Vale: Henry Ford - Me 4 Legged Mate

[Falcon_Crazy]

I never thought I would post this on a forum, but as my dog was born into my life via Ford, I thought I would.

Today I had to have my beloved old mate, Henry Ford, put down.

My 13 and half year old cattle border collie was suffering from severe spondylitis, a crippling form of arthritis that resulted in a loss of control of his hind legs.

Henry came about after I wrote off my very first Ford in 1995, an XF Falcon. Uninsured and a student of 20 years of age, I was devastated. Mum knew I had lost more than “Just a car”. And bought me a dog.

Henry was “The liveliest one in the shop..always getting out and causing mischief”. I had to choose him - didn’t want a dog without personality. So there we were, me walking down the hill from the shops, my 60 year old Mum carrying all the shopping, me carrying this fluffy fella in me arms. The neighbours always remember it.

Henry bought a lot of love to our house – we were all grown adults so Henry was much the older dog from day one. Part of the fam who would watch the footy, charm all who came to visit, assert himself as a boss. He never wanted to ride in the back of the ute, always in with me – Where the action was!

I tell ya, I have no qualms in saying I loved my dog. I have no qualms in saying I have cried my eyes out all day. Even as the vet was sedating Hen, he found the strength to reach up and lick my tears away. He was a battler to the end.

I will desperately miss my old mate but glad he is at peace and no longer in pain. He will always ride with me in every Falcon…no other Ford I ever have will be named Henry.

I’ve noting against red Kelpies, but I know there was a reason that Hen was a Blue Cattle/Border Collie :J

Rest in Peace Big Fella – Bark to your big hearts content!

[bingoTE50]

Feel ya pain buddy.

I had my cattle cross kelpie foxy for 14 yrs , putting him down was the hardest thing I have done . I still miss him after 4 yrs .

[56L]

It is sure tuff to do,i had to put my 19 year old kelpie/border collie (KELLY) to sleep,they definately leave a big whole in your life when the go

[Feathers]

I remember when mum told me our German Shepherd wasn't coming home. Still upsets me now, and that was 15 years ago!

Damnit why do I keep opening these threads when I know they're just going to make me cry... :(

[Burnout]

That's tough!
I've lost a number of four legged mates over the years - I miss 'em all.

[Sloth]

Real sorry to hear, I dread the day when it's my turn, I don't think I'll cope.

[Matty4]

Know how you feel mate. I was away with work for 3 weeks when I got the call from my wife that she was taking our dog (LUCY) into the vet for exploratory surgery. If they found what they suspected, she wouldn't be woken up.

Needless to say, she never came home, and I was 700k's away and couldn't do a thing about it. Talking over the phone to the kids was the hardest.

Chin up, it does get easier with time.

Matty

[FTe342]

Very sad. Big lump in my throat. Its not fair that our 4 legged friends can't last as long as us. Sounds like he had a good innings with you though and you are probably a better person for it. Chin up.

[davocol]

Brings a tear to my eye, very well written and summed up. They are just such friendly loyal animals that bring love and happiness to a family without asking for a thing in return. RIP Henry.

[Falcon_Crazy]

Thanks folks - things heal over time. I' away for work for 2 weeks and up coast with my best mate and his 4 legged buddies. We'll toast a few to Hen.

Thanks again

[Falcon Coupe]

My condolences, it's a very hard thing to do.
I have posted this before, it helped me deal with the decision:






If it be I grow frail and weak,
and pain should wake me from my sleep,
then you must do what must be done,
for this last battle can't be won.

You will be sad, I understand,
don't let your grief then stay your hand,
for this day, more than the rest,
your love and friendship stand the test.

We've had so many happy years,
what is to come will have no fears;
you'd not want me to suffer...so,
when the time comes...please let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend,
but stay with me until the end,
and hold me firm, and speak to me,
until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time, you, too, will see,
it is the kindness you do for me;
although my tail is last waved,
from pain and suffering I've been saved.

Do not grieve that it should be you,
who must decide this thing to do.
We've been so close - we two these years -
don't let your heart hold any tears.

