RIP Domino

[jnicholson]

In one hour I'm taking my 16 year old Lab Domino to the vet to be put down. She can barely walk and now her bladder is failing, starting to urinate blood, etc ... She dying of old age. The oldest lab I have ever heard of.

The boys left for school crying and my wife took a couple trips back from her car giving the old girl hugs and kisses.

I get the ominous duty of taking her to the vet.

I dug her final resting place in the backyard this morning and picked out a fuzzy blanket to wrap her in and bring her back from the the last trip in the car.

I'm 48 years old and unfortunately been at this point with with many of my old dogs. Old age is tough. When to let go and euthanize is not and easy thing but after a few dogs you get a little better idea of how long to wait. We are now there with Domino .

My boys weren't even born when we rescued this dog. She has lived a great life and has always been the perfect household dog. For several years we hunted together and she she picked out more than her share of pheasants. She really loved to chase down the geese in the field and if I missed too many times she would run out into the decoys and run circles out of frustration. If there was ice on the water she always made me go in a little bit before she retrieved the ducks. I used to blame it on that little bit of husky in her.

Her fur has soaked up many tears over the years and she has been with us for many more happy times than sad.

Her favorite naughty thing to do was to wander off at the cabin for an hour or so exploring. She gave us fits at first but after a while we let her do her thing.

We were at the cabin this weekend and she went on her last walk about.
I followed right behind her the whole time. Her legs could barely make it but she went out for one last small 50 yard exploration sniff. Even though I was 20 yards behind her she couldn't hear me and she didn't know I was there. I wanted the old girl to make it on her own. She did.

We will miss her.

Nicholson Family Labs

[DogZilla15]

Let's hope there's a place where you can meet again some day...

[Linejerk]

Very sorry to hear that, my thoughts are with you and your family

[huntumup]

My heart is hurting for you and your family. God bless our dogs. Hunt.

[Eagleclaw]

My thoughts and prays go to you and your family.. I had to do that with my lab a few years ago.. it was the hardest thing i've ever had to do.

[Old Guys Rule]

My heart goes out to you and your family. I had to do the same thing with our 15 year old lab a few years ago. It is the most difficult thing you will ever do but the most humane act as there is only suffering left for your companion and family member. As the caregiver, you know when it is time, but it is NEVER easy. My prayers are with you and your family.

[sprigkiller09]

Very sorry to hear that John. Worst and hardest decision you ever have to make. Please keep as many positive thoughts, memories of ol domino as you can despite this heartbreaking time. I give my best to the nicholson family!!

[oregonmuley]

Sorry about that - its a tough call but I understand. I've got an old chocolate lab thats about 13-14 and will have to make that call soon also.
I feel for you.

[billc_sbio]

Yeah, that's really tough.

(and I'm going to have to do it again here pretty soon)

Sorry you have to do this also...it's real tough.

Just know she'll be in a better place than she is right now.

So sad...

[Rauly]

John I am sorry to hear this. I know the feelings you will be going through. Prayers to you and family.

[Teton]

John, my condolences. These great companions don't live long enough. They become part of our lives, and get close to our hearts, and are gone. All the memories in the field, in the blind, and in your family will stay forever though.

Dave

[jokester]

So sorry to hear about this Even though you're doing the right thing, it still doesn't help with the pain you feel. It's hard to let them go for sure!

-jokester

[Benny]

It sounds like Domino gave you some of the best years of her life, and that you gave her the best home she could have asked for.

I'm sorry to hear about such a loss and I hope you and your family can spend those hours this evening remembering how great she was and how she'll always be loved.

[Amahnee]

So hard to let go. I dread the day I must do this. Hopefully I'll go first...

My thoughts are with you and your family.

[mritech]

I went through this just a few months ago. My lab was 15 and had similar symptoms. It truly was one of the toughest things I have ever had to do but owed to her to be by her side during the process. My vet even told me I owed it to her, I am glad I was the last person her eyes laid upon as she drifted off. Brings a tear to my just to revisit it. Most men will have to do this to the family pet at one time or another and it is hard to be the one to call the time but to watch a dog suffer is not fair to the animal. Good luck to you.

[Bait O' Eggs]

Sorry to hear about your lab.

This morning I got to try and explain to my daughter why her bunny didnt make it thru the night. I dropped her off at school with a pretty long face.

[goosegunner]

John I'm so sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

[CamoHunter]

Sorry for your loss.
Remember all the good memories your family had with her.



Camo

[rem721]

all of us who have been through this know what you are feeling... sounds like the memories will be with you forever. RIP Domino.

[EMO870]

A dog’s prayer



Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps fall upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.

And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest - and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

RIP Domino

[CombinationLicense]

I echo the kind words and thoughts from the posts above John. Your many stories of the adventures that you share with your dogs and family make it clear that your dogs live a great life. Take solace in knowing that you did the right thing, I'm sure your old girl appreciated it.

"CL"

[jnicholson]

Thank you friends.

For those of you that haven't had to do this it is very humane, don't be afraid of it. I went to Battleground Veterinary Hospital. I took a big fuzzy blanket with me a laid her on it on the table.

