Adios, Freckles! Our companion for the last 16 1/2 years, our sweet Dalmation was put to sleep this morning at about 11:30 AM, thus ending her sufferings of the last year or so. Freckles had heart trouble and breathing difficulties, but is now at peace. She will be sorely missed here in our home.

Freckles Christmas 2008 by Noel C. Hankamer, on Flickr

Sorry to learn of your loss, Noel. Losing a pet is always a rough time, as they are members of family, not just animals. My condolences.

Nothing anyone can say will help this. 
Just try to take care of yourself and get back to us when you can.
   You have my deepest sympathy.
   yours Scott

Oh man, been there and will be again. My heart goes out to you. Our last go 'round, I found comfort in this:
Rainbow Bridge
by
Author Unknown

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

Best regards; time will heal your heart.

Sorry for your loss, mine was a year and a half ago and I still get weapy sometimes.

Thanks for the thoughts, friends. I sweated the decision for a while, but the wife and I decided we needed to let her go.
kxxr, I borrowed the "Bridge", and posted it on my Facebook page- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000449607362

Boy do I remember struggling with that decision. But the truth is, the ol' dog depended on you for that one just like she did for everything else. It was the right thing and time because you knew it was. She was counting on you then, as ever.

It is a sad fact we outlast them. But she had a great home and a great friend.

Sorry to hear about that, papaw. :(

My condolences and sympathy. Our mixed Shepard "Bert" will be 15 in October and his hips are getting weak and he falls a lot but he still seems to enjoy life but I know it's won't be long till we will have to make the same decision you did. Sad to see the old guy who once could jump completely over a pickup truck now barley able to walk.

sorry to hear this noel   as jafe said its sad we outlive them

So sorry!  Thanks for the picture; thanks for the chance to meet Freckles.  So hard.

Yeah, nothing anybody can say will really help.  It's beyond words.  But we can share understanding
and an experience held in common.  I still get weepy from time to time over one I lost 20 years ago.

Noel, i  feel for you I lost my pal  Holly two years ago and still miss her. W e had two dogs at the time and kinda tranferred the love to the other but it does not ever replace an old pal   bob w.

I have found no greater bond, than between a pet, and his or her owner. We are Very Sorry to hear of her passing, but glad to know she was loved by you and your family So Much, for So Long. She was a Very Lucky Girl!

Take Care,

Wayne and Junior

So sorry also, my cats are my best friends and I dont know what I will do when they are gone.