the horrible decision to put her down. I just never would have imagined her going by a heart attack. We did joke that she would play herself to death and it seems that is what happened. Thank you Lord for taking her quickly and painlessly! I look forward to seeing her again in heaven because I know she is there frolicking with all her passed friends. Clover, my sweet girl, I miss you!
I have been reading through all your comments hoping to find some comfort. I thank you for being so open about your experiences and the life you shared with your loving and oh so faithful labs. I lost Rocky two days ago and the pain is so sharp I wonder when I’ll stop feeling so lonely and sad. I have much to be grateful for and enough to keep me busy i.e. two toddlers and a great husband but Rocky was always by my side. Perhaps I have some guilt because I was so busy with my kids that Rocky and I didn’t spend much time running or walking like we once did. He was very loved by all the members of our family, my kids adored him and kissed him often but still I wonder if I did something wrong. He was ten years old and suddenly became sick, two weeks later he was dead. I still don’t know what went wrong, he was tested for lyme disease and addisons but all were negative. I love Rocky he was my first and only dog and I miss him terribly.
we just put our black lab mix pepper to sleep today at age 17+. he was a good old boy!
Today I went with my sister and her Lab, not quite 8 yr old Blanca, to the vet to see why she had been so sick overnight. We were shocked to find out that she had a huge tumor near her spleen and that she could not be helped. My sister made the painful decision to put her down and we stayed with her while she peacefully went to sleep. She was too young for this. My sister and her sons are heartbroken. But Blanca isn’t suffering and has gone straight to doggie heaven after a life in which she was so loved. Goodbye Miss B, your were totally the best.
Sonu it was the hardest thing I ever did but when I knew my boy had enough I made the call and I did what was best for him. You will be distraught like I was but I say each and every day I did what was best for him and I didn’t make him suffer.
You have to do what is best for your loyal, loving friend. I almost thought when I took him to the vet that day he was relieved. He was getting sicker by the day and I would only be keeping him alive for my own self. I had to think of what was best for him.
I miss him and think of him every day you will never forget your best friend……….Good Luck there are many of us who know your pain.
You know-I trusted my Vet with my Labs life-and we pretty much made that decision together. I was there with my daughter-I held my nickis little head and kissed her tenderly on the nose as I said good/bye* If she is truly that sick-you will know when it is time/let her go-tell her it is ok** It was very peaceful and each day I feel a little better. Still tears three weeks later-but healing a bit** Know many of us are with you in Prayer* Pauline
God will how you a miracle but in his own way* The *miracle* is-he is there with you**
Today/Tommorow/Day after tommorow I have to bid farewell to my black lab “Gabbar” now 9 1/2 years old.
I dont know how to say yes to the Vet & make him sleep forever.
He has been diagnoised with kidney & liver problem & is not eating anything for the last one week but surving on IV.(hydration)
God! Please show your miracle
I have had my dog for 7yrs, shes is a chocolate lab and shes the only child i have and thats exactly how i treat her “shes the baby”. I am currently deployed in iraq and she is living with my mother. i was informed last night that she would be staying the night at the vet clinic for xrays and test on her hip and leg. I was told that she was 7 and thats old for a dog and to consider the options. this is why i researched her age. i cant let go. maybe its selfish but ill pay whatever it cost to keep her alive, to make her better and i was so happy to find this site and see that she still does have years ahead of her. i look at the dogs here and the treatment they get and it just makes me want to spoil my baby even more. death is mostly all you see here, in humans, animals, plants, its everywhere. i couldnt imagaine if it followed me home to her….
It has just been a couple weeks now and I can make it for most of the day without crying but I cannot get past the pain in my heart. Our Nicki’s best friend *Happy Girl-10 year old Lab-St. Bernard* is heart broken. Walks around until all hours of the night looking and laying where her friend layed. It is sooo sad.
Thank you for writting-this group is helpful.
The book I am reading *Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates* is wonderful-and it is helping me a lot* It reinforces I will get that lick in the face once again someday if I live my life right** God Bless all of you**
It has been one month since my boy has been gone. Pauline I felt the same way you do. I think about him everyday and miss him every time I walk into the house I think he is going to come and greet me. After a month the miss is there and I am not crying like I was. I never thought I would miss him this much he was a special family member. Now my kids are going back to college and the house is even emptier.
Sarah as I told my boys who grew up with our dog just always keep him in your heart. My oldest son talks about him everyday he feels like he lost his best friend. We are constantly thinking he is around the house we looking at old pictures keeping his memory. The pain does get better as the days go on you will miss your dog but you can never forget them.
Jen I was in the same situation as you the vet told me to spend time with our dog and he would let us know. He really did he just started deteriorating in front of our eyes and I had to realize it and stop ignoring it. That is when I called made the date and took him. I felt when we went into the vet he was ready I wasn’t but that he was look closely everyday and you will see it is not the same dog they used to be and they are going down hill before your eyes and that the quality of life isn’t there anymore. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I know your pain. Best wishes keep us informed.
It is amazing how many of us feel the same way. I know I did the right thing for my boy and thank God we have a forum to help each other. Thanks!
We just had to put our preciou *Nicki* to sleep July 3oth** She was an American Black Lab-tall and slender and Gods gift to all. I run a daycare and Preschool out of my home-she loved everyone. Not a mean hair in her body. I cannot stop crying-I have had many a furry friend over the years. We were raising children though and Grandchildren-so even though I dearly loved each and everyone-Nicki ws like my little sweetie. We have her best friend who she left behing-a lab-St. Bernard name HappyGirl. She is also very sad-cannot figure out what hasppened to her friend.
I do believe ALL animals go to Heaven but I bought this book*Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates*** It was written by a minister-it says*Animals are without sin-they will be in heaven* (not the exact wording)* So-I like to picture her romping with my relatives and my anoimals that have gone before and know someday she will lick my face again. Anyone interested or have questions about life after the passing of your pet-I highly recommend this book.
I love you Nicki-for ever and ever** Mom**
I’m dealing with a geriatric black lab. She’s 15 years old, and was in good health until the last year. She’s been making a slow decline, and we are seeing signs of neuro problems, back problems, etc.
She’s a sweetheart. We will miss her when she goes, but will strive to give her a good life as long as possible.
yeahh this is like me, when you described looking in the corner off your eye and seeing your dog.
my dog got put to sleep this morning :(. it was soo hard seeing her closing her eyes and i still feel like when i walk in the kitchen i can see her wagging her tail, looking up at me. she had a water problem which bloated her up big yet she was thin because lack of eating. because of her water weight her legs gave in and her paws became bed sores. we nursed her and i acted as her back legs. her mind was with us, but her body couldn’t cope. i’m only 15 so it knocked me down the most as i was a baby when she was a puppy and i grew up with her. she was 13 1/2.
but i agree with you, seeing the dog in the corner of your eye, 🙁
sarah 🙂
We just put down our 5 year old choloate lab, Olie Tater. He has lymphoma and had never been exposed to herbicides, or pesticides. He was in the house with me and took his walk-abouts 2 and 3 times a day…chased rabbits out of the garden and was fed Beneful all of his adult life. We got him when he was barely 6 weeks old and not weaned…we fed him goat milk until he stopped on his own. He was well taken care of and very well loved. My heart is breaking. We had to put down a lab/golden retriever mix at 5 years for hip displasia…had him on drugs but it altered his disposion and he starting biting; couldn’t trust him with my Mom or the grandkids…somebody please tell me how you manage to get the 10 – 14 years?
Hello and thanks to you all…you had me bawling like a baby here at the kitchen table at 3AM….our black Lab, Sadie is 15ish (indeterminate age when we got her as a rescue 12 years ago) and nearing the end of her time with us. I am depending on the fact that she will “let me know” when there is no grace or goodness in staying with us any longer. She has Cushings, and is increasingly weak with constant panting.
We are documenting each special Sadie and Family activity on film (in case we have missed any!) so that we can recall the good old days when she has finally left us. For instance, she loves fireworks…just last night she was whining and shimmying to get out to join us in another round of Roman candles and bottle rockets. She runs around the display of light and noise barking like a happy, excited fool and we laugh our fool heads off.
Tomorrow we are going to a local park with a doggie access so that she can get her feet wet again…and take a dip if she feels like it.
Labradors are just special, special dogs…a gift from God, surely. I think to myself that a smaller dog would be so much more convenient, and certainly no dog at all would be wonderful.
Except for the huge, Labrador-sized hole in my heart.
Thanks to you all for your stories, it makes my eventual, looming decision easier to approach…Annie
It has been close to 2 weeks and I am really missing our boy. I can’t believe how sad this really makes you feel inside. Some days go by and I am busy and I think about him and miss him but others just make me wish he was here at my side making me feel better. I can’t believe how much loss you feel.
Funny Michelle you say that about video. My oldest son made a video & photo folder for me on my computer of Wrigley. Everyday while I am working I stop and take a look at him it makes me feel like he is still here and sometimes makes me miss him more. It is comforting to know we will always have a memory that we can look at and remember how special they were and always will be to our lives. Some days I feel overwhelmed with his loss and that is when I look at the videos and pictures and know what a great part of my life he was and how much love he gave to us and to me.
I think of all of you often, we have all suffered a great loss. Although my heart has ached every minute since July 7th, I feel so blessed to have had my sweet Heidi for exactly 12 years and one week. My husband has spent the last two weeks secretly viewing every video tape and every family photo we have. Yesterday was my birthday and he surprised me with a DVD of every bit of footage he found of our girl. At first I didn’t know if I could watch but I really wanted to see her. There wasn’t as much as you would think you may accumulate over 12 years but what a wonderful gift. I watched and sobbed, then I watched again, I didn’t want it to end. We are all so lucky to have loved and have been loved by another creature to now feel such an emptiness with their departure, what an amazing gift!
At 7:55 am, on Sunday morning April 13th 2008…my beloved black lab Hobbes, died in my arms, at home…surrounded by myself and three children who had grown up with him.
He was 13 years, 4 months, and two days old. He chose me…melted my heart…when he was just 9 weeks old, a little roley poley fat bottomed black ball of curiosity.
I was barely 23 years old when I brought him home, and he was the most patient saint of a dog. I was dx with a tumor in my head just a few months after adopting him, and when I was too weak or depressed to get out of bed for myself, his loving wet 6 am nuzzle got me up and out for our morning walk.
I prayed over him when he was just 4 yrs old & was dx with mast cell cancer and drove into
NYC with him for the surgery at The world renowned Animal Medical Center that saved his life.
He was a big lab..116 lbs of love..prabably had more needy in him than his papers disclosed.
I asked God every night as I kissed Hobbes between his eyes in that soft sweet smelling spot on his forhead..for one more day.
Every night. I prayed he would live out his days and die in my arms full of years.
God answers that prayer.
He was full of life till the end.
On April 12th he went for his morning walk and ate his breakfast…and then hid in my closet.
He barked for me. I knew.
It was a saturday morning so I called my vet…he said to call for a home euthenasia if things got bad.
That last day and night he curled up beside me on the couch in his favorite spot, nestled beside me under my arms.
I never left him.
The kids and I slept in the living room surrounding him. My arms around him all night long as his breathing slowed.
I kissed him and rocked him in my arms as he drew his last breath just after sunrise.
Singing to him on ” eagles wings”…
” and He will raise you up on eagles wings, bear you on the breath of God, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of His hands.”
And ” you are my sunshine, my only sunshine…please don’t take my sunshine away.”
Its been over 16 months since that morning and still I ache for him, still the tears stream down my face when I remember.
Our morning sunrise walks at the beach in winter..he would go IN the sound and dare me to follow him! The colder..the better.
Catching snowballs in his mouth.
Road trips..I brought him everywhere.
I know every big dog friendly hotel on the eastern seaboard.
He was the greatest love of my life..because his love was pure and steadfast and unbreakable.
I know he is in Heaven..rev 5:13 days ALL the creatures of the heavens and earth and sea will be there.
He was my best friend and I’m so thankful for every sweet moment of our thirteen+ years together.
It hurts today as much as it did the day he went home to Heaven…it never fades.
You just learn to live with the ache.
My ” Hobbesy wobbesy woo…I looove youuuu!!”
Xoxoxo. Forever.
Eva
It has been a week since my boy has left us. We still miss him terribly and sometimes I even think I see him out of the corner of my eye. We took down his bed/cage that he loved so much over the weekend the first time in 12 years it has been out of that corner. It looks so empty. I put a plant stand with a plant on it and a little lab figurine in front of the plant. Sort of a remembrance that was his spot that he loved his home. I cried all Saturday night but I knew I had to do it.
I want to thank you for all the wonderful comments and support this is really helping me a lot.
Chrissy: I am so sorry about your loss of Wrigley. I understand your pain and I am still crying for our Toots. I’m not sure if I trust our vet anymore.
Michelle: I’m sorry for your loss of Heidi but I am thankful she got to be at home when she left you. It still hurts tremendously but it seems better to know they were home.
Tammy: Even after three months, it still hurts, doesn’t it? I still cry for my fur soul mate (a cat), Mickey, who died in 1998. I had him for 20 years. He went through so much with me. Thank you for your prayers.
Cara: I’m sure glad you caught Lucky’s cancer in time. I hope you have him for many more years. Sounds like you have a great vet and access to a good specialist, too.
Diane: I’m sorry you had to put Jewel down. It sounds like she had a wonderful, full life with you and your family. It must be fun having two of her pups.
Gavin: May your best friend, Dawson, be with you for many, many years.
Angie: I totally understand wanting Ivy home one more time. Last November, one of our cats (16 years old) starting going downhill. I took her to the vet. He gave her fluids because she seemed dehydrated. When I called to check on her, he said she had not improved. I told him I wanted her to die at home so I went and got her and brought her home. She died in my husband’s and my arms.
In December, our dog Mandy (11 years old), did what your dog did. She had been drinking more water and we took her in and he said she was borderline diabetic. So we were trying to change her diet and she just went downhill so fast. We took her back to the vet and he said her heart was erratic and she was on the threshold. He asked if we wanted to help her over. We said yes. I also think she must have had renal failure, too (same as yours; stopped eating, no energy, vomiting). She got to where she even threw up water.
That was the first time ever with the many animals we’ve had that we had to put one down (they just died peacefully here at home) and I didn’t know if I could do it. But I did. I loved on Mandy the whole time. Then we had to do the same with Toots. It is so heartbreaking. When I look at a picture of Toots or see her in my mind, I cry. She’s the only one I can’t bury here. I feel like she’s lost when I can’t have her at home.
It sounds like Ivy was your fur soul mate. That doesn’t mean you can’t love another dog. You can when you are ready. It’s just that Ivy will have a very special place in your heart.
I loved Toots’ personality and gentleness. I loved her size and I loved to hug her. But I probably will not have a Lab again. My husband loved her, too, but became afraid of her after she bit him. He knows she didn’t do it with malice. He had to have over 75 stitches in his chin and neck. So now he only wants medium sized dogs.
I’ve been reading everyone’s comments about their beloved labs. Some of which brought tears & others smiles.
I just lost Ivy, my 9 1/2 year old black lab, on Thursday night. The best dog I ever had. She died of renal failure. It happened so fast, too. She had stopped eating for a couple of days, but was still drinking water. Some vomiting. Lost weight. No energy. I tried different things in hopes she would eat. To no avail. I took her Thursday afternoon & by 10:00 p.m. that night she was gone. The vet told me her kidneys were toast & wasn’t optimistic but that I could try dialysis which would run about $100.00 a day. I decided to bring her home & made her as comfortable as possible. I had a feeling she would not make it through the night. I probably should’ve had the vet put her down but I just wasn’t ready. I guess, that was selfish of me. I just wanted her to be home one more time. She loved & cared about me when noone else seemed to. Every day she was happy to see me. My best friend. Always loyal & ready to play. We had the best times together. She also saw me through alot of heartache over the years since she was a puppy. My family & friends thought she was the coolest dog ever!!! I wasn’t expecting to lose her this early. The change in her was so sudden that it just didn’t seem possible. If it had been gradual, I may have been able to prepare for it better. Though my boyfriend had only known her for a little over a year, he adored her. She was OUR dog. He was so devastated.