I stayed with Domino the whole time and hugged her. The staff there was very understanding. The vet shaved a small area on her back leg and gave her a shot. There was no pain, she didn't even flinch. Her body relaxed and she went limp immediantly. The vet listens for her heart beat for a while and then I wrapped her up in the blanket and took her home.

And no, I wasn't the stoic rock that society expects us men to be. I cried and talked to her as I said good bye. Two assistants had to leave the room because they started crying with me. Men and their hunting dogs, what can you say?

She was a great dog and now she lays beside another great dog in our back yard.

John

[OB1]

So sorry for your loss.

[Tulelicious]

John

Very Sorry for your loss, hang in there and keep the memories alive.

[Erich_870]

Very sorry for your family's loss.

Erich

[Lift Gate Gus]

John I feel your pain. I too have experienced the exact same thing at the Vet as you just had. It is a very humane thing to do Domino is in a much, much better place.
Today is a day to celebrate all of the good times you and your family experienced with Domino.
My thoughts go out to you and your family.

[slowdawg]

Man just reading this brought tears to my eyes. I have had to put three of of our pets down. The man who can do this and not cry like a baby is a lot tougher than I am. I have great memories of all our pets.


Wayne

[TTFishon]

Reading this thread brings a tear to my eyes too. Sorry for your loss.

[James in Idaho]

Jim:

Went through this a couple of years ago with an almost 17 year old lab. Not an easy task. I look at my 12 year old chessie Bob, this is the first year I have to help him into the truck, and most likely his last hunting year, he's just getting too deaf. But the ol guy is still game, he's not too sure about the 11 week old pup Cerb yet. You gave Domino a lot of great years, and you were with her at the end. That's all that counts anyway.

[jmshave]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Sounds like she was a great dog and that you enabled her to live a great life.

[threecreeks]

Sorry John and family.


Two of the greatest gifts I've ever been given. Our hearts go out to you.

[whtelk]

I too have been in your shoes, All ways so very hard.

[uhmw]

Sounds like domino lived a very full life. Alot of dogs dont make it that long. My lab is 10 and has really slowed down. I would be estatic if he was around for a few more years. Sorry for your familys loss its the hardest part about owning a pet.

[dfontana]

Excellent post, it definitely touched me, I'm very sorry for you.

[stlhdr1]

Wow, that's hard to read for a guy that just got his first lab and new best friend... I hope to share as many memorable moments as you have with Domino. Rest in Peace!

Keith

[Limbhanger]

John,

I cant find the right words, so I just want to say hang in there to you and your family. Get Bucky out soon and give him lots of atta boys.

[duckboy]

So sorry to hear of your family's loss.
You know,
there is no way that dog could have lived with better folks


followed right behind her the whole time. Her legs could barely make it but she went out for one last small 50 yard exploration sniff. Even though I was 20 yards behind her she couldn't hear me and she didn't know I was there. I wanted the old girl to make it on her own. She did.

she will be right behind you and your family until you are all together again,
don't fret
There will not be sadness for her, just joy and excitement in waiting upon reunion

a dog's spirit will wait for you forever.

Best to you and your family and happy memories that you can all share about the great dog that lead a great life.
t

[Joe Schwab]

So sorry to hear about your companion. I just did the same thing with our 15 year old. The best thing you can do is find someone to talk to about it. Only another dog owner can understand. I know what you went thru at the vet. I held our dog and carried her out. A lady was in the waiting room and when she realized what had just taken place she started to cry along with us. It was very touching.

Before we took her in I read an article about the procedure. The comforting part was the pet knows nothing about what is going to occur. So there is no anxiety on their part. Just peaceful relief.

Best of luck to you and your family.

[The Bad Fish]

This is the most painful thing you will have to do, making the choice is so hard, but freeing your best friend from their pain in a humane way is the best choice, if you feel like you need someone to talk to i'm here for you.


I had to put my 10 year old beagle down in march, The vet that administered the shot cried with me and my wife, Joni held zeb in a blanket and we petted him and he seemed at peace, it went really fast. some real morons say " it's just a dog" he was just a dog ,and probably more important to me than most of my immediate family, you did the right thing, dove lewis has a great program for coping with the loss of a pet, about a month later I went to a great tattoo artist in the pearl and had a portrait of zeb tattoo'd on my right calf, now he walks with me everywhere just like the old days. cherish the moments you spent together, they are very special.

[Headhunter]

I wish I could be as good a friend as my dog is. Always happy to see me, always in a good mood, always wanting to please....we can learn a lot from our K9 friends. John I feel for you and your family.

[steelheadslayer]

John,
A sad day at your house for sure. I feel your pain going through this just last year. My thoughts and condolences with you and your family at this grievous time.

[Steelie28]

Man, I don't even know what to say except I'm very sorry for your loss. I'm dreading the day I have to do same, hopefully it's a ways down the road. A prost to Domino, may she rest in peace....

[scapmando]

Our family will be dealing with this probably in the coming year. The kids have always known our 'top' dog. My wife was the one that had to take the two previous dogs in years ago and this time is my turn to go through this. I tear up thinking about it already.

