We have to let Spike go

[Rubysky]

Spike (the black & tan on in the avatar) has been at the vet's since Monday. He has been sick since Sunday. All can quickly since he had a thorough check up and tests when he had his teeth cleaned last month.
His liver , heart & spleen are greatly enlarged stomach lining are thickened.. His red blood cells are "exploding".There looks to be cancer in an area that they cannot do a needle biopsy.They are not sure that even if they did exploratory surgery & removed the suspicious area that he would recover. nothing they have done has helped.
I'll be going over in a little while with some jerky and to hold him until he crosses over the rainbow bridge.
DH & I are both crying. He can't handle saying goodbye so I will be going myself.

 

[red stripe]

Ruby, I am so sorry.
I can share the pain you are going through, as this is a decision we have also faced at one time or another.

I posted the rainbow bridge poem on this site when the site was new.. and a friend lost her dog.. But one day I found this poem, and I think it best fits the loss of a beloved animal when you are forced through love to make this brave and selfless decision..

The Last Battle
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this -- the last battle -- can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close -- we two -- these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

-- Unknown


​

 

[maw]

Ruby so sorry that you are having to face this at this time. My daughtyer has lost two babies Skipper and Sassy and it ws hard descision for her each time. I think Red's poem is so true. Hugs and prayers for you for strength.

 

[ShipMaven]

Regina - it breaks my heart to read this (and my thanks to Red for alerting me as I've been out all day). This is reminiscent of what happened to my Topaz so I know all too well what you and DH are suffering now. Please remember, above all, that what you are doing is the most loving act for your beloved Spike. I know Topaz will be among those to greet him when he crosses Rainbow Bridge.

I held Topaz in my arms when she was first tranquilized, and then given her final shot. It was very peaceful for her, and - except for the loss of my parents - the most devastating day of my life. What keeps me going is the knowledge that SHE was peaceful and I did what was right for her. YOU ARE DOING WHAT IS RIGHT FOR SPIKE.

{{{Hugs}}}

Mary Ann

TREAT ME KINDLY

Treat me kindly, my beloved friend,
For no heart in all the world is more
rateful for kindness than the loving
heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick,
For though I should lick your hand
between blows, your patience and
understanding will more quickly
teach me the things you would
have me learn.

Speak to me often, For your voice is
the world's sweetest music, as you must
know by the fierce wagging of my tail
when your footsteps fall upon my ears.

Please take me inside when it is cold
and wet, For I am a domesticated
animal, no longer accustomed to the
bitter elements. I ask no greater glory
than the privilege of sitting at your
feet beside the hearth.

Keep my pan filled with water, for I
cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.
Feed me clean food that I may stay well,
to romp and play and do your bidding,
to walk by your side, and stand ready,
willing and able to protect you with
my life, should your life be in danger.

And, my friend, when I am very old, and
I no longer enjoy good health, hearing
and good sight, do not make heroic
efforts to keep me going.

I am not having fun. Please see that my
trusting life is taken gently. I shall
leave this earth knowing with the last
breath I drew, that my fate was always
safest in your hand.


--- By Beth Norman Harris 1968 ---​

 

[Krazy Kruizers]

Although none of us look forward to losing a pet that is part of the family -- and a family member as far as I am concenred, you have made the right decisson -- as hard as it seems. You would not like to see Spike suffer.

Prayers for all of you during this difficult time.

 

[nieciez]

Oh Regina, I am so sorry to hear about Spike. My heart is breaking for you and your DH as I know how hard this decision is to make. Know we are all here for you and that many of us have walked in your shoes. It just isn't far that man's best friend has so little time with us. Take care my friend.

 

[Rubysky]

Ok, it is over.
I don't think he would have lasted thru the night. He was listless and his stomach was swollen which is a sign of internal bleeding. He wouldn't even eat a piece of homemade jerky that I took along.

Thank you all for your kind words.

 

[ShipMaven]

{{{Regina}}}

Topaz had her ups and downs medically throughout her life, especially with her stomach. The one food she loved was bagel - yes, plain bagel. I used a bagel as the "acid test" when she refused food. If she ate some bagel, I knew she was alright - but I always said that the day she refused some bagel would be the day I knew she was really ill. The day I had to make THE decision was the day she refused her bagel and all other nourishment.

Mary Ann

 

[red stripe]

If I told you what was the deciding factor in my decision to take my beloved poodle "Candy" to the vet.. I would be crying buckets..
All I can say is that you have done the most unselfish thing you could do. You put Spike first.. even though you did not want to part with him.

Bless you for that.

 

[iluvcruzin]

How sad. My prayers for you and your family Regina.

 

[Cruise cutie]

Regina, my heart is pure breaking for you.. and I can so understand.. please know that you and yours are in my prayers...not a day goes by that I do not ache for my Beloved Scooter.. I am forever sorry I had to make the Rainbow Bridge choice, but I am NEVER sorry we did it for him.. and so it goes.. take care.. and please.. I hope you have some measure of comfort in your Spike memories, HUGE Hugs and Love, Joanne

 

[conniecat]

So sorry Ruby, I can't type for crying. Rest assured no matter how har it is on you, it was the best for him. I know he had a good life and would thank you. cc

 

[Beryl]

A thousand =hug=hug=hug to you Regina! I am so sorry that you have said goodbye to a wonderful furbaby but know that you did the very kindest thing that you could!

 

[JANPEP]

Oh Regina,
I'am so sorry for the loss of your little Spike, I will keep you & your family in my thought's & prayer's.

 

[The Cruiser]

Ruby, I'm sorry about Spike, My furbabies are greeting Spike at the Rainbow Bridge, were they are playing pain free.

 

[reggae]

Regina, I am so sorry....hugs and prayers

 

[korinalacount]

So very sad and so very sorry,need to come over here more often,I forget,you and hubby know you did the right thing but the pain for us is so terrible. Spike is wagging his tail now though and thanking you and resting easy,the days ahead will be hard and lonely and you may never decide to get another dog either,we werent going to,Lady has been gone for 2 months now and there is never a day I dont miss her,but I am getting ready to accept another sweet love into my heart,this time a greyhound. Know I and John are thinking of you,and crying with you and love what you have done for your sweet Spike,many hugs Ruby,hope the healing can begin for you too when it is time,much love,John and Korina

 

[KathyC]

So sorry to hear this; your heart is breaking but I hope you can get some comfort out of seeing how peaceful he is as he crosses over & he will be free from all of his pain. Yes, it is hard to let go but he has been your best buddy & now he needs you to do the right thing for him. My thoughts are with you.

 

[debowah]

Ruby,

So sorry that you and your husband were faced with this unpleasant task. Know you did the right thing and Spike loves you even more for that.

Prayers for peace............

 

[Lisa63]

Rubysky, I am so sorry to hear this. Years ago, when we made the same decision for one of our cats, we got a note from our vet that has stayed in my memory for nearly 16 years now. He said that by making the decision we did, we proved that we were indeed her best friends. I know the same is true for you and Spike. I send my condolences to you all.