Rest in peace, Ivy. I will always miss you, baby. xo
My yellow lab is only two years old but Reading these stories is making me cry knowing that I too will have to say goodbye to my best friend Dawson , best wishes to you all.
After reading several of your stories, I find it very comforting. Just yesterday, what I dreaded for years became a reality. My buddy, best unconditional friend, the one who followed me everywhere. She was by my side for 2 pregnancies and seemed to always discerned my spirit. Today, I feel a void because she had to depart this world leaving me, my husband, 2 boys 8 and 3 and 2 of her own now 8 years old. Oh, did I mention we were pregnant together. Her name is Jewel and she gave us 14 years of fun memories. She started loosing weight, her 2 back legs started giving out and she was no longer to able to take steps, walk resulting in many messing situations. I never thought she would ever turn food down, but in her last days, she did. After medication and doctor visit, things just did not turn around. We made the difficult decision to put her down to eleviate her pain and suffering. After reading your stories you encouraged me to tell ours. The bright side is we have 2 of her own pups that we are creating memeories wout children. We will heal from this, but there will never be another one like her. I glad you gave us 14 years Jewel, we love you and you will be missed deeply. Rest is peace until we meet again.
To eds comment about male labs if they are not neutered in time could get prostate cancer…That is not the only cancer that male labs are more prone to as I have recently found out. My male lab Lucky which was always happy and healthy until recently. Back in April of this year my beloved lab was diagnosed with sqaumous cell carcinoma in the soft tissue of his nose. I have to say I am extremely lucky because this was caught in the very very very early stages. Unfortunately even though my labs name is Lucky he was not so lucky in this matter because as my vet told me male labs are more prone to the type of disease and unfortunatly lucky fell in the minority of being diagnosed with this. Sometimes they can get this tumor and never show signs until it it to late. Lucky had sneezzed one day and had a bloody nose from one nostril but it stopped immediately which was one of the signs however there was not a tumor showing at this time. I looked at him very carefully and didnt see anything. I also took a flashlight and shined it into his nose and couldnt see anything. I took him to the vet which she couldnt see anything either but ran the usual blood work which came back clear.She thought at first it could just be aspergilis, a form of bacteria in his nose. They gave him a round of antibiotics and told me to come back in a wee. Thank goodness i did because a lesion was forming in his left nostril. They did a cytology smear which came back negative again however i feel i have a very dilgent vet who wanted to go ahead and do a biopsy. Unfortunately that biopsy proved to be a crushing blow to my heart. This is where they found that he had squamous cell carcinoma and that she felt that since this was caught early enough that if he had surgery to remove the tumor he would not need to have radiation or chemo however she could not perform this type of surgery because it was such a major complicate surgery he would have to see a specialist which they would have to perform a nosectomy. I was absolutely heartbroken. Incase anyone is unsure of was a nosectomy is, it is amputating a portion or all of your dogs nose. I did see the specialist and he is a board certified surgical vet who specializes in soft tissue tumor removals. I did not know of his credentials till i looked him up on the internet and could not find one negative thing about him and only that he has over 35 years expierence in these types of complicated surgeries.He donates his time all over the United states and he is highly respected in the Vet community. He told me per lucky’s lab work and xrays this was caught in the very early stages. According to him that once cancer cells start showing up in the blood work or that there is bone destruction because of the cancerous tumor it is almost certian that the life expectancy of a dog with this type of disease is not very long even with surgery to get the tumor out. He also said once it shows up in the lab work it means the cancer is basically free floating through out the body and can start attacking other organs. He said this type of cancer is prone to be resistant to chemo and radiation only slows the growth and is a very stubborn type of cancer and most owners in the end have to euthanize there dogs. The good news he told me is that Lucky’s labwork was clear signs of cancer. His xrays showed absolutely no bone disruction and he could see healthy tissue on the other side of the tumor. He felt that it was only contain to the tumor and that is it but if i wait any longer than a week there may not be any hope after that. This type of cancerous tumor grows at a rapid rate and was getting bigger by the day. He told me to schedule surgery immediately if i want to have a chance get the tumor out since it was still small and had not spread any further that his nose. Unfortunelty for my beloved lab they had to remove his entire left nostril and septum. He only has the tissue from his right nostril which they used to make one nostril out of. I feel if it had not been for my dilgent vet and the vet specialist my baby boy Lucky would not be here today. The good news is they were able to get all of the cancer out with no recourse action needed. He is older about 11 years old now but he is doing extremely well for a dog that had major surgery. The vet and vet specialist said he is doing remarkably well and even said they have never seen a dog like him. They said he has a amazing attitude and such personality and is a rare find. When i told the specialist that they did not have to sedate my dog to get xrays they just couldnt believe it. I guess he has lived up to his name Lucky Dog. I have to say out of all the dogs i have ever owned Lucky has to be one of my favorites and he will truley be missed when his time comes to cross over to the rainbow bridge. I do have to say this that i do believe he will be my last do ever. I have had several dogs in my lifetime but do not feel i can take another heart ache as to losing another beloved dog. I have rescues a few cats that were hurricane katrina victims but that is about all the heart ache i can stand. My brother is convinced that i will get another lab, not to replace lucky once he is gone but to fill the void in my life and that this is one of the things that make me happy in life. To give a good home to a four legged friend. Ed is right though and anyone else that has mentioned this is the weight gain and making sure your dog does not get over weight. This can lead to arthritis in your dog and many joint and knee problems. So love your four legged friend as long as you can, keep them happy and healthy if possible and at the end of the day we all consider them like our children and want the best for them in this lifetime. Know that no matter what the outcome is you know you gave your four legged friend the best home possible with the love and care they were given by you. No matter whether they cross over to the rainbow bridge on their own or had put to sleep so they could cross over just know that your four legged friend will always live on through your memories and in your heart. Just because you get another dog it does not mean you are replacing you beloved dog but knowing there is always enough room in your heart for the love of another dog.
Thanks Tammy & Michelle it is so comforting to hear from people who feel like I do. Each day feels a little better than the last. I know I will never forget his unconditional love and his unique way of always making me feel better when I was feeling bad. Tears seem to be a way for me to just grieve for him. I am not ready to get rid of his bowl or his crate. He loved his crate that was his home when he wanted to be by himself he would go to his bed. Thanks for helping me talk about this it really helps.
Chrissy, take one day at a time, my sadness comes in waves. I try to keep busy at work and when I come home, my family is very comforting. Rely on family and friends and maybe one day when you are ready, there will be a place in your heart for a new friend, not a replacement for Wrigley, just a new companion to love. Heidi was very special, she and I have a bond that will never be broken, I miss caring for her each day. Some of the sadness has been replaced with my fond memories of the last 12 years, Heidi was born April 22nd, 1997, she came into my life June 30th, 1997 and she passed away July 7th, 2009, she is in my heart and soul for the rest of my life!
Chrissy * Penny,
I am so sorry for your loss. Labs are the most lovable animals a person could ever love (in my biased opinion).
Chrissy, it has been almost 3 months since I had my sweet girl Chocolate put to sleep and I STILL cry. There are moments when I look at her pictures and see her sweet face that I just burst but, it does get easier each day and you will eventually quit crying but you have to mourn in order to heal.
Penny, I cannot even imagine what you are going through and pray your hurt eases each day. It doesn’t matter how long you have your pet it is still an emotional attachment that people who do not have animals would not understand. I will be praying for you and your family.
Thanks MichelleS this have been a very hard 2 days Monday I cried all day I didn’t think I could cry anymore and still cried. Every day is a little better than the last but I still seem to cry each day. Our dog had a brother whom a person we know owned and found out last night he was put down yesterday. Funny the 2 brothers are together again. I miss him so much sometimes I think I see him standing by the kitchen waiting for me to come and feed him. He was the best dog ever I don’t think I will every have another dog. We have truly lost a family member. It is nice to have a place to talk to others who have experienced the same loss I am feeling and that we can talk about it. I think it helps in the healing.
I’m so sorry for your loss, I understand your grief, we lost our girl one week ago today almost to this exact minute.
They have to test the brain. The wet called the board of health and explained that she had had her rabies shot and was okay but they didn’t care. With my other animals I have been about to bring them home. This hurts so bad!!
I know some of you probably don’t know why I am so upset when I’ve only had her a short time. I love animals and I get attached very quickly. I really loved that girl. I’d always wanted a big dog and finally had one. I loved hugging her. And looking at her sweet, sweet face. When we adopted her, we knew she might not be with us long but we didn’t dream it would be so short of a time.
I have lost many animals in my lifetime and the pain is unbearable. My husband and I don’t know why we keep bringing them in when it hurts so much to lose them but we won’t stop.
I want everyone here to know I totally understand your pain and my heart goes out to each and every one of you who have lost a beloved pet.
I wish I had read this sight before today. Maybe I could have prolonged my Toots’ life. She was a black lab mix and we were told she was eight years old. We adopted her from a shelter because older, big, black dogs are seldom adopted. She had been given up with two other dogs. We took her “sister” too. She is a two year old shepherd mix.
We got them in April. Toots seemed fine for a couple of months. Then a week and a half ago, she started yelping in pain at times and seemed depressed. We took her to the vet and he gave her a homeopathic treatment (which I am not entirely sold on) but it did seem to pick up her spirits some. But her pain and ability to get up worsened. Then, Friday night, my husband tried to pick her up to take her outside (she could not walk on the tiled floor…even her front legs would splay out) and she bit him in the chin and neck. We know she didn’t do it with malice. She just hurt. Today, we took her back to the vet and he said he thought it was a spinal problem and the best thing for her was to put her down.
So that is what we did. I feel so guilty!! Maybe she could have had more time. We stayed with her to the end but we couldn’t bring her home to bury. The law says since she bit someone they have to test for rabies. THEY’RE GOING TO CUT OFF HER HEAD!!
With a heavy heart my 12.4 year old dog Wrigley died today. He was the best dog ever and my heart is aching right now. It was very painful to see my grown sons have to say goodbye to the pet that grew up with them. I know he is at peace now and the last few weeks have been tough for him. We who have owned a Lab know they are loyal, true and faithful until the end. He was all of that but also true member of our family. I can’t imagine every day coming home from work and him not waiting there being so excited or when I just came home and I was looking for him. I hope he is running and playing happy on the other side. Best at rest our loving dog.
Chrissy, Thank you for your kind words. I truely do understand how you feel because we watched our Heidi have good and bad days beginning last October. The Vet recommended then that we think about euthanasia and I just could not think of it then. Because she responded so well to her meds, we were given the gift of several months. No matter how long it is, it’s never long enough and the loss I feel now takes my breath away sometimes. It appeared to us that Heidi was not suffering Tuesday as she slipped away, my husband and I agreed that if she was still with us Wednesday morning, we would not prolong the inevitable and we would euthanize. We never had to make that decision, nature made it for us and our sweet girl passed without our intervention. Whatever decision you make, as long as you have given your Wrigley all the love in your heart, try to not feel guilt or regret. Even with Heidi passing on her own I second guess everything about that day. My husband and children have been a great source of comfort and support, they loved our girl, but she and I were best friends. We don’t know exactly what caused her death Tuesday, she was tired, her body worn out and there may have been other things going on in the end that we were not aware of. She was a great dog and such a loyal friend, we were so blessed that she came into our lives and blessed that she left us peacefully in our home. My very best wishes to you, it is a difficult decision to make. Thank you for responding to my message, sometimes you just have to share with others that love dogs like we do!
Michelle I feel your pain I have wished my dog would go that way I am feeling his loss already and he is still here. Knowing I have to put him down is killing me. My kids have grown up with him and they are really trying to help me through they keep telling me I am doing the right thing so he isn’t in a lot of pain. I wanted to wait a few more months but he is having a hard time everyday getting up and down and last night he was whining his bones like his spine are showing so much now. My boys say he is starting to have pain the mornings he is doing so good but by the end of the day he gets very restless. Just know that there are many of us out there that love there pets like you do. I had pets as a child but never have been so close to a pet like our Wrigley he is special and it is so hard to let them go. I am sorry for your loss.
Last night, July 7th we lost our sweet Heidi Girl, she was 12. Heidi was a Black Lab filled with life and love for everyone! She was a surprise gift to me from my husband on June 30th, 1997. Heidi began to suffer with severe hip dysplasia last October 2008 and we thought our girl would be crippled. With meds and so much love, she had an amazing turnaround and although we know it was difficult some days, she fought to be here for us. She stayed with us through another brutal Illinois winter, rolled in the grass when spring came and up until late yesterday morning, we thought maybe another year or two. She was tired and it went fairly quick. She vomited a couple times and just seemed to have no appetite. We tried to feed her everything we knew she loved, she’s a lab, she loved to eat everything! She had no energy, she fell over when she tried to walk, she couldn’t hold herself up for long. We spent the afternoon and evening laying next to her on her big, soft bed. She picked her head up and kissed us a couple times but as the night went on, she became very weak. We did not want to take her to the vets office, we knew what he would suggest and we wanted her to pass at home with her family where things were familiar and comfortable. Once in a while she would lift her head up to make sure we were by her side, her breathing continued to change and at about 9:45 pm she took her last breath, made some short sounds that were like hiccups and she passed, her heart just stopped. She was very peaceful, never seemed to be in pain or we would have taken her to the doc, we knew it was time for Heidi to rest. I have never seen a dog pass on, I didn’t know what to expect but she went very quietly with the people she loved and trusted and the people who adored her for her whole life. My heart aches, I knew every day after last October was a gift but it went so fast, I wasn’t ready to let my sweet girl go. We have two other great dogs, a 5 year old Yellow Lab and a 10 year Old Shiba Inu. They were Heidi’s wonderful companions, they miss her too, almost immediately after Heidi Girl took her last breath, my Yellow Lab laid down and rested her sweet head on Heidi like she knew. Well I just wanted to share my story, today has been gut wrenching, my children grew up with her, my husband and I grew older with her. She is a part of our family forever and could never be replaced. We love you Sweet Heidi, you are always in our hearts and your spirit always in our home! Love, Mom, Dad, Kimmy and Eric. To anyone who has a great family dog, my heart goes out to you, we feel such a huge loss today.
As I sit here and read everyone’s stories I feel the pain of many of you. My beloved 12.4 year yellow lab is winding down his days. I had him at the vet 3 weeks ago the vet evaluated him and said he has lost all his muscle tone in the back his skin hangs, he seems to have dementia and he has lost 8 pounds since he was last at the vet. He is still eating which is something he has always loved. We think he has had some seizures and it is hard for him to us his back end getting up and down. The vet said go home enjoy him but his time is getting near. He probably has some internal problems maybe cancer. He had gotten so afraid to have me out of the house he howls when I leave he seems scared. He has started stumbling going up the stairs on our back patio and he has never messed in the house but he can’t hold his poop anymore. So as tormented as it is I am going to put my beloved friend and companion down on Monday this has to be one of the hardest things I will ever have to do but I know he will be much better off. I don’t want him to suffer and I soon know he will be suffering. I thought it would be best to do it before I have to go back to work in August and my sons who he loved so much go back to college. I feel all of your pain as I am feeling it each and every day I hope I can get through this. It is sort of weird I have had many family members die but this loss is going to be different. Thanks for giving me so much insight to read I know I have to do this and it is the right thing to do but this is really hard. I have been truly blessed with one of the best dogs every he has never done anything bad never messed in the house and had been so loyal. I will miss him.
