Some really sad news, as I just got off the phone with my parents, and they had to put down Russell, the family Jack Russell Terrier. This was not a great surprise, as he was sixteen and had a tremendous run followed by a slow and steady decline, but it still is rather upsetting for the family, particularly my mother and father.
For those of you who have never had the privilege of meeting a Jack Russell terrier, they are not so much a pet as they are a person and a presence. We got Russell in the middle 1990’s when a family friend, David Judy, had a stroke and could no longer control him. When we got Russell, he was wild. He was the closest thing to feral that you can get with a domesticated breed of dog, but we have learned that Jack Russell terriers are only energetic for the first 14-15 years.
It wasn’t his fault- he was just having too much fun, and he had been graced with more than his fair share of energy, all jam packed into that tiny little body. Don’t get me wrong, and don’t let the pictures fool you- this was the biggest dog I have ever known.
There were so many wonderful things about Russell that I could talk about that it is hard to figure out where to start. He was wild, but obedient. He would spend hours in the yard with dad, “helping” him tend the gardens or mow the lawn or clean the porch or whatever. He spent every night under the covers, snuggled up against mom’s leg- an arrangement that was comforting and secure for both of them.
Russell giving “the look,” which meant it was time to play with the ball in the background. With Russell, it was always time to play ball.
He wasn’t too fond of other dogs, but he did love balls. He could smell them. You could put a ball in a cabinet while Russell was nowhere around and come back later and find Russell parked in front of the cabinet. He somehow was able to sense the essence of ball, even behind closed doors and when he should have had no idea it was in there. My mother and brother played fetch with him for so many hours that last year my mother had to have a medical procedure because she had suffered the same injury that most major league pitchers have at some point in their career- a torn rotator cuff.
One of my favorite memories of Russell was listening to the terrorized yells of the fraternity boys when they saw him. My parents live in a college town, Bethany, and the fraternity houses have large expansive yards and are interspersed throughout the neighborhood with the town folks. One of Russell’s great joys was to steal the volleyball from the outdoor volleyball court at the frat house, and then push it around their yard with his nose with 20 college kids chasing after him trying to get the ball back. They never could, and so it was not uncommon to hear shouts of “Here comes Russell, grab the ball” drifting through the neighborhood. On one memorable occasion, Russell got loose during a college soccer game, and the entire crowd got to watch him dribble the ball through dozens of soccer players for 15 minutes before they could catch him.
Relaxing on the couch.
He was not the most photogenic dog in the world, but he was much better looking in person. And I mean in person. This was not just a pet, as Russell really was a member of the family. When you talked to him, you knew he understood, because he had people eyes. I have never known another dog like this, and I am convinced that Russell, unlike any other pet, knew what we were saying when we talked to him.
But all of that slowly came to an end the past few months. He was sixteen, and he was slowing down. His vision started to go, his hearing went, and he would walk around the house, head hung low, a shell of his former self. He was never in pain, but it was clear the end was near the last time I saw him this summer, and I made my peace with him then.
At any rate, I just got the call from mom, and he is gone. I had hoped he would pass on his own, but we just took too good care of him, so they had to make the decision no pet owner ever wants to make. He went gracefully and quietly and without any pain. My parents are both distraught to the point that even the vets cried during the procedure, but that too, will pass in time. Russell is better off where he is now, even though right now we are not.
We were, however, lucky for all those years we did have with him. RIP, Russell. We will miss you.
Many of you will not understand how upset we are right now. For those of you who do, here are links to donate to the Humane Society and to the ASPCA.
Evan
Oh, no!
I’ve never even commented, but I understand exactly how you’re feeling. I come from a long line of dog people, and that just sucks.
:(
Michael D.
John: I’m really sorry to hear about your family’s dog. I volunteer and give to the Humane Society.
If I might make one point: It might be better to ask people to donate to the American Humane Society rather than to the Humane Society of the United States. HSUS is a PETA front. Not that I am rabidly against PETA – I just think that the AHS does far superior work, and doesn’t spend its money on campaigns to get Ben & Jerry’s to use human milk instead of cow’s milk in its ice cream
Keith
Sorry to hear about your dog passing. The JRs I have seen (4 or 5) have been the smartest dogs I have been around. From what I’ve been told by a lifelong owner, they’re notoriously difficult to train for that very reason, but once they are “broken” (bad word for it, IMO), they are amazing dogs. Actually, most terriers tend to be pretty smart (my pit ain’t too bright, but that breed gets inbred a lot), but JRs are the best of the lot.