And though our bond can't be broken apart,
make room for another in your home and
your heart.

[JOSH]

Originally Posted by Falcon Coupe

My condolences, it's a very hard thing to do.
I have posted this before, it helped me deal with the decision:






If it be I grow frail and weak,
and pain should wake me from my sleep,
then you must do what must be done,
for this last battle can't be won.

You will be sad, I understand,
don't let your grief then stay your hand,
for this day, more than the rest,
your love and friendship stand the test.

We've had so many happy years,
what is to come will have no fears;
you'd not want me to suffer...so,
when the time comes...please let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend,
but stay with me until the end,
and hold me firm, and speak to me,
until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time, you, too, will see,
it is the kindness you do for me;
although my tail is last waved,
from pain and suffering I've been saved.

Do not grieve that it should be you,
who must decide this thing to do.
We've been so close - we two these years -
don't let your heart hold any tears.

And though our bond can't be broken apart,
make room for another in your home and
your heart.

thats a pretty awesome poem mate,

[DJM83]

Thats sad mate i know what its like mate. RIP

[FPVF6X201]

Sorry doesn't say enough does it. RIP

[Ringo]

I hate when people post this stuff on FF - The people I work with ask what's wrong because I sit at my desk weeping.

I have said goodbye to three pets over the last 13 years and it has been more difficult every time. I have a lot of happy memories though that still make me laugh when I think of the silly thing they did or how well trained I was in doing some things for them.

I have two 18 month old little dogs now which are spoilt beyond belief....i'm such a sucker for punishment.

[fiery]

Very sorry to hear of your loss, and your little mate was beautiful and certainly had a sparkle in his eyes.

Losing one of our pets (who in reality isn't actually a pet- but a best mate) is hard and I think the only thing that helped me when I had to have my old girl put to rest (several years ago now - red heeler) was thinking that she was no longer in pain.

Condolences.

[mcnews]

I can imagine your pain mate.

Dogs are the most awesome animals on earth. Their love and devotion is absolute. They give so much and demand so little. My Bully x Dingo turns 10 this year and is starting to feel the effects of arthritis in his back. I hope it is a long, long time yet before I have to consider ending his life. It will damn near kill me but I know when it happens I will have it done at my house with him in my arms. I have some wonderful pictures of him and my partner had a painting done for me from those photos which hangs on the wall and always will. He sits beside me at my desk now and he is quietly telling me he wants to go for a walk, and who am I to deny him this simple pleasure.

Some people just don't 'get' dogs, I just don't get many humans much more often than I do dogs...

[Falcon Coupe]

Mcnews, have you considered Cartrophen injections for your dog ?

My second dog is on a course right now due to arthritis showing at 7 years old, it's quite cheap and can make a huge difference to the dogs quality of life in later years.

CARTROPHEN VET is a revolutionary advance in the treatment for Osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal disease in dogs. It relieves pain and lameness, and increases the range of pain-free movement by treating the underlying disease processes - not just the symptoms.

[davocol]

The other great remedy for arthritis is sashas blend, it stinks but in our old blue heeler it worked really well.

[mcnews]

Yep he has had a couple of Cartrophen injections but I am a little concerned about any long term side effects.

[F6 R-Spec]

Sorry to here your loss mate, i have also lost a pet.
Reading this has bought tears to my eyes.

[blownba]

Damn, I am crying too.
I still remember holding my old bugger when she passed, the same sort of thing happened, she reached up and gave me a kiss goodbye, it makes me bawl thinking about you having to go through that too!
I feel for ya mate. Its hard to loose such a close mate.
I know its hard but never forget the joy a new puppy can bring to you.
I would be looking for a new pup to honour her, and I am sure she would want to see you happy again too!!!

Now I am having the problemm of my other girl, a mastiff x bull terrier and her arthritis. She is on injections for her arthritis. Without them she can barely move, but after shes had her course she can run around the yard full pelt chasing the ducks, jumping up on anyone that will pay her attention and just enjoying life, as soon as they wear off she is miserable and will barely get out of bed.
So stuff the side effects, as long as she can enjoy the rest of her time with the injections helping her, I am happy.