I know some of you knew that today was the day. We had been dreading it for a long time but we kept putting it off.

Our little minature poodle, Mozart (Mo for short), was put to sleep this morning. We got him as a newborn puppy for our sons for Christmas 17 years ago. He was such a gentle soul. He was never in a hurry. Just poked along. He was scared of everything! If a grasshopper jumped at him outside, he could cringe and run! He was so funny! My son loved to dress him up in clothes and being the good nature little Mo was, he let him!! Of course, that was in his younger days. He'd sleep with one of my sons every night until they left home to be on their own. He missed them. He'd sit at the door and wonder why they weren't coming back. But, oh, when they came back, he was so excited.

He had plenty of kitty cat friends, all of whom he was totally afraid of! When we 'd let him out to go potty, the cats would follow behind him in the yard like they were watching out for him.

Mo never met a stranger. If he met you today, he'd snuzzle up right up under your chin like he'd known you forever and just lay there and look up at you with those big dark eyes.

As time went on, Mo lost sight in one eye and could barely see out of the other. Then he started losing his hearing. He then became incontinent, and I would go to Wal-Mart and buy him diapers. He'd stand there patiently as I put them on him and never tried to get them off. Lately though his health starting getting worse and worse. He couldn't see to drink water and I'd have to help him drink. He lost his appetite. He usually stayed in his bed most of the day. I think he was trying to tell us that it was time.....

So yesterday I put him on his favorite pillow on the couch, covered him with his blanket and he slept most all day, only once going outside. It was like he was enjoying the softness and warmness one more time. I washed his little face. I talked to him and cried with him and gave him his special treats.

This morning we put him in bed with us and talked to him and loved on him. Then at 10:40, we took him to the vet. (But not before crying some more). I just didn't want to let go. The vet nurse took little Mo back to prep him and my husband held him in his arms as the meds gave him one final sleep. He just went to sleep.

We brought him back here to the house. It's pouring rain but my husband dug him a little grave and we buried him near the spot where he used to roam as a young strong puppy. He loved that spot. My sister came over and the three of us stood there in the pouring rain crying for our friend and companion. I put flowers on his grave and can look out my window and see his little grave now.

It was so hard to make the decision and today is definitely going to be hard around here. I keep thinking I need to take him outside. After 17 years of having a constant companion while my husband works and the kids are gone, it's going to take some getting used to the new normal.

Why did I even bother to put on makeup today? I'm crying it all off!!!

Oh mom. I am so so so sorry!!!
I had a poodle as my first dog when I was a little kid. I think I was 5 and I think he was 5 when we got him from some strange lady who owned like a bazillion dogs. He was a white poodle his name was Donzi. He had little quirks. He would skip..never ran or walked, he skipped every where. He hated walking on grass and he disliked other dogs. He would scare of even german shepards.. what a brave guy he was!

When I was 16 so was he and he like your Mo began going down hill. He became blind and deaf. His walking suffered greatly as well. We had him put to sleep to stop his suffering. I cried and cried. I still do when I think about him too much.
I could never have a another dog after him. I tried, but none ever compared to him. That's why I have cats now.
Oh gosh now I'm crying again
*big hugs*

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Support bacteria -- it's the only culture some people have!

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Sorry to hear about Mo. He sounded like a wonderful poodle.

OMG...I am so very sorry for your loss. I am sitting here crying my eyes out. When you wrote about putting him on the couch with his pillow, and covering him up. And then when you wrote that you washed his face....Please do not post any pictures of Mo. I think it truly would send me over the edge today. But, if you do, please put a warning.

I am so very sorry. What a terrible loss.

What a beautiful tribute to Mo.

My heart aches for you. You are raw right now but it helps to think of the companionship and comfort Mo brought to you over the years.

I know it doesn't seem like it now but there will come a time when your family will easily be able to talk about some of the great moments in Mo's life. And I'm sure there were many.

Take it easy today, you deserve it.

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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass
It's about learning to dance in the rain.

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I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

What a beautiful tribute to your beloved dog. I read it with tears streaming down my face.

You're giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.


But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.


So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic, that will
Once more make me whole.


The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it's the only way.


That strength is why I've followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I've loved you all these years...
My partner 'til the end.