Punchy
Aren’t JRTs those dogs always seen on TV doing those crazy race-retrieve-runaround-retrieve more-jump off things-etc?
They’re one of the most energetic dog breed around, right? Sounds like ya had a lot of fun with him. In contrast, our greyhound, while wicked fast, is deathly scared of a volleyball. A volleyball could chase her instead. No kidding.
A.Political
Aw man, that was such a nice and saddening post John, it will pass eventually, what won’t are the good feelings Russel gave you and your family, you’ll be able to draw on those forever.
Paddy
Big hug to you and your folks John. I lost my buddy two months ago and I still see him out of the corner of my eye.
Svensker
One of the worst design features of our world is that dog lifespans are so much shorter than human lifespans.
So sorry.
mrmobi
You and your family have my sympathies, John. It sounds like Russell was much loved, and had a full life, and when you get past your grief, you’ll see that that’s about all a family member needs.
I’ve got a fifteen-year-old Shih Tzu, who’s starting to have those “thousand yard stare” moments, and it weighs on me. He’s been with since he was four months old, and we love him so.
Hard times.
Laura W
Ah, John, how well I know your grief and loss.
You’re right, the severity of the pain and excruciating despair will pass, but the sadness never will. My favorite cat of 10 years died suddenly and painfully (saddle thrombosis) in May of 2007 and I still cry when I think about him. And I have four other cats and a dog sharing my life.
I am very sorry for your family’s loss and will keep you all in my thoughts today.
Laura
Daniel
That is a beautiful and loving tribute. I am sorry for your family’s loss.
Dave
Sorry for your loss, John.
We had to let go of our beagle, Rufus, many years ago. I still think about him today.
PonB
John – My heart and thoughts go out to you and your family. We had the terrible fortune to make exactly the same decision with our 13-year-old shepherd mix just this last weekend. I’m on an assignment 2,000 miles from home, so my wife had to take care of her and finally take her into the vet for the last time. In summary, the kids are sad, our other dog is confused, and my wife didn’t eat for four days in sympathy. It’s never an easy decision, but know that Russell is no longer in pain or disappointed that he can’t be what he used to be. He will always be with you in your memories.
– PonB
furrythug
great dogs … my mom has a 16-year old Jack Russell too, and he totally rules the roost. love those scruffy guys.
Mary
Been there. It’s wrenching. I’m so sorry, John.
SGEW
My most sincere condolences, to you and your family.
Ash Can
Beautiful tribute, John. My sympathies to you and your family at this difficult time.
Comrade Dreggas
So many friends of mine losing pets lately. Sorry for your loss John. I know it tore me up when we lost our springer spaniel, even more so the Newfoundland we had.
lilly Von Schtupp
He sounds like he was a real character.
Nothing gets my family laughing like the antics of our critters (3 cats and a dogger).
Sorry for your loss.
libarbarian
Sorry to hear that Prof.
Jack Russels are fun dogs. My friend had one with his girlfriend – now his ex-girlfriend – and he was sper cute, high energy, and loved playing fetch too.
TScheisskopf
Oh John, I know. Yes, I know. My family had a long line of both dogs and cats, all unique individuals with their own personalities and when they left us, it was always wrenching.
I now have a female vos Maeri Eclectus parrot, one of the most loving and intelligent creatures I have ever known and I do not wish to contemplate life without her.
My heart goes out to you.
scott
John: I’m very sorry to hear this. Thanks for sharing.
We as a species are hardwired to think there’s something after this particular existence. I do hope Russell’s waiting for you at The Bridge.
The Other Steve
16 years is a good life for a dog.
Are we sure that request didn’t come from Oliver? I mean seriously, that’s gotta be a spoof.
GaDem
In a sad bit of coincidence, we had to put down our german shepherd yesterday. We’d had him for twelve years. It was the hardest decision we’ve ever made, but his hips were going and there was just nothing that we could do. I’ve known my husband for 20 years and this is the first time I’ve ever seen him cry. My condolences to you and your family.
comrade chopper
terrible news, john. its always worse when the dog has so much character.
Zifnab
That absolutely sucks and I know how you feel. :-p
J.D. Rhoades
That’s a hard thing to do, and hard for you to hear about. My condolences on the loss of a great friend.
gopher2b
My deepest sympathies, John. My parents had to put our dog (the one you grow up with as a kid) to sleep six years ago. I still tear up when I think of him.
