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Jan 4, 2011

MY HEART IS BROKEN

Today is a bad day. Today is the day that we had our beautiful black lab, Maxine put down. Maxine was almost 14 years old and has been having a rough time this past year steadily deteriorating. 
Maxine has had an amazing, fun life. 
We remembered how as a puppy she jumped up in my BB Guys lap and stole the Subway sandwich right out of his mouth. Well let me tell you that never happened again. 
We remembered how she would pin our son on the ground with her big barreled chest with her paws on either side of his head so he couldn't move and she would lick his face while he laughed so hard he couldn't catch his breath. 
 We remembered how she actually smiled while riding in the boat while my BB guy was fishing. 
 We remembered how she stopped barking at the doorbell at a very young age... as soon as she realized that sometimes that doorbell meant there was pizza at the door. 
We remembered how she would try to push me off the bed at the cabin during the night because it was actually her bed up there and she didn't think I should be in it. It was for her and the BB Guy. 
 
Our hearts are just broken and we can't stop crying but she really had a good life and we owed it to her to make the hardest decision of our lives and let her go.  

35 comments:

  1. HeatherJanuary 4, 2011 at 7:20 PM

    I am so terribly sorry. Losing a beloved pet is very difficult. I will be thinking of you.

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  2. vignette designJanuary 4, 2011 at 7:22 PM

    I'm so sad for you and BB Guy. Maxine was very much loved and she knew it too. Keep remembering those wonderful memories of her. My deepest condolences Lori. ~Delores

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  3. nannykimJanuary 4, 2011 at 7:30 PM

    oh, so sorry for you. I know I will miss my Boots when he goes. He is now 15.

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  4. JackieJanuary 4, 2011 at 7:41 PM

    Lori...My heart is broken for you. I hug you and wish there was something I could do to help ease the pain and the missing of Maxine. Words won't do it, I know. I offer you a shoulder and a hug and want you to know that I care...
    Love,
    Jackie

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  5. Donna DJanuary 4, 2011 at 7:42 PM

    I'm so sorry, this is always the hardest thing. Big hugs to you.

    Donna

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  6. CarolJanuary 4, 2011 at 7:45 PM

    There are no words, just tears to mix with yours, maybe this will help:

    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...

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  7. KathleenJanuary 4, 2011 at 8:05 PM

    I am so sorry...

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  8. joanneJanuary 4, 2011 at 8:10 PM

    It's the hardest thing to do to let them go but they trust us to be there and do the right thing at the right time to prevent their suffering. Maxine obviously had a wonderful life thanks to your family and her memories will live forever...take care...j

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  9. Greta KoehlJanuary 4, 2011 at 8:14 PM

    I am so sorry to hear this. We have been through it so many times, but it never gets any easier. I can't stand the thought of losing any of our furry guys, yet they are getting older... I'm just glad to know that this wonderful girl had a great life with you and your family.

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  10. MaureenJanuary 4, 2011 at 8:28 PM

    Oh Lori I am so sad for you. I know how these four legged creatures become a HUGE part of our families and it hurts so bad. I choose to believe that they are in a better place.

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  11. GiniJanuary 4, 2011 at 9:40 PM

    I am so sorry Lori...I went thru this with my Dusty (Golden Retriever)...I had to make the same decision to let him go. I know how hard it is.

    My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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  12. my Heritage HappensJanuary 4, 2011 at 10:58 PM

    Ah, dang. loosing a member of the family. So difficult. My heart goes out to you and your family. It is wonderful to remember those good times though, it sure helps in the healing!

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  13. Lyndsay WellsJanuary 4, 2011 at 11:06 PM

    She was so beautiful Lori. I write this with tears streaming down my face. I know first hand the loss and emptiness that comes with the death of a beloved pet. Huge love to you - I have asked Ziggy to go and look Maxine up. Something tells me they will be fast friends.

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  14. KatJanuary 5, 2011 at 4:16 AM

    I'm so sorry Lori. I know firsthand how difficult this decision is, but I also know it is the most selfless one. We owe it to our constant companions to let them go in peace. They give us such unconditional love and devotion, and it can be our last gift to them. Maxine had a wonderful life, and I hope that those memories help you through this difficult time. Hugs, Kat

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  15. cathyJanuary 5, 2011 at 4:35 AM

    Remember, all dogs go to heaven! She is running, and playing and watching your family from above! My beloved Airedale is up there with Maxine... my heart goes out to you...

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  16. UnknownJanuary 5, 2011 at 6:00 AM

    Wow, Lori, what a wonderful tribute to a dear friend. Let those precious memories carry you through. I smiled just picturing some of them. Hope they can bring smiles to you when you need it most. ((hugs))

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  17. Amy Coffin, MLISJanuary 5, 2011 at 9:07 AM

    Lori, I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing these photos and the wonderful tribute. It's clear she was a well-loved dog that led a happy life. My thoughts are with you.

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  18. KarenJanuary 5, 2011 at 9:24 AM

    I'm so sorry.. what terrible heartbreak when it comes time to say goodbye to a cherished pet. She was a beautiful girl, and left you with some treasured memories. Someday you'll meet again.

