The crazy dog lady is dogless.

[Rebo]

My last pup has gone over the rainbow bridge. I have owned dogs for over 25 years. Yesterday I had to put down Harley, my last doggie. He was the sweetest, best dog of them all. Harley D. Hogg was a “fat boy” (over 22 lbs!) when we got him 13 years ago (hence the Harley-Davidson name) but was down to just 11.2 lbs yesterday.

https://i.imgur.com/48j6KNw.jpg



He was over 15 years old, mostly blind and deaf, but got around just fine. He always used the doggie door to go potty, and was eating and drinking like normal. Then one morning last week, his back legs looked significantly weaker and he was stumbling and falling down a little, and running into walls and furniture.

He was having trouble locating the doggie door, and I began taking him outside to do his business. He would get lost and just wander around. Sometimes he would just stare into space. He startled extremely easily, even when I put my hand down to let him know I was there.

He still recognized my smell, and I held him while the doctor gave him the injection. I told him he was the best of all of my dogs, but not to tell the others I said that when he met them on the other side.

I have made the mistake of waiting too long to put dogs down, and even if this was a tiny bit early, it feels right even if I am feeling guilty. Goodbye, sweet boy.

(I cross-posted this at the Dope.)

[JackieLikesVariety]

oh, Rebo, my heart breaks for you. You made the decision at exactly the right time, I have no doubt.

[Rat Diva]

You're not hugless

[taters]

Rebo, I am so sorry. I am sending you virtual hugs.

[Rebo]

Thanks, guys. It was hard. My vet Dr. McLemore was so warm and kind. I've had the same vet for 25 years, too. She's the best. Hug your vet! They have a hard job.

[Solfy]

I’m sorry, Rebo. You gave Harley the best life, and the best gift at the end of it. { Rebo }

[Rock]

I'm so sorry, Rebo.

[What Exit?]

I'm sorry Rebo. This is always so tough.

[Monstera deliciosa]

I'm so sorry Rebo. I understand the guilt; I've had it with most of the pets I had to send on their final journey. But it is unnecessary: Harley had a wonderful life and a gentle passing with you.

[Wolf Larsen]

That's very sad, Rebo.

[Sputnik]

So sorry Rebo. Pets are so much a part of our lives, they are always there for us.

[JimNightshade]

I am so sorry - these things hurt.

Maybe now is a time to book a trip to the shelter and see if new love is waiting there, tail a'wagging, just for you.

All the best

[SmartAleq]

I'm so sorry, you've been through trials and tribulations with your doggos the past couple years. Maybe it's time, since I'm pretty sure you're in an area they will adopt to, to start browsing the Big Fluffy Dog Rescue page on FB. One thing I've learned is that a Good Dog always leaves a place for another Good Dog to fill when they have to leave us, and you are obviously the kind of dog mom that the good bois will be lining up to care for. I'm sending you a big hug, and old dog Bear sends you a florid snore to cheer you up.

[Doyle]

Sorry for your loss, but go to the pound and get you another one.

[thylacine]

I’m very sad for you

[Helena]

Rebo, I'm so sorry.

[Rebo]

Thanks guys! It's a bit early yet. We're gonna try and take a vacation and not have to worry about dog care for once. IF we can get Mr Rebo a bit more healthy. He's going through some things - nothing major - just annoyances (emphasis on the plural!) that need to be taken care of.

New dog requirements:

1. Female
2. Small - less than 20 lbs.
3. Short hair - no groomers, please.
4. No smoosh-faced dogs.

[Baker]

As I said elsewhere I am so sorry for your loss. My cat is almost fifteen, and while still healthy seeming I dread his passing. And the dog I have now is ten.

Mauser and Atilla will get extra scritches tonight.

[Flying Saucerian]

[SmartAleq]

You're an experienced dog parent couple, consider maybe a Jack Russell terrier? If you can accomodate the exercise needs (and a yard, a tennis ball and a place to sit while you throw is usually plenty) and don't mind doing some training, that seems like a really good fit for your requirements. Maybe even splurge and get a puppy--it's nice to meet the parents, see what you'll probably be dealing with. Bonus, they're tough and scrappy and could probably take on a husky as needed and you'll never see a rat nor a mouse in the house. JRTs pay their way lol, only terrier I'd be willing to have around.