He was a runner, too. He once escaped from the yard by digging an eight foot tunnel under a porch and pushing out loose bricks on the outside wall. We figured it took him all summer (very Shawshank) and he did it just so he could have an afternoon run. At the end, he was blind and deaf and nearly immobile, and they did the right thing.
I know your hurt but I hope they are in a place where they get to run again (its corny and I don’t believe in God but I still hope its true)
Incertus
Really sorry to hear that. It’s tough to lose a pet, even though you always go into the pet experience knowing that it’s unlikely to end any other way.
tung sol
john,
please accept our condolences and heartfelt sadness that your parents are feeling. as someone who lives with animals, i know russell got as much out the relationship with your parents as they did with him.
kilo
Condolences, John. You obviously have many great memories of Russell, may you keep them well.
Kipling put it far better than I ever could, but he was clearly a Dog Man :
Comrade Tax Analyst
It’s tough to lose a long-loved pet. I remember when my cat was hitting the skids how much I dreaded having to take her to the vet to be put down…as I vacillated on it the cat took matters into her own paws, went out one day and didn’t come back. She could barely walk at the time and mostly lay around looking very tired and probably in pain. She would look at me with partially closed eyes blinking as though she were wondering why I didn’t do something to fix things…I stood there like an idiot telling her I didn’t have a fix – as though she would suddenly somehow understand the concept – boy, did I feel like shit. So I went to work after seeing how she was and was gonna ask for a morning off to deal with it, but I didn’t…couldn’t…but she wasn’t in the house when I got home.(I always left a side window up a bit for her to go in and out). She probably crawled into the subarea of a nearby house…it’s nice and cool in those places…and then died there. Shit – I’m tearing up.
Anyway, I give to the local LA SPCA out here on a fairly regular basis and will bump up my next contribution a bit in honor of your pooch.
Again, sorry for your loss.
strawmanmunny
John, sorry to hear about your loss. It’s a terrible thing when a family member dies. And, to me, the pets I have lost have been just like family members.
Jennifer
So very sorry. Have been there, too, and it’s such a heart sickening time when you lose a member of the family. Warm thoughts to you and yours.
tavella
He sounds like a very fine dog indeed. My sympathies.
linda
what a lovely remembrance … so sorry, though, for the loss.
Tim
Cycle of life, John. Painful at times, like now, but joyful beyond understanding overall, I believe.
My condolences to you and your family on the loss of this beloved “person,” who brought such unmeasurable happiness to your lives.
Tim
paradox
I’m sorry, John, really sorry.
Wendy
Omigod, I know that “look”!! By Boston Terrier has the same look and same obsession with balls. My heart goes out to you and your parents.
Comrade Scrutinizer
I’ll add my voice to the others, and say I’m sorry to hear about Russell. I’m a cat guy myself, but we had to put down our 20-year old cat earlier this year. The wife, the other cat, and I are still feeling the hole where LC used to be.
A donation from me to ASPCA for sure.
Comrade Va Highlander
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Giving up a family member like this is never easy, whatever the circumstances, even when you know it’s for the best.
Dad had to put down his border collie a couple of years ago. It was his time. He was in a lot of pain, but I don’t think we’re over it yet.
Tsulagi
Sorry for your family’s loss. Very nice memorial post.
That’s always the thing to remember. And getting a laugh remembering the special times like the soccer game you mentioned.
Q
My thoughts are with you and your parents John, sorry for your loss. Our Jack Russell is 10 this year. He sleeps cuddled up with my wife same as Russell did, I can ‘t bear to think of how she will react when we have to face this moment.
Very nice tribute to your family member…
Comrade The Moar You Know
I understand it all too well. You have my profoundest sympathies.
The hardest thing I have ever done in my life, and yet the thing of which I am most proud, was taking my cat on the final trip to the vet last year – July 16, 2007 (I’ll never forget that date) – and holding her while they put her down. She purred the entire time until she went because I was there, holding her.
You guys did right by Russell, gave him a great life and a good and painless death. We should all be so lucky.
I did not think Kipling had this in him. He absolutely nails it. I am seriously impressed and will have to reevaluate my opinion of the man.
John S.
My sincerest sympathies, John.
I have a 12 year-old dachshund who thinks she’s a person, and I cannot imagine life without her.
