Oh, Amy, I'm so sorry. You did the best thing for her, and she had a great life with you.

It's never easy to lose a furbaby.

So sorry for your news. It does sound like you did the right thing.

Coincidentally my sister-in-law's 13 year year old dog had problems and spent the day in the doggy hospital with my SIL lying next to her. It appears to have been just been a very bad reaction to medication that was this last week. However, it still but a weird vibe on father's day. After they were back (~5pm) there was the discussion of how to let a pet go. I believe you did it right.

I'm so sorry Amy.

I know the loss of a long time animal friend.

You did the right thing. I had a pug that had water in the brain and the 24 hour vet we went to refused to put him down because she didn't have the medical records. It was clear it was his time to go but she refused to put him down. He was in incredible pain.

A nurse took us aside and apologized and gave us the name of another hospital close by.

We had to drive him to another hospital and finally ease his pain.

I'm so happy Lucy went in peace and with compassion.

Even the "bad" things our dogs do are such good memories.

Amy I'm so sorry you had to say good bye to your little friend. I give you credit for having the compassion and courage to do what was best for Lucy.

I am so sorry for your loss. I will miss seeing her photos and hearing the stories and anecdotes about her. She was a super cute dog. I hope you find the strength to cope and get through this difficult time.

If there is an afterlife, she's in the good one, and if there isn't, the world is still a slightly better place for her having been in it.

I'm sorry. The stories and pictures of her ladyship will be missed.

I'm so sorry. What a cute little doggie. She was blessed to have you ask her owner.

She always looked to be having so much fun.

Sorry, dear.

We should all strive to be so missed when it is our time.

Sorry to hear Amy :(

My condolences on your loss, Amy.

Having been through this more than once, both expectedly and unexpectedly, keep in mind that while you may be able to get another dog, she only had you for her whole life.

Oh, that is heartbreaking. I'm so, so sorry.

Oh no, Amy. I'm so sorry for the loss of your sweet, super-fabulous Lucy. My condolences to you and Gregg. What a life she lived!

I'm so sorry about your Lucy. I can't imagine how hard that must be. But you did what a loving, unselfish owner does. You gave each other joy throughout her life, and you will continue to have joy in her memory for the rest of your life, even if mixed with sadness. It will get better.

I'm so sorry, Amy! Like everyone else is saying, you did the proper, compassionate thing. We all enjoyed seeing Lucy's appearances here on the blog, and if there's a Doggie Heaven, no doubt she's there with a nice pillow to sit on! Oh, and you can safely assume that there's a long, long line of your readers waiting to dispense cyber-hugs right now (while others give you real ones).

So sorry to hear about this. Dogs are such wonderful friends.

Sure sorry to hear about that. Good for you for facing reality and doing the right thing by your buddy.

The only thing that will make the loss better is the realization that, not so very far away and quite soon, there will be another pup who will make your life just as good. That's the great thing about great dogs - the supply is endless.

llater,

llamas

Amy, I am so sorry. You were a good mama to her.

So so sorry for your loss Amy. What a wonderful little dog she was.

I am so sorry for your loss. I will miss seeing her photos and hearing the stories and anecdotes about her. She was a super cute dog. I hope you find the strength to cope and get through this difficult time.

I second that emotion. So so sorry for your loss, Amy. She was blessed to have had you to care for her.

Amy, I just saw this, and I am so sorry. My brother has lost two of his cats over the past six weeks. It's always tough. My first cat died in 2001 and I couldn't bear to get another one for years afterwards. Anyway, didn't mean to make this all about me... I will keep you and Gregg and Lucy in my thoughts.

My condolences on your loss, Amy.

I'm sorry, Amy. All dogs go to heaven. It is irrational, and yet it is a comforting thought.

And yes, you should get another doggie to look after you.

So sorry Amy. Losing your dog is amongst the saddest things in life. You did the compassionate thing.

I'm so sorry, Amy. Lucy was so lucky to have you and Gregg as her people!

I'm so so sorry to hear this. Lucy seemed like a fabulous little spirit-animal. And she could count on you to do the best thing for her.

