We lost our dog Sammy earlier this year.  We had to make the difficult decision to put her to sleep.  She had been suffering for years from serious back problems related to major surgery she had 10 years earlier.  She also had recurring eye problems caused by a paralyzed facial nerve.  

We did all we could to make her life happy over the years.  This included building homemade ramps for 4 rooms of the house so she could sit and sleep with us, taking her for walks in a stroller so she could get fresh air, putting carpet runners throughout our tiled house so her little paws wouldn't slip out from under her while she walked.  We gave her supplements, a radiant heat lamp, acupuncture treatments.  She was truly a loved member of our family and we spared no expense or effort to make her happy and comfortable.  

At 15 years of age, she was no longer our happy-go-lucky Sammy.  She seemed uncomfortable and the only excitement she showed was at mealtime.  Other than that, she didn't wag her tail or even want to be in the same room with us.  Given her health history, we discussed that we would not put her through another surgery, should that need arise.

When she developed another serious eye problem requiring surgery, we discussed the situation with her doctor.  Our wonderful vet assured us that these were all signs she was ready to move on.  She was no longer enjoying her life.  I heard another vet once say that it is better to end a dogs life too soon than to risk ending it an hour too late.  

While this made our decision easier, it did not make the loss easier.  For all but the last few months of her life, she was the happiest, friendliest dog we had ever known.

(This blog entry started out to be about a pet product and I'm not sure what got me on the subject of Sammy, but I am going to leave it in case someone out there is needing to make a similar decision about their beloved dog.  Talk to your vet.  They can help you decide what is best.)

The loss of a pet is tremendous and the sadness sometimes overwhelming, but it does get easier with time.  Let yourself be sad, cry, go through the grieving process.  They are members of your family and most likely loved as much as your two legged family members.  

Finally, don't be afraid to eventually get another pet!  I have spoken to so many people whose dog passed away years earlier.  When I ask why they haven't gotten a new one, they say because they don't want to ever go through that type of loss again.   

I can't imagine being a dog lover and choosing to be alone rather than have a dog bring you love, companionship and joy for so many years.  Don't be afraid!  It can help you overcome the grief and bring you years of happiness.  

Just be careful not to expect your new pet to "replace" the old.  Dogs, as people, are all different.  One thing that stays the same, is the unconditional love and wet kisses you only get from a dog.

Our little Sammy