As some may be aware I have a third dog called Jody my labrador rescue. I rescued her about two years ago as a seven year old from a terrible situation. She had been locked in a 3 x 3m cage all her life. She had no contact with other dogs or people. When I first got her, she was terrified of everything, did not know what grass was or how to react to Ceejay or even the cat. I had to tiptoe to start off around her. She improved greatly, her health has not been the greatest though.

Over the last two months I have been making a heart rendering decision about putting her to sleep. The time has come, tomorrow sweet Jody will be going over the rainbow bridge. She has taken a huge back slide in the past three months with her behaviour and her health is suffering greatly. I have talked to the vet and she believes it is Jodies time, so do a lot of my friends (all dog lover and rescue advocates). Jody has stopped enjoying her life and is suffering, she has been my first older rescue and she has taught me a lot about gratitude.

I think due to her hard life her body has aged a lot more quickly, her kidneys are going and her spine has detorated. I know I am making the right decision but the guilt that I keep experiencing. I have a friend coming in with me but it is very hard to deal with.

oh I'm so sorry,I too had to do the same just over a year ago with my girl Marley (blue heeler x silky)she made it to 18yrs.

RIP sweet Jody.....run free at the bridge.

here is a special poem.....
BEYOND THE BRIDGE

As much as I loved the life we had and all the times we played,
I was so very tired and knew my time on earth would fade.
I saw a wonderous image then of a place that's trouble-free
Where all of us can meet again to spend eternity.

I saw the most beautiful Rainbow, and on the other side
Were meadows rich and beautiful--lush and green and wide!
And running through the meadows as far as the eye could see
Were animals of every sort as healthy as could be!

My own tired, failing body was fresh and healed and new
And I wanted to go run with them, but I had something left to do.
I needed to reach out to you, to tell you I'm alright
That this place is truly wonderful, then a bright Glow pierced the night.

'Twas the Glow of many Candles shining bright and strong and bold
And I knew then that it held your love in its brilliant shades of gold.
For although we may not be together in the way we used to be,
We are still connected by a cord no eye can see.
So whenever you need to find me, we're never far apart
If you look beyond the Rainbow and listen with your heart.

Ceejay, so sorry you have this challenge to face, but feel glad that you have given her a wonderful life that she may never have had and the gift of a pain free passing. Will be thinking of you.

The time you gave her full of love and care was a lifetime and here you are sending her with love and tears to the best place, where she will be young and whole again.

The hardest decision is the most loveing gift to offer Jody and all our loves when it is their time.

I pray my passing will be as gentle and surrounded by all those you love as jody's will be.

Weep for the gap she leaves in your heart but don't you dare feel any guilt, because you will only know Jody's thanks.

Our thoughts will be with you tonight and tomorrow, your never truly alone.

You have made her seconds count, what more do any of us ask for.

RIP JODIE
Don't feel any guilt, you are freeing Jody of her pain. At the bridge she will be young and healthy again.
It is really the best thing you can do for her as I know you wouldn't want to she her suffer more than she has to.
I know it is hard but think of all the good you have done for Jody and the love and happiness you have put into her life.
I will be thinking of you today and wish you every strenght in dealing with your loss

Rachelle

I will all be thinking of you.

It is one of the toughest decisons us humans have to make but it just proves that we have a heart. She has been one extremely fortunate dog to have been rescued by you, given a beautiful home, food and showered by love and affection.

So sorry Ceejay and Jodie.
Libby

We are thinking of you , as most of us have been thru this ordeal

Thank you everyone for all your kind thoughts and words. It is a very hard thing to do but I know I did the right thing as she isn't suffering any longer but it does leave a bruised heart. She was my dopey Jody and I will miss her greatly, her swaying bum (due to her wonky legs), her slow wagging tail and her soulful brown eyes.

Thank you again for all your kind words it did make it easier going through the experience knowing that your thoughts were with me.

Tasha

my heart go's out to you i know how you are feeling i had to do the same thing with Image i cried for days

Your heavy heart will get lighter as each day goes by and you will remember the good times with a smile not tears, and each evening as you look to the night sky and see all the stars you will know the one that shines the brightest is Jody.

Sorry to hear about Jody, Ceejay.

You made a profound difference to the last years of her life by giving her a loving home, restoring her dignity and getting her out of those cages.

Michael

Michael thank you for your kind words, made me cry again. Don't feel guilty about making me cry, your words have given me reason to think maybe Jody felt that way too.

Tasha

Sorry I made you cry again, Tasha.

I'm sure Jody did feel that way and I'm sure she appreciated your love. Imagine how sad and cruel her life would have been if you hadn't come along and she'd been caged for her entire life.

Honestly, I don't know why some people are allowed to have animals. Imagine caging a dog up for 8 years. I wish I could say it's inconceivable, but there are a lot of stupid, ignorant and cruel people in the world.

It makes me really angry.

Fortunately we CAN make a big difference to the lives of at least some of those dogs like Jody. I guess this is why I prefer to take on rescue dogs - also why I decided years ago to own 2 dogs. I'd have more if I could.

Six months ago I had to have Coco, my 13 year old Kelpie X German Short Haired Pointer, put down. I cried and cried. I'd had her since she was about 10 weeks old, when I adopted her from the Ballarat RSPCA. They told me she'd been dumped and was found wandering along the main road near Creswick. She was so hungry she was trying to eat grass (not just a little bit like most dogs, but whole mouthfuls - a compulsive habit that did diminish as she grew older but never completely left her).

Anyway, Coco grew into a wonderful, healthy and much loved dog and yes, I reckon she 'knew.' I reckon they all do.

Take care,

Michael

Hi

Having lost 2 dogs recently, one ony a pup, but what a pup, I know what it is like. Shed your tears but remember that greiving is for the living. Jody is at rest. If you are like us we have pics of every dog we gave ever owned spred around the house and we remember them all.

You have my sincere thoughts

regards

Lockie