Yesterday my family had to put my childhood/first dog down and I'm having a real hard time with it. She had laryngeal paralysis and was having difficulties with breathing. She was breathing really heavy, gagging, and having trouble sleeping. She'd lay down, have trouble breathing and get up to walk around to help. But she was also slow with her hips hurting. She was having problems hearing, too. She was in a lot of pain and the lar par would have gone down her spinal cord and eventually taken her on its own. It was just so difficulty seeing her jump up to me when I got to the vet's office. She was so happy and always wanted everyone to be happy. She was so gentle and kind. Literally the best dog in the world. 

The vet gave her a plate of peanut butter cookies (her favorite) and chocolate. She ate all the pb cookies (with some difficulties) and then the chocolate. Then she got the medicine and peaceful went to sleep. 

I know we did the right thing. She was in pain, and if she had died on her own she would have suffocated, alone, and we would have found her. This way she went peacefully, surrounded by her family, and with a full belly of treats. 

I'm thankful my family was all able to say goodbye. I'm glad my fiancé was there with us. And I'm glad Daniel, his son, was able to be there and say his goodbye. He's five and so it would have been hard for him to understand without seeing it I think. He is then able to see why we all are crying and will help him cope better too since he was very close to her. He can talk to us about it and feel involved with the family. I'm also thankful I have my two dogs who I am slowly feeding her food to and they are going to use her bed. I have her treat container her at our house now. The older one has been very receptive and won't leave my side. The puppy is a little less worrisome haha. That's okay. He's still cute. We also got her paw print in clay. I'm trying to keep her memory alive in as many ways as I can. 

Her birthday is next month. She would have been 12. She lived a life full of adventure and love. My parents have a house in the mountains, which Molly loved. Soon we will all take a trip up there to spread her ashes in the backyard. I'm thinking of getting some of it turned into jewelry as well. 

I honestly don't think this hole will ever fully close, but she is pain free now.

Feel free to post any photos of past pets you may have lost/had to put down. Or current pets, I don't care! I'd love to see them.