[shcisamax]

Susan, I am really so sorry. And I am glad Bare was there with the right information at the right time. I hope each day brings a little less sadness in your loss and your memories will soon bring no tears but smiles and peace.

[ladylake1]

I know how difficult it is when you have to "let go." You make the choice that is best for your beloved pet despite the pain it will cause. My condolences on the loss of Midnight.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Susan G

Last Friday I attended the TOTV luncheon at Crispers. As destiny would have it, Barefoot showed up and I moved to her table and struck up a conversation with her regarding my 17 year old cocker, Midnight. I asked Bare if she knew of any vets that would come to my home when it was time for Midnight to be put to rest.

She recommended Dr. Angel Smith, DVM of Healthy Pet The Mobile Vet (352-470-9537). I contacted Dr. Smith a few days later and she examined both of my dogs on Wednesday at my home. Midnight was diagnosed with canine lymphoma in Nov 2013 and it was an aggressive cancer. Wed. evening, he struggled, so I contacted Dr. Smith by email and got a callback early this morning. A few hours later, she was at my house and put my tired boy to eternal sleep while my neighbor (tainsley) and I comforted him. It was quick and peaceful and Dr. Smith and her vet tech, Dana, transported him to the crematorium afterwards.

My fellow TOTV'ers I share this with you for two reasons:
(1) Many in our TOTV community will face the same dilemma one day and it is best to be prepared with a plan.
(2) Midnight was rescued at the age of 11 1/2 years old from the SPCA in New Orleans...so please consider adopting a senior pup. I'm sure there are MANY deserving animals to be had as our friends and neighbors in TV pass on.

I feel confident recommending Dr. Angel Smith, DVM to anyone needing either mobile/at your home vet service or for that special time when it is time to let go.... Peace, Susan

Oh Susan, when you asked me for a Mobile Vet recommendation, I hoped it would be a long time before Midnight had to pass to the other side. I am so sad to hear that it happened this week. I know that it takes a chunk out of a pet lover's heart, each time a pet passes over the rainbow bridge.

In talking with you, I shared my reservations with you about adopting an older pet. And you shared your views with me. I am inspired by your generosity of spirit. I know that my next adoption will be an older dog. Midnight was lucky to have a wonderful Mom, and I'm sure that he brought much happiness and joy into your life.

I agree that Angel Smith is a very compassionate vet. When Brutus was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2010, she came to my home to decide on treatment. Unfortunately he started having seizures and went downhill fast. At the time, Fireboy was still working in Canada. Brutus was having difficulty in walking, and I couldn't carry him because he weighed 70 lbs. I had to make the decision myself to let Brutus pass. Angel Smith came to my home to euthanize him. I was able to lie on the floor and hold him in my arms. His passing was very peaceful. And I was able to sob my heart out without having to walk through a crowded Vet's office and drive home.

Susan, I think you've made two important points in your post. Thank you for sharing your story with us. And please accept my sympathies. It was a pleasure to meet you at the TOTV lunch. I hope I get to see you again soon.

[GeoGeo]

So sorry for your loss. You have my deepest sympathy. I'm sending you a BIG hug.

[maryanna630]

How wonderful that you both had each other. We are none of us young anymore and what a gift we can give to an older rescue animal. I hope when I die that I meet all of my wonderful pets waiting at the rainbow bridge. Every bit of love matters!

[tippyclubb]

My heart goes out to you. I avoided reading this thread for days because I knew it would bring back sad memories of losing pets.

A few years ago a friend sent a card with this poem shortly after losing Tink & Morgan within a few weeks of each other. This poem will make you cry but at the end your heart will be happy knowing you will be reunited with Midnight again.

The Rainbow Bridge Poem - The beautiful journey of a pet after death.

[Schaumburger]

Susan and lovsthosebigdogs, I am so sorry for your recent losses. Your fur babies will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge. Adopting my senior kitty, Molly, in June last year helped to ease the pain of having to put Magic, my first kitty, to sleep in April last year. For those of you looking to adopt a pet, consider opening your heart and home to a senior pet.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by Schaumburger

Susan and lovsthosebigdogs, I am so sorry for your recent losses. Your fur babies will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge. Adopting my senior kitty, Molly, in June last year helped to ease the pain of having to put Magic, my first kitty, to sleep in April last year. For those of you looking to adopt a pet, consider opening your heart and home to a senior pet.

Schaumburger, I am glad to hear that you and Molly are still an item! I remember when you first got her how patient you had to be. Makes me happy to hear about her.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by CFrance

Schaumburger, I am glad to hear that you and Molly are still an item! I remember when you first got her how patient you had to be. Makes me happy to hear about her.

I think it is absolutely stellar when people adopt older animals. After talking with Susan about my reservations, I now know that there will be a senior dog in my future.

Schaumburger, I remember that when you first adopted Molly, she was shy. Can you bring us up to date?

[ronsroni]

Thanks for rescuing your senior baby. What a thoughtful; generous act of love.
Like others, I am sure, I wept openly for you and am recalling when I laid with our Buddy for the last time and eased him off to a pain-free place. So much love and devotion requiring nothing in return.
See him at the bridge!

[Boudicca]

So sorry to read of your loss, but many thanks for sharing the information we might need one day. Our two dogs, Meg and Bear, are rescue pets, and are now quite senior at age 14 each. While currently in good health and great condition, and 14 years is a good age I hope they have many more to share with us. Like us, they are a bit slow in the morning, but their days are filled with fun and comfort.

[Crowder]

Thanks Susan for the info. We have an old gentleman Irish Setter and appreciate your recommendation for the future.

We are sorry for your loss.

[Golfingnut]

Loosing Kirby 4 years ago is still painful to think about. Kirby was 17 at the time. Now we are concerned about Mr. Buster

Busty is now 18 years old, blind and deaf. Do to this thread, we also contacted this Dr. She came to our house, examined Buster and said his is otherwise still quite strong. We will take it day by day, but are very thankful to be on Angels patient roster. She is a true Saint.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Golfingnut

Loosing Kirby 4 years ago is still painful to think about. Kirby was 17 at the time. Now we are concerned about Mr. Buster Attachment 36227

Busty is now 18 years old, blind and deaf. Do to this thread, we also contacted this Dr. She came to our house, examined Buster and said his is otherwise still quite strong. We will take it day by day, but are very thankful to be on Angels patient roster. She is a true Saint.

Angel is a very compassionate Vet. She cried and hugged me after I had Brutus euthanized. It must be difficult for her sometimes.

Golfingnut, I really like the way you are so loving and protective of Mr. Buster. He is very lucky to have you for his human, and I'm sure he has brought you much joy over the years.

[Golfingnut]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

Angel is a very compassionate Vet. She cried and hugged me after I had Brutus euthanized. It must be difficult for her sometimes.

Golfingnut, I really like the way you are so loving and protective of Mr. Buster. He is very lucky to have you for his human, and I'm sure he has brought you much joy over the years.

Oh, I am the beneficiary of the relationship I had with Kirby and now have with Mr. Buster. These guys had the same parents just a few years apart but both with such gentle spirits. We have received so very much having them in our lives. I have Kirby's ashes on my bedroom night stand. She is there waiting for her brother. When Buster is ready to join her, I plan to build them a special place for them to be together again. Call me an old fool, but that is what I plan to do in my way of a final thank you to them both for all they have given so freely to us.

Lou