Saying Goodbye To Scrubby, My best buddy for the past 14 years…

June 8, 2013 News 193

Saying Goodbye To my dog Scrubby, My best buddy for the past 14 years…

I just got back about an hour ago from having to take my most faithful friend to a doctor where I saw his last breath, his last gaze and his last moments of pain. For almost 14 years Scrubby has been with me through it all, thick and thin. There were times when I thought I was losing him, but he would bounce back. But he was no longer bouncing back. His aging body and system was shutting down. He did not eat and went days without showing an interest in food,  he could not walk more than a couple of feet with stumbling over. His ribs were starting to show and he had no interest in anything but laying down. He had many other issues going on but I knew that this was now his time to go on. In the past when he was not doing so well, I did not really know, but now I do and it was as clear as could be. It is as if he was asking me with his eyes to let him go.

The reason I post this here is because many of you know him quite well from the photos that have been posted over the years. He has been in my reviews since day one of my site, and I have been known to open up from time to time here on these pages. Many of you have asked me about him in recent weeks so I felt it fitting to give him one last tribute.

I have taken photos of him since 2001 when we picked him up from a rescue at 2 years old. He has been the best dog ever. Always staying by my side, protecting me at any sign of a threat, rewarding me with his playfulness and games and as always, sleeping next to my bed every night. He has helped me overcome the sad times in the past when I was alone, just me and him and has never asked for anything in return. For me, there will never be another Scrubby.

What I had to do today was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do in my 43 years of life but as much as it hurts, I knew it had to be done.

I’ll miss you dearly my faithful friend.

L1001043

May I go now?

Do you think the time is right?

May I say goodbye to pain filled days

and endless lonely nights?

I ‘ve lived my life and done my best,

an example tried to be.

So can I take that step beyond

and set my spirit free?

I didn’t want to go at first,

I fought with all my might.

But something seems to draw me now

to a warm and loving light.

I want to go

I really do.

It’s difficult to stay.

But I will try as best I can

to live just one more day.

To give you time to care for me

and share your love and fears.

I know you’re sad and afraid,

because I see your tears.

I’ll not be far,

I promise that, and hope you’ll always know

that my spirit will be close to you

wherever you may go.

Thank you so for loving me.

You know I love you too,

that’s why it’s hard to say goodbye

and end this life with you.

So hold me now just one more time

and let me hear you say,

because you care so much for me,

you’ll let me go today

————-

That poem is by an unknown author but rings true.

I will never forget you Scrubby. For anyone out there in a similar situation or feel the time is getting near, do not forget to give your dog a hug, a kiss, and to let them know what they mean to you. When their time comes, you will indeed know it. They let you know.

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193 Comments

  1. we have an ‘hairy daughter’, Chantal.
    She is a maltese.
    It is difficult to say how much we love her…
    we do not go to any place where she is not accepted.
    My wife had an Yorkshire and when she died (at 10 only) she wait 10 years before having another dog…
    A dog is a true companion, and it always amazes me how such a different being can feel and interpret our most deep sentiments.
    It is nice to find that somebody shares our love for pets.
    thank you for having written about the last moments of scrubby, we deeply understand your sentiments.
    gianpaolo, titti and chantal

  5. I am a big burly bearded man working in a factory and this just brought a tear to my eye Steve.
    I have 2 dogs and they are my world, my best friends, my children. I cannot imagine your pain. At least with the love of our photography we can capture their lives in still and preserve an essence of our beloved friends till the day that we will see them once more at the big party in the sky.
    I hope you find love with a new furry friend in the future, no pup will ever replace scrubby, but will in turn carve their own place in your heart and help to ease the burden of your loss.
    Keep well Steve, you are an inspiration to so many around the globe. 🙂

  7. I’m sorry Steve. They are so much a part of our lives and so missed when they are gone. But they will always be with us in our memories. My thoughts are with you and I wish you peace in your time of grief and healing.

    We too just recently lost our beloved dog Zachary. He passed away from liver disease far too early at 6 years old. Like Scrubby was to you, Zachary was my absolute best friend in the world. I have a tribute photo of him on my home page.