Xoebe
Heartbreaking. I am very sorry about your loss. I know what you mean about there being a person there.
Comrade Joshua Herrdoktorpepper
So sorry to hear that, John. I couldn’t imagine losing our schipperke, and she’s only two years old.
Joy
So sorry John. I do know how it feels and it sucks. My sympathy to you and your parents. It is one of the hardest things to do but probably the kindest. It is so hard to let them go, even knowing it’s the right thing.
mark
So sorry, John. We lost a favorite cat (12-y.o.) a couple of years back the same way Laura W did, so I feel for you and your parents.
Shinobi
So sorry John! He was a lucky dog to have a family who loved him so much.
w vincentz
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss.
I went through something similar about a year ago when my best buddy was suffering at the end of his 17 years.
It’s really not fair that humans last longer than they do.
The pain of the loss will go away but the memories will remain.
My vet mailed me this poem after he saw me leave with tears streaming down my face while carrying an empty collar and leash.
I hope it offers comfort.
“The Rainbow Bridge”
Just this side of heaven lies the Rainbow Bridge.
When a beloved pet dies, it goes to the Rainbow Bridge.
It makes friends with other animals and frolics over rolling hills and peaceful lush meadows of green. Our pets do not thirst or hunger.
The old and sick become young once more; the maimed and the ill become healed and strong. They are as healthy and playful as we remember them in days gone by. Though happy and content, they still miss someone very special, someone they had to leave behind.
Together, the animals chase and play, but the day comes when a pet will suddenly stop and look into the distance…bright eyes intent, eager body quivering.
Suddenly recognizing you, your pet bounds quickly across the green fields and into your embrace.
You celebrate in joyous reunion. You will never again seperate.
Happy tears and kisses are warm and plentiful, your hands caress the face you missed. You once more look into the loving eyes of your pet and know that you never really parted.
You realize that though out of sight, your love had been remembered.
And now, you cross the Rainbow Bridge together.
David
My two young JRTs are just like that – my life is very much fuller with them in it. Hopefully I will have about 14 years or crazy JRTs and memories before I have to do something like this. It would tear me up now, and I have less than 2 years in with mine.
The Truffle
So sorry about Russell. Consider yourselves lucky to have had him as a friend.
Trinity
My cat, Kasey, passed away after sharing an eventful 21 years with us. Yes, 21. (It was the only time I ever heard my father cry.)
Kasey has been gone for over 3 years now and I still miss him every day.
My sincere condolences to you and your family John.
Wonk
I’m so sorry to hear about Russell, John. He sounds like a great dog.
Being in that room at the end is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but there’s no way you can’t be there for them.
Here’s hoping that once their initial grief passes, the good memories will take over and your folks will feel better.
Libby Spencer
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m crying for you all. RIP Russell.
Wonk
I’m so sorry to hear about Russell, John. He sounds like a great dog.
Being in that room at the end is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but there’s no way you can’t be there for them.
Here’s hoping that once their initial grief passes, the good memories will take over and your folks will feel better.
Libby Spencer
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m crying for you all. RIP Russell.
Brian
John, I know how tough it is to loose a family pet. Late last year, we had to put to sleep our oldest dog, Rasta, who my brother had found as a puppy in the early 90’s. HE had been with us all that time and was just a great dog to have around… sure, he was a bit grumpy at times and the cats didn’t like him much, but he was still a great part of our family.
Luckily for us, my father is friends with a vet who makes house calls for this sort of thing. The vet is interested in Indian mythology and after injecting the animal he does a simple Indian ritual to help the pet’s soul pass on.
You have my condolences…
Brian
Dennis - SGMM
For various reasons, I didn’t own a dog for fifty years. Last December, we adopted a terrier-poodle mutt that had been picked up as a stray by our town’s animal control folks. The dog has become a member of the family.
You have my deepest condolences.
drunken hausfrau
Oh, my, how sad! Condolences to you and your parents… we in the Drunken house understand — we have lost beloved pet persons… family members of the furry persuasion.
My current love, my black pug, and I will play an extra game in the park tonight — in honor of Russell.
You know, in heaven, there is always someone to play ball.
Libby Spencer
It won’t let me comment. Let me try again. My deepest condolences. RIP Russell.
drunken hausfrau
Oh, my, how sad! Condolences to you and your parents… we in the Drunken house understand — we have lost beloved pet persons… family members of the furry persuasion.