Please, understand just what this gift,
You're giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I've lost,
And all my dignity.


You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it too.


So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that's within you,
To now grant me this appeal.


Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.


And don't despair my passing,
For I won't be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I'll stay.


I'll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I'll run,
...a young dog once again.

Karen Clouston

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I am so sorry

Sweetie many hugs, I only have a few moments to spare before my dads birthday. Thanks so much for the pm, I was thinking of you so much and just wanted you to know, I know as so many others here know , how your feeling. However dear friend, you baby is not in pain anymore and is happy and running and some day hon, you will be reunited with your Baby Mo. In the meantime, he will always always be with you in spirit, in your heart and soul 4ever and ever. Peace and sincere blessings to you and your entire feeling.... catherine

This post brought tears to my eyes. I am sorry to read of your Little Mo's loss. He lived a long life, and brought so much joy to you and your family. Sending prayers your way.

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We're off to never never land

I am SO SORRY for your loss,, I started to cry just reading your post,, I have two tiny poodles myself and I just don't know even want to think of when the time comes for them it will break my heart,, as I am sure you feel now :-(

Sending you prayers and hugs

I was just coming here to check on you, because I remembered that today was the day - I've thought of you several times today and wanted you to know that I am so very sorry for your loss. Perhaps your Mo and my Ziras are playing in the fields together today. Please know that I am thinking of you and wishing I could do something to ease your pain.

Mariah

I'm sorry for your loss. Pets are sometimes more "family" than the people who share our bloodlines. Sounds like you had a wonderful friend for 17 years.

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I'm the kind of woman when my feet hit the floor in each morning, the devil says "Oh crap, she's up."

I am so sorry you have had to experience the loss of such a beloved pet. We had to let a beloved 12 year old golden retriever go in 1998. I remember that day like it was yesterday, so I can understand your sorrow. Some pets touch our lives in amazing ways. 17 years is an amazingly long time for any dog, and it is a testiment to how much you loved and cared for him.

I am sorry for the loss of your pet, I am sitting here crying. You wrote from your heart and it sounds like Mo had a wonderful life and made yours the same.

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Sometimes the elevator often the shaft

So sorry for your loss.
I sit here crying knowing the emptiness you must be feeling, having lost our cat Tommy last month. Your heart aches from the loss, a pets companionship is such a special bond. Mo lives on through all the good memories he left behind.
You will find yourself remembering him everyday and how you spent your time
together.

I am so sorry for the loss of your little Mo.

I hope it always brings you comfort to know that you can look out your window to his resting place. That is pretty nice.

I feel for you standing out there in the rain with your DH and your sister. You're lucky to have people in your life who "get it" about Mo.

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"The errors of faith are better than the best thoughts of unbelief." - Thomas Russell

I'm so sorry

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Mudpuppy

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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass - it's about learning to dance in the rain

So sorry about your Mo. I was sitting here about to bawl reading your post. Hopefully there will be a time when you are ready for another dog to join your household. HUGS!

I am so sorry. I am also shedding tears reading about your loss of little Mo. He sounded like a good buddy to your family.

You were lucky to have had such great dog and he was lucky to have your family to love him. You will always have great memories .

I know how hard it is to lose a pet. We had a Lhasa for 13 yrs.
She was with us all the time and it was hard to take her in.

Shirley

Thank you all for your kind remarks. They really mean a lot to me. He was a special little guy and it will take some getting used to not have him around. Just last night I sprinkled some shredded cheese on some nacho chips and microwaved it and I always put extra cheese in the bottom because Mo loves to eat the cheese because it sticks to the dish. I put the extra cheese in the bottom like always and then remembered he wasn't here, and then just started crying again. I guess it will just take some time to stop old habits.

We finally got the snow that Mo had heard DH and I wishing for all winter. I told my husband that when little Mo got to heaven he told God that his mommy & daddy had been wanting snow all winter and he asked God to send us snow to show us he arrived safely.

Thanks again all of you for being so kind and considerate. (((HUGS))) to all of you.

Sorry about Mo, sounds like he was a wonderful little man. I will be thinking of you.

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Friends are like butt cheeks.
Crap might separate them,
But they always come back together.