  8. Dear Steve
    Sorry for your loss. I have been through this numerous times…its really tough….they ask for very little yet give us so much. He will be in good hands hopefully playing with some of my pack..Sophie, Gary and Drew..Hang in there!
    LK

  9. Hey Steve, its horrible to leave our furry friends one bad day & it is our duty to be with them at last until the end. I know how you feel, I had to accompany some cats over the decades – and there will be no habituation, it brings you down to your knees any time again. Best whishes,

    sincerely

    Klaus (Hamburg / Germany)

  10. I’m very sorry for your loss. I know how hard this is and I feel your pain.
    Wish you all the best!

  12. So sorry for your lost. I have been there twice and I known how hard it is, but you know is the best for them. Even it is a long time since they are gone they are with me every day.
    Beautifull poem you have for him.
    All my respect…

  13. I am so, so sorry Steve. Like many folks I’ve been enjoying pics of the li’l fellow for many years and always felt he was a fine and dignified companion. The eyes don’t lie. You were lucky to have one another.

    Also like many, been there, done that and it still hurts. Know that you did what you had to, and lived up to his boundless trust. Best wishes from both myself and Gracie, Scrubby’s distant canine cousin (intolerably camera-shy, but what are you going to do?)

  14. They are truly the best friends we will ever have while here on planet earth.
    Steve, I know how you feel. God had to give me special strength two years ago when I let my German Shepherd boy go. You never get over it. Hang in there Steve. We’re with you everyday.

  15. I couldn’ get to the bottom of your post without tears filling my eyes. I had to do the same on May 4 with my Buffy. A 15 year old Sheltie. I held her head in my hands and whispered in her ear as she received the injection and ended her suffering. It was unconditional love. That is so rare. Only from a pet. My sympathies are with you. All the best.

  17. This is absolutely extraordinary story and the best possible tribute to the best friend! Firstly it reminded me the reason why I don’t want to have a dog again. We’ve got Germany Shepherd for 13 years and must put him to sleep because of cancer. It was 8 years ago and the wound of this loss covered now. I’ve began to think to get a dog again as I miss them in my life. But thoughts that they are living less than human and I will have to see him/her to go again did not let me to do it. After reading your story two days ago I felt that my feelings are right. But since then I could not get rid of thoughts about it. And today I realised that I am wrong! You did a great, the best possible thing for your dog; you rescued him and gave him a beautiful life! What else he could wish for? And I am thinking now instead to cry and be upset about my loss, go to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and rescue at least one more dog or cat, or both and give them nice life as long they will get it!!! So thank you for inspiration Steve!

  18. Steve, When we lost Pepper, our black Lab last year at 14, I struggled with it for a long time. Your tribute to Scrubby has helped me to be more at peace with our loss. Thank you. It seems like small consolation now, but our friends do truely live on in our hearts forever…

  20. Steve, That is such an amazing tribute to Scrubby. It brought tears to my eyes. I had to go through the same thing 3 years ago and I still miss and think of Charlie.

    Its a blessing that you have the skill to take such wonderful photographs. You’ll always have your images of Scrubby to spark your good memories.

    R.I.P. Scrubby.

  21. Very sad to hear Steve, been following the updates as people have asked about Scrubby in recent posts. Pets are every bit family members and this was a very moving article. My friend has two Springer Spaniels and one went missing one Christmas holiday – all of our friends rallied round to comb the countryside near their house looking for him in the snow.

    He’d all but given up hope when he turned up, a bit thinner and in some shock, 3 days later. I saw the emotional roller coaster him and his girlfriend went through, dogs can bring so much happiness to a home and it was a lovely happy end to that story.

    On a positive note, the latest addition to the Huff household – the little fella appearing in your recent photos – looks a right character! Looking forward to more portraits! 😉

  22. Sorry to hear about your loss Steve and I have to say that you brought tears to my eyes this morning as this really hits home. We will be going through this with our beloved 13 year old Chocolate Lab anytime now. I’m watching daily for her to give me the same look of ‘ok, please let me go’. She is in pretty bad shape and we have all been heaping lots of love on her lately and will give even more tonight after reading this!