As I lay listening to the boom of fireworks outside, my best friend is laying on my bedroom floor partially underneath my bed. The old farmhouse window sits low and holds a window fan that blows the cool night air onto his furry belly. He is cool and content. And, so am I.
It is said that its the simple little pleasures in life that bring us so much joy. So, imagine my surprise when I not only found my best friend in life, but simultaneously ended up with the singlemost source of joy in life I have ever known. My black lab AWOL is 10 years old. He is the child I could never have. He is my shadow, my partner in crime and suffice it to say, the most loyal companion I have ever known up to this point in my life. He listened when I ruminated and lamented over my divorce. He offered nuzzles of love and understanding when I nearly lost my sister. He made me laugh when, in the middle of trying to finish a stressful college homework assignment, he became my referee by dropped his ball in my lap, ultimately forcing me to take a much needed break. He has kept me warm in -30 below WI winters-snuggling next to me on the feather comforter, despite the fact the down sometimes makes him sneeze. He once protected me from a wayward skunk and paid the ultimate odiferous price. He has helped me rescue trapped birds from the stovepipe, offering them to me with a gentle mouth that left the bird saturated with Labrador saliva, but with nary a single broken bone or feather. He has taught me humility, kept me active, kept me young, helped me through near paralyzing emotional pain and loved me unconditionally. We share ice cream, tomatoes, popcorn, a penchant for naps and even share the same birthday. He has tolerated countless boyfriends and my late night work shifts. He has never once complained, acted up, acted out, or left me carpet surprises. For 10 years he has been the one and only creature on earth that I have trust implicitly. I cannot imagine my life without him. We keep bad people alive in prisons year upon year, but yet when it comes to our Labs, we can only wish for another year, another month, another day when the time comes to say good-bye. So, for all of you who have loved a Lab, take solace in knowing how lucky you were and are, for it is a rare gift indeed, to ever experience unconditional love. I know every morning I wake to the thumping of a tail and those beautiful brown eyes, that I am truly blessed.
JC,
I am so sorry to read about your Hershey. You are in my thoughts and prayers. My sweet girl Chocolate has spoiled me and I will never have another dog besides a lab…..they, in my opinion, are the best!!!
I write this for Hershey who came into my life because she was my sister’s dog. When my sister left my house after getting married, Hershey stayed behind. She passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2009. She was 13 years and 4 months old. Towards the end she was slowing down and was having trouble breathing. I knew her time was coming soon. I hugged her and told her I loved her. When I came home that day I found her alongside the house in the grass passed away, the heat wave probably doing her in. I am grateful for the time she was in my life and that she did not die horribly. I loved the old girl and I hoped I gave her more than enough dog biscuits to enjoy. I buried her in the backyard because I could not reconcile having the city department picking her up to some unknown oblivion. It’s what I owed the old girl. I will always love her. I have had other dogs who passed away but Hershey will stand out in my memory for the rest of my life. For anyone contemplating getting a Lab, there are the rockstars of dogs! Don’t deny yourself the joy of this awesome breed. Just love them, hug them.
Hannah,
What a great friend you have been to Jack also. It’s funny how a little ball of fur and wet nose can change your life in so many ways….friendship, companionship, and in some cases physically and spiritually. It has been 2 months today (29th) since I had my sweet girl Chocolate put to sleep and I still miss her terribly, but each day the ache goes away little by little and I have all of the wonderful memories of the times my family and I had with her. I, like you, was not ready when the time came, but each time I looked at her face I knew I had to do what was best for her. I will be praying for you and Jack and wish you both many more years together.
Many of the stories I’ve read have lead me to tears. I have a black lab myself, who is my whole world: Jack turned 11 in April, and hearing about labs who have lived to be 14 and 17 made me feel very hopeful. Jack’s black face is covered in a white beard (he looks very dignified!) but he still thinks he is 2 years old. We got him from a shelter at 9 months old and I was eight, when his former family was too busy to spend any time with him. Ever since then, he has been with me through everything in my life, and though he loves my family with all his heart, he and I have always been special buddies.
I realize it will be the hardest for me when he finally goes. For a couple of years now, he’s had arthritis in his hips, and he’s taking supplements and pain pills. He has a hard time of it on the kitchen floor slipping around painfully(hardwood)and doesn’t like stairs much, but being Jack, refuses to pass up the oppertunity to make rounds visiting everyone on both floors in a steady routine. I’ve been rather worried lately, because for a few weeks now he’s lost a lot of vitality; he’s sleeping and lying around much more than usual, and won’t play anymore. However, I’m hoping and praying it’s just because of the hot weather.
I feel sort of panicky when I think of him fading away. After reading all of the stories posted here, however, I’ve finally decided that when it’s his time, I will let him go, even though I’m certain I will not be ready. I’ve looked into his amber eyes so many times over the years that I’ll know when he’s tired and asking me to let him rest. And despite how unbelievably hard that will be, I will give him the last act of love I can. I love that dog more than anything else in the world. He is my greatest friend, my support, and my best source of joy. I can get through anything knowing that Jack will be thumping his tail on the carpet when I greet him in the morning, or I’ll get a loud, wiggling reception when I come home. He’s given so much to our family, and taught us so much, that it’s hard to deserve such an utterly loyal, loving buddy.
It’s hard, because I know that I love him so much that I can’t think of what I’ll do when he’s gone. I know it’s coming, and it’s sooner rather than later, but I’m fairly certain that I’ll need therapy when it happens. He and I have been inseperable for most of my life. Losing a bond like that is inconceivable.
I’m praying that he’ll live for at least a couple more years. I don’t let myself dwell on losing Jack, and instead focus on enjoying his companionship as much as I can. I’ve read and seen Marley and Me, and the thought of Jack being put to sleep hurts terribly. But I know now that, once he’s ready to go, I won’t try to keep him around for my sake. He’s been selfless now for 11 years. I can afford to be selfless for him for once.
Thank you all for sharing, and for letting me come to this conclusion so that I can put it aside and enjoy being in his life until the end.
Jack made sure that I will adopt labs for life!
Our lab/rotti mix Sasha passed away this morning. She was 11 years old. This was very sudden. I was playing ball with her in the yard on Saturday thinking that she still acts like a little puppy. Then yesterday I came home to find out she had three seizures while I was work. My wife took her to the vet right after the second one, they ran some test’s and we brought her home. She wasn’t herself anymore but she was trying so hard. I had to carry her upstairs to sleep with us in our room. I made her as comfortable as I could. At four this morning she had another mild seizure. So I called my work and left a message that I wouldn’t be coming in today. I went back upstairs and lied down beside her , she passed away in my arms art 7:55 this morning. I’m so heartbroken but I’m grateful that it was peaceful.
Thanks for reading
Not sure why I’m posting here. We lost our lovely amazing wise yellow lab this morning. She was 13.5. At age 13 I thought we’d have her for a long time and even 2 weeks ago I thought we had more time, but I was wrong. She passed in her sleep after a tough few weeks, and spared her and us from any tough choices… she is wise! I’ll miss her forever.
All I can say is don’t worry about the years or the dates, don’t count and don’t predict. Just love your dog every day. I did and have no regrets, and know she had a wonderful 13.5 years.
Mecca Lemon Frog 1995 – 2009
I’ll say a prayer for Reno. Enjoy the ice cream party!
My yellow lab Reno will be 14 in 8 days. We will go to the ice cream parlor for her annual birthday ice cream cone. She has a lung mass diagnosed at age 11 and arthritis and was on Rimadyl. She doesn’t see or hear as well as she used to so gets startled if I sneak up on her and sometimes searches the house if she can’t see or hear me. She has had a very active life and still enjoys swimming and her walks, but they are shorter and slower these days. Recently she began bleeding internally, and I thought her days were up. I took her to the vet and while there we decided to try an injectable medicine for her arthritis that lubricates the joints. She responded within 24 hours and is moving better than she has for a long time. She has not had another bleeding episode, but her lab tests came back and show that she is having liver problems, so the good news has turned to bad. I hope she still has some quality time left to enjoy some more trips to the ice cream parlor.
It has been a little over a month since I let my sweet girl Chocolate go. We had her cremated and made a little memorial garden underneath the pine tree where she would lay while we mowed or worked in the garden. She has labrador statue with a solar lantern in it’s mouth and a cross hung on the tree with her name. I look out there each evening and know that I am never alone, but my heart still aches b/c of the void that is left. I was involved in a car wreck on the 29th of May and I know my little guardian angel was watching out for me b/c I was rear ended by a SUV going 50-55 mph and shoved into oncoming traffic where I was then hit head on. I have several cuts and bruises and ALOT of soreness and stiffness in my neck and back, but considering what could have happened I am convinced my Chocolate was by my side protecting me. I will always miss her and hope someday to be able to love another dog the way I loved her, but until then I just have to think of all of the memories that she has given me and heal spiritually as well as physically. Thank you all for listening and I am so sorry for the ones who have lost their beloved pets and for all the ones who still have theirs, please cherish and love them as much as you can b/c you never know when you may lose them. <3
Here is a brand new site I think will be of great interest to those who have recently had to say goodbye to your lovable Labrador.
Here is just the first paragraph:
Pet Cremation Jewelry
It’s so hard to lose a close animal companion. We want to honor their memory and preserve their physical remains in a respectful way, but the traditional urn can feel a bit cold and distant. That’s why I think hand blown glass pet cremation jewelry is the perfect way to preserve your pet’s ashes forever. The ashes are encased in hot molten glass and sealed inside a memorial pendant, forever capturing their energy in a beautiful piece of cremation jewelry.
You can see the detail at the following URL:
http://www.solsticeglass.com/hand-blown-glass-jewelry/pet-cremation-jewelry/view-all-products.html
I had yellow lab, Bell, and she is my other child besides my daughter and son. She was almost 17 years old.
On June 1 2009 my children took her to vet as she could not walk. I know she was not in excellent healthy conditon. That morning she could not eat het biscut, however she could walk to back yard.
My children decided to put her down and it was heart breaking to see she is no longer at house.
One way I feel good that both of my children were with her in her final moments.
I know she is resting above in heaven and looking us down here on earth.
I do not know how I can adjust without Bell.
Hershey has been gone 5 months now. I can’t believe it has been that long. The neighborhood children came down yesterday with a huge rawhide bone. They had written “In Memory of Hershey” on the bone with a Sharpie and they had all signed it. I choked back the tears as I took it from them. It’s amazing how many lives a dog can touch.We should all be extra kind to our older dogs and give them a hug for me!
My black lab died in his sleep last night following surgery. He would have been 13 in two weeks. I am heartbroken, and now have to tell my daughter who is away for the weekend. Thinking back, why would the vet insist on doing surgery on a pup that was so old? A mass was seen on an ultrasound while looking at his abdomen for an unrelated issue, and when I asked the vet what we should do he said surgery right away. I wish I had thought about it..he was too old to handle that. I shouldn’t have let his last few days be in such horrilbe pain. I fell terrible guilt, sadness, and sick to my stomuch.
Hi,
I’m writing this because I don’t know what to do and I’m trying to make the best choice for my friend and soul mate Phoebe. I got my Phoebe-girl when she was a little bigger than my hand, she was the runt of the bunch, but bounced the highest out of her 14 brothers and sisters. I thought, any dog who wants to be noticed that bad, is the dog for me.
Well, 14 1/2 years later, she’s still my buddy and still here. But, recently she has started to slide, she definitely has hip dysplasia, non cancerous tumors and her hearing is going. Also, recently she has started having accidents in the house, I know she can’t help it. I think she just doesn’t realize that she has to go and get’s to the door too late. Plus, she doesn’t want to go down the stairs anymore.
I live in a 3 story house and the stairs are no good for her anymore. It’s also a long fairly steep climb down to the back yard, less in the front, but still steep also.
I just can’t bear the thought of putting her down, my ex-wife has offered to take her and let her die naturally at her house. She has a one floor ranch house, but taking her away from me and only visiting her till the end seems much more cruel. I think it will only confuse her and make it that much harder on her.
I’m at wits end, I only want my friend to have the best golden years she can have.
Bruce
This morning I was calling in a refill of rimadyl for my 13-1/2 year old black lab Brandy and got to thinking, how long do labs live? I googled and came across this site. Lots of very touching stories which make me both sad and happy. Obviously sad over everyone’s losses and my impending loss (cycle of life). But also happy that it seems maybe my girl is going reasonably strong, though a few issues I thought I’d share as well for reference. I got her as a puppy about 3 mos old and have had her most of my adult life. About a year ago her behavior became very strange. She would go and sleep in dark corners and most oddly, the shower. She would dig on the bathroom floor. She would also snap at me if I put my feet down off the sofa near her (she is always at my feet). And a few other things. I took her to the vet and after x-rays he said she had arthritis and prescribed rimadyl. In spite of some things I read about that medication it has really helped her. No more hiding or snapping. I can tell her behavioral changes if I might forget a dose or need to does early. But otherwise she is very strong. Her hind legs and back are hunching down though over time. But she still wants to run, just not as fast. And now often she sleeps spread eagle on her back which I assume to be a comfortable position. She looks happy at least when she is asleep like that. So hopefully this medicine helps her for a few more years. A few other things, she is pretty much deaf which also scares her. Though I think she hears certain pitches or loud noises. I think she still sees fine, though her eyes are really grey. Her heart is very strong according to the vet and xrays. She used to run a lot with me and retrieve. She is a crazy fiend about retreiving anything thrown, even a leaf or a pretend throw. She is thin, almost too thin. But vet didn’t think much about it, and she has always been thin (I need her metabolism). She eats as much as she wants. The only other thing is in the mornings, I think when her medicine has worn off, she poos or pees before I let her out. Now I just am just quicker about it in the mornings. But she does make it through the night and still gets me up if she needs out. I don’t scold her anymore, she can’t help it. The saddest thing maybe is when she wakes up from a nap and wanders the house looking for me, and I am right there but she can’t always hear me, but I see her with this lost or fearful look. I just walk to her and pet her and she follows me wherever. We also have a golden who is 11 and they have been together the whole time. For whatever its worth, good or bad, I think he will go first. He has arthritis and hip displaysia and can only move short distances. But I do feel a little heartened to believe after reading the other posts that my girl might have a few more years, I hope. Thanks for all the other sharing.
Hi. I just put my 7.5 year lab Macy down yesterday.She was my best friend…. she loved to run next to my four wheeler… nothing meant more to her then running next to my wheeler..
She was Diagnosed with IMHA(anemia) Her hemitin was down to 18 when we brought her in.. doc stated to try steroids and she may respond well, the next day it dropped to 12 which meant a blood transfusion. Plus this did not guarantee anything because she wasn’t responding to the steroids the way she was suppose to…
Hardest day of my life watching her take her last few breaths and then have to bury her…
I wish I could have had at least three to four more years with her but i guess it was her time.
RIP MACY
I am looking at my beautiful Lukie-Boy dozing on the couch, which he can no longer hop up on…the panting has subsided and I lie on the couch opposite him, typing this entry on my laptop. I love this gentle giant – my shadow, my soulmate, my swimmer. The comfort, the joy, the unconditional bond have seen me through 9/11, my mom’s death, too soon afterwards my sister’s losing battle to pancreatic cancer. Luke is always there, my rock, my pal, mama’s Boy.