So sorry, Amy. As Eric said, losing a pet is one of the saddest things in life. We never have them long enough.

I am so sorry for your loss. She had a fabulous life, and she'll never really be gone as long as she's remembered.

Sincerest condolences on your loss, Amy.

My condolences.

I am so sorry, Amy.

I've been through this twice in my life already and my current is getting up there in years himself.

No matter how many times a person goes through it, it never gets any easier. They are more than pets; they are companions and they become members of your family and losing one is never easy. My heart breaks for you.

'I am thinking now of getting another little doggie. I cannot replace Lucy and don't intend to try. (I will not get a Yorkie puppie, because it would be too much like I was trying to replace her.)'

You never 'replace' a dog that's gone. Mrs llamas always says 'we don't replace, we reboot.' Your dogs are a continuum, on which one individual, while irreplaceable as an individual, is more like a waypoint. We are on Doberman #8 (usually in pairs) and we loved every one as an individual, but realized that 'dog' is a streaming experience, simply because no dog will live for even 20% of an adult lifespan.

If one teacup Yorkie worked for you, chances are another teacup Yorkie would be your best bet next time. For sure, if Lucy lived 15 happy years, you know how to make 'em last ;-) that's a stunning age for a miniature dog in good health. Get another dog soon, so you don't corrupt the continuum.

llater,

llamas

My condolences for your loss. Lucy will be missed by many who only knew her through your blog. Darn, now I'm getting all teary eyed.

Very sorry to hear this, Amy. It's hard to lose a close friend.

I'm sorry to hear of your loss, Amy.

My condolences on your loss.

I've had to make that decision a few times now and it never gets any easier.

I am so very, very sorry. I rag on the owners of tiny dogs from time to time, but that's really just me being a jerk. Losing a friend and companion is really hard, and a responsible pet owner takes the Long Drive as soon at it is necessary for the pet, not when it is comfortable for the owner. You have done the right thing, well, and promptly.

The only thing I have to add, that I didn't think of when I made my own Long Drive a couple of months back, is that pet owners like ourselves CAN ask the vet for a house call. The transition to the rainbow bridge is even easier when it's done at home, rather than at the Place of the Bad Smells.

I'm sorry for your loss.

My condolences,Amy. I know how much it hurts to make that decision,even when you know it is the right thing, one last act of love that rips you up.

My experience with my old kitty was very similar to what you described. Her passing seemed to be very easy, so easy I kinda wish I could go the same way.

It still sucks, though.

Condolences Amy.

Losing a pet is hard, no way around it.

Hope you feel better soon.

I'm so sorry to hear about Lucy. She was adorable.

My favorite pic of you & Lucy together:

http://www.advicegoddess.com/archives/2004/07/22/customs.html

A lot of doggies out there must wish they had such a nifty owner.

My condolences.

I am so sorry for your loss, Amy. I've had to make that extremely hard decision twice now, and it wasn't any easier the second time. Just remember all the great times you had with your Lucy and know that you were truly a best friend to her when you helped her end her suffering.

I too, have to give my condolences.
I've had to put one dog and one cat down so far, and I have 5 animals now that will break my heart in the future. But, even knowing how it will end, we alwas go on,as you point out, having pets does wonders, to make you more human.. Knowing when is indeed the hardest part.
You did right.

If I can be so bold as to offer advice?
Try a Chinese Crested Hairless. The ultimate "People Dog", our crestie never met anybody who wasn't a friend. I have a tea-cup Chihuahua now, but my next little dog will be another Crested.

Here is what our dog looked like.
(this is not our dog, but it could be it's twin)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Chinese_Crested_hairless_agility.jpg

I'm sorry for your loss. I know she was a dear friend to you.

I'm so sorry. I know that Lucy had a wonderful life with you, and I've enjoyed the pictures and stories that you've shared. I'm glad you were able to do what was best for her.

I was very touched by your words and I am still a bit emotional. I'm so sorry that you had to make that choice for her, but you did the right thing. I had to make that choice for my beloved Zipper who also had liver failure. I held him in my arms for an hour after his heart stopped beating. I could only break away from him when I told myself that it was ok to make an exception to my atheism and believe that I would see him again.