My current love, my black pug, and I will play an extra game in the park tonight — in honor of Russell.
You know, in heaven, there is always someone to play ball.
Devon Cole
a.k.a. “Russell the Love Muscle”
The heart of a lion squeezed into a little lamb body. I am going to miss that dog.
Comrade Stooleo
I’m really sorry for you and your family’s loss. It’s hard for non dog owners to understand the bond that develops between dog and owner. Scientists believe around 15000 years ago dogs and humans started their relationship. And more interestingly, it is thought that we did not domesticate dogs, but dogs choose to be with us. I find some small comfort in that.
LaurainAustin
What a delightful character Russell was! Thanks for telling us about him. I can understand why your family feels so sad right now.
I know exactly how your family is feeling, John. We’ve been blessed with four cats who were happy and well-loved, and led long, mostly healthy lives (16 to 19 years). Each had a distinct personality and touched our lives profoundly.
My prayers are with you and your family while you go through the pain of loss. You’re right, the sharp edges of the pain will dull; and while it’ll never disappear completely, you’ll increasingly find that thoughts of him bring smiles more often than tears, because you’ll feel gratitude for having known him and for having been able to provide him with a healthy, love-filled, happy life.
montysano
Wonderfully written, John. So sorry for your loss.
Comrade ellie
I am so sorry about Russell. Pets are only here a short time but they bring so much joy to your life that when they are gone it’s like someone shut off the sun. The only place I can find comfort when this happens is my belief that I will see them again one day, and I know that you will see Russell again some day, too.
tBone
Really sorry to hear that, John. Really great tribute – it got a little dusty in my office reading it.
pharniel
condolances.
i still miss my kitty and she died about 4 years ago now.
smiley
Condolences.
Comrade Neal
Cole, I’m choking up at work. So sorry to hear. There is nothing better in the world than cats and dogs.
double-plus-ungood
Aww. I’m so sorry for the loss, and happy that you knew him so well.
And I’d pay considerable amounts of money to see video of that soccer game.
Bey
I’m so very sorry you lost such a good friend. What a lucky dog he was to have people who loved him and laughed with him so much.
And to bravely love him anyway, knowing this day would come.
Will Danz
Sympathies, JC.
We have a 13-year old Jack Russell Terrier who we love dearly. She’s just starting to slow down now, and we’re facing a similar day in the near future.
Sending prayers, and celebrating a doggie life well-lived with you.
Shawn
Bummer. What sucks is that it only kind of gets better over time, as other commenters have noted. We put down our Beagle almost a year and a half ago and I still miss him terribly, and reading this post gives me a lump in my throat thinking about it. Condolences to you and your parents.
Keep laughing when you tell Russell stories for the weeks, months, and years ahead. It’s the best thing you can do.
Gindy
I’m so sorry for your loss. We have an old female mutt who is in her last seniorish years.
JRT’s are awesome pint sized bundles of energy and are a blast if you have the time (and patience) to deal with them on their terms (which is all you can do!). Horses adore them and they are hell on mice. Our JRT was all we ever needed when we had borses, no barn cats allowed on her turf!
Much sympathy to you and your parents.
Helena Montana
I’m so sorry about your loss. Russell sounds like a wonderful dog.
Wildthumb
I know why you are upset! My wife will weep reading this story.
Will Danz
P.S. The description of Russell sounds exactly like our JRT…
Not too crazy about other dogs, LOVES to play ball… and intelligent eyes that are more like a person’s than a dog’s.
A very funny little dog, too. I’m biased as can be, but…
Anyway, my condolences. They are amazing creatures, and it’s so sad to lose such a friend.
ChucklingMoneky
I am sorry to hear about your dog. Hopefully the cartoon was right, and All Dogs do go to Heaven.
Liz
I’m so sorry for your loss. Poor guy, but it sounds like he had a helluva fantastic life.
Michelle S.
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. I lost my wonderful old dog last week, so I am in the same spot, and no matter how much you know your furry friend is better off, it is just horrendously awful on this end. I am so very glad such a special dog found such a special family and had a long, lovely life. Peace and comfort to you all.
D. Mason
Sorry about your family’s pet John.
Krista
I now have a big lump in my throat after reading that. I’m really so very sorry to hear about Russell. I loved the story about the soccer ball — it sounds like he was a wonderful buddy and brought you a lot of happiness. And it also sounds like he was a very, very lucky dog to have such a loving family.