I talked to my son, Liam, last night about Lukie’s frailty. It’s not just the arthritis but so many other problems closing in and taking the light away. It hurts to behold the steady and ruthless decline of this magnificent Lab. My Lukie. The tumors, the hind legs raptor-like in their odd angles, the panting, the cloudy eyes. I want my swimmer, my squirrel chaser back. But, instead I have to think about the unthinkable. I don’t want my buddy in pain.
Liam is devastated and I cannot protect him from the pain. I am praying for strength and wisdom and, some day, acceptance. For now I hug and kiss and pat and sing to Lukie as much as I can. He can still hear me.
I feel your pain. We had to let our Luke go today. He recently became blind and was suffering from a brain tumor. He is with our chocolate lab Rosie now where there is no pain and only happiness. Rosie passed eight months ago. Luke was only ten years young. We will miss Luke dearly. He was such a gentle guy and loved everyone. He provided us so much love and happiness over the last ten years. He gave us so many wonderful memories that will cherish forever. Luke was more then anyone could ask for in a dog. Say a prayer for Mr. Luke and your dog Choclate. Right now there is such a void with Luke and Rosie gone. It will get easier after a while. Maybe in a couple of months when we think of things they did we can laugh and not cry. They were a big part of our family.
It has been a week now since Chocolate has passed and I still have such a void in my heart. I miss my babygirl so much and cry each time I think about her. I never realized how much I depended on her to fill my days when I didn’t have to work. I would take the kids to school and come home to sleep and she would jump up in the bed with me and we would cuddle and have conversations ( I did most of the talking….she just listened.) and then we would go for a walk or sit on the deck and soak up the rays of sunshine as we waited for the school bus with my daughter on it to come by. Then in the evening she would lay in the kitchen as I fixed dinner (hoping something might “accidentally” fall on the floor)the kids would cuddle with her, we would go outside and work in the garden while she laid under the pine tree watching us and then she would lay in the bathroom while I took my shower knowing it would be bedtime after that. Monday (4th) was my first day off that she wasn’t with me and when I dusted her pictures my heart just broke b/c I know I will never see that sweet face, or those brown eyes again and I just felt like my heart was being ripped from my chest again. I do remember the good times with her I just wish there could have been many more. Please keep me and my family in your prayers.
Tammy
Tammy,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.Chocolate sounds like she was alot like my Hershey. I can relate to the stories you have told about her. My girls found the most beautiful garden statue of a lab at Cracker Barrel. They got it for me for Mother’s Day. It is about 18 inches high and about $30.00. It makes a great memorial for a lab. I am going to do a Hershey garden. Try to remember the good times and laugh with your tears.
Becky
To All:
It has been almost a week now since we had our babygirl Chocolate put to sleep..that was one of the most difficult things I have done thus far in life. I have tears rolling down my face today as I write this. It was the hardest thing I have ever done, but it was the right thing for her. I know she is able to see and hear again and she no longer has to receive shots for her diabetes. I sometimes think I hear her walking around of a night or getting a drink of water and I go to look for her only to be heartbroken all over again……does the hurt ever go away?
I know that it’s getting to be that time soon for my yellow lab, Fergus. He’s around 13 yrs. old. We got him from the SPCA 12 yrs. ago and the vet said he was between 1 and 2. He’s been the typical lab. Loves to run after his ball, loves to be petted, and wants to sit in your lap. He doesn’t understand that at 90 lbs., he’s not a lap dog! He loves other dogs and always wants to play. He’s been showing his age for a while, but mainly only laying down and getting up slowly. We’ve also had to supplement his food with rice since last summer, or he gets diarrhea. But that was it until two months ago. I can feel that it’s going to be the end soon. He’s been having difficulty holding his bowel. Thankfully, he’s still able to control his bladder, even though he has to go out every hour or so. I work from home, so it’s been OK. But, it certainly has been getting worse. He’s been very tired and having a lot of trouble laying down. He’s has trouble standing on my tiled kitchen floor. His legs slip out, and occasionally having trouble getting up the steps. I had to put down a dog once already so I’m not looking forward to it. I’m hoping that when his time comes, it will be quick and painless. But, I know that I may need to intervene if he’s in pain. My husband and I just said yesterday that we need to start preparing our children. Fortunately, we adopted a one yr old, stray miniature schnauzer in December, so we will have another dog to love when we lose our lab. He won’t be replaced, but it will make it a little easier.
To All:
Please pray for my family and I as we have made the very difficult decision to have our beloved Chocolate put to sleep. My heart is breaking at the thought of the drive to the vets and knowing that we will never see our “baby girl” waiting at the door for us with her smile………yes she actually smiled…it was so funny and cute. I keep second guessing the decision and my heart has overruled my head plenty of times before, but I know this is something that must be done for her. Please just keep us in your prayers and I know she will soon be able to see, hear, run, swim and play again and I have comfort in knowing we will see her again.
Dear Jamie,
I to have been avoiding facing the pain. My Chocolate is like your Maggie with some spunk left in her, but she also has been leaking urine, has diabetes and is blind/deaf. I see her running into more and more things that she could so easily manuveur around a year ago. I have been lucky enough to have had her for 12 years and most of my childrens lives. My kids are 13 & 15 now and I have left the decision up to them if they want to be present when I take her in…..I hope I am making the right decision…….will I ever be sure???? My heart is breaking at the thought of never seeing her at the door again or “smiling” when we would get home from work or school. I know what I need to do I just hope my heart does not overrule my head again. Please keep me in your prayers as I will you and your family.
Tammy
Hello, As I sit here and read all these posts it has helped me truly realize what I have to do. I continue to cry as I write this, tears rolling down my cheeks. Our black lab “Maggie” has been with us now for 13 years. My husband and I got her about 3 months after we started dating, I was 18 years old, now almost 31. She has been with me half of my life. She was my first lab. She was the cutest puppy ever, she chewed up a few pair of my favorite shoes and one pair of glasses but I made excuses to my parents not wanting to get her in trouble, (see they knew I would go off to college the next year and thought it was a bad idea, little did they realize how much they needed her during my time away as when she needed me on my weekend trips home). After college, my husband and I got married, we moved into a house and Maggie moved in with us. Of course she slept in the bed with us. We always took good care of her. Years went on and we had a little boy, Miles and she decided not to sleep in the bed anymore, and then 17 months later we had Kate. Now they are 3 and almost 5. Maggie just turned 13. I have known that something would have to be done, but I did not want to face this pain. Today she was walking and fell on a rock and could not get up. She has been leaking urine now for over a year, a little stiff but still have some spunk, and even right now as she sits beside me wags her tail. But as I look into her eyes I can see the pain. I know she can not hear me, for she as been deaf for almost a year also. I will have to let her go today, for it is selfish for me to keep her here in so much pain. Please keep me in your prayers as I have to put one of the most wonderful, loving animals to rest and help me to explain this to most children whom love her soo much too. I have never had an animal live this long and I never realized how much this would hurt.
My Maggie will soon rest in peace and plant gardens in heaven with my wonderful grandfather who passed away in Nov. and I know I will see her one day again.
Jamie
Hey Bart- I don’t think this has been done by our vet. I’ll be sure to ask him! I’m going to look it up on the internet now…Thank you! Betsy
I am so glad to get an update on Cheyenne’s surgery. It’s amazing to hear how well she is doing.
I am keeping Marley and Misty in my prayers. It still amazes me how much joy our pets bring into our lives.
Blessings to all of our older dogs.
Becky
My Misty will be 16 in June, and it’s so hard to see her not feeling well. When she was 14 1/2, her uterus was falling out, but one vet thought it was a tumor so we thought maybe she was a goner. We had the surgery, and she came through fine, but started having trouble with her arthritis. I started taking her for short walks several times a day, and she made it threw the summer with flying colors! Over the winter, the snow was too bad to walk in – she’d fall on occastion, but she was back to going down the stairs and out into the yard. One day about a month ago, she woke up panting and had an accident in the bed and wouldn’t get up. We took her to the vet thinking this was heart failure and she couldn’t survive. She ended up having an infection in her mammory glad, and with some antibiotics, came through yet again. We elected not to have the tumor removed at her age. She is now on medicine for her arthritis and doing so much better. She’s climbing back on the furniture and not falling when she tries to “reverse.” It’s like she’s 10 again! I know she’s getting up there in age, and I pray I know when she’s in too much pain that it’s selfish of me to keep her going, but I asked the vet, and she said she’s fine now as long as we keep her comfortable (from the pain of arthritis).
Betsy, did you have a ekg done on your lab. that is one of the symptons of av block in the heart. Burping, coughing, and seizures are some of the signs as well as tiredness. My lab Cheyenne had a pacemaker implanted just last week due to AV block and she is like a new dog. She has alot of energy and doing great. She had been coughing , burping and always tired. Thought maybe it would be worth checking into.
I came across this site while searching for lifespan for labradors. My 12 1/2 year old chocolate lab- Marley is not feeling good and I am just worried sick about her. I was not happy to see that the life expectancy is 12 1/2 years and that is where my sweet Marley is now. She has been coughing and gagging for about a month now. She has been to the vet 3 times and she is on a bronchodilator pill and other pills currently. My vet said that she may have a growth in her throat somewhere or it may be pulmonary fibrosis- I just feel so bad for her and I want her to be comfortable. She is our first baby and my husband and I rescued her when she was a year old and we were just dating. Marley is so special to me, she shadows me all over the house from room to room. She has always had that kind of separation anxiety…I will feel lost without her. I just don’t know what to do at this point. I feel really guilty already just thinking about euthanization-it doesn’t seem fair when you look at her and she is still smiling and still wagging- But she does lay on the floor with her front paws down and her head on the floor between them- she never really did this very much before and it just looks like she doesn’t feel good. She has had a wonderful life- (we live at the beach)she used to be awesome at catching frisbees and chasing after tennis balls in the ocean and now she has a great big yard and 3 kitties to chase (she also digs around for cat poo which is really gross and can’t be good)…She has always had a little fatty lump on her neck which the vet always said was nothing to worry about. I am just so worried that it is the way that it is now and that my healthy Marley isn’t going to be back- I am not ready to accept that. I don’t want her to be sick and sad. I love her so much. I watched the movie “Marley and Me” and cried my eyes out especially because of the name but mostly because my Marley is old too. I have two little girls who also love Marley. She is so much a part of our family- she is so protective of the girls and she is somewhere in every photo ever taken in our family it seems… We are hoping for the best for her right now, I just don’t know what the next step is and it is hard not knowing.
Nancy,
I am so sorry for your loss. It is veery hard to let something go that we love so much, I can only imagine your heartache at losing your friend but you must let yourself be comforted in knowing you did the right thing for your Billy Boy, as hard as it was. My baby girl is going through some of the same things….she never used the potty in the house and now there are days or nights that she will be laying there in her own pee and not get up. She gets up every 2-3 hours every night to be let out and I am so exhausted, but I cannot get my heart to agree with my head that it is time so I do without the sleep just to spend another day with her. I will keep you in my prayers that you get the rest and comfort that you need.
Tammy
I wrote on March 10th about Billy Boy.
Our beloved Billy (13 1/2 year old black labrador retriever) is in doggie heaven. We put him to sleep on April 1. It was time. My vet said I would know and boy was she right. I saw it in his eyes. I saw he was exhausted. He went downhill fast – within 3 weeks. I found out he had cancer in the ab area. The last 3 weeks were hard. He had trouble walking. He just wanted to lay down all the time. His back legs would give out – from arthritis. Then he got diarrhea. The doctor gave him medicine that should have taken care of it but it never went away – just got worse. He never ever had an accident in the house in 13 1/2 years. I was at the dentist. I had two chairs by the stairs so he wouldn’t go downstairs because it was always hard to get him back up. Well, he must have pushed the two chairs with his nose and went downstairs because he had to go to the bathroom. He did the right thing but no one was home to let him out. There was diarrhea everywhere near the door and I can tell he was barking for awhile for us because of the squeak in his bark. He was deaf so not hearing us probably stressed him out. I was gone for 2 hours. I felt so bad. I didn’t scole him obviously. And then it was time to get him back up the stairs. I tried to get him to go from the back of the yard to the front of the yard but we have an invisible fence and he had been trained for 5 years not to go pass the line so when I tried to get him past it (just to see if it would work) he fought me then I said this is not going to work because we trained him not to go pass the line and I certainly don’t need to stress him anymore than he already is. So then I tried to get him up the stairs, he barked and barked. I was like oh just great. I have no one here to help me. He finally got the nerve to go up and with my help in the backside area to guide him up, he cried all the way up. It was painful to see and hear. I felt so bad. He stopped eatting for two days. He drank lots of water but then would vomit right after drinking water, then came the scary part, the puddles of blood from the rectum area.
For two weeks, Billy and I didn’t sleep because of the diarrhea attacks. He kept going to the door – all day/all nite. Very exhausting for Billy and I. It was so cold and windy out. He would have a diarrhea attack, then lay down. I would have to go get him each time with the leash. The last nite he did not sleep at all. He panted/heavy breathing all nite. I patted him, hugged him, talked to him. He looked so tired. I knew something was up so that morning around 5:00 a.m. he went to the door and then layed down and then a ton of blood came out of his rectum area and then I saw this sense of relief and the heavy breathing stopped. I knew after seeing this that this was serious. He had a few other episodes of the blood that morning (gushed out like a faucet then it finally subsided). Very scarey to see. My husband was away the entire time and didn’t experience him dying. I told my two young children that Billy will be going to the doctor to get some sleepy medicine because he is very sick and will not be here when you get home from school to give him hugs and kisses. I had been bracing them the last few weeks knowing the end was near. My children told their classmates. It didn’t help that the kids in their class thought it was a April’s Fool joke. The kids were upset when they got home. They said no one believed us. When my daughter said is he gone. I said yes. Both of my children burst out crying. They were white. The loved him.
I cried all day on April 1 knowing this was going to be my last day with my best friend. My husband got home at 3:00 p.m. We took him in at 3:15 p.m. The vet said Billy’s gums were white, his heart rate was up high, and she could tell just by the eyes and deposition that it was time. She said we can try to get the cancer out (no guarantee that she would get it all) but my husband and I decided it would be too much for him and it would be best to put him down.
I have to think everyday as sad as it is, that Billy gave us so many happy memories and he is in peace and not suffering anymore. I think I have more pictures/videos of Billy than my family. ha ha He was such a gentle, well behaved loving dog to all he came in contact with. Mommy misses him dearly. He slept with me every nite. He followed me everywhere. I feel so empty without him. My husband said I will miss him the most because I am the one that bathe him, gave him his medicines, fed him, took him out, and took good care of him when he got real sick.
I just donated all his toys, bedding, dog food, treats etc. to a new animal shelter that just opened two weeks ago. That was a good feeling and I patted some dogs that were in there.
After Billy passed on I slept through the nite. I was sooooooo exhausted and sad and I still feel exhausted. I told my husband I need to go away for a weekend by myself to rest and for quiet time!
Thanks for listening!
Nancy
my lab cheyenne is going in tomorrow to have her pacemaker installed and i hope everything works out. i can’t stand the thought of not having my best friend around.
