Smokey Bear

gapeach

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#1
I got Smokey when I was 10, he was a peek-a-poo. He was just mine. I went to a friend's b-day party right after we got him and my Mama had to come get me b/c he had gotten undre the house. My mama and daddy called and called before I came but he wouldn't come out. All I did was call him once and there he was. I had to have him put to sleep in Jan. he was 15. He couldn't see anymore and was losing control of his bladder. I'd have to pick him up and carry him outside as soon as he woke up. He'd walk in circles until he bumped into the wall and then walk along it until he got where he wanted. It got to the point that I would just carry him to his food and water every day.I had a hard time deciding to do it and kept putting it off. Finally I knew it was time he was just not himself anymore, now I finally realize that he hadn't been for quite a while. My regular vet said he doesn't allow people in the back to be with the dog during, so I took Smokey somewhere else. He was always there for me I knew I wanted to be there for him. I talked to him about why I was doing it, out in my mom's yard on the swing. I told him it was for the best and he would be happy again. And that he could run and play and eat again.(His teeth were pretty bad) And that my grandpa who loved little dogs would be there and pet him. I held him all the way there and cried. My husband went back with me when it was time. The vet told me people always sat they'll just go to sleep one day but that doesn't happen and that he trusts me to make his decision for him and it was right. I had cried so much throughout the day all I could do was sob, I had no tears left. My husband held me. I had been afraid I wouldn't be able to touch him after, but I could. I carried him out to the car wrapped in his blanket and held him all the way back to mom's. I wanted him buried there b/c I know they won't be moving I couldn't stand the thought of leaving him in someone's backyard if we moved. After we buried him I was pushing my young daughter in the swing and she said doggy. The other two dogs were not where she could see them. If my daughter says she sees something she does, she's never wrong. I asked her where the doggy was and she pointed to the sky. At first I couldn't understand why she didn't call him by his name and then realized she wouldn't know what he looked like when he was young. She's asked for him a couple more times but I know she saw him that first time. I miss him but I know he's better now. I love you Smokey Bubba Bear!!
 

Barb04

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#2
Oh gapeach! I'm crying over Smokey Bubba Bear. My heart goes out to you and your family. Your youngest daughter was right when she knew doggy was in the sky. He's in a better place now. Smokey Bubba Bear will always be in your heart and one day we will all meet our Smokey Bubba Bears again.
 

roni

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#3
gapeach...my heart goes out to you and your family. That is the hardest thing to do, even if we know that it is what is best for them. I believe that your daughter did see Smokey Bubba Bear! Sweet, sweet Smokey Bubba Bear!
 

gapeach

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#4
Thank you so much Barb04 and roni, Smokey was very special. And he was the only dog that will ever be just mine since now I have a family to share dogs with. I know I will see him again one day. It does mean a lot to me to be able to tell others about him. Some people would think I'm nuts (my little girl seeing him) but I know she did. Others (not dog people) would think I was crazy to be so upset that he died. You know some folks are like well it wasn't a person, but ya'll know what I mean. He was the closest soul to me that I've ever lost.
 

roni

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#5
Exactly! I lost Rudy (15 years old) last June and it still hurts so bad! He was my baby (not to mention my shadow). I rescued him from the pound when he was just a baby and had him until the very last day. The day that we had to put him down was the worst day of my life. I couldn't go to work that day and actually just wanted to be alone. My fiance (bless his heart) was with me at the vet but then I needed my time. I guess...actually, I need time for Rudy and I. You can see his picture on dog photos. Anyway, the next day I went back to work and some people are just cruel. I over heard one guy saying that "it was ridiculas to miss work just because she had to put your "dog" down." He wasn't a "dog" to me, he was my baby! This makes me cry again...I am sorry. I just wanted you to know that I do understand what you are going through. It is so so hard! It gets better BUT it doesn't get easier! I still believe that Rudy is always near by if I ever need him.
 

gapeach

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#6
roni, I'm sorry you had such a bad time, noone has actually said anything. But I know how a lot of people can be. I'm sure that was hard, hearing that at work, people can be very insensitive that's why we love our dogs so much. That guy is a real jerk. I didn't have to work (thank goodness) I stay home with our daughter, so that was okay. I'm sorry about your Rudy, I'll have to go check out his pics. I wish I could put up some of Smokey and our other dog Carey, have to wait. At least they both (Smokey and Rudy) had long happy lives.
 

roni

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#7
gapeach...thanks for caring. You are right about Smokey and Rudy having long happy lives. I just miss him so. It is amazing the effect an animal can have on someones life. I now take my new baby to work with me everyday. His name is Rookie. It is incredible to see how our customers look forward to coming just so they can see Rookie. He is such a ham! : )

Can't wait to see all of your pics. Take care!
 

gapeach

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#8
Rookie is a great name, what breed is he? It must be great to take your dog to work. When I was working I felt so guilty leaving our dogs home.
 

roni

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#9
Rookie is a pound puppy that I rescued. Actually, he rescued me. : ) The vet thinks that he is blue heeler / black lab mix. If you go to my member gallery (it's under roni) you will see several pictures of him. Let me know what you think he is mixed with. He loves coming to work. We have a bell that rings when the front door opens and as soon as he hears that he runs as fast as he can to greet the person coming in. It's so funny! Of course, he loves to sit in front of the door and watch and bark at the birds. He may have some kind of bird dog in him. Not sure!
 
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#10
I am crying right now, I am so sorry your baby passed away. You did the most loving thing anyone can do for their dog when they are in that situation. You were completely unselfish and I admire you for doing what was the most humane thing to do, and the most difficult.

You dog is not in pain anymore, he's happy and young and active. Just remember that when you think of him. And he is so grateful for what you did for him.

Cindy
 

smkie

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#11
What a horrible vet! I am glad you went somewhere else, for your dog and for you. I am so sorry for your loss, so happy you had such a long time together on this earth! So happy your daughter saw what she did to help you with your grief!
 

gapeach

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#12
roni, Rookie is adorable. If he had long hair I'd say border collie and lab. I see he has his own pool also. When we go to my mom's Angel(her german shepard) and Carey each have a pool. Although now they sometimes have to share with Maggie. Where do you work? Carey loves to stare out our window and bark at the birds and squirrels. My husband will make her sit and wait then he will tell her to get'em.She would of made a good hunting dog if we liked that kind of thing. My old boss used to think you couldn't train a mutt to hunt, I would of liked to prove him wrong, I think you can train a mutt to do anything a purebreed can do!

Bailey's Mom, Thank you for reading and caring Smokey was a great dog and we loved each other so much. It was a very hard decision, now I kinda wish I would of had the courage to do it sooner, b/c he hadn't been himself in a while.

Smkie, Thanks for reading. I used to think a lot of our vet (although he never had much of a personality) b/c when we wormed Carey as a pup she had very bad diaherrah(spelling bad)so I called him at home and apologized. He said never to worry about calling him at home. But then his polocies changed his home # is no longer listed and he is apparently scared of big dogs. He made us put Carey under to give her the rabies shot! So now I'm thinking we will go where I had Smokey put down. They were very compassionate. I am very grateful Maggie saw him, it made me feel a lot better. We did have a long happy life together and I know there will never be another one like him.
 

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