Damn this is hard.

Dallas, the giant puppy, who I’ve been posting about since 2008, has reached the end of his life. These damned dogs just don’t live long enough.

It’s a degenerative disease in his back. First he couldn’t jump in to the truck, then he couldn’t climb up on the couch. It doesn’t seem to be pain, just weakness. Unfortunately, he can no longer get up when he lies down. I have to lift him. When he needs to move he barks in a most pitiful way. He also barks like that whenever one of us isn’t right next to him. Breaks my heart.

What a wonderful companion! We planned our vacations around this crazy dog. He lived to swim, and swim he did. Several different dog beaches, streams in the Sierras, a muddy little pond in a dog training place near the house and a swimming pool at a fancy ass dog kennel out in the desert. Yeah, Dallas has had a great life.

As I promised.

Dallas was offered for adoption on a website. It turns out that his owner had married a woman who had two older dogs and Dallas was much too enthusiastic. Rather than admit his mistake, his owner agreed to put Dallas up for adoption. 10 different people wanted him and it turned into an essay contest on who would have given him the best life. Let’s just say I did very well in creative writing in high school, because I painted a picture of absolute dog Nirvana. We got the dog.

As it turned out, the life I promised for Dallas wasn’t that far off of the truth. I do have a big yard, I do have another dog for him to play with, I do buy the best dog food for him and I did take him to the school so he could play on a regular basis. I do work from home. I took him swimming, I took him camping, I gave him chewies and treats and all kinds of things because he liked them. Crazy dog loves olives. I made sure he always had them.

But now he’s lying next to me and he’s crying. He’s had dinner, treats, water, painkillers and steroids. I grilled him a steak for dinner. He doesn’t want me to pet him.

This is no way to live, and if I get to this point please put a bullet in my head.

There is a local lady who will take dogs at the end of their life and put them down. She actually comes to the house and everyone says she is wonderful, kind, and compassionate. I put in the call. She’ll be here tomorrow.

I know it’s the right thing to do. Why do I feel so terrible about it.

I'm so sorry. It's an awful choice, but you're making the right one.

Sorry for your impending loss, hope this all goes mercifully for Dallas.

I am so, so sorry, Steve. But you have given Dallas a fabulous life, and Dallas knows that you love him.

May his passing be easy. Hugs to you.

Oh how sad.

I feel so badly for you, but you did give him the best life ever, and he loves you.

He doesn't wanna live like this either.

HUGS, HUGS, AND MORE HUGS...

Awww. Sounds like you gave him a great life.

Oh Steve I’m so, so sorry. This is just hard. But you’re doing the right thing. I’m glad you have someone who will come to your home so Dallas can be at home and you with him.

Oh, Steve, I'm so sorry. Know that virtual hugs are going out to you, Dallas, and your family.

Very sad, Steve. It’s so tough when we have to part with our pets.

quote:

I know it’s the right thing to do. Why do I feel so terrible about it.

Because you're human ...

Oh, I am so sorry. What a wonderful life you have given Dallas.

I'm very sorry, Steve. You and Dallas were lucky to have each other. Now he's very lucky you can help him head off to the great swimming hole with peace, dignity, and love.

Hugs and treats.

I'm sorry, Steve.