Bandit has gone to the Rainbow Bridge

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Bandit has gone to the Rainbow Bridge

Postby Getupngo » Wed Jul 14, 2010 12:06 pm

I escorted my sweet Bandit dog to the other side this morning. He was telling me it is time and I am filled with gratitude for the 15-plus years we had together. He was in his youth a mischievous escape artist and irrepressible spirit. Age took the energy, but not the spirit.

Yesterday I saw big changes and I knew that he was starting to shut down. The decision still gnawed at me because he was still beautiful on the outside, with a shiny coat and bright eyes. He had for quite some time lost track of whether he should pee inside or outside and I was willing to make accommodations.

But yesterday, he peed huge puddles throughout the kitchen about ten times. I awoke this morning to a couple more ponds and when he barked for his breakfast he lost bowel control. So it was time.

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Re: Bandit has gone to the Rainbow Bridge

Postby OutandAbout » Wed Jul 14, 2010 12:28 pm

So sorry to hear of your loss. They are with us for such a short period of time (although 15 yrs is long for them). Take comfort in your memories of that cute little guy. Linda
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Re: Bandit has gone to the Rainbow Bridge

Postby sharon » Wed Jul 14, 2010 12:31 pm

Oh man, sure did hate to read this, but glad you had the courage to do what was necessary for the poor little dude. Big big hugs to you my friend.
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Re: Bandit has gone to the Rainbow Bridge

Postby Getupngo » Wed Jul 14, 2010 12:44 pm

Thanks for all your support and love.

The huge urine output was a signal to me that he was starting to shut down yesterday. However, I still was plagued by doubts (guilt?). The techs put in the IV line and left me with him to wait for the vet to do the final injection. While we waited, he was lying on a mat covered by a nice flannel blanket on the table. As he lay there with my arms around him, he lifted his rear end, raised his tail and peed.

THAT was when I knew I was doing the right thing, and I felt peace when the vet arrived.
Janice traveling solo in a 2008 Four Winds Windsport
Navigator: Annie the miniature poodle
2011 Honda CRV toad

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Re: Bandit has gone to the Rainbow Bridge

Postby Nasoosie » Wed Jul 14, 2010 12:53 pm

Huge hugs for you, Janice. I know those guilt feelings as you are sitting there, wondering and wondering---is it REALLY time? But the little 4-footers let us know on their own. I know how much you will miss him. It will take a long time, but you can be so happy that you were there for him, and that you were the last person he saw and loved. That is such a great picture of him----I am adding it to my pictures to use now and then on my desktop.

Molly sends her licks for you, too, and a happy trip for Bandit.
Life is about learning to dance in the rain
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Re: Bandit has gone to the Rainbow Bridge

Postby AlmostThere » Wed Jul 14, 2010 1:31 pm

My heart aches for you, Janice. I've been thru it before and it does gnaw at the conscience for a while. But know you did what was right
(((((((((((hugs))))))))))
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Re: Bandit has gone to the Rainbow Bridge

Postby avalen » Wed Jul 14, 2010 2:22 pm

I'm so so sorry Janice, I grieve with you as you know it hasn't been that long
since I lost my own Bandit. These things we have to go through being a
responsible pet owner tears us up for sure but our little 4 footers give us
so much of that unconditional love. We have our memories now.
Somewhere with Ava and Maggie
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Re: Bandit has gone to the Rainbow Bridge

Postby VickieP » Wed Jul 14, 2010 3:21 pm

I'm so sorry Janice. I know you loved Bandit and that you were his whole world. Unlike human children, our furbabies look to us to take care of them for their entire lives, they depend on us and I know that you did everything to make his life full and wonderful.
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Re: Bandit has gone to the Rainbow Bridge

Postby Imthebeachgirl » Wed Jul 14, 2010 3:54 pm

Hi Janice, you did the right thing. We have had to do the same thing twice before. I am huggin on my lil "Meme" the pug as I type. You know what will help ease the pain , (well besides lotz of booze) another lil puppy to love...take care..Laurie
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Re: Bandit has gone to the Rainbow Bridge

Postby Bethers » Wed Jul 14, 2010 4:23 pm

((((((((((((((( Janice ))))))))))))))))) a big hug to you. So sorry that Bandit's time came, but glad you were able to recognize it and help him get there in peace and with love. It's what we can do for these wonderful furry friends of ours - they do so much more for us over the years.

I know the pain you are feeling and will feel for a long, long time. He's one of your kids, and even if we know the time is coming, it isn't any easier. Bandit loved you and still does and as you said, Bandit is waiting for you at Rainbow Bridge.
Beth
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Re: Bandit has gone to the Rainbow Bridge

Postby Gentleladybear » Wed Jul 14, 2010 5:11 pm

Janice my heart goes out to you. I know that was difficult for you, even though you know it was the right thing to do. We love them all we can while they are with us, it is difficult to let them leave.
Nan
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Re: Bandit has gone to the Rainbow Bridge

Postby retiredhappy » Wed Jul 14, 2010 5:49 pm

My heart feels for you. Its so hard saying Goodbye even when we know its time.. Bandit is now happy, young and healthy until he sees you again. I agree that somewhere there is a furbaby that really needs you and a loving home.
Karen West
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Re: Bandit has gone to the Rainbow Bridge

Postby BirdbyBird » Wed Jul 14, 2010 6:12 pm

Sending you a ((((hug))))) Only time will help the hurt in your heart....time and the warmth of memories. We have no magic crystal ball to tell us what to do....we do the best we can for out best friends and make the best decisions we can. They trust us and understand us better than we do ourselves....be at peace. Bandit is.....
Tina and the furry companions...Lark, Audrey and Jane
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Re: Bandit has gone to the Rainbow Bridge

Postby cpatinjones » Wed Jul 14, 2010 9:39 pm

I am sorry to hear this.
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Re: Bandit has gone to the Rainbow Bridge

Postby Redetotry » Thu Jul 15, 2010 8:05 am

I'm so sorry, sending you big ((((((hugs )))))) it is a hard decision but many times it's a necessary part of loving them.
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