Bart,
It saounds like the thing right thing to do. You might want to get a second opinion or research it some. There is no price you can put on the life of your dog. Let us know how things turn out. Becky
its nice to hear about labs living 15 to 16 years. i’m facing a tough decision with my 10 year olb lab. she is really healthy other than a heart condition that can be cured with a pacemaker. it cost 2800 dollars and i tnink i’m going to have it done next week. the vet said she will have a normal and quality life after the surgery. am i doing the right thing. if its not done her heart will deteriorate and she will start fainting. her heart is not damaged yet and now is time to do it. i love my best friend and want to make her life better
Steve,
I am so sorry for your loss. When you have a labrador (or any other animal) for that long they have a way of working their way into not only our lives but our hearts as well. I have had my baby girl, Chocolate, for almost 12 years and I am dealing with the decision of letting her go and everytime I think about it I start to cry. I know I need to do what is best for her but in the end my heart overrules my head. Once again I am very sorry for your loss and will be praying for you.
Michael,
I can relate to your story very well. My lab is soon to be 12 and is a diabetic. She receives 2 shots of insulin a day, is blind and deaf, but yet when she looks at me all I can see is her puppy eyes. She is at the point that she pees where she is laying and doesn’t even move. I am trying to decided what to do and when I feel I have made the decision to let her go with dignity my heart overrules my head and says “just one more day” Someone once told me when the time comes I will know and I have to remember the quality of the life she had not the quantity. How true, but it still hurts like heck. I pray you find the right decision for you and Brackson and you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Steve,
So sorry to hear about your baby Sable. I know it was in January but I was wondering what was wrong other than not eating? Do you think you’ll ever get another dog? I’m having some issues with my chocolate lab and have come to this site. It’s encouraging to see some of these labs living 15, 16, and even 17 years. My girl is 12.2 yrs. old. RIP Sable.
loosing my hershey was like loosing my son–i cry every day i look at his pics.
lost my hershey boy yesterday,8.5 years old. he couldnt eat and keep anything down. couldnt stand even with help.it came on within 3 weeks! the vet said he never had seen such a fast down turn in a young lab.WHY? i cried with my wife for hours. he was OUR best freind. a peace of my heart is gone forever.
God Bless Coco. I said a special prayer for her tonight and for your family. The loss of Hershey was so hard for me because he was such a part of my everyday life. My little Rolo misses his brother terribly. Today a lady was walking her chocolate lab in front of our house. Rolo spotted them and started wagging his tail and running up to greet them. He looked and sniffed and looked and sniffed.I soon realized Rolo thought the lab walking by might be Hershey. It really touched me to see Rolo so excited to think Hershey might be coming back. Hershey’s bed is still in the same place in the garage and Rolo loves to lay on it.
My heart is heavy as I type this, I have felt everyone’s pain about their ailing dogs. I too, have a sick chocolate lab named Coco. Her vet thinks it’s a brain tumor…..as do I. She is 12.1 years old. The MRI to confirm this would cost $1,400! We opted for the meds, for seizures. We’ve had Coco since she was 8 weeks old, she is my first pet and I love her as a child. We have all been a mess and are fearful of the future for her. I don’t think I’ll ever have another pet…the heartache of their short life is so devastating. We all know they have short life spans but when their puppies we think the time will last forever. Well, the end is near and I think I’ll need therapy after all is over. I hope and pray she goes in her sleep, but as I read on this site I know the reality. God bless you and your four footed children!
I have two wonderful Labs. An almost 11yr old Golden and an almost 3 Black. We’ve had a few problems with our beautiful Golden Boy, Barney lately. He’s a very fit, slim, strong and generally healthy boy with a bit of a grey beard now. I found this site like many, because I was interested to know the average life expectancy of these fantastic animals. Barney came into my life in a truly wonderful way. On the day of my first Wedding Anniversary, my husband left for work as usual, leaving me to have a long lie in bed. About 90 minutes later, he called me, sounding agitated and distracted and said he had to something he HAD to talk to me about, and that he’d be home in a few minutes. Intrigued, curious and mildly panic-stricken I waited for him. When I heard his key in the door of our flat, I was midway through dressing. He called and asked me where I was, and I replied that I was in the bedroom, and I’d be right through. At that point, the bedroom door opened, and in walked my husband with a cat bed in his hand, and a beautiful little blond head sticking up! My perfect little boy was 7 weeks old and had the biggest amber eyes I’d ever seen. He is my pride and joy, and I love him so much. When my son was born 9 years ago, my husband had to bring Barney in the car to the hospital so he could see me wave from the window to him, if he didn’t get to see me, he wouldn’t eat or settle. When my son and me were allowed home after 3 days, the nurses and midwives all warned me not to let the dog anywhere near our baby, and to NEVER leave them alone. The very first thing I did on arriving home was put the baby in his car-seat down on the sitting room floor, let the dog into the room, then walk away and leave them together. My husband, mum and myself watched through the (glass)door as Barney walked over to the baby, sniffed him from head to toe, licked his hand then lay down with his head on the baby’s lap. They are still inseparable, and Barney behaved like ‘Nana’ from “Peter Pan” while our son was really little, letting us know if he was crying or had woken up.
In the past 3 yrs, he’s had emergency dental work, part of his tail removed (he kept splitting the tip wagging it so much it hit off walls, until it wouldn’t heal any more)and just recently he has had a (thankfully benign) growth removed from his hock, which is taking a while to heal. He is showing no real signs of slowing down and can still swim for miles and miles in the fast flowing tidal river where we live. I know though that statistically speaking we are in the latter stages of his time with us. We are fortunate to have his great nephew Piper in our lives, and he too is brilliant, but perhaps not as smart as Barney, but just as special in his own way.
I just want to say to all those suffering from guilt about letting your friends go, I worked in a Vets for many years, and believe me, I have shed a tear over each and every animal that could no longer be helped. But what I do know is that when you allow your pet to die with dignity, you are ABSOLUTELY giving them the greatest gift of love possible. When the time comes for either of my boys, I would hope that they would just go to bed one night and just never waken up, but as is often the way, it is more likely that I will have to make that tough choice. But I will do it knowing that I am repaying the absolute kindness that my boys have given me over many years, tears and laughs. Remember the wonderful, laugh at the ridiculous, and get another dog.
Thank you all for sharing your stories, and I hope you all find comfort from each others experiences.
Hello:
I am glad I found this site. I enjoyed everyone’s stories although some are sad. If our pets could only live as long as people!
Billy my purebred black lab is 13.5 years old. We got him when he was 8 weeks old. Billy is my first pet so I will be a mess when he passes away. I noticed he has slowed down lots in the last few months. Has more grays. I think he is losing his hearing or is deaf because he doesn’t respond like he use to unless I am right in front of him and then I’ll use hand signals for him to get up etc.. He has bad arthritis in his back legs and takes two pain medicines, Prevocid and Tramadol. My vet said I will know when it’s time to put him down even though I want him to pass on naturally but I don’t want him to suffer either. He doesn’t go up or down the stairs anymore. We have chairs in front of the stairs so he is not tempted to go down because once he goes down which is barely, my husband has to carry him up – he’s 83 pounds. So now we let him out front of our house which is easiest on his back legs. Sometimes when he does #2 he’ll end up sitting down right on the poop because his legs won’t hold him up. He has done this twice. So far he is still eatting and drinking water but I noticed he has been breathing very heavy and has a different breathing deep sound. He sleeps with me so his heavy breathing keeps me awake and it’s not a comfortable sound to hear. I pat him and try to comfort him. He use to jump in our truck and love to go for rides but I can’t lift him and it’s hard on his legs to jump in so we don’t do this anymore. If I have to take him to the vet, my husband will pick him up and put him in the truck for me. Billy is the love of my life. My husband said I should be preparing myself but I just can’t yet. We both feel it’s not time to put him to sleep but we feel it’s around the corner. I can’t imagine life without him.
Thanks for listening!
Maggie, my black lab died today. She was between 16-17 years old. She had severe and painful arthritis in her back legs, to the point where she could not walk and did not have control of her bodily functions. She had been in this state for almost five months and although it was hard to see her like that, I could not put her to sleep. I just cleaned up after her, cleaned her up the best I could, kept her as warm as I could and gave her pain medication.
This morning, I knew something was wrong. I got up in the morning and she was out of her house on the cold pavement, laying in her urine. I cleaned her up and put her back in her house (which was the laundry room) and gave her water and food. She did not eat or drink. She layed around all day. I ran errons throughout the day and check on her. About 6 pm., she looked like she was breathing heavily. I picked her up and she was semi-concious. I layed her back down and she began breathing heavily and and I knew she was dying. I put my hand on her chest to feel her heart and one on her head. She became calm, took a couple more deep breaths and then stood still. Her heart was still beating, but shortly thereafter, it stopped.
I know she suffered and I don’t know if it was really the right thing to do – but I could not put her to sleep. I was there when she passed, she died naturally at home on the patio that she enjoyed being on and in my arms. I do feel some guilt and hope that she was not in that much pain – but I have to think that her last moments were with me and when she left, I was with her and I know she knew that.
Although I went the distance with Maggie, I’m not sure I’d recommend it. It’s really tough.
Those who share their lives with dogs are increasingly realizing the
truth of what you say. Dogs let us know when it’s time to exercise the
most difficult love of all and let them go. Love is, after all, doing
what is best for the object of your love – in this case, your lovable
Labrador. I’m glad you were able to understand your dog’s language,
read the signs, and show her that love.
Angel, I just made my way up to your entry…I do hope you and lab are well tonight. Look for the rainbow in your day!
We had to make a decision on our chocolate lab this past Christmas. It was heart-breaking – she was my real first ‘baby’ and she was almost 15. The vet here in Richmond said she was the longest living lab he had ever seen. She could still walk and ‘function’ but I could just ‘see it in her eyes’ that it was time. Most days I think her mind raced faster than her body did, when I know the speed she used to have was brilliant! I will always respect the advice some gave to me late last year, of respecting HER quality of life! She gave us so very much for so long! It was one of the hardest decisions ever, but I could tell she was hanging on for us and was ready. Today, a few months later, I do not have any regrets, which I did shed many tears over. But I know she loved life with all she had and knew we loved her. I hope this helps you and another rescue animal is waiting for us all who love animals!
We have a 14 year old Lab mix. Her name is Kallie and we got her when my daughter was 7 and my son was 4. She has always been the best friend anyone could have. Almost every evening of her life she would take her walk to the schoolyard down the street. All the kids playing there wanted to walk with her. She loved their hugs and kisses and they loved to give them to her. Everyone on the block knows her. Kallie hasn’t been comfortable on those walks for awhile. Now she is losing her hearing and has arthritis so bad in her hips she can hardly stand. She is on pain medication and can’t walk on the floors in the house anymore. I am having a very hard time letting her go and when I look in her eyes I just start to cry. She’s one of the family and I can’t imagine life without her. I, too, need someone to tell me it’s time to call the vet. The family will miss her terribly.
We just buried our second lab…she was 12 1/2 years of age, loved to bark, and eat, and passed so quickly that we know she didn’t suffer. I held her at two days old and she died in my bedroom with no one else present. If the average really is 12 1/2 then Tootsie hit the nail on the head…cherish every moment with your Retriever.
I can certainly relate to some of the stories on this website.
My Lab’s name is Brackson. He turns 15 next month. He was given to me as a pet from my Dad who came back into my life when I was 13.
I can not believe the loyality of this dog. It is almost as if his entire existence has revolved around me. EVERY day with out fail he got plenty of exercise. We live in Western Australia which has a great sunny and hot climate most of the year. He grew up on the staple breakfast diet of two pieces of toast with vegemite (unless your an Aussie you would not have tasted it!!) and plenty of good tucker for dinner.
That was up until about 2 years ago when he started slowing down. I always said the day this dog couldnt chase his ball (and we played every day without fail) that we would do the inevetiable and put him down.
Well the chasing the ball stopped when he starting taking along time to recover and his back legs starting failing about 12 months ago – dont get me wrong even now at 15 if I even grab a tenis ball I still see that crazed look of “throw it too me”.
Today we had some unusal summer rain so I decided to leave him inside while I went to work for a few hours.
I came home and he couldnt stand up and was lying in his excrement and couldnt move.
I helped him up and cleaned him and he seems alot better after a very short stroll around the park.
Now I know the end is nearing…I really need someone to tell me im doing the right thing to consider calling the vet…his face still tells me “Im alright mate”
I’m glad to hear that healing is taking place. I encourage you to look at the Labrador Retriever Rescue website for Hershey’s friends who need loving homes. Just follow this link: http://www.lrr.org/wiki/page/LRR/Welcome
I still enjoy coming back to this website when I miss Hershey. It is healing to see that so many others loved and lost their pals. Winter is strange without having to walk a dog in the rain, snow, sleet or ice storm. I imagine that spring will bring back many more raw memories of good times shared with Hershey. The thoughts of a new puppy or perhaps a senior lab begin to creep into my head. For now I will just hang onto the memories and be thankful that Hershey was my dog.
Just wanted to let you know that we went through a similar situation a week before Christmas (of all things). Our 9-year-old yellow lab suddenly became blind about 3 weeks before he died. He quit eating, lost down to about 50 lbs (he never was very big 65 lbs on average); just wasn’t doing well at all. We took him to our normal vet, who initially thought glaucoma, then brain tumor. He kept deteriorating over the next 2 weeks. We sought a second opinion from a former vet; she found the problem – abdominal tumors all over his internal abdomen (she said he had no gas pattern that she could tell and she really couldn’t see the internal organs). He was wagging his tail to the end and it just about killed us. We sat in the floor; held him while they put him down. That is the only thing you can do – it is not fair to allow that to go one (starving themselves, not enjoying life). Labs live to do a few things, run, eat and play and be around their masters. The only thing he could do was be around us; he tried to play and eat but didn’t have it in him. Just remember you did the best thing for your pet up until the end.
I have a lab his name is Shaka. He was a rescue. I was told he was 5 1/2 when we took him in. But I am not sure his paper work states he was 5 at the time we got him. We’ve had him for two years now. But he seems to be really slowing down and quite snippy. He would allow me or my husband to lay by him but now he growls at us if we do. He does have arthritis in his legs. He also had a test done as he has a lump on his chest came back a fatty tumor. He had a seizure back in October but all the tests came back that he was fine. I am up in arms what to do. I love the guy to death but wondering if there are any underlying issues that we just cant find. Nothing could ever replace him and wouldn’t dream of doing so he’s my son 🙁
I loved reading all of these stories. I was just curious the normal age expectancy of the typical Lab and started browsing. I have a 13 yr. old Choc. Lab named James Brown and he is my total world. I have had him since he was 8 weeks old. I was 20 and now I am 33 and it is just so hard to realize that in some undisclosed time, I will have to say goodbye to him.
Although he is obviously showing his age, he is still really vibrant and youthful. He shows no signs of blindness, deafness or dementia and is playful and happy. the only problem he has is the weakness beginning in his hind legs (I swear glucosamine does help)which makes me tear up because they were once so strong. He has no tumors or any other such problem and I hope to have him for years to come.
I am also so glad I never listened to anyone who preached to me to neuter him. I firmly believe that the fact that he still has male hormones is keeping him in the game. He doesn’t have cancer and is lively and currently ripping the stuffing out of a monkey toy. I completely understand the importance of neutering and keeping pet overpopulation in check, but I take care of my boy and chose not to do it and am happy with my choice. I have seen some neutered male dogs lifeless and obese at age 5.
Anyway, good luck to everyone and their old timers. I wish you all the luck and happiness with their special ones as I will cherish every day with mine.
Very nice to hear the input of other animal lovers on this topic. I have had Black Labs since I was a kid. My girl now (the Black Paws of Death)is 15+ and though she is moving at about the same speed as a glacier most of the time, you would definitely not want to be on a skateboard holding her leash when the food bowl goes down.