  23. Steve, I know that is was a tough decision that you had to make. It is never easy when you lose a member of your family. I was just reading your 35 cron review and you had a great picture of him on your bed that you took. He seemed like a very happy puppy. Regards, Joseph

  24. Sorry to hear Steve
    Many years ago I had to the same with my first dog, but I knew and she knew it was time. It’s sad but memories are forever.
    Alberto

  27. Hi Steve, I am truly sorry for your loss. I too have a wonderful dog which I rescued two years ago (she was then 1 years old). In so little time, I have fallen in love and have a lot of trouble imagining what it will be in a few years when we have to say goodbye. Some might say, “it is just a dog”. I say that as long as you don’t have one, you cannot truly understand the implications, the love, the connection and the relationship. My wife too, lost her 14 year old dog (rescued also) and it was so painful, she thought she could never ever have a dog again. It took 7 years for her to recover and consider having another. But now that it is the case, she is so happy and she remembers again why it is worth going through that pain rather than not having a dog and not having all those magical moments. I understand you.
    Be strong and keep well.

    Lastly, I would like to thank you for your work and contribution. Thanks to your first report on the RX1, I purchased the camera and it is all I wished for. I LOVE IT. Thank you so much.
    All the best. K

  28. Dear Steve,

    I was crying when I’m reading this. I know how you feel. I have my best friend – he’s name is Skipper, golden retriever, for eleven years now. Last friday he had stroke. That was horrible experience for me. Thank’s to God, he is fully recovered, but, I know that one day the time is coming to say “see you, my best friend”…
    So, I know that now you are devastated, because Scrubby is gone. But, he is, I believe, in better, beautiful place, and looking after you. He’s still your best friend. He will allways be your best friend! My prayers are with you! Goodby Scrubby, from me and my best friend, Skipper…

  33. Saddest post ever, Mr. Steve. 🙁 Reminds me of my 9-year-old Cookie (a Shih Tzu) who died more than a year ago on my birthday. 🙁

  34. I am so sorry for your loss Steve…always hard when we part from our most faithful loving friends.

  36. I’m so very sorry to read this news Steve. Things will be better, in time – not that it helps now. I wonder … did Man tame to dog or did the dog tame Man?

  37. Steve, Losing a four-legged family member is so very sad. His pain is gone, it’ll take time to grieve the loss, yet I am certain his spirit will be with you always. The portrait of Scrubby really shows his character, Thank you.

  38. Steve.

    I was really sorry to hear about Scrubby passing away, as I know you were very fond of the old guy and were concerned about his ailing health over the past year.
    The only thing I can say is that you gave him a good life, and these memories will stay with you for ever.
    As a fellow dog lover I know how painful it is to visit the vet for the final goodbye. I have been through it myself on few occasions, but one has to think of the animal and any pain it is experiencing, and you did what was the humane choice for Scrubby.

    No, my dog used to gaze at me,
    paying me the attention I need,
    the attention required
    to make a vain person like me understand
    that, being a dog, he was wasting time,
    but, with those eyes so much purer than mine,
    he’d keep on gazing at me
    with a look that reserved for me alone
    all his sweet and shaggy life,
    always near me, never troubling me,
    and asking nothing.

    Pablo Neruda (1904 – 1973 )

  39. When it was time for our last dog, Bart, I found comfort in seeing the pain leave. Over the last couple of years of his life he slowly had more difficulty with day to day play. We didn’t notice the growing pain in his eyes, as he always was a big lovable dog. They gave Bart two injections. After the first injection, I saw the pain and tension ease from his body. I swear to this day that he looked me in the eyes and said thank you. The second injection put him to sleep. Seeing the pain leave him was the one thing that made it bearable.
    Thanks for sharing.

  40. Very sad. Had lost our dog also from old age and it was like losing a best friend. They say a dog is the only animal that loves their owners more than themselves. Condolence Steve.

  41. Courage for the futur! The worth for those who stay but the best for Scrubby…

  42. I’m sorry to hear this my friend. Know that they live on in your memories, and their impact on your life will last forever. I’ve always considered my parents dogs as more than just pets, they are family.

