Had to put my 10 year old great dane mix Cole to sleep today

[dawnph]

this is still so hard. i have been Coles mom for 10 years. he had various medical problems, nothing serious til he got sick a week ago. but everyday he got his pills twice a day, ears cleaned, cleaned his face and head cause he drooled like crazy ,made sure back legs were ok (he was born with no hip joints) but could still run like the wind with a stumble now and then. a large part of my life was spent caring for him ,now this has all come to a screeching halt. i feel like i lost my identity. i have 3 other furbabies Sally, Argyle and Roxie. i love them to death but i feel so lost.

[shihtzulover850]

Awwww what a beautiful boy! I am sorry for your loss! Rest in Peace Cole!

[Dorothy39]

Oh yes, yes , yes,

You do feel lost indeed. Cole's picture really hit me hard. He was born with no hip joints? Oh my goodness. You have been a savior for this dog. You tended to his every need, and now, that he is gone, you feel so displaced.

Cole reached the end of his rope. And I am so sorry that you must tend to your daily life , without him . I especially feel your anguish during this tender time. His snoring, his wild runs during sleep, the sound of his toes on your hardwood floors, his presense in your life, all have come to a halt.


This is hard for me to type, okay?

You have touched upon my own "displacement", with Coles' story.

I will continue to find your thread, and look at Cole over and over for atonement. You were there for Cole, God Bless You for that.

I am so sorry that you have to feel such heartache, I feel your sorrow, your despair, your loss. Please talk more about this beloved animal. I found Pet Talk strictly by accident. By registering on this forum, I am on the right road now. when I read about Cole, Mandy, Bella, Savannah, Dixie , and so many other dogs, The pain that I feel can be shared, nurtured and acknowledged.

This site is wholesome. healing, and informative all at the same time.

I am rambling--------------------- but, I understand how you feel.

[beeniesmom]

I am so sorry for your loss.
Cole was certainly a wonderful dog and you and your family will have many great memories of him. hugs

[dawnph]

i think i am so stunned by Cole's death because our vet always stressed that Cole's back legs would give out one day, and then we would have to make a very hard decision. his back hip joints never formed because he did not gestate long enough. his back legs were hooked on by tendons and muscles. his powerful front end propelled him on and his back legs kept him upright. cole never let this stop him from living a full life. so, when he got bloat , i was totally blindsided. when he made it through surgery (vet said 25% chance of making it through the surgery because of his age) i thought ok we made it through and everything will be all right. i did not know that those last 5 days were going to be the last 5 days. he always made it through so many things, he was so strong and my husband said he had lived so long because i took such good care of him. but i couldnt keep him alive this time, and it hurts so bad, i feel like a failure, and my baby is gone. i wish this feeling would go away. i just want happy thoughts of Cole, not sad, but i keep reliving the ride to the vet on friday when he was in severe shock and slipping away. he was gone, except his heart was beating still. i feel like i failed him.

[beeniesmom]

Dawn,
Please don't feel like you failed him. That is absolutely not true. You saved his life by taking him in, disability and all. I hope you find the strength to get through this. It will be hard but you will. Cole is in no pain now. He is running and playing with other Rainbow Bridge doggies. He is looking down on you and thanking you for loving him unconditionally.

[dawnph]

here is a picture of cole about 3 1/2 years ago.

[abbersmom]

So sorry to hear of your loss...Cole must be running & playing at the Bridge & making all sorts of new friends...

[DrKym]

I am sorry, Danes by general dont live as long as we like, my mother has raised them for 45 yrs now, Cole was a blessing as were you to him. Please know that. A candle in his honor for his grace and gentleness and his devotion to a special human.

[Catty1]

If Cole had been adopted by some humans...he wouldn't have made it to two years, I bet you anything.

His life was longer and WAAAY better with you than it possibly could have been anywhere else!

This is success - this is LOVE!

hugs
Catty1