Angel,
You and BlackJack are in my thoughts and prayers. I think we all have been frustrated with our dogs at one time or another. Your dog can be a wonderful friend and companion to you as you go through these trials in your life. I got Hershey the summer I ended a 16 year marriage. My mom also got terminal cancer that year and our house completely flooded in the flood of 97 which was the 100 year flood. Through all of those disasters I kept asking “WHy?” It took many years and hindsight to see that God has a plan for our lives if we will just allow Him to work through us. Hershey was part of that plan. He was the dog that I vented all of my frustrations to on our long walks. He kept all of my secrets and fears. I will be praying for you and your family.
If you have never seen the TV program “It’s Me Or The Dog” you owe it to yourself to check it out. Victoria takes dogs such as you describe and trains the dog (and the owner) accomplishing major behavioral change. If you watch her regularly (or buy her book) it won’t take long before you will understand the principals of turning your terror into a beloved family member.
Here is the URL where you can check it out:
http://animal.discovery.com/tv/its-me-or-dog/victoria-stilwell/index.html
Thanks for your story and we send you best wishes. Thanks for hanging in there for BlackJack.
Administrator
Well, as I write this I can honestly say that I have had a real change of heart over my dog. He is an 11 yr. old black lab and he drives me totally crazy – not in a good way. For the last 2 years I have been having serious thoughts of finding someone to take him.
He sheds all over the place, he’s lazy as heck, he eats all of the food and won’t allow my little pom-poo (only 4 pounds) to get in one bite (and she’s so neurotic that when I put her in the bathroom to eat safely she will throw herself repeatedly against the door until I let her out – I, until just this minute, did not have time to stand in there the 15 minutes or so to let her eat in peace). He drools everywhere, slops water all over the place when he drinks and he is just generally a ginormous pain in my butt.
Until I came to this site, I had grown to literally hate this giant bulk of lazy dog.
But, as God tends to do, things have happened lately to guide me here. I do not have a no kill shelter even remotely close by or he would have gone ages ago. I knew no one would take an older dog so I never even seriously considered taking him to a regular shelter – even though I have threatened it on a regular basis – b/c the thought of having him put down was just not an option.
So many things have happened in my life to bring me to this cranky frame of mind I have developed the last several years – cancer in my womb resulting in hysterectomy, my lab’s total destruction of the yard and pen on my rented lot, a sister involved in the accidental death of a child due to a car accident, my daughter being arrested and facing prison time for drugs, false accusations of patient abuse, near bankruptcy trying to help others and neglecting my own needs. Lately, the list is just endless.
The final straw was 2 days ago. My pom-poo was getting teased by my son who had just come over (knowing I had no food in my cupboards except peanut butter and marshmallow creme – he had splurged and bought me a very special dinner of blackened salmon) and she began peeing on the carpet.
I’d been having a great deal of stress over my lab’s constant shedding and filthy paws from all the rain lately. While I would clean them when he came in sometimes he would barrel past me and get mud all over my carpet. My house is only 2 years old so seeing my carpet get ruined was driving me nuts.
As I was busy saving my carpet my lab took my dinner right off the coffee table and began eating it. In a fury of rage and tears I put him outside, cleaned up the mess and ate, yet again, peanut butter sandwiches. I did not let him back in. That night it was the coldest it’s been here in many years and I was so angry I did not care. I went to work hungry and angry. I worked 15 long hours and came home, ate more peanut butter sandwiches and collapsed into bed. Repeated the scenario the next day – 15 hours of work, no food and to bed hungry and feeling sick.
This morning when I got home I let him back in and fed him. Of course, he barreled into the house and nearly knocked me down dragging in more mud on my already very badly stained 2 year old carpet. I dropped into bed in tears – sick from hypoglycemia (in order to control it I need to eat at least every 5 hours and I can’t so I’m always in a low sugar reaction which also makes me highly agitated – a symptom of the disease that I cannot control if I am not able to eat).
I was awakened by the phone to find out my sister was involved in this accident and I dealt with her fears and horrendous grief. After that I got up and put food in the bowl for the dogs. As usual my lab bullied his way to the food and ate it all leaving the pom-poo hungry. My stomach growled and my head was throbbing from low blood sugar as I sat on the toilet and let the little one eat b/c I was sick of her body slamming the door.
Then the phone rang again and it was my youngest daughter. As we were talking I became embroiled with a terrorizing possum that had clawed it’s way into the wall in my laundry room due to the frigidly cold weather. It was huge! I lost the battle and was weak and shaky. In my low sugar reaction I began to rage at my young daughter over all the things that had been happening lately when, yet, again, my lab tossed the little one to the side and took all the food from the bowl. Had she not been on the phone with me I don’t want to think what might have happened to him. He had gotten on my very last nerve.
We said a prayer together for all of the terrible things happening for my middle daughter, my sister, myself and my very unruly lab. After that we got to talking about his age and I decided to Google how old they get before they die. That is how I found this site. The more I read to her the calmer I became. The more I read to her the softer my heart became towards him. The more I read to her the less I saw of the bad things and the more I saw of the good things in him.
By the time I had read the very last one I was in tears.
He was disadvantaged from the very beginning b/c my oldest daughter got him for my middle son who did not want him. He was about 2-4 years old back then and was saved by a caring neighbor. The family that owned him abused him severely and this neighbor rescued him. The vet who treated him could not find anyone to take him and he gave him to my daughter under the condition she promise to take good care of him.
I took him only b/c I didn’t want him put down and he reminded me of a lab we had a year before. I was forced to take that lab to the local shelter b/c he destroyed the fence and escaped every single day just so he could walk our young twins to school. Even though he would never have hurt anyone I was told to get rid of him b/c the landlord had been called each time b/c I could not be reached. He was one of a kind – amazing purple eyes and he literally saved my life when I began having seizures b/c I had hypoglycemia and was not aware of it. He would put his paw on my face and hit me until I got up off the floor and made myself something to eat.
So, this lab I have now was at a disadvantage. Nobody wanted him at all – not even me or my children. But I did not want him to be put to sleep, either. We have had him for 9 years and for some reason I could never allow myself to truly soften towards him. I spoiled him rotten, though, so I don’t know if he really felt my deliberate detachment or not. He had daily snacks, was brushed and bathed regularly, ate better than I, has a dog house fit for a king that he rarely uses except when I have to be out of town and has always had toys to play with. The one thing I never gave him, though, was real love.
Maybe it was my old dog coming to help him, coming to help me. Maybe it was God trying to break the ice that has had a firm grip on my heart lately. But once I got to the last message here, I was a changed woman. I saw my lab in a way that I have never seen him before – as my loving pet. Not as my terminal pain in the butt – but as the loyal friend he has really been. Always forgiving even if he does drive me nuts.
Thank you, everyone for opening your hearts here. It was your stories of true love that made me realize I was about to make the biggest mistake of my life. I made this dog pay for 9 years for a pain that was never his fault. No, he’s not the original BlackJack – even though he has the name, too. No, he does not have amazing purple eyes. Yes, he drools everywhere, mucks up my carpet with mud and hair and he’s a huge pig at the food dish. But I won’t mind sitting in my bathroom now for that 15 minutes to let my pom-poo eat her food in peace.
I can’t change the terrible facts of life. Two young women that I love so very dearly are most likely going to prison now and there is nothing I can do about that. My dogs will continue to eat better than I do b/c I don’t have enough money to feed us all like I’d like and since they rely on me then I must come last. But I don’t have to stress over those vaccinations any more b/c they will most likely harm him anyway. Rabies, of course, but the yearlies – oh well.
And when his time comes I will be by his side caring for him lovingly to help him know he is safe – still safe but also loved, after all these years.
Life is amazingly ironic.
I will say that he looks great for an old man. He has 2 gray hairs – yes I saw and counted them. His coat is beautiful and shiny and he still acts like a puppy. Clear brown eyes and smart as a whip. Too smart, sometimes, darn him! But I will tolerate him much better now. I’ve had too many losses lately. He won’t be one of them, thank God! And thank all of you!
Sincerely and deeply humbled,
Angel
Alan,
I was so touched to rewad about Juke. He sounds like an awesome dog. Isn’t the Medcam a miracle drug? I am sure it gave you much more time with Juke. Hang onto your awesome memories and give yourself time to grieve. I put our christmas pictures in the photo album tonight and couldn’t help but look back at Hershey in his better days. I am so thankful for the time I had with him. His last christmas was very special in so many ways.
I hope this website helps you.
Tammy, here is the site for John Grogan. Enjoy!!
http://www.johngroganbooks.com/index.cgi
Becky
Alan,
I am sooooo sorry for your loss.
Becky,
OMGosh!!!!!!!! I absolutely loved the movie and could relate to almost every scene!!!!!!! I laughed, I cried, my heart broke, but then I had peace. I felt this movie was made for my family in the way that it dealt with all of the emotions leading up to and following the death of a family member. Chocolate and I had our “little talk” the last time she was sick and to see her brown eyes look at me like she truly understood what I was telling was amazing. Do you have the address to the website??
I had my best friend ‘Juke’ put down on Sunday. I petted him to sleep as the anaesthetic took hold, and because the vet had no assistants (it was an out-of-hours emergency vet), I had to hold Juke’s paw to help the vet find a vein and administer the lethal shot. That memory will haunt me.
Juke was pushing 15, and had been on Medicam for arthritis for about a year or more. His back legs were terrible, and we inadvertently worsened the situation by replacing our carpets with wooden floors, not realising that he would lose his footing so often.
About a year ago, we found him unable to stand up or move. We took him to the vet, and by the time we got there, he had regained the ability to walk, which was such a relief. That is when he began his course of Medicam.
On Sunday he had a similar episode, but worse. He had defecated all over the kitchen, and couldn’t stand up. Even hours later, he was still showing no signs of improvement. The vet immediately recommended putting him down.
I’m heartbroken, but also tormented with guilt that I didn’t take him home for one more night. Not for selfish reasons, but simply to get a second opinion from our regular vet, who doesn’t work on Sundays. Had I taken Juke down on Monday, who knows? He may have been walking again, and could have rallied for another 6 months. I feel hollow. He was a great dog.
Tammy, Let me know what you thought of the movie. There is also a marley and me website with updates on the Grogan fimily and their dog adventures.
Becky
Becky,
My kids and I are going to see Marley and Me today (if it quits snowing!!!). I did not realize it was based on a book….I think maybe we will stop by the library and see if they have it. I can’t imagine ever having another dog besides a lab. Chocolate has spoiled me as much as we have spoiled her. My mom found her on her porch and she called me knowing I had been thinking about getting the kids a dog and it was love at first sight. I have been researching the web and have found a site that has “silver” labs….they are beautiful!!! I think that will be my next pet…..I just don’t think I could get another chocolate lab b/c everytime I would look at it’s face I would see my baby. Does that sound crazy??
my lab is 11 years old and is a little overweight and has several tumors. He seems to have more energy lately than he has had in quite a while. this makes me concerned about his life expectancy. did anyone notice a change like this before losing their dogs or should I just be happy he has a new vigor?
Tammy,
Yes, we have another dog, a teacup poodle who is 8 years old. My youngest daughter begged for a small dog and so we agreed. He is more like a ” rat on a rope”. His name is “Rolo” and he has been with Hershey since he was 6 weeks old. He only weighs 5 lbs. but he thinks he is a lab due to being around Hershey so much. Right now we are just helping Rolo adjust to things. He keeps searching the garage for Hershey.
I looked online at petfinder.com and was amazed to see how many older labs need a good home. They are in rescue shelters for one reason or another. I am not sure I am ready for that yet but I am looking and am open to the idea of taking in an older lab for the remainder of his years. Have you read “Marley and Me”? I read it last winter and it really prepared me for “the end” in a good way. I was able to relate to so much in that book. I laughed and cried my way through each chapter. We saw the movie on Christmas night and it was good but the book gave so much more detail. Mr. Grogan writes in a way that all of us lab owners can relate to. Some people have said that he exaggerates things but if you have ever owned a lab you know that those were not exaggerations. Hershey was a clown, a fool, a social misfit, and a bestfriend all at the same time. I would recommend the book to anyone with a lab. It prepares you for the time when you need to let go and give your dog a respectful and loving good-bye.
Becky
The kids are so very gentle with her and she with them. It’s so funny b/c before she went blind she would always run ahead of us and then stop and turn around as if to say “hurry” but I could tell afterwards that she was a little more leary. Once her leash was on you could just see her confidence and trust grow. She has learned when we say “watch” that she must slow down and feel her way around and we tell her “step” she knows there are steps that she must go down or up. I am so sorry for your loss and I hate the thought of knowing that someday I am going to be in your shoes, but like I tell my kids you have to think of the life that he/she had and how much they were loved and just recall all the wonderful memories that were made together…….I wish I could convince MYSELF of that =)Have you gotten another dog or pet? I do not think I could ever have another chocolate lab b/c my heart would just break to much. May God bless you and keep you.
tammy =)
Tammy,
I was moved to hear about yourlab. Hershey had been deaf fpr several years but had excellent sight. He always barked at the ducks that flew over our property to land on the nearby pond. The fact that she is blind means that you have a dog with special needs. Teach your children how to lead her around and comfort her with their smell. It sounds like she does not need to be put to sleep because she is not terminal or in chronic pain. Just love her and be there for her and she should be fine. When I had to put Hershey to sleep it had made peace with it because he was in extreme pain and was sufferings.I looked at it as my final gift to a loving friend. My mind knows that Hershey is at peace and is so much better off but my heart misses him so much. They say the deeper the love the deeper the loss so I know he was truely loved. My 3 girls are now in their 20’s and they also miss their beloved Hershey.
Becky
Lynn, If your lab does start to slow down ask your vet about Medicam. It was wonderful for Hershey and I noticed a big difference in his abilty to get around. Petmeds.com also has lots of satisfied customers using it with their older dogs. Hershey loved the taste and couldn’t wait to take his daily dose. If I ever skipped a day I sure noticed a big difference in him.
Becky
Hello- It may seem strange that I am writing you, but I was just looking up life expectancy of labs. Mine is 10, almost 11. I recently moved and have no friends and she is my “baby” — it was such a thrill to read yours lived for 17 years! I was so worried when I kept reading 10 to 13 years over and over again. My dog doesn’t have any health problems and still loves to play, so I am hopeful that I will be blessed as long as you were. I am sorry for your loss. Did you get another dog? I had a cat for 18 years and thought I would never get another pet. However, I can’t imagine what the last 10 years would have been like without my dog now. Best wishes!
Chocolate (my almost 12 yr old lab)is my baby, but I like alot of you are dealing with the question of putting her to sleep. She has been a diabetic for over a year now and it has caused her to go blind. I think she is slowing going deaf also. It used to be I would pull into the garage and hear her barking b/c she knew I was home, but now I can pull in, go in the house and she doesn’t hear me until I am right next to her and then there are days when she is so confused and runs into a wall or forgets where the step may be. I want to do the right thing for her, but then I think “what if she still has a few more years”. We have had her since she was 9 weeks old and to ask me to put her down would be like asking me to put down one of my children, but I don’t want to see her suffer. My sister-in-law says when the time comes that my family and I should each put a hand on her to comfort her and let the medicine do it’s job, but I can’t stand the thought of watching her go to sleep for the last time and I don’t know if I want my children (ages 15 & 13) to go through that. Any suggestions or thoughts???
