A few days ago, I lifted our old dog, Blue, off the floor and as she hobbled across the living room, my nine year old son stood watch.
Our 14 year old Labrador has had bad hips for awhile, but recently one of her front legs went out and she’s had a tough time walking at all. After she and I had slowly passed through our porch, I let her out of the back door and turned to find my son standing there with tears in his eyes.
Before I could say anything he said, “Mom, my eyes are kind of watery.”
I knelt down and grabbed his shoulders. “What’s the matter, buddy?”
He replied, “Well, I’m sad for two reasons. Blue is hurting and she’s old, so I know that means she’s going to die soon.”
I nodded. “Yes, but after she dies she’s going to run and chase squirrels and bunnies again, just like she used to.”
His eyes widened, then he stuck his fingers under his glasses and wiped his tears away. Suddenly, a smile crept over his face and he said, “Wow! She’s going to have a blast in heaven!”
We love you, Blue and we’re wishing you tons of tennis balls and mailmen. Saying goodbye to you was one of the hardest things I have ever done, but I wouldn’t trade you being part of our family for anything.
Blue 4/17/98 – 4/26/12
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Piper of Love
((big hugs)) I’m so sorry Momo
I know she’s giving those squirrels hell now though.
Issa
Oh I’m so sorry.
Polly
Love to you all, Blue and all who loved her. In solidarity:
Zak
I’m so flipping sorry. xx.
LindsayDianne
The worst thing about pets is their short lives aren’t nearly long enough. <3 To the rainbow bridge she goes.
sizzle
My heart breaks for you. Losing a pet is one of the hardest thing.
Sending love.
Tara R.
I am so very sorry. Much love to you and your family.
Elizabeth
I’m so sorry.
Suebob
Aw baby. I’m crying for you and your dear Blue. May the fields be wide and the squirrels be many in heaven.
BusyDad
My beagle, Hunter, will take good care of Blue. He knows where all the best roadkill in heaven is. So sorry you all have to part with Blue, and it broke my heart to read this, but you gotta admit that he’ll love being able to eat all the chocolate he wants now.
Varda (SquashedMom)
Oh, babe, so sorry. Losing a beloved pet really is like losing a family member. Our cat is now 12 and I really need her to live forever, as Jake is so attached to her. I came here right after reading Mary/Barnmaven’s post on a brand new baby horse in her life. Circle of life. And many hugs to you.
Arnebya
I’m glad squirrel chasing can resume, albeit away from you.
Christina
It’s not fair that our pets have such fewer years than us. I’m sorry and hope that Blue is running free and wild now. I’m sure she had a fantastic life with you. ((hugs))
Amie
Aw man, I’m sorry.
P.S. If somebody tries to get you to read The Rainbow Bridge, don’t. At least not for awhile.
Melisa
Hugs to you. xoxoxoxo
Colleen
So very sorry for your loss.
Isla Murden-Shell
I’m so sorry Diane. The hardest thing I ever had to do was put down Jackie Boy. We had 5 of our children with us, all sobbing. The worst was watching my 21 year old son cry. Jack had slept at the foot of his bed for most of their lives. He was the best dog ever, well, until Punkin came along.
Amanda
Oh, but a dog without pain, what a precious vision. So, so sorry it can’t be happening in your yard.
Co-Pilot Mom
So sorry for your loss. I know how heartbreaking it is to say goodbye to a beloved dog. I hope that happy memories of Blue will comfort you and your family in the coming days.
Susan Getgood
Crying. So sorry. Been through this myself twice this year, with a 14 yo dog and then a 14 yo cat. So know, so sad for you all.
Amy
Love you.
NukeDad
Our Phoebe is up there! Black Lab, same story; her hips went out too. And, you’re right; it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.
Elisa Camahort Page
I’m so sorry.
Miss Britt
Aw, D. I am so sorry for all of you.
Nancy
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. I hope Blue’s passing was peaceful and painless. If he meets cats named Spencer, Missy, or Kooshee, he has my okay to give them a good chase.
dysfunctional mom
So very sorry for your family’s loss.
stardustdawn
Lots of {HUGS} and sloppy doggy kisses to you all. It is so hard to say goodbye to our fur babies.
Joan (SurprisedMom)
This breaks my heart. I’m sorry for all of you and your loss of Blue. Take care.
tracey
Sending you love, Diane. Blue sounds like a fabulous friend.
Amy
Will said it best,
“You’re my boy, Blue!”
They are so special, and they give us so much love during our short time together on this crazy planet. I know that gnawing feeling of loss in your stomach. When you’ve had a great one . . . there’s a void that will never be filled by anything or anyone else – they will own that part of your heart forever.