[Sunny Daze]

I'm so sorry Rebo. It's hard when they go. Sending hugs.

[Random Precision]

So sorry you had to say goodbye to Harley, but it sounds like you did it at the right time.

And when you are ready, go to the shelter and see which doggie decides to adopt you to be their new mom.

[Detroit Hoser]

Originally Posted by Random Precision

So sorry you had to say goodbye to Harley, but it sounds like you did it at the right time.

And when you are ready, go to the shelter and see which doggie decides to adopt you to be their new mom.

I heartily second what the randomly precise guy said. Your heart is big and likely designed to love a critter that needs exactly you.

...or you could get a flock of chickens. Don't expect to sleep with them and wake up in a good mood, though.

[Rat Diva]

Although you'll have plenty of breakfast fixins handy in the morning.

Sending another hug, which is 7 in dog hugs, so

[Colonel Plink]

It's the hardest thing we ever do for our pets. I'm sorry for your loss.

[Zeener Diode]

That is so sad, Rebo. Harley looked like a good boy. I hope he's up there chasing squirrels and pestering cats and critters, getting into good mischief.

[Detroit Hoser]

Knocking over celestial kitchen trash cans...

[Zeener Diode]

Menacing UPS and Amazon drivers.

(Do they have same-day service in heaven?)

[Detroit Hoser]

More like same-moment-you-think-of-it delivery. I like to think that all the cars Harley will chase are imminently catchable.

[Flying Saucerian]

I agree an immediate replacement is a bad idea. Not only does one need time to mourn, but to weigh options and make a clear-headed decision.

[Radical Edward]

A day too early is better than a minute too late. Still, ;_;

[Detroit Hoser]

Originally Posted by Flying Saucerian

I agree an immediate replacement is a bad idea. Not only does one need time to mourn, but to weigh options and make a clear-headed decision.

I've never sought another after one has passed. No need with Cat Brother next door, they feel the void and move right into the empty spot eventually. It always seems to be the right amount of time somehow, no matter how much or how little time has actually gone by.

Funny how that works, huh? It's like the universe knows, and all we have to do is trust it.

[Solfy]

My MIL had had three cats since I’ve known her and every one of them has found her. Not the other way around.

Yes! The universe will reveal the right pet in due time.

[Guinastasia]

I'm so, so, so sorry, Rebo.

[Rebo]

I've never actually sought out a dog either, they all chose me. Well, come to think of it, Harley was adopted from our kids! Mr Rebo said something like, "You oughta come home with us!" and before you know it, he was in the car that night coming home with us. They already had another dog, and someone had dumped him on them. He was named Charlie then.

At one point I had five dogs. That's too many, I found out. They all slept in the bed with us, too! 4 littles and a Lab and two adults on a too small King size bed.

[BeeGee]

Originally Posted by Random Precision

So sorry you had to say goodbye to Harley, but it sounds like you did it at the right time.

And when you are ready, go to the shelter and see which doggie decides to adopt you to be their new mom.

I had the same experience in February with Sandy Cat. I just sent you a FB listing of a cat I'm considering through PASS. That's the private group through Austin Pets Alive that handles rehoming and adoption all through Texas. People who are moving, being deployed, entering retirement homes, or pets whose owners have died-- lots and lots and lots of dogs, cats, and bunnies looking for forever homes when you're ready.

[SmartAleq]

And for some reason Houston seems to be Ground Zero for rehoming cattle dogs. Dunno what the heck is going on down there but it was a source of great frustration for me when I was leaning toward adopting again, before I got Kosh. All the cute heelers were in Texas and they wanted some humongous "rehoming fees" for them.

[thorny locust]

Rebo, I am so very sorry.

Originally Posted by Baker

My cat is almost fifteen, and while still healthy seeming I dread his passing. And the dog I have now is ten.

I've had one cat get into his twenties, and several to between eighteen and twenty. And I've known dogs who were between 15 and 18 -- including a couple of large-breed dogs who weren't expected to do that.