RIP Caly, my 'lab assistant'

[ajbrown]

Last week I called Paws and scheduled to have Caly put down at our home. We wanted it to be as comfortable as possible for her. She made it to 14 plus years, a new record for us with big dogs. It is time, the breathing labored, the back legs are not strong enough to get up most of the time, she sleeps all day. She is in no obvious pain, she still eats and plays (as long as she does not have to move), I sure wish she could speak English to assure me of my decision :cryin2:

It was a strange feeling after I made that call. Not the 'putting a dog down part', as all dog owner's deal with that, but to have an appointment on my calendar when someone would come to our home and Caly would be gone.

The day has arrived, ham and eggs for breakfast, steak for lunch, Haagen-Dazs ice cream for desert and cookies all day. As the hour approaches, I want to cancel, but I know that is not common sense, my challenge is remain calm and unemotional so she simply thinks her vet coming over to see her.

The team from Paws was wonderful.

I share this as Caly used to contribute to TOTV as my lab assistant. She had the luck of getting to TV when it was one big dog park during construction (2007). We risked our reputations committing felonies because we wanted to see the latest developments. To clarify, there were signs that said trespassing past this point was a felony. I am sure glad we took the chance. We have seen some amazing things and have been in many of your homes before they were finished (sorry). It has been a while since she was strong enough to stand in the cart. I sure miss those rides and now I sure miss her, it will take some time before I can utter her name without my eyes welling.

I share a couple of links for friends. Be warned there quite a few pictures.

This one is a slideshow:

Caly Memories Slideshow by ajbrown2007 | Photobucket (http://s1002.photobucket.com/user/ajbrown2007/slideshow/Caly%20Memories)

This one are the same photos, but it is what photo bucket calls a Story where a bunch of pictures are displayed:

Caly Memories Story by Alan Brown (ajbrown2007) | Photobucket (http://s1002.photobucket.com/user/ajbrown2007/Caly%20Memories/story)

[Bonny]

Aw, so sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful girl.
It's so hard when we lose one of our fur babies, especially when we have to do it. :sad:
We have had to do that many times in the past. I would never let one of my fur babies suffer.
Your fur baby is now frolicking with everyone's fur babies over the rainbow bridge.

[Bonnevie]

one can certainly see she was part of the family in a big way. can't beat those Labs.

[Skip2MySue]

So sorry for your loss and the hole in your heart. I too have experienced the losses over the years of our furry family members. No matter how many times I've read this it always brings things into a clearer picture.
Skip 2

The Rainbow Bridge

The Rainbow Bridge Just this side of heaven is a place called the Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to the 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 the Rainbow Bridge together
.... Author unknown...
*

[graciegirl]

AJ. I am so sorry.

Caly was so lucky to share her life with you. I could only look at a few of the pictures before they got all blurry.

Lucky Caly. Lucky you. Lucky us to love our fur kids.

So very sorry A.J. I know she will be waiting on the rainbow bridge, but now she is running and playing and she is young again.

[BAT777]

Awww AJ I am so so sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful girl and she obviously had a wonderful life with you after looking at the pictures you shared. What a nice Tribute to her. I help rescue dogs that never have a good life so when I see pictures like this it is so good to see. Hugs.. Thank you :)

[angiefox10]

With tears streaming down my face, I send you the most sincere condolences.... We all enjoyed you and Cali romping south of 466A as our homes were being built! Giving us the updates on what was going on over here when we couldn't be here to see it. She will be missed by all of us.

Run free Cali... We will all meet you at the bridge...

Sending love to you and your family as you deal with the hole in your heart and your home.

[msendo]

AJ, I am truly sorry for your loss and the emptiness that you are feeling. After reading your and Caly's story, it was most difficult to read it aloud to my husband, as we have two big fur balls of our own. Thank you for sharing those precious pictures.

[Taltarzac725]

I remember many of you TOTVers helping me out when I took Sport into Buffalo Ridge Animal Hospital around April of 2014 to put him to rest. Still a very hard thing to see life leave your true love. We picked up Beau five days after that and, guess what, he is a spitting image of Sport. Very different personality though.

My condolences for Caly. Sport was my life assistant. Now Beau is.

[Trayderjoe]

Please accept my condolences for your loss. The toughest part of having a furry friend is saying goodbye for their trip across the "rainbow bridge", but at least we had the chance to make a difference in their lives as much as they make in ours.

[GeoGeo]

AJ, so sorry for your loss. I get teary-eyed just reading about it. It is so unfair that they can't live as long as we do. You know they bring such great joy to our lives, but then there is the flip side.....they bring great sorrow. Just realize you were very blessed to have shared each others lives for the time that was given. As far as having to put your beloved furry family member down, it is so hard to do. But you know when it is time. It is the final act of love. Prayers that your broken heart eventually mends.

[jojo]

What a beautiful tribute to Caly with wonderful memories.

