Rest in peace Kirby :(

[Howard]

Kirby was our good loyal friend for many years. He battled cancer for the last four years, and never gave up. He endured surgery several times, and always bounced back and continued to thrive. This last year he just about beat the cancer with experimental drugs. Unfortunately, his rear legs started to fail him. While he had a great weekend, Monday morning came and he was no longer able to get up and about by himself. He was never in pain, but would have no quality of life if he could not get around. We made the hard decision last night, and this morning sent him on his way to doggie heaven. He is survived by his adopted brother and sister Trent and Kaybee. Kirby you will be missed but never forgotten.

Kirby 3/28/1996 – 2/8/2011

Seated by his favorite spot in the back yard by the big rock.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3292/2749878898_359d4523cb_z_d.jpg

[MrMachine]

Awhh.....sad.
He looks like a beautiful dog.
It's hard to put down a favorite dog. I know how you feel. I had to do mine last year. He went blind at 10 years old, started peeing in the house because he became afraid to go outside.
I stayed with him as he passed and cried my eyes out.

So long Kirby....

[epic02]

Howard, Sorry for you loss It's hard to have to go through something like that. A couple years back we had to put our family pet of 18 years down.

[Adamski]

Howard,

So sorry to hear about Kirby. I know how you feel. We had our first Schnauzer put down 2 years ago after she went into repetitive seizure mode. We tried everything to break the seizure cycles but nothing worked so we had to have her put down. She was just nicely recovering from her second surgery (both rear knees) and the seizure problem was unexpected. She is buried on our bluff overlooking Spring Lake.

[mellofelow]

Awww.. soo sorry Howard. He's gorgeous! And I'm sure you took plenty of awesome pics for memories. I have two dogs and dearly loved by everyone in the family... so I know how you feel.

[Howard]

Thanks everyone, this was so very hard as he was a very special dog.

[BCW]

They become not a pet, but a family member....sooo sorry Howard! I know it's rough. This is Chelsea (The Hell Bitch) she is 14 and has failing kidney problems. She has had a weak pancreas for many years...she is tougher than 9" nails, but tick tock.

Tom

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v307/tgbsgt/IMGP2137.jpg

[ldm]

Very sorry to hear of your loss. It's weird how the other dogs seem to know what is going on when one is lost.

[bo]

Sorry for your loss Howard. He truly was a beautiful animal. I know some of what you are going through.

[MrMachine]

Very sorry to hear of your loss. It's weird how the other dogs seem to know what is going on when one is lost.

Yes, that's so true. They know, and they grieve the loss too.

[kees]

I'm so sorry that Kirby died. The two of you must have had a lot of fun times together. There's probably another star watching over you tonight.

Suzy
<hugs>

[JamesD]

I miss my dogs when they go more than I will most people that I know!

Sad but true.

[mmurra]

Please accept my condolences. My Great Dane got hit by a car years ago and I still feel the loss. Mark

[Howard]

Thanks everyone. The hardest part of this is that he was not killed in an accident, or died in his sleep - we made the decision. That is very hard on us, even though we know it was what was best for him.

[epic02]

Howard, Check out the movie Marley And Me. Make sure you have plenty of Kleenex.

[Adamski]

Howard,

You have to do what's best for the dog and that's what you did. Kirby is at peace now. It's time for you to be at peace with your decision. You did the right thing.

[BobbiOh]

Thanks everyone. The hardest part of this is that he was not killed in an accident, or died in his sleep - we made the decision. That is very hard on us, even though we know it was what was best for him.I'm so sorry, Howard. I know how hard this is. My DH and I went through it with both of our old dogs 6 months apart.

[ldm]

Well...if we are going to get more sentimental. My dog grew up with me from one years old to twenty years old. She got hit by a car when she was 15 years and broke her front leg...it would not heal so we had it removed. She did not care...Our favorite game was that I would reach in and try to slap the leg out from under her while she tried to bite my hand...I still have some small scars. With three legs she got around great, she would fall if she got running too fast and had to use her tail as a rudder when she swam...otherwise all OK. We had to "youthenergize" her when there was nothing else that could be done...she was ready. I try to get by things by writing about them because it helps me remember.

There is a little bit of Dust girl in every pup I see,
That for much longer than Bo Jangles friend she kept me company,
Until she came with weary tearied eyes that said, it's time to be free,
To run the hills and fields above the home where you spent your youth with me,
You'll be again and until then I wish you all the love that Heaven will allow my friend.

Kirby would still be here if it was not absolutely positively the right and proper decision....just one of those times when the right thing feels so wrong. Enjoy the memories that make you laugh.

[surfflite]

Sorry to hear that Howard. RIP Kirby.
About 6 weeks ago, I too, had to put down my 16 yr old Golden Retriever best friend. He was the 1st dog I had owned since a puppy. I feel your sorrow. :(

[Howard]

Thanks again everyone for your well wishes. I got the attached card from my vet today, who has become a good friend thanks to the wonderful care he has given Kirby for the last four years:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4105/5436591355_d0e95a41a1_z_d.jpg