The last few days have been really rough for me.

I took my sweet old dog Astro to the vet yesterday for the last time. He was over 16 years old, which for a large breed dog is beyond ancient. Two days ago I tried to send him on his way myself with an overdose of pain medications, but instead he got really perky and felt great. So much for my career as a poisoner.

We got Astro second hand 7 years ago this week. His former owner loved him so very much, so much in fact that she realized that she was working way too many hours and needed to find a family that had a kid and time for him.

He was such a funny dog, and thinking about his antics is bitter sweet. He loved chasing helium balloons, and he'd figured out how to pull them down by their strings. Other favorite games of his included anything with Water, being a Lab and all, tearing apart cardboard boxes and demolishing pumpkins.

Being a Lab, he loved to eat as well. Some of his favorite foods were lettuce, eggplant, thai food, flour and Cookies of all types. The only people food I would give him with any regularity was veggies, and he sure loved his radishes. Of course, he would turn up his nose at mushrooms and tomatoes, but watch your fingers with eggplant!

All evening I kept expecting to hear him walking across the hardwood floors, or making the chuffing noises he would make in his sleep. My house is eerily quiet now. Even the chinchillas wonder where he is.

I miss my old dog. My old yellow dog who was so old he wasn't even yellow any more.

Even the vet was crying when he put him down.

Oh Crystal, I'm so sorry to hear about Astro. Pets are more like family then family Astro sounded like such a great dog.

Hugs and kisses to you.

You loved him enough to let him go. That is the hardest thing of all. I am so sorry for your loss. I have 3 big dogs and a cat. I have had to put dogs down before and it is the saddest thing that I have had to do. My heart goess out to you. When enough time passes, maybe you can go to your local shelter and give some other well deserving dog the wonderful life that you gave Astro.

Oh Crystal, I am so sorry to hear about Astro. I can truly sympathize - I had to put my 14yr old cat, Reese, to sleep 1-1/2yrs ago. I had him since he was a kitten. He was my baby boy. Totally broke my heart. It didn't help that I was 3 month pregnant at time - my emotions were all over the place! The old saying true: "time heals all wounds". Just know that it does get better with time. Take care.

I am so sorry Vines.. (((Hugs)) to you.

You and Road Queen gets extra hugs today. She had to make the same difficult decision. I'm so sorry. (((hugs)))

What a cool name for your dog. Sorry to hear of your loss, Hugs!

Oh Vines, I am so sorry about your dog! I don't think I could handle not having either one of my dogs around. I have two beagles. One is 5 1/2 and the other 2 1/2. Oh I love my puppies!

My sincere sympathies are with you. I had to let my beautiful beagle buddy go in august, it was the second hardest decision of my life. I am sending you hugs and a tear or two. Hold memories of Astro close to your heart, he will live there forever.

My apologies for your difficult decision are many tonight. I pray that you will find peace, and that your tears will soon turn to joy as well.

Lots of love to you.

Vines, sorry you are going through this also. Hopefully Schnapps and Astro are going for a run and telling stories about how weird we were and how it was difficult for them when we got banded and quit cooking their favorite foods, etc. I hope this evening gets better for you. I'm going to the chat room. Celeste

Vines, I'm so sorry! He'll always be in your heart. I'll keep you in my thoughts & prayers too.

How great that he had such a long and happy life with you and your family. I'm so sorry for your loss! (((((HUGS)))))

I'm so sorry, Vines. I've been there, and it is hard. You are loving dog-parent, and Astro is running like a puppy again. I know a few angels there, and they love dogs! Cindy

I am so sorry! Pets love unconditionally and when they go they are truly missed. HUGS and you are in my thoughts! I am crying so hard now.I just want you and roadqueen to know that this too will pass but the memories of your life 2gether with your pet lives 4ever!

All the loving kisses and welcome home from pets, with those loving eyes.

So Sorry.