The relationship I had with him was not the same as it is with my children, but it was not less than, despite what other people might think. There is a security and consistency in sharing your life with friends like Lucy and Zipper that brings... normality-sanity-calm, that is not given by any other person or thing.

Sorry for your loss. hug.

At the end of an animal's life, we are blessed to be able to take the pain away from them and heap it onto ourselves.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Amy, my sincere condolences on the loss of your precious dog.

Amy, I'm so sorry for your loss.

At the risk of being wildly inappropriate, it's better this way. You once dressed her as Muhammed. So, she got to go peacefully, not taken out by jihadists.

Sending a virtual hug your way, Amy. I'll miss seeing her updates on your blog. It's never easy losing a pet. I hope you can find solace in knowing with certainty that she had a 15 years in her doggy life with you & Greg as her human keepers.

...she had a *good 15 years. I forgot to add *good.

Dear Amy--

I'm so very sorry to hear about your Lucy. The stories and photos you posted of her were wonderful, and showed how very much you loved her...as did this painful, but merciful decision you had to make. My best wishes to you and to Gregg.

I am so sorry to hear about your loss! I can tell from your posts and all of the pics over the years, that she was special little girl. I think your idea to open your heart to new puppy is a good one. When my mom lost her beloved dog, Aspen, after 14 years a new puppy was what allowed her to stop grieving so hard for him. That is not to say that a new puppy will make you forget her, but it will help you remember her in a different way.

I'm sorry to hear about Lucy. I am glad that you will be able to treasure the memories of the long and happy life she had with you.

Oh, Amy, I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending virtual hugs your way.

I'm so sorry to hear, Amy. She was a lucky girl to have been so loved.

This is very sad news. I'm sorry for your loss. I, and an assumed numerous readers, enjoyed the pictures and the stories. Even if we never really met her, we'll miss getting to read those.

And while I don't think you need any more reassurance, I'll add mine to your growing list. You did the right thing by not letting her suffer through those miserable last days.

My condolences on your loss, Amy. A dog is a wonderful companion.

{{{{hugs}}}

You did the right thing, Amy.

My condolences. She was a sweetheart.

Amy, I, too, am very sorry for your loss. I know you spared no effort to treat Miss Lucy in the regal style she deserved, all of the way to the end. Rest in Peace, sweetheart! Your next baby will find you when the time is right.

Amy, I am so sorry. You absolutely did the right thing. You're very brave and compassionate.

Sorry for the loss of your faithful friend, and family member. It is every bit as difficult as losing a relative, or close human friend.

Speaking of people food,and dogs, we had a Bull Terrier once that would eat damn near anything. Occasionally she would pick up rocks, and taste them before spitting them out. The only real food I ever saw her reject was a raw potato, and it had nibble marks on it when I found it.

I am so sorry for your loss.

I have had four dogs, and have had to put down two of them. It was my part of the deal to keep, and an honor.

There are hospice veterinarians who make house calls - with the help of one such vet, we were able to bring one of our dogs to the park one last time. She died under trees, with a flurry of dogs who came by for her final moments. That was four years ago, and I'm crying typing this. Dammit.

Talk to your veterinarian about the possibility of using children's liquid Benadryl to keep your dog comfortable in difficult circumstances.

Amy,

My favorite Chinese Crested is Louis:

http://www.cesarsway.com/packgallery/packprofiles/louis

He is the dog of one of Cesar's sons. I love Louis on the show

I am really bummed, Amy. I am so sorry for your loss.

Lucy was so incredibly precious. I'll miss reading about her and seeing her on your blog (tucked into your fleece).

Sending you big hugs.

Amy,

I am sorry to hear about Lucy.

Very sorry for your loss, Amy. Losing a pet is so hard. I could tell how sweet she was just from her pictures.

Amy, I'm so sorry. I know how hard it is to lose a pet.

My condolences Amy, losing a pet is rough.

"I didn't want Gregg to call me her "mom," but she was somewhere between a dog and a child."