Matt,
Thanks for your comforting words about Hershey. I am sorry for your loss of Shelby. It is especially difficult to hear that you were not with her in her final days. My vet said that these abdominal growths are more common with labs than one would think. You should have peace in knowing that she did not suffer and that you did all you could for her at the time. We still miss Hershey so much. I cannot say it enough. Hersehy was such an awesome dog. He never snapped at my 3 daughters or ever showed any aggression to anyone except when he was protecting me. He was our “gentle giant” always laying around and keeping an eye on the house. Our other dog is an 8 year old teacup poodle who weighs all of 6 pounds. When we got him Hershey immediately became his caretaker and watched over him like a mother watching over his cubs. Our poodle is named Rolo after the small chocolate candies. The funny thing is that Rolo actually thinks his name is Hershey and answers to it. We discovered this about 2 years ago so we started calling Rolo “little Hershey” to get his attention. Now it is kind of our gift to be able to still memorialize our Hershey. May God Bless you as you grieve over your Shelby.
Becky
hi, my boy Buddy is apparantly 10 years old. e got him about a year ago because his prior owners no longer wanted him because he was old. i love him more than anything and were starting to see problems with him. first of all, he has artheritis in his hips, and he has gained some weight, his eyes are always red and teary, and only moves around when he has to. he sleeps all day; and last night had his first seizure. he had another one about 20 mins. ago. what do i do?
Your story of Hershey just sent me into tears again for my old girl, Shelby. I had Shelby since she was 2 months old, and this past November, she turned 12. My wife and daughter and I went to Florida this past week and left Shelby and our Weim, General at the kennel—as we always do. She was rushed to the vet on Saturday and a large tumor was found on her spleen. I had to authorize the vet to put her down before we could return to see her one more time. I am so sad from losing my pal. She was with me through so many years. I feel so bad for not being here when she was in her final hours. I can only hope that she chose to go that way, as animals sometimes do. She may not have wanted me to see it. I miss her so much. My other dog isnt as playful today as he usually is. I wish I could have her back!
I am sorry for your loss also….I know that our Maggie would be better off leaving us now…I will miss our nap times together….when I take her out at 2:oopm…she does her business and back into the warm house….curled up with me. oooo. I don’t want to give that up, but what kind of life is she living? Is it just for me????
I am sorry for your loss. I know how you feel.
My Hershey ( 12 year old chocolate lab)has been gone for 10 days now and it still feels like yesterday. I know he is in a better place but I miss him so much. I didn’t realize that he was such a big part of my day. I loved to pull into the garage and see him get up and come out wagging his tail. He was always happy to see me. I miss waking him up in the morning and telling him to come with me to get the paper out of the mailbox. I feel a huge void. He made my life so much better. Hershey made me stop and smell the roses along the way.
Our best friend, Maggie, is suffering. Diabetic for four years….blind, deaf, having trouble moving. Pooping as she walks around the house and thinking what she has done was wrong…so sad……..is it time????? I feel guilty either way. Please help….
This morning i lost my best friend and my baby Sable passed away and she is now healthy and playing on the rainbow bridge. Waiting for me ill see her again some day !!!!!! may peace be with you all our dear furry little friends !!!!!
Dear Allie,
There is a dog food by Science Diet for cognitive function, I think it is called “BD”. My dog Whisky started to occasionally poop in the house and my vet recommended it. ONce he was on the food, he didn’t poop in the house again. I know that isn’t your problem, but the food is supportive of brain function and dementia in dogs. It is worth a try before you put your dear friend to sleep. There is also medication that they can prescribe for dog’s with dementia.
I am so sorry for the loss of Sadie. My husband and I had to put our beautiful, wonderful, Whisky to sleep in October. He would have been 14 this month. He had some health issues, chronic active hepatitis, but he was doing really well. He started to decline after he had his rabies shot in March. He began to have increasing hind end weakness and other issues. I did research at the time which indicated that rabies shots could be dangerous for older dogs. Whisky was a indoor dog and certainly could have done without a rabies shot.
I miss Whisky more than I can say. He was my baby and I will love his always. I am sure you feel the same way about Sadie.
Just thought I would reiterate what you said about the rabies shot.
Fondly,
Jill
My Sable just took sick she wont eat and at 10 years old i think her time has come and it’s breaking my heart in half. She’s going to the vet today she is my baby and i know i have to let her go she has been and is the best dog that ever was. MAN THIS HURT’S
Hello.My dog is turning 11 years old this year and I am so scared of him aging anymore..he is very healthy and eats well and still loves to play. I read your dog lived until he was 17, this makes me happy!
On Saturday, January 3rd, I put my beloved 13 y.o. yellow lab, Lucky, to sleep. Lucky fell on New Years Eve and tore the ligaments in her hind leg. The vets convinced my husband that due to her age and bad hips, surgery was not the best option. Lucky loved to hunt and go for walks. But I know this past summer she could only handle about 2 blocks before she got tired. She also has numerous fatty tumors all over her body. Her leg swelled up and the vet suggested that possibly the tumor on her leg “might be cancerous” I wanted her to see a Orthopedic Vet but my husdand refused saying she was too old. I have so much guilt for putting my best and loyal friend to sleep before her time. I wish I had demanded the opinion of the Ortho Vet. I miss her so much and have so much guilt for not exploring all my options. I want to believe that the vet was right, but I will never now know.
My chocolate lab Hershey that I wrote about in the above piece on Christmas Eve is now in Heaven. He was 12 1/2 and we had him since he was a puppy. As I wrote earlier he was really weak on Christmas Eve. Well, I spent two hours sitting beside him and giving him Gatorade through a medicine dropper. I also gave him his Medicam whish seems to be a wonder drug for older dogs. The Medicam is a pain medication that can really improve the life of your older dog. I researched it on Petmeds.com and was really impressed by how many people said it made a huge difference in the life of their dog.
Back to the story, on Christmas morning Hershey was much better. He sat on his pillow and watched us all open gifts. He got a large dog bone that he seemed to really enjoy. It was warm and sunny that day so he spent the rest of the afternoon lounging in the sun on our back porch. He still was not eating but he did not seem to be in pain either. The next day I knew he had to go get checked out at the vet so we took him in the middle of the morning. Our vet was immediately concerned that his gums were very white and he was so weak. Hershey still wanted to please us and kept wagging his tail and pretending to be happy. Our vets said labs are notorius for trying to cover up any signs of pain around their owners. The vet asked us to leave Hershey for an hour so they could run a series of tests. When we returned the news was terrible. Hershey had only 4% of his red blood cells and was very anemic. His kidneys were functioning at 12%. Our vet did not know how Hershey was even walking. A chest x-ray revealed a large abdominal mass that was about the size of a small watermellon. It was sucking up every red blood cell Hershey had and growing at a very rapid rate. The vet said that his spleen could burst at any moment which would present serious pain and problems. We had no options but to put him to sleep. Hershey was very calm and seemed to know that we were doing something to help him out. It was a very humbling experience to see your best friend slip away. We miss him so much. He really was an all out excellent dog and companion. To others who are considering when their dog is to that point my thoughts are with you. It has been a difficult week but Hershey had such a wonderful Christmas Day that I hold onto that memory.
I have a chocolate lab and her name is Maybell, she has made our lives better and she came right after my cocker died and she has been the love of our lives, she is 7 years old now and she has gray around her mouth, she is a inside outside dog, she loves boat rides and swimming in the pool and lake. I do understand the loss of moosie. and all the other losses, and I am sorry. But you could pick yourself up and love again and save one from a pound or shelter, there are many labs and mixes that need love and a home.Please consider shareing your hearts again with another new friend.Maybell was a rescue and my cocker was too. I will always have a new friend when I loose an old friend. That does not mean I will ever forget any of them. I loved each and all of them.
My wonderful chocolate Lab, Thai…is in his last days. I am sick to my stomach as I read the above, and all I can do is cry. He stopped eating on Christmas Eve, and he had been steadily losing weight for the past month or so even though he was still eating. His urine is terribly dark with some blood mixed in; and I am sure he’s in renal failure. Christmas Day he had some sort of a seizure, and he has been unable to stand since yesterday. When I attempt to move him, he loses control of his bladder and just urinates on himself. He will be 13 on January 24th, and I have had him since he was 8 wks old. He has been such a good, faithful companion and I know I have to put him down, but my children are begging me not to “kill” him. It is so incredibly sad.
No I don’t think so beacause when you let and older
Lab die naturally it seems like your only Leting your
Dog live . You have to think about them and not your self In my opinion it was the right thing to do because you put them out of there misurie. So don’t feel bad I
Had to do It to and it is never An easy thing. But I hope that this help you.l
Our beautiful black lab Mateo was chosen as a pup to be a Seeing Eye dog for the blind and he graduated from Guide Dogs for the Blind in northern California. My husband lost his vision due to diabetes as a result of Agent Orange from Vietnam. The disease took his vision and for 13 years he and Mateo have been inseparable. When my husband was first at the school Roy was asked what kind of dog he wanted, he simply told them “A smart one”.
Mateo, being a gorgeous black Labrador retriever always peaked questions from strangers wherever they went. And, whenever people would ask my husband and I how we met, we always say that Mateo “retrieved” me. Which is true. As we talked tonight, Roy said that Mateo was a single man’s dream. I understood just what that meant.
Over the years, Mateo and Roy had many adventures. They flew to Puerto Rico, Florida, New Mexico, Arizona, California, and an additional 23 flights together to different Blinded Veterans Association conventions as well as personal trips like the two cruises Mateo went with us on. First when we celebrated Roy receiving a pancreas and kidney transplant (he was on dialysis 3 days a week for five years at the Houston VA. The surgery Roy had eliminated his diabetes and he is still cured 5 years later) The next cruise was on our honeymoon and again Mateo remained the center of attention everywhere we went. The only place guide dogs are not allowed to go is an intensive care unit of a hospital. Although I did sneak Mateo in to the hospital room to see Roy as they both had separation anxiety. It was a glorious sight to see.
After Roy’s surgery, he was left with one new perfectly functioning kidney and a new pancreas. Mateo got sick later that year. X-rays and ultrasounds showed he had a kidney infection but more interesting was that Mateo had been born with only one kidney.
Tonight as we are talking about Mateo, he is curled up on his favorite rug in the final stages of renal failure. We have accepted that we must have him put down tomorrow. His quality of life, his dignity and pride are no longer things he has. We have talked about this for a number of years and we knew that when the time came, Mateo would let us know. And now, we are there.
There are many stories to be told about Mateo. The one that we will tell again and again as we laugh together knowing that we have been blessed far beyond our own imagination with such an amazing creature as Mateo to love us so unconditionally. When Mateo was about three, he and Roy lived in a luxury condo on Clear Lake near the bay. One summer, Roy and Mateo frequented the pool nearly every day. One particular day, Roy decided to go alone with his cane and left Mateo in the condo. A few days later, Roy could not locate his swimming trunks. For days he looked and looked, finally buying a new pair. The next day, exactly at 1:00 pm Roy and Mateo took their daily walk across the road to the field where Mateo would smell everything and finally “take care of business”. That is the term Mateo learned in school. Well, since Roy has slight vision in his right eye, he was able to look at Mateo to see what was taking so long. There, little by little came the remains of Roy’s swim trunks. Roy tells the story that he looked at Mateo and Mateo looked back at him, embarrassed and completely busted. Roy told him in a matter of fact kind of way “You ate them, you get them out”. Mateo had taken the ultimate revenge from Roy leaving him in the house that day as Roy went to the pool without him. He figured if those swim trunks were gone, it wouldn’t happen again. So he ate them, whole.
We will always love, adore and sadly miss our wonderful Mateo. He touched thousands of lives as Roy volunteered at the VA for the BVA (Blinded Veterans of America) for over 12 years. We have been blessed. And, we will meet up again old friend a little further down the road.
All of our love to you Mateo,
Daddy, Mommy and Chris
Just checking this site out as today I went to the movie “Marley and me” For those of you who read the book- you will need at least as many kleenex’s for the movie. My Pup “Sherman” (100 lb. Black lab) is only 5 1/5 but has already shown some pain in his hip after a long run. The Doc took xrays and says he has sloppy joints. If anybody has any ideas I sure would be glad to hear from you. This guy is my first lab and the best dog I have ever had. PS if you haven’t read Mearl’s door it is also another great book.
My Hershey is 12 years and 5 months old. He is the best dog in the world. I am really going to miss him. HE is in his last days. HE lays around and is loosing weight. The vet says it is old age. I am trying to prepare myself for the day when he is no longer with me. I have also noticed the bloating in his belly and his urine is darker in color. He may be in renal failure as I write this. It’s Christmas Eve and all of te vets are closed but I will take him in on the 26th and deal with the diagnosis at that time. For now, Hershey and I will have the best Christmas ever.
Our Coby is going to be 13 in January. He’s starting to have some issues with his hind legs w/ arthritis. We’re keeping him comfortable with medication but he often struggles to go up or even down the stairs. He’s still so full of life…but my mother noticed that one of his eyes is tearing up?? Is he in Pain?? I know the road ahead doesn’t get any easier but when is the right time to put him down?? I just don’t want to make that tough decision too soon…but I really don’t want him to suffer at all! Thank You!
I have an 11 1/2 year old choc lab who just had a “cantaloupe” sized cancerous tumor removed. She also has lesions on her kidney, liver, and spleen. The vet said nothing more can be done for her. My husband and I are heartbroken – she just saw a different vet 2 months ago and he didn’t find anything. Does this often happen? Can a tumor grow so fast that nothing can be detected in time? Also, does anyone know the percentage of labs that live beyond the proverbial “10-12 years? I feel like I have left my best friend down and should have found this cancer in time. She has been doing fine before this found tumor – she was actually at the vet’s to get a bordatella booster when he found the tumor. The only thing wrong with her was her shortness of breath which I attributed to old age – she was able to run, jump, eat well and play. I now know that her shortness of breath was from the huge tumor crowding out her lungs. Does anyone have a similar story? I am devestated as I write this.
Our Bailey Boy is 12.5 years. He has been a good friend and companion to us. We are happy that he is still with us but we keep him comfortable with pain and arthritis medications. When those no longer help we will be faced with having to let him go, but I hope that will be some time from now. When Bailey started being arthritic we began treating both him and our younger lab with joint supplements. I think we would have lost Bailey many years ago if we were not vigilant about those supplements. He is an old guy now but when we look at him all we see is our puppy. Our dogs are a huge pain in the behind but we could not imagine life without them. Best wishes to you all!
I lost my lab last night. He too had just had his vaccines. (more than just rabies) I was told he had cancer Saturday and he was gone Sunday night. Healthy before the vaccines one month earlier. HE WAS 6 1/2 YEARS YOUNG !! Ask before vaccinating any age dog. I write this through teary eyes as I have lost my best friend.
Our baby girl just turned 11 and had to have surgery to repair both knees for torn ACL’s. She is home recovering and our hopes is to see her return to herself in 8-10weeks. This web site lifted my spirits to read some of your comments and to know that she will be with us possibly for many years to come! God bless all of you in your losses, I can’t imagine the pain.
I have a Black Lab Riley, he is 14yrs old. I got Riley when I was 19 Mom Dad my sister and I fell inlove with him. We took him to obedience school (twice actually he was stubborn and more interested in playing with the other dogs than learning to heal) My Mom who never wanted another dog loved riley the most I think. She would call him Nans little boy and she would take him for a drive and get him ice cream cones, which he loved so much.Riley loved to cross country ski Dad took him skiing a couple times a week and he loved it cause when they came home from skiing Mom would have a cooked meal for them both. (we live in Newfoundland lots of home cooked meals) When I was 27 my Mom passed away suddenly. She was on holidays with Dad and Riley was with them. Only Dad and Riley came home. My sister was pregnant at the time. It was very difficult for our family we even took riley to the funeral home, It would be hard for him to understand that Mom would not be giving him ice cream cones anymore.
After that Riley became very upset he would knock over his bowl for more food and wean ( we think Mom fed him more than we knew about).
