Saying Goodbye to Ernie: Finding Peace in His Favorite Backyard

They surely do leave paw prints on our hearts. I’m sorry you have this storm of grief to weather, Brad…

Im sorry you have to make this decision, i have made it myself, its like loosing one of your own children, because you raise them their whole lives

@Gobbler I knew it would be bad. I had no clue it would be this bad. Thanks for the kind words tho

@John yes it does feel that way. I’ve had him much longer than my human children

Condolences bro… the sting will fade one day, but the good memories never will.

@Brad i cant say that because i have adult children but i can say i’ve never had my dog tell me no… like a kid will… this was my buddy chance that we lost about 2 1/2 years ago got him as a pup when my brother passed

Prayers my friend, I cried like crazy when we had to put our dog down, very few people are as loyal as a dog ❤️🙏

Sorry to hear this man, it sucks. I’ve had one put down before and it’s really tough to watch, but be there with him. You are the last and only person he will want to see. We’re their whole world. Best wishes

I’m so sorry. I just had to say goodbye to my best friend a few weeks ago and it’s so incredibly difficult and the quiet house is painful. I had him 15 years. I don’t have the words to make it any easier, just cherish every minute you can 💔

@John Chance and Ernie could pass for siblings!

@Josh oh I will be there with him. Nothing would stop me.

@Joni I’m sorry for your loss. I’ve thought about how strange my house will be without him. He’s been here since were got the house

@🏹🦌Jeff that’s the truth

@Mike so many good ones

@Brad that’s good man. Best wishes to you and Ernie. Tough times.

I can’t add much to what everyone else has said here. Just wishing you the best in this difficult time and some peace and rest for Ernie.

Geezuz man I'm sorry. That's a rough go, my condolences.

Condolences Brad, it’s always hard to watch our best buddies fade away. You’re doing the right thing for him and that shows how much you do truly care for him. Everyone is right the pain stings but the memories you have with your dogs will last your lifetime,and long will I tell my kids of my amazing hunting dogs growing up. I’m sure you will recall memories of Ernie with yours.

Having to make that decision on several of our beloved dogs over the years, it has always been tough to let them go; I currently have a Boykin that is nearing 18 , I thought I had lost him last week but has recovered and holding his own, I have had him since he was 9 weeks old and not looking forward to that day I know is coming. I feel your pain.

@Craig I truly thought Ernie would make it to that age. He’s 13. He was full of life up until the very end.

@James for sure. Lots of good memories together. Thank you for the kind words.

@Adam thanks Adam

@Eric thank you Eric. Gonna be a hard day.

I know exactly what you're going through. Same difficult decision I had to do with my Carmel about 15 years ago. She had cancer and she was suffering. It eased her pain but it still wasn't easy. Still haunts me to this day and I still think of her. She too was with me a long time. My buddy and companion on many adventures.
Know you're not alone in this my friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this.🙏

@David thanks buddy. Appreciate that.

@Gobbler they sure do. Even after almost 2 decades. 😢

@Mike it'll fade, but its still there at times. For me at least.

@Brad I think Maddy, my best hunting dog, is up there busting rabbits out of brush piles just waiting for my dad and I.

@Brad Brad, being the sporting dog lover that I am, I have already gotten a new English Cocker Spaniel after having to let go of one alittle less than a year ago. She will not be forgotten but for the nine months I have had this new puppy he sure is bringing me a lot of joy and keeping me active. Let the dust settle and hop back in!

@Craig my son immediately asked if we could get another dog. I think I’m going to need some time but I hope to find another. May need to take some trips to the shelter and see if I can find another who needs some love.

@James I like that. They say they don’t have souls but I don’t know how they can’t.

@Brad for sure they do!

It's so hard...so many have been put to rest for me. My heart hurts for you. So sorry. Beautiful memories though

@Lisa thank you Lisa.

@Brad I believe they do. https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=BOlVUmJyOG0&si=XKINaPoshrl9Z9qo
"All Dogs Go To Heaven" by Chris Young.

@David thanks buddy. Listening now

Your dogs are part of the family man. But your right, when it's time, it's time. Best thing you can do for them.
Sometimes the kindest thing to do is the hardest man.
Sorry to hear it

@Ferg thanks Ferg

No greater love than from a dog and they will be the first to greet us when we pass on. Thank you for sharing your story.

@Pete for sure Pete

A true act of mercy and something that only true men can do. Had had to put a horse down last week. Never gets easier.

@Nate sorry about your horse buddy

@Brad it's starting to down here as of last night

It’s never easy making these decisions, my wife and I had to make the same one back in February. I myself still tear up when I think about our girl Harley and the times we had, my wife and I got her shortly after I moved here and that was back in 2013. It never gets easier and I heard on a podcast that kinda hit home for me, the guy said something along the lines of “ I quit counting my birthdays and instead remembered the great dogs that I’ve had throughout my adult years” my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

@Dan dang that hits hard. Sorry about your pup

@Adam your pup is sick?

@Brad ah heck man I'm sorry, I was trying to respond to your deer movement post saying the activity was starting to pick up down here.

@Adam 😂 ok I kinda thought that might be it. Good luck finish strong

@Brad no, I'm a cat man currently but I've got a few friends going through it and it sucks. I've been there myself a few times, I really do feel for you man.