A horrible way to start a Monday . . .

[indianasmith]

I had just got to work (I don't have my cell phone; I lost it yesterday) and one of our coaches met me in the parking lot - my wife had called - while leaving for work, she had backed her car over our old black lab, Dixie, and was pretty hysterical - the dog was pinned under the car and she did not know how to get her out without hurting her further! I left my kids at school (didn't tell them at the time) and ran back home. By then she'd jacked the car up and gotten the dog out. Her hips were crushed and it was obvious she wasn't going to make it - Patty wanted to take her to the vet, but every time we tried to move or lift her she would start thrashing and snapping (Dixie is a FAT, big dog), and it was just more than we could do to lift her into the back of my car. Finally I had to let my wife go into the house while I got a firearm and did the only thing I could do at that point. I made it as quick and clean as I coud, then we dug a grave and buried her. I haven't wept that much over a pet since I was 14 years old and my dog Zorro got run over in front of me. Then I got to go to school and tell my girls.

Dixie came wandering up to a small church I was pastoring about six years ago - she had a collar, but no one showed up to claim her in two weeks, so we took her home and she became family. She was, according to our vet, seven to ten years old when we got her. She loved digging holes, sleeping in the sun, and eating pears as they fell from our tree. Oh, Dixie girl, we hardly knew ye . . . .

[Menard]

I imagine right now the one who most needs a shoulder and comforting is your wife. There are things that happen which cannot be undone, or is it anybody's fault; yet when it happens to us we obsess about those very things.

Guilt will tear somebody up inside; and even beyond what some may think guilt is, it is amazing what we can do to ourselves on an unconscious level carrying something with us.

Unfortunately you can't make guilt go away for someone, only they can do that, but you can help them to carry the burden; you know that.

[FatFreddysCat]

Awwww man, that sucks....

My sympathies, dude. It's never easy losing a pet, especially when it's something sudden like this.

[indianasmith]

I imagine right now the one who most needs a shoulder and comforting is your wife. There are things that happen which cannot be undone, or is it anybody's fault; yet when it happens to us we obsess about those very things.

Guilt will tear somebody up inside; and even beyond what some may think guilt is, it is amazing what we can do to ourselves on an unconscious level carrying something with us.

Unfortunately you can't make guilt go away for someone, only they can do that, but you can help them to carry the burden; you know that.

You know, Menard, if I didn't know better,  I would say you had a sensitive side!
I brought her some candy after work today, and we took a moonlit walk tonight.  It was just a bad day all around.

[Allhallowsday]

...

Sorry to hear that.  I love that sweet bunny. 

[Jack]

Ah man, that's terrible.  So sorry to hear that Indy.  I'm sure she had 6 of the best and most loving years of her life with you.

[Flangepart]

Oh, man...
I can feel for you. You're not alone in this, compadre.

[tracy]

Oh,Indy....my heart aches for you and your wife. It's always tough to lose a furry family member but those circumstances are very sad. 

[alandhopewell]

     As much as possible, rejoice that she was there.

[macabre]

hi
When Dixie was lost and confused your family helped her,You made a very wise and heartbreaking choice to ease her suffering. When you share a specal relationship wih a pet, it always brings such unique rewards.You and your family will look back on six years of joy and fun you shared with Dixie,nothing can replace these thoughts and nothing will erase them.My love to your family and may your memories of Dixe help you through your loss.

[indianasmith]

You guys are amazing. Thanks!

[Silverlady]

I feel so bad for you, Indy,  and your wife.  How heartbreaking. 
You did the best thing you could have done for Dixie under the circumstances.  Just remember ... by keeping Dixie in your heart, she will always be with you.

[JaseSF]

  So sorry to hear about this loss for your family. A pretty traumatic thing no doubt.

[dean]

That's just terrible, so sorry. 

[indianasmith]

I had actually collected myself and was about to start teaching my 8th graders when one of my daughters brought me this picture she had drawn.  I bawled in front of my whole class . . .