Whoever said "I wish I could be as good of a friend as my dog" sure hit that one on the nail.

[girlzluvfishin]

RainbowsBridge.com
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...

[goforchrome]

Originally Posted by jnicholson

Thank you friends.

For those of you that haven't had to do this it is very humane, don't be afraid of it. I went to Battleground Veterinary Hospital. I took a big fuzzy blanket with me a laid her on it on the table.

I stayed with Domino the whole time and hugged her. The staff there was very understanding. The vet shaved a small area on her back leg and gave her a shot. There was no pain, she didn't even flinch. Her body relaxed and she went limp immediantly. The vet listens for her heart beat for a while and then I wrapped her up in the blanket and took her home.

And no, I wasn't the stoic rock that society expects us men to be. I cried and talked to her as I said good bye. Two assistants had to leave the room because they started crying with me. Men and their hunting dogs, what can you say?

She was a great dog and now she lays beside another great dog in our back yard.

John

Congrats for a great relationship.
Consider how many people and dogs never get to experience what you, Domino and your family got to enjoy.
This is what Thanksgiving means to me.
And never be ashamed of your tears.
Regards,
GFC

[Rank Amateur]

John, so sorry for your families loss, but be assured that Domino could have had no better of a person for a master.

[STRUTTIN-1]

John,You know my story.My goes out to you and yours.I still get misty eyed thinking of Jake.I feel your pain.Bird hunting has not been the same.

Men and their hunting dogs.Doent matter what we do they love us anyway.Feel blessed and thankful for the bond you had.You will meet again.

[VO2Max]

I feel for you and for your family. With a 12yr old English Black Lab who is deaf and slowly losing his sight I am a bit choked up just thinking about my own dog's fate. However, you have been a great owner I am sure and have treated that dog to so many great things in it's life. Although short, they sure do know how to live well don't they!

I can only hope that my new pup, Hank, is as good a dog as our older dog Lucas is/was.

Best wishes,
ERIK

[riverraider]

Oh man...now I'm crying.

God Bless...
Brett

[Oregon_moose]

John im so sorry to hear this news! my heart goes out to you and whole family. sounds like you have many great memories with domino that you can look back with fondness. reading the part of domino's last walk at the cabin hit me pretty hard cause i did the same with my old lab last year she was also 16, she was never happier then on those walks as im sure domino was the same way. again sorry for your lost, give bucky, shy, and huggy bear a good rub down form my family and i. if you need anything let me know

warm wishes from andy and moose

[StevenB]

Thanks for sharing in your loss of Domino.

I think rescued animals do all they can to rescue those who have rescued them.

It's never good to hold back real tears, a real laugh, or a sneeze for that matter.

Steven

[Don Fischer]

My heart goes out to you guys. On the up side she had a good long life. They don't do that unless they get really good care. Your family must be a hell of a good place to live as a dog!

[ogrejager]

You have my sympathies, John.

[rimrock]

A great dog...and a great owner. Sorry for your loss.

[Don Fischer]

Originally Posted by DogZilla15

Let's hope there's a place where you can meet again some day...

If ya believe there is. It's called Rainbow bridge.

................................Time is................................

Too slow for those who wait,
Too swift for those who fear,
Too long for those who grieve,
Too short for those who rejoice'
But for those who love,
time is not.


There is a bridge connecting heaven and earth,
It is called the rainbow Bridge because of it's many colors.
Just this side of the Rainbow bridge is a land of medows, hills
and valleys. all of it covered with lush green grass.

When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this lovely land.
There is always food and water and warm spring weather.
There, the old and frail animals are young again.
Those who are maimed are made whole once more. They play
all day with each other, content and comfortable.

There is only one thing missing, they are not with the special
person who loved them on earth. So each day they run and
play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and
looks up! Then. the nose twitches! The ears are up! The eyes
are staring! You have been seen, and that one suddenly runs
from the group.

You take him or her in your arms and embrace. Your face is
kissed again and again and again, and you look once more into
the eyes of your trusting pet. Then, together, you cross the
Rainbow Bridge, never again to be seperated.

Paul C. Dahm


I lost my pointer, Otis, on Christmas eve last year, he was just short of 16yrs. When he was gone my ex-wifw sent me this. I have a hord waithing at the bridge and I believe it's really there!

[Seefood Man]

Your not the only one with tears in their eyes. So sorry for your loss.

[RODACTION]

I am so sorry to hear this John, I know how much you love, and care for your 4 legged family members.

My best to you, and "all" of your family during this time.

Ken and Ginger

[StinkyFish]

Domino, Rest in Peace. Your Family Loved You very much

[jr5575]

It took me till just now to bring myself to read this post; I knew it would bring tears to my eyes I have had my lab for about 7 months, he is about 10 months old now and already I cant imagine loosing my best friend

Everything said in this post has been great and my best wishes go out to you and your family

[blackdog]

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Just reading this has brought tears to my eyes. It's obvious Domino had a great family and it sounds like lead a great life.

I will certainly be giving my 12 year old Lab an extra long hug tonight.