It’s hard, isn’t it? The husband and I still talk about Dreyfus all the time, even though he’s been gone for two years now. It doesn’t hurt as much anymore, but I still miss him very much, and get a little ache in my heart when I see another blond Lhasa, or even when I’m at the grocery store and pass by the Beggin’ Strips.
One thing that I did, that might be a nice idea to do for your folks, is make a photo book of Russell. I made mine on Shutterfly.com, and interspersed photos of Dreyf along with all those little memories that I wanted to keep, like his many nicknames (Mister Schnuffers, Fuzzy Fuckah, etc.), his funny habit of staring at the stove like he was waiting for food to come out, and all the other things that I wanted to remember forever about him. You could do the same with the many memories that you have of Russell, and it’ll be a nice memento of him.
mainsailset
My Newfie’s best friend is a Jack Russell, to the ENDLESS delight of all who have shared an outting with the 2 of them. Special condolences from all of us.
Michelle
I work at a no kill shelter. None of the the dogs at the shelter are officially mine but they each own a piece of my heart. Sounds like Russell’s love of life was contagious. I hope your family can see how much he needed them.
Comrade Forge
Such a great tribute. As you’ve pointed out, it’s not about the loss, it’s about what you gained during those 15 years. Please send my love to your family.
Devon Cole
And to think that I had to beg and plead with Mom and Dad to take him. I remember Dad saying, oh we can’t take that dog, he is wild and out of control…little did they know they would fall madly in love with the wildebeast.
I remember when dad was planting in the garden and he turned to around to find that Russell had been following behind him pulling out each of the plants by the root and shaking them to make sure they were dead. Or the time Irie got attacked by German Sheperd dog and Russell jumped on the dog and fought him to protect Irie….
Clif
I’m very sorry to hear of Russell’s passing, John. It was a year ago yesterday that I lost a cocker spaniel that had been my constant companion for fifteen years, so I know how you feel. I still expect to see her coming to greet me at the door every night when I get home.
Echo without Bunnies or Men
Sorry for the loss, Comrade We love our doggies too. Much better than children.
Noah
I’m so sorry John. Dogs are just as special as people, I think.
Litlebritdifrnt
My deepest sympathies to you and your parents John. I have lost many furbabies over the years and the pain is always acute. My Mum had a JRT, Skipper, he had been a “pub dog” and would delight all the customers in the pub by going round and visiting every table to say hello and perhaps get a snack. When the owner of the pub had a stroke he could no longer take care of Skipper so Mum adopted him. He had a wonderful life with her even though at that time he was already an old boy. He was charming and active until the very last day of his life when he laid down in front of the fire and went to sleep, never to wake.
Again John, my thoughts are with you and your family. Only know that Russell is waiting on the other side of the Bridge.
Original Lee
My sincere condolences to your family. Our border collie died 5 years ago next week at age 19, and it was very tough. I still miss the way he would flop down next to me with a little grunt or the way he would sit on the window seat in the front bay window, watching the world go by on Canine TV. He wasn’t crazy about fetch, but he did like one-on-one soccer very much, he thought herding the Canada geese on the golf course was the greatest job ever, and he loved watching the sheep trials on BBC. Plus, he was really intrigued by the Coke commercials with the polar bears in them, so I still have a few on VHS just for him.
Cain
Me too, but then I had tears reading the comments. I have two cats, one in particular that is very dear to me. I loathe that day when I am faced with the same situation. It does suck that we out live our companions who love us so unconditionally.
cain
Mustang Bobby
My thoughts are with you and your family. I know the feeling all too well, and not a day goes by that I don’t miss my friend Sam. (That’s why his face graces the masthead of my blog.)
I hold you and Russell in the Light.
Jill Howell
John,
Putting an older dog down before their quality of life is severely impaired, and they experience any suffering, which is most often before the owner(s) are ready to let go, if ever, is the greatest act of love and kindness. Thank you and your family for loving Russell as much as you did (do) and for providing him with the best life he could have had.
I had a mutt, Maggie, for 18 years and felt about her the way you felt about Russell. She probably could have lived another 6 months or a year but I didn’t want her to suffer so I had a vet come to my house, along with my therapist (I couldn’t face it alone) to put her down. I got to lie on the floor and hold her as the vet injected her. I held her while the life went out of her body. It was the hardest thing I have ever done and I could only have done it because I loved her as much as I did.
