[Callum]

Really is horrible. I'm sure others on here have experienced it too. My dog is only 9, I didn't expect him to die yet. He is a German shepherd though and apparently they tend to die around this age. He is the softest German shepherd you could meet, not aggressive or nasty in the slightest and any loud noise frightens him.

I keep praying for some sort of miracle to happen and for him to get better. I didn't even think it was anything serious but his back legs have gone and he's hardly eating or drinking anymore. He's a shadow of his former self.

It makes me so sad to see him like this. I think he is in pain because he keeps crying a lot but part of me doesn't want to accept that. I have always been very close to my dog, I went to collect him when he was a puppy and I've always enjoyed taking him on walks. He's always been loved by the entire family. I know the time will come soon when we have to have him put to sleep and I'm dreading that so much. Dogs are always happy to see you and show you love and compassion all their lifetimes. They are such amazing animals.

[billy123]

So sorry Callum its so hard they become such a part of the family it almost seems wrong that dogs dont live as long as us.
It broke my heart when i had to have my yorkshire terrier put down that i had grown up with and never away from my side but all you can do is let the vet decide what is best for him im sure he has had a great life and appreciates you for making it the best time ever.

[Suze]

Oh Callum Have you taken him to the vets yet? Although it doesn't sound good I had a dog once whose legs went like that and then he just got worse If they are suffering in any way, it is much kinder to let them go, however much it hurts to do so, rather than them suffer

I had to have my rabbit put to sleep last October, I cried for a long time But knew I was doing the right thing, I made his last day as happy as I could, made him warm, comfortable, plenty of cuddles, food he liked and could just about still eat, then took him to the vets, and kissed him goodbye. He was eight and a half years old.

Yes, I echo what Bobnot says about them having a good life. It feels a little less harsh to let them go then, as you know they were well looked after and had a happy life.

[Callum]

Originally Posted by Suze

Oh Callum Have you taken him to the vets yet? Although it doesn't sound good I had a dog once whose legs went like that and then he just got worse If they are suffering in any way, it is much kinder to let them go, however much it hurts to do so, rather than them suffer

I had to have my rabbit put to sleep last October, I cried for a long time But knew I was doing the right thing, I made his last day as happy as I could, made him warm, comfortable, plenty of cuddles, food he liked and could just about still eat, then took him to the vets, and kissed him goodbye. He was eight and a half years old.

Yes, I echo what Bobnot says about them having a good life. It feels a little less harsh to let them go then, as you know they were well looked after and had a happy life.

Yes, my parents have taken him a couple of times and I think he has this condition called degenerative myelopathy. It's very common in German shepherd dogs. It's horrible seeing him like this, he wouldn't even walk down to the end of our street the other night.

I am sorry to hear that. I've never had to deal with losing a pet before really. We had another German shepherd dog when I was a baby and I've been told that he used to guard over me when I slept. He was hit by a car at the age of 5 sadly and had to be put to sleep but I don't remember none of that.

I think that he has had a nice life, he's always been taken on nice long walks and been very well cared for. This is the first time he's properly been ill. He's become like part of the family, everyone in the family will miss him sorely.

[joeysteele]

This is really sad to read Callum, I have a Dog and dread the day coming where that decision may have to be made. He is now just coming up to 5.

Your Dog sounds so special, you have obviously had great times with him and you are now there with him in his difficult time now.
You are right,their loyalty to you is never questioned, always pleased to see and hear you and there all the time you want them to be.

Try to be strong Callum and for sure he clearly has a great friend in you as it is clear you think the World of him,as you say too, they become one of the family.
Thinking of you.

[thesheriff443]

this is the painful side of life when a person or pet that you love dearly is suffering and there is not thing you can do about it,
you have given him a great life!there are plenty that dont get that.
my brother had to have his dog put down after 18 years in our years!
it feels like you are killing them,but dont let your dog suffer,be strong and let him be free from pain.

[Kazanne]

Callum I really feel for you,I have lost beloved dogs and it's heartbreaking and it is so sad they haven't got a longer lifespan,all you can do is be happy for the memories you and the dog have and know that you have given him a great life,that is all you can do,lots of cuddles and when the time is right you will know,I have a King Charles spaniel who has tablets for his heart everyday and he is about 7 and have been told their life span is only 8/10 years so I worry about him,but I just try and do my best by him.I feel for you and your buddy.Lordy now I'm getting upset,what are we like?

[Vanessa]

My dog also died of old age. His name was Oliver. We got him as a puppy.