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  19. Blondie's JournalJanuary 5, 2011 at 10:11 AM

    I feel so bad for you, Lori. Maxine was a beautiful dog and a big part of your family. Putting her down is one of the hardest things you will ever do. I will be thinking of you.

    XO,
    Jane

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  20. UnknownJanuary 5, 2011 at 10:52 AM

    Lori, I am so sad for you and your family. I know how rough it can be, and I just want to tell you that I am so glad she had such and long and happy life, and my thoughts are with you and your family. Take care...

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  21. KarenJanuary 5, 2011 at 12:38 PM

    ((((Hugs to you Lori)))) Us fellow pet owners know how horribly hard it is to make that decision. It is 6 years this month that we sent our beloved black Lab Echo on to a pain free place.
    Thinking of you,
    Karen

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  22. JudyJanuary 5, 2011 at 1:18 PM

    So very sorry for your loss...

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  23. Charley "Apple" GrabowskiJanuary 5, 2011 at 3:04 PM

    I'm very sorry for your loss. It's never easy to say goodbye.

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  24. AnonymousJanuary 5, 2011 at 4:47 PM

    Oh gosh - so very sorry for you & your family. Those little fuzzy critters can sure win over our hearts like nothing else.

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  25. Kathy ReedJanuary 5, 2011 at 4:57 PM

    As I type this, my beautiful rescue dog is snuggled next to me. Isn't it amazing that you've already had 25 comments. What does that say about our dogs.

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  26. JennJanuary 5, 2011 at 6:06 PM

    Oh hon, I'm so sorry. It's the hardest thing to lose a pet, a creature that wiggles its' way into you heart, and even harder to make the decision to put them down. The pain will eventually ease, but her memory will live on.

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  27. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiJanuary 5, 2011 at 7:31 PM

    {{{ BIG HUGS}} to you as I know how hard it is to lose a beloved pet. You did the right thing to ease Maxine's pain and allow her to go with dignity. She depended upon you to do that for her as loving owners. Enjoy all the wonderful memories of your wonderful dog...you gave her wonderful life!

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  28. JoanneJanuary 5, 2011 at 9:06 PM

    Lori -- my goodness we love our furry babies so much. They bring so much to our lives and yes our heart break and feel like they will never mend when we have to say goodbye. Its been over four years since I had to say goodbye to my darling golden. I no longer cry but when we drop some food on the ground we call out her name. Sad smiles.

    Huge hugs to you and cherish your memories.

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  29. SueJanuary 5, 2011 at 11:53 PM

    Oh Lori, I know first hand how hard this is. Both times, I took our dogs to the vet. They are so much a part of our family, dogs are. You will always have your memories.... Sending you a big virtual hug, Lucy, Ethel

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  30. JulieJanuary 6, 2011 at 8:13 PM

    After seeing your comment on my blog I headed over here to see if you posted anything. I can honestly say I know exactly what you are going through at this exact moment. Prayers for Maxine, may she rest in peace.

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  31. Sandra :)January 7, 2011 at 10:09 AM

    I just found your blog via a link from a Proud Canadian Blogger picture, so I came over to get an Ontario badge. I'm so very sorry about your beautiful girl - I know how hard that decision is to make, and I know how much it hurts :( Your stories of her are adorable, especially the pizza delivery one, lol. Obviously she was a much loved member of your family and will be missed greatly - that's a pretty good legacy to leave. I'm sure she's at the Rainbow Bridge now, waiting to be reunited with her loving family *sniff* *sniff* :(

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  32. Michelle GoodrumJanuary 8, 2011 at 11:53 AM

    I am so very sorry for your loss. We are a family of dog lovers and have been there too. You know you did the right thing but it doesn't ease your pain.

    Thank you for sharing your pictures and memories.

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  33. MaceyJanuary 8, 2011 at 1:55 PM

    Oh, friend, I'm so sorry. I'm late here, but I feel so badly for you... :( Dogs have a special place in our hearts, don't they? It's a special hurt when they are gone.

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  34. Cass @ That Old HouseJanuary 10, 2011 at 9:13 PM

    Oh Lori, I can't believe I missed this when you wrote it -- I am SO sorry. Maxine was beautiful, and I know all too well the holes in your hearts on losing her.
    You are doing the best thing you can -- remembering her, honoring her, laughing about her life and the joy and love she brought so open-heartedly to you and your family.

    They are with us such a short time, and leave such a very BIG stamp on our hearts.

    My arms go around you, my heart aches for you. How lucky Max was to have chosen your family with whom to share her wonderful life.
    Cass

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  35. My Blonde Moments - SharonJanuary 12, 2011 at 1:44 PM

    Oh Goodness! I'm in tears!
    I have my 2nd black lab, TJ who is elderly and I am bracing for the day....

    I'm still not over the previous dogs, cats, pet rats (owned by my kids), hamsters, chinchilla's, fish...the list goes on.

    I can't stand the loss, but people say "the time spent and the love shared" makes it all worth it...I suppose I have to agree.

    I'm so sorry for the pain you are going thru. People that don't understand loving an animal, well, they are missing out on one of the greatest joy's in life!

    Thanks for sharing-

    Sharon

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