  43. Steve, Very Sorry For The Loss Of Your Dear Boy. I Had To Put Down My 17 Year Old Cocker Spaniel Not Too Long Ago. I Have 2 Others, 11 & 13, All Rescue Dogs. So Tough Losing What I Call, A “Family” Member. Sincerest Condolences, steve mark

  44. Sorry to here this. My pup is going on 16 and she has really slowed down. I spend as much time with her as I can just to tell her how much I love her.

  48. Dogs are our best friend, always there for us. I am so sorry for your loss 🙁

  50. Theres no way to express the sorrow I feel for your loss from one dog owner to another. Having tons of photos helps a little now and a lot in the future, in the meantime I hope you can hold on to all the great times.

  51. sorry for your loss. the more love the more sadness that always helps me when I feel sad. cherish that feeling.

  52. Very sorry for your loss Steve. I’ll be experiencing this myself in the coming months and already feel the weight of it. All the best as you move forward–I know it’s neither easy nor pleasant in any way.

  54. My deepest sympathies . I know what it is to lose dogs; they really are full time family members. Sleep well Scrubby, I’ve been seeing you here since 2009.

  55. Lucky Scrubby; lucky you. The years are never enough; but of all the people and all the creatures on this planet, it’s no small miracle that you two mates hooked up, and for four glorious years. Thanks for sharing.

  57. Steve,
    I have been a Miniature Schnauzer owner since 10 years old. When I went away to college I eventually felt something missing and it took a while to figure it out, but it was not having my faithful friend with me!
    I went through the same exact thing you did about 4 years ago and she told me it was time also. Still hurts when i think about it, but I can tell you that the best thing I ever did was to immediately go out and find another new puppy to bond with that needs and deserves to have someone like you to care for it!
    Sorry for your loss. I hope you take my advice as it truly helps!

  59. that’s sad to hear. i feel the pain as we had once a dog who died at 16 yrs of age. our dog, like yours, bounced back from illnesses and he wasn’t even properly taken care of, yet, has been strong all those years. i really feel guilty till now since his death is caused by something easily avoidable. thanks for sharing.

  61. Condolences, Steve. We’ve put down four dogs and currently have two that are still relatively spry and young, but know that the day will come when we will again face that decision to let them go. As our vet always says, “Knowing when it’s not too early and not too late” is the key. Yup, always a tough decision, but a compassionate one, for sure. My photos of Ginseng, Merlin, Angel, and Phaedre provide us with wonderful memories. I’m sure that your images of Scrubby will offer you the same. Blessings to you and your family.

  63. I Steve,

    I gone from the same process recently is very painful, i’m sorry to know your family have to go trow it also.

    I think we should old our selfs to the inumerous great memories we got, and celebrate with proud they unique quality’s and character.

  64. Hi Steve, I don’t know you but follow your blog on a daily basis. My sincere condolences. I adore dogs and wish I could have one but my lifestyle is such that I can’t. One day I will, perhaps when I retire. I guess it’s painful for you at the moment but you will always be able to recall those 11 past years of joy and fun with your canine companion Scrubby.

  65. Hey Steve,
    I know how this feels, have benn through it myself. I find it our duty as pet owners to make this decision at the point there is no return. They cannot decide for themselves, so it is us who have to do it for them. Everything else would be selfish and egotistical.
    So you ‘be done the right thing, though it hurts.
    Take care!

  69. He’s surely now in a much much better place steve… He’s probably smile to you right now… RIP

  70. So sorry about your loss Steve. I have a dog, Yogi, who is 12, blind in one eye and almost deaf. I remind my family now and then that he’s not going to be around for too long in order to lighten the loss when he goes. It’s not easy.

  71. From the day he was rescued, I’m sure he had a wonderful and carefree life. Sorry for your loss.

  73. So sorry, Steve. They are not our pets, they are our family. Deepest condolences.

  75. My condolence, it is very hard to loose a good friend and dogs are mens best friends!

  77. I am sure to repeat what many have already said. To hold our beloved pet in our arms as he moves on to doggy heaven is the biggest act of love we can ever show them. I’ve watched them fall peacefully asleep too many times. But the time was right for them. They loved me unconditionally and I loved and supported them to the last second of their lives. And then they taught me to mourn. Because there is more to come…thank you beautiful creatures, for sharing your, oh too short life, with us. We will miss you every day.