[Callum]

Thanks everyone for the nice sentiments. Taking him to the vets soon, he's in too much pain. He's been wailing all night and he can hardly walk now. I'm going to find it really hard to stay strong at the vets but I was there when we went to pick him up and I want to be with him when he passes.

[Livia]

I'm so sorry Callum. It's a very hard thing to go through. It's no comfort right now, but the truth is a dog's life cycle is shorter than our own, and your dog has been very fortunate to have had such a happy loving home. You gave him the best dog life... you were lucky to have each other x

[Marc]

Sorry Callum, I know how it feels as we've lost a few beloved dogs. I hope for some sort of miracle for you buddy

[Callum]

I've just come back from the vets where he was put to sleep. He was in too much pain, it would have been selfish to keep him alive.

He went nicely though, the vets allowed him to stay lying in the back of our car and I sat by him all the way through. They had to put a muzzle on him because he showed his teeth at the lady but it could have been worse. He was finding it so hard to walk at the end, he couldn't have walked to the vets and he was far too big of a dog to carry.

I'm just glad that he's not in any pain anymore. Doesn't mean I won't miss him terribly though, he was much more than just a pet, he was a friend to me and the whole family.

They asked me if I wanted to keep his ashes and I said yes. Not sure on where I'm going to scatter them yet.

[Vanessa]

Originally Posted by Callum

I've just come back from the vets where he was put to sleep. He was in too much pain, it would have been selfish to keep him alive.

He went nicely though, the vets allowed him to stay lying in the back of our car and I sat by him all the way through. They had to put a muzzle on him because he showed his teeth at the lady but it could have been worse. He was finding it so hard to walk at the end, he couldn't have walked to the vets and he was far too big of a dog to carry.

I'm just glad that he's not in any pain anymore. Doesn't mean I won't miss him terribly though, he was much more than just a pet, he was a friend to me and the whole family.

They asked me if I wanted to keep his ashes and I said yes. Not sure on where I'm going to scatter them yet.

Awwwww! I'm so sorry.

[Kazanne]

Originally Posted by Callum

I've just come back from the vets where he was put to sleep. He was in too much pain, it would have been selfish to keep him alive.

He went nicely though, the vets allowed him to stay lying in the back of our car and I sat by him all the way through. They had to put a muzzle on him because he showed his teeth at the lady but it could have been worse. He was finding it so hard to walk at the end, he couldn't have walked to the vets and he was far too big of a dog to carry.

I'm just glad that he's not in any pain anymore. Doesn't mean I won't miss him terribly though, he was much more than just a pet, he was a friend to me and the whole family.

They asked me if I wanted to keep his ashes and I said yes. Not sure on where I'm going to scatter them yet.

I have all my dogs ashes Callum and my wish is for them to be scattered with mine when the time comes.You did the right thing for the old boy xxxx

[Redway]

Sorry to hear that, Callum.

Just remember that he's in a better place now.

[Marc]

Aw sorry Callum

The pain gets better to deal with after a while, just keep thinking to yourself that he was in pain and he's better off now. He had a good life, no doubt

[Livia]

I'm so sorry Callum. If only all dogs were so loved, and had an owner like you. Your dog was very lucky... and when you feel a little better - and you will - you will remember all the good times you had.

[mizzy25]

so sorry to hear this. but u have done the right thing, remember all the good times. RIP little one run free xxx

[AnnieK]

Aw...sorry to hear about this...

At least he was well loved right until the end.

[Munchkins]

I am so sorry, losing a dog is one of the worst feelings possible, and only fellow dog owners can truly understand how they become one of the family, and much loved
Take care in the fact that he had an amazing life with you
My family got the ashes back from our dog, in a lovely memorial stone.

[Jordan.]

Sorry for your loss Callum, I had a German Shepard and the exact same thing happened to her

[Callum]

Thanks everyone. I just feel so devastated by it all, it happened so fast. Just 3 weeks ago I was taking him on long walks and now he's no longer here. Part of me even thought he would get better. It doesn't feel real. My house feels empty without him here.

[Livia]

Aw Callum... I wish there was something I could say to make you feel better. I am so very sorry x

[joeysteele]

Really sorry to hear that Callum, you sound like you handled the last moments really well and stayed with him to the very last moment.
Really thinking of you and I myself even feel really sad now.

[Doogle]

I can relate to this, I lost a dog last year to leukemia, but we had no idea until about 3 weeks before. It's seriously heartbreaking. I'm really sorry you had to experience this