In the next year I met the love of my life Clarence, He moved in with me at my Dads house, Riley became Clarences buddy and thats what we would call him Buddddeeyy.
Dad met someone special and eventually it was Dad, Diane, Clarence and myself. Riley continued his skiing and hiking career. He now has 6 nieces and 2 nephews who all live away and love comming home to visit him. He has had a great life. Last year Clarence and I moved out and Riley has started to go down hill, hes alot of work for Dad and Diane he still seems happy but he whines sometimes and it is getting increasingly difficult for him to get up, you have to help him to stand by picking him up from behind after he has been lying down for a while. Over night he has been messing around as it is difficult for him to get up on his own. (Once you get him up he can go fine ) and the hard wood floors don’t help.
Dad has called me and said that he only has a few weeks left and we may have to put him down. When do you know its the right time to do this, I know hes alot of work but he still seems very happy. How do you make this decision? And when do you know its the right time. Thanks for reading this and letting me rant. If anyone has any advice or expierenced a similar situation I would be happy to hear it.
THANKS LABS ARE THE BEST!!
NATASHA MARSHALL
On 5/13/2008, my family had to put down our Black Lab, Sara, that was 11 days shy of her 14th birthday. We brought her home for the first time when I was 13. She was a fixture in the house as my 2 brothers and I grew up, and was there for every get-together, holiday gathering, or crazy party one of us through. My career took me away from home, so I wasn’t able to be there for the end, but my family all agreed it was the right time. On her last morning, my family found her unable or unwilling to move a muscle. She just laid on her side as my family did their best to encourage her to show some life. When she wouldn’t touch her breakfast, they all knew that she had reached her limit. I strongly believe that she choose when she was ready to move on, and communicated that to my family that morning. She lived a full life and in a way filled in as the sister we never had. We were incredibly fortunate to have her as a part of our family, and she will be forever missed.
This is interesting to see, especaily the dogs mentioned who are 15, 16 and 17! Our purebred registered chocolate Lab Raughy (we bred her mother ourselves, so we were there when she was born) is still alive at almost 15. I found this page because I am trying to get some kind of idea about how long we will have her…all the other puppies in our litter died, the last one about 8 months ago. She’s having some heart trouble (lungs have some fluid), is quite deaf and blind, but still raiding the garbage. I guess she could be around for quite some time!
My lab mix is 13.5 years old. He’s been with me since he was 8 weeks old and I love him to pieces. I don’t know what to do. He nipped at (and left teeth marks) on my 16 month old son’s hand today. He was lying at my side and my son walked by us. My son did nothing to provoke him at all. My dad says that it is time to say good-bye. I can’t bear to lose him, yet I can’t let my 2 young children get hurt either. I believe that dogs are part of the family and not disposable. When it’s just him and I in a room by ourselves, he’s fine. I’ve tried separating him from the kids, but it just doesn’t work. He’s been to the vet. There is nothing physically wrong with him. He may have doggie dementia though. I tried pain pills in case he is in pain and that is what is causing his grouchiness. They don’t seem to help. I’m at my wits end. I’m going to call a behavioralist tomorrow. I know he’s old, but I can’t give up on him (or should I)? My husband doesn’t know what to say. He knows the dog means the world to me. However, my kid’s safety has to come first. I’m so confused.
just more than a pet my lab was my life. nothing ment more to me than her.I will miss her god please help me with the hurt for it feels like my heart has been ripped from my chest. 15 years with her went by to fast.rest in peace tinza for I will see you again soon.
my yellow lab Maverick picked me out of the litter over 13 years ago. We lost my husband this year in a tragic accident and Mav seems to know something is wrong as he follows me from room to room at home. Thankfully he is in good health and will be able to help me cope with our loss. i can’t imagine the moment he leaves me to be with his master as he is the best dog i have ever known. sunny
Hi Lab Lovers! My “puppy” is 12 yrs. old. I have noticed she has been panting, groaning, and gagging. I have also caught her eating her poop outside. I am sick to think she may be coming to the end of her life. I am also afraid she is in pain. My heart goes out to all who have loved and lost their web-footed friends.
Wow,
I never heard of a lab living so long! You are so blessed! My Caleb is believe it or not the exact same phrase! He is truly my baby boy and I am so worried about him. He is 12 and can no longer climb steps. He gets exhausted easy on short walks.
My god please tell me what you fed you dog and how was his condition at age 12? Sorry if I sound desperate but watching him do certain things breaks my heart.
That is fantastic that you had your baby boy for so long!
Chad
I have a sweet old black lab he must be 16-19 years old. We took the old stray in 9 years ago when we found him starving just skin and bones the vet told us he was 7-9 years old then. Unfortunately he is starting to get cranky and starting to growl at my two children and at me and my husband…well sometimes. I have to make the decision to put him down before something happens. I want to remember him as a the fool and happy guy we rescued so long ago. I just find it soo hard to say goodbye.
Hi,I came across your article tonight and have a question. I put my Lab/mix down last week. She (Molly) was 11 years old and was healthy until 3 weeks ago. She would only walk a short distance before stopping to rest.She stop eating her dry food.
I thought her hips were giving her problems but the vet.checked her over and that wasn’t the problem.He checked her mouth and noticed it was very pale.The vet.then noticed her to be bloated and drew blood out of her stomach with a needle.We made the decision to put her down.It was one of the saddest days of my life.
Did your dog go through anything like this?
Wayne
Nova Scotia
Canada
Hi
I have a yellow lab named Sandy. He is eleven this year and in good health except he snores a lot. I had a friend who had a lab that he believed to be twenty two to twenty six years old. The loss of such a wonderful loyal companion was extremely difficult for their family so my heart goes out to all who have lost a part of their family as well.
I think the life span of a male lab has a lot to do with three very important factors. Labs have two medical weaknesses that many owners are unaware of. One is the complete joint development of their hips as the body is formed. A young lab not only needs food with good supplements but he needs to not be neutered until just prior to his seventh year. This allows the natural hormones to enable calcium to actually build the hip cradle to maximum strength. The second weakness for labs is prostate cancer. To minimize this disease our study showed that from five to seven years delay on laser neutering has given most genetically favorable male labs a longer more comfortable life span.
Sandy drinks bottled water, takes vitamins, eats half of my cereal in the morning with soy milk and has half of my chicken soup for lunch. He also eats Beneful healthy diet food and a milkbone each day after we do our obedience training walk and then free time.
Thank goodness I am retired. A healthy lab requires a lot of attention and exercise. Well they need a toy to carry around or you will never find your shoes and socks. Each one of these wonderful members of our families has a unique personality. Sandy goes from the house clown to a serious grandchild protector, to a foot warmer as he lays across my feet on a cold winter night. I must leave for now saying there will always be a lab in my life.
always………..Ed
Tonight, we had to put down our family dog, which we got as a 6 week old puppy 13 years ago. Even though my two brothers and I have moved out, Jordan is still considered “our dog.” The last few months he began losing control of his bladder and bowels on a regular basis and it became worse towards the end. It was happening very regularly and finally he could not make it up the stairs from going outside anymore. A few times my dad had to carry him upstairs. Tonight it happened again. He had accidents and once cleaned and taken out, he could not come back up. It was time. It was 13.5 years old. He was a great dog and very patient and kind to my brothers and I and now to our children. We will always remember Jordan.. He loved to run and was very playful. He loved the basketball, ie. that is where his name came from… after Michael Jordan… cute, eh? He loved the snow and would stick his face in it and have little white on his black fur of his nose. Adorable. We love you and will miss you forever Jordan. Rest in peace and watch over us!
Hi, Last wednesday I had to put my 13 year old black lab mix down due to old age problems. I still feel like I did the wrong thing. I still see her out the corner of my eye running up the hallway and I look and she is not there. when I go out in the yard I catch myself looking up ever so often to see if she is still in the yard even though I know she is not there. She used to sleep in the bed with us till she could not get up there any more. We used to go hunting every year for Grouse she loved being in the woods with me. Followed me every where. Even laid out side the shower till I got out. My feel like I lost my shadow and I wont her back. I know everyone says it was for the best but I really thought she would get better. I will find another lab but no other dog will ever be able to replace her. DLNIII
My fourth Lee – yup, all four of my Labs have had the same name – is still with me at 13.5 years but he’s definitely showing his age. I found this page on a search for Lab life expectancy. I know the end is coming, whenever is too soon. Must confess I teared up reading the postings above, knowing that great loss is hurtling toward me. I’ve been there three times already in 38 years. My respect and kind regards to all of you for the value you place on these relationships. For me, heaven isn’t an afterlife, but rather a nice walk with a companionable Lab. Good luck and wet noses to all!
Our lab mix is 15 years old and still loves to eat and bark and always is walking around. Sometimes I have to tell him to go lay down. Once in a while he can’t hold it until he goes outside but I don’t yell at him. He seems very happy. We also have a 2 1/2 year old golden retriever, and they love each other. It seems like he might live for a couple more years.
We had our beautiful Lab, “Sadie” for 13 and a half years. She was the love of our life. After getting a rabies vaccine she became so sick that we had to put her to sleep. This was on May 27, 2008. We still grieve for her everyday. Don’t let older dogs get vaccinated! She was healthy and active before this shot. We cry several times a day. We will never forget her. She was our faithful and loving family member. We look forward to seeing her again-All dogs go to Heaven!
our lab is 16+ and looks great. She does show signs of her age, like a gray chin and a stiff back but she is thin, and will take walks with us and even goes jogging two miles at a time. Oh, and we have noticed that she is not seeing or hearing us as well as she used to. We love her very much and are hoping to have another couple of years with her.
Helen, I lost “Juneau” 3 days after “Moosie”. Your hurt and pain is shared by so many. To tell you the truth, I cried more tears and wept more for 4 paws than I ever believed imaginable. I filmed dogs. Maybe I will never pick my camera up again, but I know Juneau would want me to do so. I know your pain and how bad it hurts. I hope you are with someone.
It helps. Juneau’s food is still here. My truck is parked outside. He was there for over 13 years. Your not alone.
As a ex-photographer and photo-journalist, I would like to do something in his memory and all others. Reply gets E-mail.
My wife and I just last night put our Lab down and he was 17. He was my baby boy and my best friend I got him when I was 15 years old and I will truly miss him. Rest in peace Bandit..
I had to put my dear Moosie to sleep last Thursday. We were inseperable for 11 years. We live at Lake Powell, Az and twice a day we would go for hikes in the desert. She loved chasing rabbits and digging for chipmunks then afterwords she always went for a swim. Year round, even when it was sleeting and the water temp was 35 degrees F. She is the love of my life and now that she is gone, I don’t know how I can go on, there doesn’t seem to be a reason anymore. I hurt so much. Helen
I found it very difficult to let my Patoe go but his days were too painful. I found comfort in a letter my father wrote for me
If Patoe could have asked me to let you know how he feels, I am sure
this is what he would like to convey to you for your years of care for him.
I hope this will help ease the pain of what must be done.
DON’T GRIEVE FOR ME.
Don’t grieve for me, Cindy,
For you have given to me the very best life a dog could ever have.
When I was brought from warm B.C. to cold Alberta those many years ago,
I did not know what
to expect, just being a young pup.
What a life I have lived.
Don’t grieve for me, Cindy,
For you have showered me with years of love, more than I could know
possibly existed
You excepted me into your home, and promptly started to spoil me.
I tried to return all that love by being the best friend I could be.
Don’t grieve for me, Cindy,
Remember instead, the wonderful evening walks you took me on.
Every night had new and exciting smells for me to enjoy.
Each day brought new and different sounds for me to wonder about.
Don’t grieve for me, Cindy,
Think instead of the hours we spent trying to learn to talk to each other.
How I would try to make sounds that a human could understand.
How I would go to the cupboard and try to explain to you that I would
like a cookie.
Don’t grieve for me, Cindy,
Now that I have reached that stage in life that we both knew would
someday come,
the stage where my days are filled with pain and hurting.
Think back to my younger years, and all we enjoyed with each other.
Don’t grieve for me, Cindy,
Remember how you showed me love, so much that I could not contain myself
when
company came and my tail would go like a propeller, trying to express to
them what
you had given to me. How I could not wait till they came into the house
so I could greet them.
Don’t grieve for me, Cindy,
Think back to the early morning walks we had, each with so many
different sounds and smells
than the night before. I enjoyed them so much that I would not want to
go back home.
And the times that Socks came with us were filled with excitement as we
explored together.
Don’t grieve for me, Cindy,
Your teaching me love, not aggression, is why I could swim out in a lake
to get a stick, only to have a sissy dog
come and take it when I got close to shore. That is how I could show
affection to animals and humans who did not deserve it. I have so much
to thank you for.
Don’t grieve for me, Cindy,
Remember the fun and excitement we had when on paws, hands and knees we
searched the house for mice,
and when we found one, how my non-aggressive nature showed up, oh the
thrill of the hunt. I don’t know what I would have done, had I actually
caught one.
Don’t grieve for me, Cindy,
The overwhelming enjoyment of going camping, with all its smells,
sounds, and good food and so much to
explore is something so many dogs never get to do.Some times I got so
tired with all the fun of chasing squirrels and such,
that I would have to have a after supper nap, just to get enough energy
to be able to go to sleep for the night.
Don’t grieve for me, Cindy,
If I had to come up with any regrets, the one I would pick, would be,
not able to turn back time to being a pup again,
knowing what I know now and enjoying all these years over with you.
Don’t grieve for me, Cindy,
As my life now is filled with so much hurt and pain and poor eyesight
and will not ever be again what it was,
I can not enjoy my days knowing how you worry about me.
I do not want to be a burden on you and hold you to a life of worry
about me. I know it is time to go now while I can still leave
knowing and remembering that I have had the best life I could ever have,
thanks to you.
Don’t grieve for me, Cindy,
It is time to let me go, and I know it will be very hard for you to do,
but I also know you will be able to do what is best for me, no matter
how much it hurts you.
Don’t grieve for me, Cindy,
But instead try to help Socks accept my not being here, as I am sure he
will miss our companionship much more than he will let on.
Save your strength for yourself, as I cannot be there to try and comfort
you.
Don’t grieve for me, Cindy,
SAY GOODBY
AND LET ME GO.
You *absolutely* did the right thing, especially as your dog was no longer enjoying a good quality of life. It is amazing and commendable that your dog lived to such a great old age — it means you took wonderful care of him throughout his time with you and then had the courage to step up and see him through to the end. Don’t blame yourself — we are all faced with these tough decisions and I truly believe that we will be reunited with our beloved pets again someday… They in the most glorious state of their best health and happiness and us without any of our aches and pains … what a joy it will be!!! Meanwhile cherish your memories AND get another dog — it’s the best compliment to the dog who gave you such happiness and besides, you are exactly the kind of person who should be a pet owner 🙂 Take good care.
our dog Loon – a primarily black lab mix – died today …probably of bloat, though he had been wretching and had tumors all over his body for some years. he was 11ish…had lots of exercise until his hind end started to get stiff and he started limping severely after exercise…he was jumping and begging for food last night…and shortly thereafter was blowing up, miserable and died this am. he was fed a “healthy organic” food last night before he exhibited symptoms of bloat…but had (for the last decade) been ok on basically any food and didn’t require any adjustment to any new food…quite a shock to us and serious bummer to lose the best dog we ever had.
I found your information quite useful, yet I am still dealing with a tremendous amount of guilt after euthanizing our dog at 14 and a half years old due to lack of eating, drinking and trouble getting around. He dropped in weight to 53.4 pounds. He was our first lab and we did not want him to suffer. For future reference would leaving an older lab to die naturally be better? Please help.