Thanks for sharing your story; it was both heart-wrenching and funny. It’s comforting to know others can understand, appreciate and share in the love you both gave and received from a pet.
Gregory Markle
My condolences John, I know what it felt like some years back when we had to do the same with our dog Champ. He was a German Shepard/Collie mix and a wonderful companion of 15 years but his hips and health were deteriorating badly. There was a winter we thought would be the end of him (he was an outside dog by HIS choice…believe me, my Mom treated him as well or better than her children) followed by a fantastic summer and winter where he almost seemed rejuvenated to a degree. Towards fall of that year his hips simply gave out and he couldn’t even move around…there was no choice. It brings tears to my eyes to this day…
WoodyD
As the late great George Carlin once put it, “when you buy a dog, you’re buying a small tragedy.” It is indeed a design flaw that we outlive our dogs, but I think we would all accept the sorrow we feel for their loss in exchange for all the companionship, love, loyalty and joy they bring us.
bushworstpresidentever
Been there, done that, more than once, so I surely understand. My deepest condolences.
Laura W
Krista’s comment reminded me that once I could bear to look at my copious photos of Tubbo Walter Kitty, I made a huge collage poster at Snapfish. It took me months to take it out of the tube and frame it, and ever since framing it, it has been up against the wall, backwards, in a spare room. (Like for a year?) I even forgot about it till I read her post. Not a day goes by that I don’t see photos of him somewhere in the house or on my cats’ blog, but the visual of so many of him in one place like that poster is just too much. But it was very therapeutic in the creating process, so it surely served its purpose.
Two of my cats are 16-17. I’m expecting their deaths. Walter, not so much at all. 30 min. passed from scooping him up off the floor to driving back home with his empty carrier. As proof of the tremendous despair and disorientation I felt, I did not drink alcohol for 7 or 8 weeks. I was so sick when sober that I knew once anything altering hit my system I would be beyond any semblance of ability to cope. Which I wasn’t doing anyway. I was terrified to drink. I hope that is not your experience.
Now I’m thinking about all this sad shit!! Thank Bast the House is about to pummel P & B.
ShouldKnowBetter
My grandfather could never read dog stories, because he found them too sad.
But I think they’re worth it, thank you for this one John.
Laura W
OK, as Sullivan says: mental health break! I’m smiling again…(lifted from The Field)
Jonah
Ben Hur Lampman
thefncrow
My condolences. I just had my oldest dog, Boo, pass away at 12(he would have been 13 in November) a few weeks ago, a Stratford Bull Terrier/Boxer mix. He was a very active dog. He always ate a ton of food, but he just ran around all day, very active, always trying to protect his yard. When we got him when he was one and a half, he weighed 50 pounds, and when we took him in for a check-up a few weeks before he passed, he was still 50 pounds. He loved the outdoors, and spent most of the days sitting out in the back yard, basking in the sun, keeping his ears open and barking at anyone who got too near his yard.
We live about a block away from a local elementary school, and so about 3:15 every day, he’d make sure he was out in the back yard to bark at all the school kids going home.
In retrospect, he had a few signs that things were going downhill. One of the dogs started crapping in the house, though we thought it was our youngest dog. One day, the Thursday before Labor Day, she got punished for it, and she went out in the backyard to get away from my mom. Boo went out back with her, and they had a few moments just face to face, and he even got her to run around and play with him, which she’s always been a bit scared of, being the newest addition and a bit of a loner. In retrospect, I think he was out there apologizing to her, that he knew it was his fault but that she was taking the heat for it, and trying to make things up with her.
That last weekend was Labor Day weekend. I ended up staying home most of the weekend while my mom was out of town, but on the few occasions I did leave, he’d come to the door and look at me, real sad, like he was begging me not to leave. Boo was always really comfortable with people leaving, he knew they would be back sooner or later and he’d see them then, so this was pretty unusual. I think he knew he didn’t have long left, and he wanted someone to be around with him.
He was a bit of an uptight dog. He didn’t really like to play with toys, unless it was to take it away from one of the other dogs and hide it so they couldn’t play with it, and he’d never really relax unless he was sleeping. He’d plop down on the floor to relax, but he always kept his head up and his ears open for anything that might happen, and he’d only lay down his head when he was going to sleep.
On Labor Day, we found him laying in one of his favorite spots, on the cool kitchen floor, the same place he’d always lay to cool off after laying out in the sun for a while, totally relaxed, just like he was getting cool after a bit of running around outside and like nothing in the world was wrong, except for the blood. The way he was laying down, it was clear, it had happened while he was asleep.
