Last night I had to have my dog, Jesse, put to sleep. She has been very ill for some time now with diabetes.

She was my best friend. She has been constantly at my side for seven and a half years. She has loved me unconditionally. This past year has been one of the hardest of my entire life and she never left me alone through it.

We came home last night and she was very very ill. We met the vet at the clinic and the decision was decided. We were at the clinic all evening with her. My son, my husband, and I were on the floor beside her to the very end. She died knowing she was loved and being held and petted by those closest to her.

We brought her home and she was buried at midnight last night in our backyard. We buried many of her favorite things with her (including a McDonald's Cheeseburger and fries). The wind was very very high and the air was very cold but she deserved to be at peace and safely underground.

My heart is truly broken beyond what words can even describe right now. I never thought I could be this destroyed by the loss of a pet. I feel so stupid being this upset but I just can't get beyond the tears. I miss her being by my side or at my feet.

Please be patient with me as it may be a few days before I get the Weight Loss Chart updated.

Pray that the Lord will send comforting angels to my home and that He will carry my family through this tough time.

hockeyson, I am so very sorry. My heart is so sad with yours right now. It is all so fresh. Everytime I close my eyes, I see her. I am always catching my mind wandering to her.

I thank everyone so much for their encouraging words of love, compassion, and understanding for us and our losses. It means more than you can know.

On an upbeat note, my hubby felt so sad for me and my oldest son that he made a trip to the local animal care center and came home with two new members to our family. We now have two beautiful new puppies that are such a handful. We will now be able to give back to our beloved Jesse by passing on the love she gave to us to these two new pups. One puppy, Tyson is a 4 mo. old lab/shepherd/chow mix who is sweet as a button. Our second, Stella is a 9-12 mo. old lab/shepherd/chow mix (Tyson will be much bigger than her) who is so very loving.

They are both as crazy as can be and just love to play all day long. No one could ever replace Jesse but we are finding that we can go on. These little critters are making it easier to lift our heads out of the tears and putting smiles back on our faces.

You can see pictures of Jesse, Tyson, and Stella at the following link.

Teri Benham's Photos - Tyson and Stella | Facebook

I'm sending you big hugs and healing thoughts. I hope that you will find peace and comfort all around you.

With deepest sympathy,

Rachel

My heart goes out to you and your family for your loss. Some people never understand that our pets are just as much a family memeber as our children. It's perferctly okay to cry. I can tell just by your post how much you really loved your best friend. I have a miniture tea cup chiuahaha (s/p ?) and i love him very much, so i completely understand what you are feeling. I will pray that god comforts you now and always.