Boy, i must be getting soft, this rates right up there with having to put our dog down! GUS, was a super dog, literally, he could do all kinds of ''tricks''. And, the friend of mine put a lot of time into him, he was only 8 yrs old. He had contracted cancer, and was being treated, but, then one day he jumped out of the back of the pickup and that started a down hill trend for him. He was limping HARD the next day, his owner didn't mess around, took him to the vet, Xrays, every thing he could do. But, i could tell GUS was struggling. He had the spirit/determination, but, his body said no. I slowly walked him, so he could go to the bathroom outside. But, his limp was really bad. So, i carried him up and down a hill of about 100 yds. Gus was 65lbs, in weight. The hill was steep, but, i was determined, we made it back to his spot in the house. His owner really went the extra mile to take good care of him, and he didn't spare the money on the vet. But, with GUS failing a lot faster than we thought, his owner took him to the vet yesterday and put him to sleep. He was a great dog, Australian Shepard, feared nothing and no doubt would give his life for his owner.I've felt honored to see GUS let me into his life. I laid my head on his side, in the shade at our daughters house when i watched him. Threw his toys numerous times and he always brought it back on his terms. He'd shake hands over and over until HE chose not to anymore. Then, give you that look, like, "AGAIN"? IF there was ever one dog i'd loved to have had, it would have been GUS!!! No doubt he'd give his life for his owner and i'd like to think he'd have done the same for me, he was fearless, aggressive, but, he'd blink those big brown eyes and melt your heart. I got up yesterday morning, went to see him, his owner was still in denial about his health, optimistic, that the vet might be able to still help him out. He did, they agreed, it was in GUS'S best interest and put him to sleep. I've watched him over the years in his PRIME, seen him play with our grandson, and his buddy, "Duke'' the blond long haired doxie. Duke would latch on to GUS'S throat hair and GUS, would swing him around like a doll., lol all in good fun. He never growled at Duke, or played the ''big dog'' games. Always good to Duke!! Boy, its been tough on me this week, his owner. the battery on his pickup had failed, then, i came up to his house yesterday morning and it was like i was given a last time to see GUS. And, i'm really glad i decided to go up to his house. I helped to put him in the backseat of the pickup, and they took him to the vet for the last time. We tend to put more time into animals than relatives some times. But, in their defense, they(animals) never talk back, always there for you, listen you you when you talk to them, and always around for a pat on the head or a treat of some kind. I'll always remember that big Wooly looking dog, he really made an impression on me!!
I hate reading this. We have been through it and it is never easy. Keep all the good times and memories in the front of your mind. RIP buddy.
This is a hard read! Brings back memories...but I won't go there. Feel sad for the owner and all of Gus's friends!
Honestly, I agree with everyone’s reply’s in this case his owner did it for his best friend. I had to go through this myself, it really hurt me, but, me, being a friend of GUS’s it was the best for him.
One of the toughest calls I ever had to make so far. Seems easier to deal with humans than it is with a pet daughter/son.
Like others have mentioned we have also been in the same position with our canine partners. It hurts real bad, but remember him fondly.
RIP Gus! I absolutely feel and know the feeling of your pain. We've been down this road more times I care to have been. We grieve with you.