    Hang in there Steve. Somehow, it gets easier every day. All the best. Warmly, Blair

  79. You only have a few real friends in life. Matters not if they are human or animal. Sorry for your loss.

  80. Steve – my condolences. It’s never easy to say goodbye to our faithful four legged companions – be they canine, feline, or other…

  82. I suspect Scrubby had a beautiful life and rewarded you and your family with loyal companionship. I hope the sadness of saying goodbye is soon replaced with 14 years of great memories.

  86. Hi Steve,
    I am so sorry to hear that, he is no longer in pain.
    Kam
    Vancouver canada

  88. I know it is tough. You will remember this moment for a long long time. I know that. I still do remember when I let my Tara go. It was probably the hardest moment in my life. Hang in there, Steve.

  89. Dear Steve and Debbie, letting loose someone who is so dear to you for years and years is hard and tough. But when you know it is time and your beloved dog Scrubby knows it then it is the right thing to do. Scrubby was for years like family for you and yes it always hurts to take the step to get him out of his suffering, but know this Steve and Debbie he is in a better place now and will always be in your heart and lots of great memories and lots of pic’s. Your way of honoring your great friend is very admirable and gives him all the credits that Scrubby deserve, thank you for sharing your loss with us all, and take care the coming period.

    Sincerely,

    Frank Grootenboer

  98. Lo siento mucho, leo tu blog casi a diario y este post me hizo sentir muchas cosas, porque amo a los animales, he sentido tu dolor en varias ocasiones. Un abrazo.

  100. got tears in my eyes while i read, so sorry for you
    all the best from Germany

  103. As the Irish might say Steve…. I’m sorry for your troubles. We have a couple of pups , considerably younger then Scrubby. I can’t imagine our days without them. My sympathies to your family my friend.

    terry

  106. I known you have good memories of Scrubby. I am sure he always be a part of you. Take care.

  107. I know exactly how you feel Steve. My dog Tarlot was with me since I picked him up in front of K-mart 14 years prior. He was a beautiful dog and never barked, ever. He was part Black Lab, German Shepherd, Malamute and Coyote.
    At the end his liver was failing and he was in great pain and could barley move. I had to carry him in to the vet and I held him and looked into his eyes as he passed so he would know I was with him all the way.
    I cried and was depressed for some time.
    I have never felt a loss like this since, not with my father or grandparents or any family member.
    I am not sure why.
    I have never had a dog since and may never have another.
    Yes, I understand what you went through.

  108. Sorry to hear Steve.
    I have always enjoyed the photos of him quite a character.
    I know the feeling only too well from my own animals over the years.
    Take care

    • I will add that yes, they really do let you know when it is their time to go. I mourn with you.

  110. Sorry for your loss. Scrubby was lucky to have you to care for him, in life and in death.

  111. Sorry to hear it Steve. You made the right decision to let him go, but it’s not easy. After I read, I went to give my Jack Russell Terrier a hug and kiss … he’s 7 yrs. young.

  112. Very sad Steve…glad you’ve got some lovely photos to remember the good times

  113. Very sorry for your loss Steve, prayers and thoughts with you and your family

  115. “This too shall pass.” -Buddah
    Sorry to hear you have lost your friend.

  116. Sorry to hear your news Steve, what a moving poem. I’ve been through the same with two dogs, three cats, and two parents. It ain’t easy… Take care.

  117. My deepest sympathy about your friend Scrubby. I’m sure you will get adopt a dog and save a pup that is on a kill list. To help you get through your great loss and comfort you as you can comfort a frightened pup
    Nice to know how much you meant to each other.

  120. Hi Steve, I’m very sorry that you had to say goodbye to Scrubby. I know exactly how you feel because I had to leave Maxi 2007, a German shepherd unfortunately go in 12 years also. And I’m still not over it back off, the pain will accompany me the rest of my life. We were separated only 3 days in the 12 years, more and bask 24 h together, a companion, friend, full of love. But where he is now is it He’ll be fine, just as good as me. He will always have a bowl of food and water, and I wish you well. Carrying. Always him in your heart and remember your special time I wish you much strength and time heals the wound a little, even if a deep scar remains.

