Time to say goodbye to our greyhound, Kate

[Tig]

We've put this off as long as possible, but when quality of life drops below a certain point, the best thing is to end the pain. At almost 14, Catunda Kate (her racing name) has outlived most greyhounds. Lately, we have to help her just to stand up sometimes, and she can't always hold her bowels until she gets outside. We can't keep weight on her. The last 2 days she has been in pain, even with the med's.

She was born in Ireland. Her father was the only dog to win both the Irish and English Derbies. She raced there, then moved to the East cost and raced tracks like Wheeling Downs in WV as well as Florida before moving here to race. After she retired, she had two litters. We adopted her when she was 7 1/2 years old. I've tracked a few of her pup's and grand children to see them become successful open class racers.

We've run across many greyhounds, and I honestly have never seen one as sweet and Kate. I've been petting her and giving her treats she loves for these last few hours. She will be missed dearly. http://markweinguitarlessons.com/forums/images/smilies/cry2.gif

Today...
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8230/8498636718_352917a069_z.jpg

Past...

http://gallery.roadbikereview.com/data/roadbike/500/Katie_tongue3med.jpg
http://gallery.roadbikereview.com/data/roadbike/500/Katie-sniff_med.jpg
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5306/5789715279_46eae2060e_z.jpg
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5107/5789715271_8b2fefdaf8_z.jpg

[Bookkeeper's Son]

Most of us know how you feel. Quite simply, it sucks. But we love our pets, try to give them a good home for their lifespan, and mourn their loss when the inevitable comes. Then we do it all over again, because a petless house is a soulless house.

Peace to Kate and her family.

[marnold]

Sorry to hear that. I know when I had to have my dog put to sleep it was awful, even though I knew there was no choice.

[Tig]

Thanks so much for the kind words and thoughts.
Back now. It was really difficult, but we knew it was time. She was having trouble just standing.
She weighed 63 pounds at the vet, which shows how much she lost since her weight was normally 80 pounds.

We'll miss her. :cry:

[mrmudcat]

Tig IM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS!!!

[Robert]

Sorry man.

[piebaldpython]

Sorry for your loss.........our pets are sometimes better family than the people in our families. Especially so with dogs who just love their humans no matter what. lol BTW, loved the antler pic.

[poodlesrule]

A heavy, sad day, but you meant a lot to each other, and like good caregivers, you were brave enough to hold your end of the partnership. She would have done the same for you.

Life is like river and clouds, ever changing. Kate will live on in your hearts , as well as through other life forms.

[sunvalleylaw]

I am sorry for the loss of your friend Doug. There comes a time when you have to let them go, but it is still hard. Take comfort in knowing that you did the right thing in ending her pain.

[R_of_G]

Doug, I wasn't around yesterday to read this but I'm truly sorry for your loss. Anyone who thinks the loss of a pet is any less painful than the loss of a human family member never had a pet. Thanks for sharing the photo with us, she was a beautiful dog.

[Tig]

Thanks for the understanding and the thoughtful words, everyone. While we'll certainly miss her, we also feel relieved by letting her go gracefully and without more pain. I guess you know you did the right thing when you don't second guess the decision. We're feeling much better today.