Bear with me on this post please people. Our beloved Welsh Springer Spaniel, Sam, has been put to sleep this morning. He was diagnosed with cancer last October and we knew this day would come.

We are heartbroken but also relieved because in his last days he was suffering and struggling to even eat. I believe he is now playing happily and free of health problems and that I will see him again one day.

He was such a loving dog and full of character and mischief. He would chase his ball all day and night.

I've been through this before but I would say that there is no wise old owl in these circumstances. Previous experience doesn't make it easier.

I've bought one of these to light up down the garden when we receive his ashes back: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Blomus-65007-Orcho...en+torches

I now want to post a few pictures (the final photo is the last I have of him taken yesterday) to celebrate his life and this little poem:

"So, though I give you all my heart,
The time will come when we must part.
But all around you, you will see,
Creatures that speak to you of me;
A tired horse, a hunted thing,
A sparrow with a broken wing;
Pity and help (I know you will)
And somehow, I will be with you still;
And I shall know, although I'm gone,
The love I gave you lingers on."

























RIP my friend. LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

Always hard when you lose a doggie friend my condolences I know how much it hurts.

Sorry to hear the sad news doc, he looks a braw dug (beautiful dog) . He will always be in your heart. Do it now ! Your a long time dead !!

Very sorry to hear your sad news. We lost our Westie suddenly last March after twelve and a half years. We have a Cocker Spaniel now which is a bit of a learning curve as I’ve only had Terriers previously. Must admit I couldn’t get along without another dog. Gone:
2002 FL1 TD4 GS Zambezi Silver
2007 FL2 TD4 GS Izmir Blue

So sorry to hear of your loss.

Thanks for the replies. We have our other dog Toby (English Springer) to occupy our time still (he's 9) and still completely bonkers! LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

So verry sorry to hear that. Been there myself. In those sad circumstances, you can only console yourself that you gave him a long and loving life and had the strength and courage to do the right thing when it was time. Toby will help you through it. RIP Sam.

sorry for your loss, and like others I know what it feels like.

two years ago we had to have our westie Beth put to sleep after having her for 16 years, and we still talk and think about her.

don't know if we could go through that again.

Sam looks a lovely Spaniel and as someone else said he has had a good life, and you gave each other a lot of happiness.

Iain

sorry for your loss

losing a family member can never be easy Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

Sorry to learn of this, Dave. I know how hard it is to lose a trusted friend like yours.
Bob 10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

08 FL2 TD4 SE Manual in Rimini Red (Now Gone)

Genuinely sorry for your loss. It's the one thing in my life I dread the day of.
Condolences.

Sorry to hear loss of your faithful friend !
As said by others I can truly sympathise as lost a few doggie friends over many years and no matter if been through it before it always hurts big time
Again as said above - one can only reflect on the happy days you gave them and the love given and received and knowing you did the right thing at the end and saved the wee soul much suffering and pain !

Best wishes
Shaun Freelander 2
MY 2011
SD4 XS

Many thanks for the further replies. I feel somewhat empty at the moment, that's the only way I can describe it. He had one last little meander down the garden before the vet came. I wanted him to do something enjoyable before the end. LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

Thoughts with you and family Doc, lost our wee Staffy week before Christmas and it is a pain I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. Remember the good times. 2017 Discovery Sport Pure Fuji White "Lynne"
2002 Discovery D2 GS Oslo Blue "Ozzie"
2014 Freelander TD4 GS Fuji White "Linda"
2001 Discovery2 td5 ES "Edith" Gone
2007 BMW325DSE Gone
Wife Still here!

The Rainbow Bridge

By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,
Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.
Where the friends of man and woman do run,
When their time on earth is over and done.

For here, between this world and the next,
Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.
On this golden land, they wait and they play,
Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.

No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,
For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.
Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,
Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.

They romp through the grass, without even a care,
Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.
All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,
Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.

For just at that instant, their eyes have met;
Together again, both person and pet.
So they run to each other, these friends from long past,
The time of their parting is over at last.

The sadness they felt while they were apart,
Has turned into joy once more in each heart.
They embrace with a love that will last forever,
And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together. Ex 2010 Freelander2 GS-e Diesel manual Silver owner