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

[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.

[abbersmom]

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

[dawnph]

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

[Dorothy39]

Thank-You for that picture of Cole.

I truely KNOW about unpleasant rides to the Vet because whether I like it or not, I experience such unwanted memories myself. I too know what you mean while saying "I feel like a failure".


these memories are quite intrusive at times.So un -wanted, and so haunting.

Again, I am so sorry about his "blout" condition . Hind sight is always 20/20, so, after the fact, we relive the trama with all the right answers to all the questions, but alas, death is all too final.

He knew you were trying to help him, I sense this . You were up against such an obtacle during those last 5 days. Never ever feel that you actually failed , NEVER!!! The fact that you cared, and you helped Cole overcome so much adversity, represents your character. In time, you will realize this . You were there for Cole, no matter what.!!!!! You did not lose, you did not fail, you were simply THERE for Cole. His life was so full of love and adoration. I can see that in his eyes!!!!!


His passing symbolizes your love and your courage. Never let go of these virtues. Cry, because we will cry, all of us. But never underestimate your blessed virtues!!!!

[dawnph]

Here are photos of Cole's brother and two sisters. it is so easy to get caught up in the grief that we forget our other "children".i will miss Cole all of my days, he is forever in my heart and soul. Roxie is first, Sally second and Argyle third. Good night all, sleep tight.

[Dorothy39]

OH, Oh, Oh My Goodness, Those pictures are so darned beautiful

When I clicked onto the thumb nails, the photo was so CLOSE , so wonderful to behold, as though I were down on the floor , looking into each of their faces. I sure did enjoy seeing them , honest!!!!

I can't figure out how to attach thumb nails from "My Pictures" onto a reply.

Each time I click onto the icon that is used to " insert image", another window pops up, promting me to type in something. I've done it before, when I posted a
the thread on Foxy Jean


Oh, Sally's ears were so close, I felt as though I could kiss her!!!! Pet her!!!

You are so lucky to have these beautiful animals in your home.!!!!

Hugs to you, and to your Dogs of the Day.

[Dorothy39]

Those pictures will download real close, then, they will downsize afterwards.

I had to tell my Husband to come out into the dining room and take a look at "Roxie"..Oh, Roxie , so glad to meet you my dear.

I sure do think she is so sweet. Especially the dark marking around her left eye!!! She will be ok in time. Thank-you for posting those thumb nails.!!

Good Night to you too, and sleep well.

[dawnph]

Dorothy, thank you so much for your kindness, you are truly a wonderful person. tomorrow will be one week since Cole has been gone, hope to get his ashes tomorrow. i miss him so much. good night all.

Cole's mom

[Lori Jordan]

That's too bad.I'm truly sorry for your loss,there are alot of kind people here that you can turn too when you are in need.May he Rest In Peace.He is withought any health problems now and is looking down on you every moment,and he will until you meet again,Animals are the most loyal creatures of all he is now patiently waiting until you two can be together again,meanwhile he is having the time of his life,all animals and my Bandit have welcomed him with open arms.We are here for you!

[dawnph]

Picked up Cole's cremated remains today. still miss him so bad, but i feel better now that he is at home again. my other 3 furbabies are starting to adjust to Cole not being here. we all are, slowly but surely.

[Sudilar]

Hugs.

[Dorothy39]

Picked up Cole's cremated remains today. still miss him so bad, but i feel better now that he is at home again. my other 3 furbabies are starting to adjust to Cole not being here. we all are, slowly but surely.

Oh, I will never forget the day we picked up the "remains" of our beloved Katie Lynn!!!!

she was the dog of all dogs to me.


and, just yesterday, I remembered that moment all over again. It has been 3 years now, but that memory stings so hard!!!!

the memorial section on Pet Talk is the hardest forum for me to click onto, but, that forum helped me more than words can tell.


Thank-you, all of you, those of us who have lost a beloved friend, as well as those of us who post wonderful moments with our dogs, our cats, our fish, etc.


this forum is so healing!!!!

[Danegirl2208]

oh i am so sorry to hear about your loss cole had a sweet face, i just recently lost my beloved Doby, so i know how you are feeling, just remember that hes in a better place now, and stay strong for him.

[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.