Sending you a big cyber-hug tonight.
HouseofJules
HUGE hugs, lady. I’m so sorry.
Liz @PeaceLoveGuac
I know that pain and it’s flat-out awful. Sending you big hugs. May the wonderful memories fill you up!
Vicki
Sigh… so sad. 🙁
Liz
Sending along extra hugs as well.
Jane G. Gaston
Earlier this year, my daughter had to put down Loki, her almost 15 year old boxer/great dane mix. He had such bad arthritis, the meds just didn’t help anymore. Loki is sorely missed, as he was the sweetest dog anyone could want, but at the same time, a great guard dog.
We know exactly how you feel Diane, and often think of Loki in heaven, frolicking with his tennis balls and squeaky toys, burying chew bones in the backyard, and pretending to be a lap dog at times.
Bless all their hearts for their unconditional love and loyalty.
Jane
Kathy
My heart goes out to you! I have two pups and my boy, Apollo, has been with me through the worst parts of my life. I love my pups like my kids too. May Blue have a never ending supply of pup treats and squirrels to chase.
Mishi
I know the pain. So sorry you are experiencing it.
Mishi
I know the pain. So sorry you are experiencing it.
moosh in indy.
Oh honey. All my love for the emptiness the loss of Blue left in your hearts. xoxo
lceel
Damn. Now I gotta blow my nose. Your son is SO cool. He handled that WAY better than I would have.
Always Home and Uncool
I know your pain too well, D. Blue will live on, not physically here but in your heart and mind. Be well. Kevin
Kathryn
This made my eyes watery too. I am so sorry. My first animal baby was a wonderful chocolate lab and losing him was the hardest thing. I am happy your sweet blue is up there chasing squirrels – maybe she’ll find a cool lab posse and my guy, Ranger.
twobusy
Sorry for your news. What a sweet pup.
Rita Arens
HUGS!
meleah rebeccah
I am so sorry for your loss, Momo. My WHOLE heart goes out to you.
Veronica
Thinking of you guys Di! Lots of love!!
BEAN
Oh my… Seeing those dates under the picture gave me chills. Hugs to you again, Mo — all of you.
And in addition to chasing squirrels up there, I’m sure she is happily getting into all the trash cans she desires! Xoxo
AliciaC
Oh, so sorry for your loss. What a great time Blue must be having in Heaven!
Tracy Beckerman
I was bawling before I got to the end of the post. We are coming up on that decision with out dog really fast and I can’t even think about it. My kids do not even remember a time when the dog wasn’t here. So sorry for your loss. I bet he was the best dog EVER!
Kathy
Aw, Diane. I’m so sorry to see this. I know it’s hard, but like you, I never want the inevitable pain to be the reason we don’t bring the joy of pets into our lives. Thinking of your family.
JR Reed
This makes me sad and is really making me think about my dog. She’s 10 and we’ve had her for nine years. She’s had problems getting in the back of my SUV and today after we went to the dog beach I had to pick her up and put her in the car and now she’s limping around the backyard. I hate seeing her in pain like that. Good luck to you and your family.
Poppy
🙁 I am so very sorry for your loss. Blue is a beautiful girl.
Gwen
I’m so sorry you had to say goodbye to Blue.
It sounds like she had a long and loving life with your family, though.
I’m sure you’ll see her again one day.
Erin Breagy Gross
So sorry for your loss. Sounds like Blue was an awesome dog!
Dee Dee
Sorry for your family’s loss. One of the hardest things ever that leaves one with such a heavy heart. Thinking of you and your family. Glad you provided Blue with such an awesome home!So many animals aren’t so blessed.
Yuliya
I am so sorry for your loss. We just found our three year old lab, Rory, has bone cancer so unfortunately I will be able to relate to this very soon.
Big hugs to all of you.
K A B L O O E Y
Oh, this is so sad. But at least your son knows you all made the decision that was best for Blue. The sweet boy… love to you all.
Fadra
I know the pain and loss all too well. It never gets any easier and yet it doesn’t keep us from loving unconditionally. So sorry for your loss. He looks like he was a good dog.
Rachel Blaufeld
I am so sorry that I missed — I am crying just reading it. We have a 13.5 year old lab and my 11 year old worries frequently about losing him. I am thinking of you.
Leila
We’re about to get a dog and this is ONE part of it that I am NOT looking forward to. I mean, I know it’s a part of life and all but they just WORM THEIR WAY into your hearts and when they leave it is CRUSHING. Just damn CRUSHING. Been there before so I know…condolences to all of you but I swear there IS an animal heaven and I’m sure Blue is up there having a blast with brand new hips and all. So sorry for you guys going through the pain of missing her…