My husband just left to take our oldest dog to the vet. It's time for him to cross the Rainbow Bridge. I am so sad. We have had him for 15 years--we got him right before we got married.
It's so freakin' hard. I know it needs to be done. The only thing keeping me from totally bawlin' my eyes out is 3 wedding cakes, 2 groom's cakes and a birthday cake.
We lost our standard poodle to cancer 3 years ago--she ws 12. And I still have 2 other dogs to keep me company. Oh well, back to cakes, I just had to sit and have a cry.
So sorry to hear that- a pet is soo much a part of the family- people who don't have pets don't understand what others go through when one has to be put down. I feel your pain- my mom had to put her beautiful Himalayan cat down (she had him 17 years!) in January and I still cry when I walk by the window where he used to lay and greet everyone.
Mac,
I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my male Golden last fall and my female Golden has cancer. Plus I have 2 cats that are in poor health. I know it is just a matter of time for all 3 and I just try not to think about it. Pets are so wonderful, all they ask for is love and affection. I guess that is why we hate to see them go.
Try to get your cakes done and then give yourself permission to have a good cry. I'll say a little prayer for you. Take care.
Cindy
I am truly sorry, Mac.
Remember what a good life he had, and how fortunate he was to be loved and well-cared for. I choose to believe that, whatever awaits us beyond this world, our pets will also have a presence there -- doggie treats galore, and an endless supply of squirrels to chase (but never catch). 
Mac I said a prayer for you, I know your precious is going to a soft cloud with treats and other canine pals! They *are* family and only a real dog lover (and others) knows this. My friend just lost her 13 year old Lab to cancer and my own lovie is 12, I pray he stays healthy, it is such a hard, hard loss so my thoughts are with you.
"My Gift To Jesus"
I wish someone had given little Jesus a dog
As loyal and loving as mine,
To sleep by His manger and gaze into his eyes
And adore Him for being divine.
As Our Lord grew to manhood, His own faithful dog
would have followed Him all through the day,
While He preached to the crowd, and made the sick well
And knelt in the garden to pray.
It's sad to remember that Christ went away,
to face death, alone and apart,
With no tender dog following closely behind
To comfort its master's heart.
And when Jesus rose on that Easter morn,
How happy He would have been,
As His dog licked his hand, and barked it's delight
For the one who died for all men.
Well, the Lord has a dog now, I just sent him mine,
My old pal so dear to me,
And I smile through my tears on this first day alone
Knowing they're in Eternity.
--- Anon
my prayers, and tears, are with you.
O Mac i'm so sorry...
Something like this has happend to me twice already in my 15 years.
My first was a little hamster named Hammy. I used to let him run around in my room and chase him. One day when I tried to stop him from going behind a box, i shoved the box and that was the end of Hammy. 
I felt SO BAD!!! Cried myself to sleep at nap time. (I was about six and a half) When i turned seven, parents gave me another hamster. Named him Peter. The poor thing just got too old. When i tried to feed him one day, he just wouldn't move. Cried myself to sleep again.
Maybe it's not the same thing with a dog then a hamster, but when you're attached to him, it's like loosing a best friend!
I cry with you on this one...keep decorating cakes!
Laroux
Doug- that poem made me cry!!!
Mac- My heartfelt condolences go to you. I am glad to see so many people reply to this post. Pets are so important. And not to be taken for granted. I know some of us empathize because we've been through this, and others of us sympathize, knowing we'll have to go through it sometime. And really there's nothing we can say to make it better, only to let you know we're thinking of you.
Thanks everybody!
Doug--that poem was beautiful! I'm adding it to my book of poems beside "The Rainbow Bridge" and "The Dog's Plea".
I can almost see ol' Bubba going to find Cammy (my beloved poodle) and tellling her "You should see what they got after you. She is the goofiest dog I think they could find. Sit down here and I will catch you up, you've been gone for 3 years and I have missed you old friend."
To the many of CC friends who have lost a beloved friend and those who know the time is near, good memories fill that void. Now, I will have to set my alarm because Bubba always woke me up on time!
Have a great evening all. I am back to decorating more wedding cakes.
OH, Mac, I know how much you love your animals! So sorry to hear the sad news. We have a collie that has been getting sick a lot, I'm afraid we will be going through the same thing you are one day soon. I dread it. We love our sweet animals, our babies! I hope you feel better soon~
Quote by @%username% on %date%
%body%