Bad Weekend-put down my Baron

S

Shann

Joined
Sep 2, 2004
Messages
5,250
I had to put down my beloved Baron this weekend. He was a German Shepard/St. Bernard cross. He was 15 and a half years old. When I called the Vet to make the housecall, she asked how old he was. When I told her she said "Holy Crap! Are you Serious?" The last week or so he had lost a lot of control over his bowels and bladder and couldn't get up without help. Thankfully, the Vet was able to come to the house on Saturday so he didn't suffer the final indignity of being carried to the Vet and and being scared in his last moments.

He went peacefully, a gentle dog to the end.

We moved into our house 15 years ago; I've never lived here without him. He was our first dog and outlived two other great dogs that are no longer with us. The house is so empty.
 
Very sad whenever you have to put down a family pet. We'll keep you folks in our thoughts and prayers. Hang in there - it gets better with time. At least Baron had 15+ years of being well cared for in a loving home, right?

- Mark
 
Sorry for your loss. Its hard to do, but its the right thing.
Even though it sure doesn't feel like it
 
I'm sorry for your loss. Every time I read one of these about peoples pets I get teary eyed. I hope I never have to do it.

-Tye
 
Sorry for your loss.
We lost our big guy, avatar pic, just over a year ago. Still have an empty spot in the household.
 
pyrguy said:
Sorry for your loss.
We lost our big guy, avatar pic, just over a year ago. Still have an empty spot in the household.
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He was a beauty. I'm sorry for your loss. I still "see" Baron every time I go into his room. It takes me a moment to realize he's gone.
 
I am so sorry for your loss!! That is so sad. I am going to include a poem that has helped me through these difficult times, and I hope it helps you.
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...
 
Sorry to hear about your loss my friend.

I'm sure Baron is better, happier and knew what you had to do was the best and I'm sure he appreciates it.

Just remember how blessed you are to have had him in your life for so long and all the great memories. in time there will be new memories but the old ones never really leave.
 
Sorry for your loss, man been there more than once and their is nothing I can say to help you it just hurts, we'll be praying for you. Dealing with the loss of a family member and make no mistake that is what is going here, is incredibly difficult. Hang in there man. Dealing with the death of a pet that was part of your family for that long is so hard, if had been a child you would have had a funeral, people would have come by, etc. but with the pet it is so personal on so many levels. I apologize I'm just making it worse, just know we'll be praying for you and your family.
 
Shann - You have my deepest sympathies. I had to have my cat euthanized about a year and a half ago. He was the same age as Baron. It is probably the hardest thing I've ever had to do. Some smoke and a prayer for Baron and his family are headed you way.
 
Shann, sorry to hear about your loss. My grandpa and first dog Kingford will play with him in heaven. King will show him the best trees to pee on.
 
That is tough. I am sure the walls, floors, doors and yard will remind you of your dog/dogs. Know that you gave them a good home, so many dogs do not have. 15 yrs. is a full dog's life. I had a Weimeraner that went 14. It is ok to grieve, and ok to smile from the memories your dogs gave you. I, as do all others on this thread empathize with your loss. I am sure another lucky dog will have a blessed life, when you cross that bridge to get another man's best friend.

My sincere sympathies.
 
My Condolences, Shann.
Remember Him fondly and Remember the happy times you shared.
 
Very sorry to hear of your loss. I had our shepherd put down on Jan 2 this year. Second time I have had to do this. Both times I cried like a little girl. For what it is worth, TKC's words got me through both times. IMHO, they are worth reading.

Matt
 
Thanks. Rainbow Bridge is a very special poem to me. It really means a lot. It also reminds me of another saying about dogs:

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion."
 
You can possibly expect a GS to live up to 13 or even 14 years of age, at the very best. But the majority of Mastiff dogs, including the St.Bernard, won't usually go past 10 or 11 at best.

You were very fortunate to have 15 years with Baron. Doesn't make your loss any easier though, I understand.

VERY sorry for your loss mate. I have had quite a few bad days like yours too.

It truly is beyond words. It's your best friend, a vital part of the family.

Best wishes from NZ.
 
Emanuel said:
You can possibly expect a GS to live up to 13 or even 14 years of age, at the very best. But the majority of Mastiff dogs, including the St.Bernard, won't usually go past 10 or 11 at best.

You were very fortunate to have 15 years with Baron. Doesn't make your loss any easier though, I understand.

VERY sorry for your loss mate. I have had quite a few bad days like yours too.

It truly is beyond words. It's your best friend, a vital part of the family.

Best wishes from NZ.
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Thanks for the kind words. We were very lucky to have Baron for so long. He lived a great long life. He was a minor medical marvel to his Vets. His primary Vet told me at age 10 he was living on borrowed time; I almost reached the point where I thought he would live forever.

In many ways, the fact that he was so old makes it easier to deal with. He lived a long time and I don't feel he was cut short like my two other dogs who had very bad illnesses (cancer and degenerative myelopathy). On the other hand, he has ALWAYS been there for me when I came home.

Thanks to everyone for letting me ramble on; its good therapy!
 
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