A few months after my mom passed away I took in her two cats to get a checkup at the vet. One of the techs told the one crying while I was paying the bill not to cry because "daddy is nearby". Twas a bit weird.

I'm so sorry, you have my sympathy for your loss. Adorable little doggie that she was. I'm sure you have many wonderful memories and I hope they will comfort you. You gave her a life that most animals can only dream of.

So sad to hear Amy. It's always awful. I'm glad Lucy had a happy 15 years with you.

So sorry for your loss, hope you're ok

Condolences.
HWMNBN had to take his Lab for her last ride a couple of years ago. She never seemed to mind going there because she would see her favorite RVT and grin at her and wag her tail. She wasn't grinning or wagging anymore but she went to sleep with the RVT holding her paw. :~(

A new companion is not a replacement; it is a testament of your ongoing capacity for love.

Just make sure when the time comes, you let us all participate somehow in the naming of said new companion.

I just want to thank you all so much for your kind and wonderful comments here, and especially for the reassurance that I'm not a horrible person for immediately wanting another doggie.

I sort of felt that when I was looking at puppies on the Internet almost immediately. It felt kind of sick. But I realized that I didn't think I could replace Lucy; I just wanted, as Juliana puts it above, to exercise my "ongoing capacity to love."

I actually have a name picked out -- "Lola." I just have to find a tiny dog with a huge personality to fit it.

(I have been looking at doggie porn on the Internet, and last night, my little neighbor Lilly, who's 8, and loved Lucy, came over and we looked at it together. She squealed with glee, which gave me a lift.)

There are still moments where I burst into tears and little sadnesses, like last night, finding four pieces of kibble in the couch where Gregg sits (from when he was feeding her by hand, which helped get her to eat more -- she always loved being babied). Still, all these remarks and the kindness of friends and Gregg have really, really helped.

I called him the other day to tell him I had a thought of Lucy gobbling down pastrami from Cantor's. When she was healthy, the thought of giving her any was out of the question. But once she got sick and needed to eat, and was getting skinnier, I looked at my pastrami, ripped off the parts that were fatty and not peppery, and she chomped them down with doggie glee. A sight to behold.

I'm going to look for an itsy bitsy Chinese Crested (hairless girl, with "furnishings" on head and feet) after I turn in my book in a few weeks, although that'll probably just mean putting in a request for a puppy at a breeder. (This means a reputable breeder, the kind who's suspicious of anyone who wants a dog -- the only kind I trust.)

In the meantime, I'll try to dogsit for dogs that aren't too big for my tiny shack and writerlife and give Lilly attention, as she's my neighbors' middle child now, and gets a little left out. (I've been doing that anyway, but it's a way to think of filling that empty space.)

But once she got sick and needed to eat, and was getting skinnier, I looked at my pastrami, ripped off the parts that were fatty and not peppery, and she chomped them down with doggie glee. A sight to behold.

Nursing two (separately) cats through chemo, *anything* they wanted to eat was a win. We agonised over weekly weighings - have they gained 50 grams this week? Both were diagnosed terminal, but both got a happy year more than they would have got without treatment. And then when it was time, it was time. I had asked the vets to tell me so I wouldn't prolong it into suffering territory. In both cases, they told me "take her home, say goodbye, but be here tomorrow". Which I did, then took them home and buried them. I still know exactly where they are.

I found this sad blog entry today, Amy. I'm very sorry for your loss. You did the right thing when you put her to sleep. I am absolutely certain that she had a great life with you and Gregg.

My condolences, Amy. I enjoyed reading about your little doglet.

Fifteen years is a long time to love and be loved...for her, it was a lifetime. How many relationships make it to the fifteen-year mark? You must have been giving her the good stuff.

Taking care of my ailing 17-year-old cat in her final days made me aware of the one aspect of pet ownership that's not discussed: they need food, water, housing, training, and love...but in the end, they also need for it to all be over. Hard choice to make, but the right one for her. Plus she got to be held & petted during that final nap. I bet she liked that.

I hope that you find Lola when you're ready. You're not a horrible person for wanting another dog already. "Ongoing capacity to love" is exactly what it is.