[Iron_Dreamer]

Wow Ed, that's a bummer. It's really a miracle that she lasted as long as she did for you all. R.I.P. Maddie

 

[AuroraProject]

My heart goes out to you and yours. It's never easy, try to remember all the good times.

 

[fureshi]

i'm sorry to hear about this ed. just find comfort in the fact that it's in a better place now.

both of my sisters have dogs and i dread the day that something happens to their dogs.

 

[mjg]

we had our dog put to sleep a few years ago.. she was 16 or so believe it or not...
Situation was similar to yours, it felt really horrible but it had to be done. Partially you want to keep the dog alive because you feel it is best to hold on to what you have with your pet, but you have to let the dog go if you see the situation is so desperate and the poor thing can barely function.

You did the right thing, and the effort to preserve her for as long as possible is noble. Don't feel guilty, everything has to end and for what it's worth I'm sure your dog loved you very much until it's last breath.

 

[redshifter]

pets are a special kind of child. 18 years is a really good run. she must have had a lot of love, ed.

 

[Edwood]

Thank you all for the kind words and support.

Here are more pics of Maddie as we remember her...

My personal favorite, trying to bite the hand that feeds...she puts the MAD in Maddie.

-Ed

 

[Homeless]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edwood My personal favorite, trying to bite the hand that feeds...she puts the MAD in Maddie.

That's a cool picture though...

 

[tattoou2]

It is never easy losing a loved and cherished pet. Remember the good times and know that she lives on in your heart.

 

[plainsong]

That's how Pixie stretches out beside me too...locks you into position so that there's no turning unless she says so.

I'm sorry for your loss. She had a good run, but that's not going to make you feel any better. Just allow yourself to grieve, and know that she wouldn't want you to feel unhappy for too long.

 

[KYTGuy]

Sorry for your loss - puppies are like kids that stop growing at about two years old - they can understand you pretty good, but they can't use words to tell you just what they want from you. That trains you to learn their "language" and makes you more sensitive to all beings around you, and forges a bond with the dog that is close and dear.

Our Labrador, Jet, is just past her eleventh birthday and she is beginning to show that she is near her end. It is sad to see her slowing down and feeling bad and good on alternate days/weeks, etc. She still wants to play for a few minutes each day and is still able to get around, but she is not eating well every day. She has been a loyal Pal to our Daughter, and has been Crystal's only constant friend. It is going to confuse and sadden Jet when our Daughter leaves home for the Air Force tomorrow. I hope this doesn't accelerate her decline.

Puppies like to run ahead, so they can be waiting for you. They love to show you what they have found. Maddie is exploring and waiting to show you fun stuff, and she feels all new again.

 

[ken36]

My heart goes out to you. When I had to put my Max down in 1997, I was crushed for a year. I cried when I thought of him. I cried when I looked at his picture. The only way to start living again is to get another dog. I hope Koako outlives me.

 

[Lisa]

Sorry for you loss Ed. I've never had a dog so I don't know how this feels but I'm still sad for you.

 

[PinkFloyd]

Bad news Ed

I know how you're feeling having lost my own two dogs, it's so sad and heartbreaking. I "still" miss them both.

 

[Old Pa]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edwood Farewell my little Maddie. You gave us 18 years of love and happiness. We love you, and we will miss you...

Very sorry for your loss; words just can't express it. My fourteen year old springer Maggie is slowly losing the good fight; I hope we will know when it's time for her. Sounds like Maddie had a good long life and a really good mom and dad. She'll be waiting for you at the Bridge . . .

 

[Salt Peanuts]

I'm really sorry to hear your loss, Ed. My condolences to you and your wife.