    Greetings Klaus

  122. Hi Steve, I wish you strength in these difficult days. Scrubby has been part of this community as much as he was part of your life and I will miss him.

    I think it’s true that dogs let you know when it’s their time to go. I remember the neighbor’s dog, who always greeted me happily, came over to me one day, barely able to walk, and layed down in front of me. I don’t think that dogs can cry but he looked up to me with what looked like tears in his eyes, as if coming to say goodbye. An hour later he passed. Quite an intense moment.

    Thanks for sharing the news. Maybe add a few more photos here of him? So that we can all remember good old Scrubby.

    Warm wishes,
    Robert

  123. Be brave, man.
    I know how are you feeling right now.
    Kindest regards from Spain.

  124. My heart goes out to you Steve. Anyone who opens themselves to the bond that is there with a animal companion knows how deep the connection can go. Pure love lives on in the spirit world with you and your dear departed friend Scrubby. Just a temporary physical separation, nothing lost.

  125. My condolences Steve……

    Made me remember when I was 14 (I’m also 43) when I lost our first dog. It was in the family before I was born. Dogs DO mean alot to us….. and isn’t it just great – after all – that you have so many beautiful photos of your ol’ friend.

    You’re an inspiration. Kind regards from Denmark 🙂

  126. condolences. i feel your pain. just remember when you do finally look for a new friend, it’s actually a tribute to the one that crossed rainbow bridge.

  128. Steve,
    I can’t even begin to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. I have enjoyed,(and saved), almost every picture that you have posted of Scrubby and his pals. He was one of the cutest pups that I have ever seen and I sure would have liked to have known him.

    I am very sad and sorry for the loss of your wonderful friend.

    Bruce Marston
    Passumpsic, Vermont

  133. So sorry for your loss Steve. Must have been a very tough decision, but I I’m sure it was the right one. Very beautiful poem!

    Take care !

  135. Sorry for your loss Steve. it’s hard to lose the friend who is alway there, never complains and loves you unconditionally. We could all learn a bit from mans best friend.

    Gordon

  137. I passed these moments too, Steve, and I can understand you.
    I know what it means to have a friend like Scrubby, or my Louis near you, and what it means to loose him.
    You feel empty and sad, because nobody can give a clear love like a dog.
    Goodbye Scrubby.
    Giovanni. Italy.

  138. Vale Scrubby. How lucky you were to have him and love him. May you find a place of peace in your heart for him sheltered from the hurt of the loss.

  139. So sorry you had to part Steve.
    They have a short little life, but give so much.
    And so did you.
    Don

  140. Sorry for your loss Steve, it looked like you gave him a good life, he was a very lucky dog.

  141. Had to do the same thing last month. Not much I can say. It gets better.

  142. When my faithful cat Jasper died in my arms 4 years ago it was hard and painful. Did not go to work the next day. I understand how much it hurts to loose furry friend. Sorry to hear of your loss.

    Dan

  143. I wish I could offer you some comfort, Steve, but my own tears are still streaming for the loss of our sweet lab, Tara, yesterday. She was with us almost 14 years and like your Scrubby, had lost her appetite for food and fun. It is the hardest decision to make. Excruciating. But it’s too painful to watch our four-legged expressions of joy and exuberance be reduced to inactivity and suffering. I know it’s the best choice, the loving choice. Now our pals are running as free as our tears. Goodbye Scrubby. Goodbye sweet Tara. The best bad dog ever.

    Jim

  144. All the wonderful animals we spend such a seemingly fleeting moment with never understand how much they have enriched our lives. It’s beautiful to read such a heartfelt, open and honest article.

  145. Thank you so much for sharing. When I saw this post, I completely identified with the feeling. I let my best friend Stoli go this week, as well, and it was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. But in the end, he passed peacefully and with a grace that was reflective of the type of soul that he was.