[marianne237]

Sorry for your loss. We went through that in August on my birthday with my darling Jack Russell, Scooter. Our fur babies are part of the family and it's not easy letting them go. I reminded Scooter though, not to pick any fights with all the other puppies holding a space open for me. There are so many and I think of them often.
You are not alone in your feelings and the empty spot in the house will be felt for awhile. Peace to Caly and you.

[obxgal]

So sorry for your lose AJ. Thank your for sharing Caly's life journey with us. My condolences to you and your family.

[jgm3279]

"I know that you can't see me,
but trust me I'm right here.
Although I'm up in heaven,
my love for you stays near."

So sorry for your loss.

[Phanatic Luvr]

I'm sorry for your loss. Caly was obviously one of the lucky ones. You gave her a good life. Hopefully, she is romping and playing with others, waiting to see you again.

[Bosoxfan]

What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful girl.I feel your pain my friend.You did what was best for her in life and in the end. Tough decision but definitely the right one��

[CFrance]

I am so sorry for your loss of Caly. Words can't make the hurt go away; just time can dull it. I fear we will have to make that decision sometime soon with our 15.5 yr-old rescue. It would be so much easier for them to decide on their own, but we can't let them suffer. I wonder if Caly was in my house. It would be blessed if she was. RIP, Caly.

[ajbrown]

As I posted, the folks from Paws were wonderful. I was thinking what a tough job they have, I could tell that even they were emotional as they helped us through it. Knowing it is the right thing to do does not make it easier. This is our third girl in our 34 year marriage. Hard to say if we have another one in us…

No doubt we were blessed to have had Caly in our home.

Thanks so much for your thoughts… I was doing fine until I read all of your heartfelt posts and now my eyes are leaking again.

[Polar Bear]

Wonderful photos...and life!

The loss of of a family member is never easy. But we all...including Caly...know you made the right decision.

[DonH57]

Sorry for your loss AJ. Always enjoyed the many pictures of Caly in the golf cart exploring TV during development.

[Taltarzac725]

Sorry for your loss AJ. Always enjoyed the many pictures of Caly in the golf cart exploring TV during development.

I too remember all those pictures fondly.

[Ecuadog]

I am very sorry. Breaks my heart.

[2BNTV]

Sorry for your loss AJ. Always enjoyed the many pictures of Caly in the golf cart exploring TV during development.

Me too!

RIP - Caly

[Sable99]

So sorry for your loss.

[raynan]

Please accept my sympathy for your loss. Dogs are wonderful, loving pets and it is so hard to say goodbye.
Nancy

[ajbrown]

Thanks again for the kind replies.

It is funny how the brain works. Yesterday, I caught myself setting aside the last bite of my sandwich for Caly. Gave me a little smile...

[spk7951]

Very sorry to hear of your loss. So difficult making that decision.
Our beloved Brandy was losing her battle with cancer last December and we knew it was time. We can not say enough good things about Paws throughout the cancer treatment and subsequent end of Brandy's life.
We took a few months to travel and then rescued a dog in June. She is great but we still slip and call her Brandy.

[Ecuadog]

Thanks again for the kind replies.

It is funny how the brain works. Yesterday, I caught myself setting aside the last bite of my sandwich for Caly. Gave me a little smile...

A couple of nights ago, I was watching television with my feet propped up. I caught myself looking before I put my feet down, lest I step on anyone... and it has been years since I had good buddy underfoot.

[Barefoot]

"I know that you can't see me,
but trust me I'm right here.
Although I'm up in heaven,
my love for you stays near."
I'm crying as I read this thread. I am so sorry that you've lost your beloved Caly.
The best owners know when it's time to say goodbye. They want to avoid any pain and suffering by their pet.
Caly had a wonderful life with you and is waiting for you on the other side.

[GolfGirl122]

I'm sorry for your loss.

[ajbrown]

A couple of nights ago, I was watching television with my feet propped up. I caught myself looking before I put my feet down, lest I step on anyone... and it has been years since I had good buddy underfoot.

Thanks for sharing that. Possibly your good buddy is there in some form...

[ajbrown]

Very sorry to hear of your loss. So difficult making that decision.
Our beloved Brandy was losing her battle with cancer last December and we knew it was time. We can not say enough good things about Paws throughout the cancer treatment and subsequent end of Brandy's life.
We took a few months to travel and then rescued a dog in June. She is great but we still slip and call her Brandy.

There is a certain freedom that will exist without 'my girl'. For a while I would like to do some things, such as travel on a whim with my lovely wife, which is harder to do with a dog.

She volunteers at the Sumter SPCA, so I always wonder what may come home someday. I told her to keep Caly's stuff just in case.

[virgind]

We have two and not looking forward to the day we have to decide what to do. They are both 8 years old and well it wont be easy. But till then lets play catch and go for a ride.