Labrador Retrievers

I got Zena at 12 weeks old, she is the best dog ever. I really think she is human. She will be 10 this summmer. She has so many problems, ear infections, back leg problems, cist on her chest and tongue. Had surgrey on ears didnt help. cist removed from tongue now its back. Cant get on bed anymore, hard to go up stairs. Needing to go out to potty at night. The list goes on. I love her so much. Vets (seen many) just give meds for ears and infection comes right back. Meds for legs which make her pee and drink and sleep. They tell me that it can hurt her unrine track so blood tests. Please help me. Am I doing the right thing. Ths is my first dog. I had a big fear of them and family talked me into it. Now I don't know when I need to let her go. I don't what her to suffer. Thanks

I'm sorry your baby is having to go through this and also that you have to make such hard decisions. I had to make the hardest decision of my life last year. I had my Jessie girl for a wonderful 13 years. She was a black lab/golden retriever mix. She got cancer that caused large growths on her. She had surgery twice, then our vet told us he would not do it again. At her age and health she would not survive it and it would not help anymore. I had her for another few months after this. I swore I would not have her PTS unless or until she could not eat, go out to potty, of if I new she was in pain. One day I knew it was time and I sat beside her and looked into her knowing and trusting beautiful eyes and asked her if she was ready to go. I know she couldn't have said she was but I knew by her expression she was tired, in pain and ready to go. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do. But she is not suffering now. There is not a day I don't think of her and most days still cry. But I know she will be waiting on me at Rainbow Bridge.................................

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together…

– Author Unknown