    I wrote a tribute to him on my Facebook page and encourage you to check it out. I hope it helps those of you who have suffered the same loss: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151472725893295&set=a.116534008294.99622.568553294&type=1&theater

    Be well!

  146. Sorry for your loss. You gave him a good life and gave him a dignified end. Will miss the pictures of him and his presence in the videos.

  147. You brought tears to my eyes Steve, a dog’s love is unconditional. We lost our 12 year old bulldog Milo two years ago, my little girl Gertie (also a billie) is 11 years old now … I dread when ‘that’ day will come.
    Keep an eye on your other dog, Milo’s loss had a profound affect on Gertie.

  149. I’m so sad for your little friend Scrubby…i can understand you because i had a “sister” called Erica that is in my heart every day of my life…she’s still living in me every day.So sorry for your loss.By Steve

  150. Steve
    I’m so sorry for your loss. As hard as this was, the quality of life for Scrubby was most important. I know it took courage to make the final decision. May you always remember the good times.

  151. R.I.P. Scrubby We will all miss your photos on this site.

    Steve- My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
    May you feel comfort in your fond memories of Scrubby…
    Take care-

  152. Thanks for sharing mate, dog lovers the world over know and share your pain.
    John Bleakley, Leeds, UK

      • Thanks Barrie, maybe’s I’m closer than you think, I live in Tingley, born and bred in Leeds, 52 yrs old and never without a dog in my life for those 52 years.

  153. So sorry for your loss Steve. We lost 2 of our dogs last October, 21 days apart. They are angels sent from heaven to be with us and then they have to go back.

  155. So sorry, Steve. The only thing wrong with dogs is that they don’t live long enough. Remember all the love you shared, and know that you made the right decision at the right time. Best to you and yours.

  156. Oh, Steve, how I know. We lost our beloved Wheaton last year, after putting down other dogs in the past 5 years. I know how you feel; I know the loss. I will say a prayer for him and you. But I know that in time you may want another friend. God bless.

  157. Hi steve sorry to hear that. I know how much pain can cause when a companion is gone. I just wish you keep all the good memories you had with him will continue to live in you.

  159. I’m sad after reding your story but still smile when thinking about the second chance and all the good years you gave Scrubby!

  160. i’m so sorry for your loss steve….i’ve been in your shoes 3 times in the past 10 years. definitely the hardest thing i’ve been through! the important thing to remember is not to postpone the inevitable for selfish reasons…….their quality of life is the most important thing. when you know that is suffering, then you know it’s time. sounds like you knew…….

  166. So sorry for your loss Steve, lost my dog Ellie earlier this year , am still stricken. Well done for posting about Scrubby.

  168. Sorry for the loss Steve. My wife and I got two cats just a few weeks after getting married back in ’92 and they traveled the world with us while I was in the Air Force. One lived 16 years and her sister stayed with us for 20 years. So painful putting animals down, especially when they’ve been with you so long.

  170. My deepest condolences mate.
    My girl will be 16 this year and I struggle with this decision daily.
    RIP Scrubby.

  171. We, dog lovers, lose a son every decade. I know the feeling my friend. Sorry for your loss..

  172. Steve – as a Vet, I see clients struggle with this decision on an almost daily basis. Although it breaks the heart, at some point we usually owe it to our beloved 4 legged friends to thank them for their undying devotion and say goodbye when it is their time. I’m sorry to hear about Scrubby’s passing,but I’m glad you are at peace with your decision. You made it with kindness, compassion and Scrubby’s beat interests at heart. My thoughts are with you.

  178. So sorry for your loss. I´ve had many animals, and lost many animals, but can´t even beat the thought of losing my two little buddies. Wish you all the best.

  180. very sad news … they are our best friends. and even though they are not physically, will always be part of our lives.

  181. I know how hard it is to say goodbye to a loyal family member, and so please accept my condolences. This is a lovely tribute.

  185. All animal lovers and those who have been in your footsteps will tear up with me in feeling your sorrow but knowledge that it’s the right time to let him go. My deepest condolences for you and your family Steve.

    • Could not have expressed it better. Brings me straight back to the day i had to put my pup to sleep.. My condolences.

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