It always seemed a little fitting to me that a dog as hard-working as Boo would come to his final rest on Labor Day.
Sorry if I’ve rambled a bit, I’m just reminded of him seeing the pictures of your dog. The shape of his head, those ears, those eyes, they all remind me of Boo.
Janefinch
I’m sorry to hear about Russell…he sounds like he was a king among terriers and truly a member of the family.
Comrade General Stuck
Man’s best friend is an epic understatement for these loyal critters, They are more like partner than mere friend. Condolences.
ThymeZone
Sorry to hear it, John. RIP Russell.
Comrade Elroy's Lunch
Sorry for your loss and condolences to your parents. I understand how our pets become part of our family. My parents kept the ashes of their favorite Lab “Alex(andra)” on the shelf for many years with the understanding that they would be scattered under an apple tree along with my dad’s ashes after he passed away. It didn’t quite turn out that way.
Almost 6 years ago to the day, he and she were laid to rest with military honors, in the same urn, in Arlington Cemetery.
Tim C.
“If there are no dogs in Heaven,
then when I die I want to go
where they went.”
-Will Rogers
wasabi gasp
Sorry, John.
Seeing the sadness of my folks when they lost the family cat was heartbreaking. My condolences to yours.
Louise
What a good dog. I hope he’s playing ball right now wherever he is.
My condolences.
Church Lady
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I think that the only thing that can surpass the loss of a beloved family pet is possibly the loss of a child. In twenty three years of marriage, I’ve only seen my husband cry three times – twice in the delivery room when our children were born and then when we had to put our thirteen year old dachshund to sleep. I feel for your family’s loss.
Clutch414
John,
I’m so sorry about Russell. I know exactly how your parents feel, as I had to put down my best friend (Dozer, a 106 lb Black lab mix…my brother is a vet and had his DNA checked and it came back that he was almost 100% Lab…but because we didn’t have the papers he was offically a “Lab Mix”) back in April.
He was 13 (which is pretty old for a dog his size, usually big dogs don’t live that long). He was my best friend since the time I was 17 years old (I just turned 31) and it is amazing how fast time seems to go. It feels like it was just yesterday that me, my mom, and my dad were jaunting over to the local SPCA to adopt him. Some mouthbreathing douchebag had left Dozer and his 7 litter mates in a garbage can one night on the steps of the SPCA. 3 of them had died. My mom found out about this on the local noon news and we rushed over as soon as I got out of high school (I was a senior at the time).
He was a huge ball of love. He would not have been a very good guard dog because everyone he came across he viewed as a possible new friend. An Axe murder could have broken into my parent’s house and Dozer would showered them with kisses.
I know exactly what you mean when you refer to Russell as a person. Dozer was the exact same way. He was almost too smart for his own good. Anyone who has adopted a Lab knows what I mean.
Putting him down hurt for quite some time. I don’t think that people who have never adopted a pet know the loss that you feel when they have to go.
On the brighter side, my wife and I just adopted a 7-month old female pure-bred Lab puppy. We named her Polly. She is quite possibly the best dog in the entire world.
Thelonious
My condolences to you and your family, John.
We had to make the same hard decision with our sixteen year old cat three years ago. The decline started with progressive kidney failure, which we staved off with a low-protein diet that she hated and every other day saline IVs that she tolerated. Finally she developed liver failure and the vet told us she had only a few weeks left. The good news was that we didn’t have to worry about the kidney disease any more and we were able to give her every one of her favorite foods for those last few weeks.
She started going downhill while I was away on a business trip but somehow held on until I got back on Friday night. I was able to say my goodbyes to her and we took her into the vet on Saturday morning. My wife still keeps her ashes in a little cedar box on her dresser.
R.I.P. Russell, and if you see a black kitty who loves any and all people food, stay away. She doesn’t like sharing.
Colonel Danite
John, my deepest condolences on the loss of your family member. I know it’s not as painful as loosing a human member of the family but it certainly is close.
jane b
We lost our White Shepherd/Golden Lab mix last year. Like Russell, Thorne lived a good and happy life until approaching 16, when she began to have spells where she would quit eating. We would coax her back with hamburger and beef liver treats, but eventually, she was done with this life. And like your parents, we cried and the vets cried. They had known her as long as we had. Those wonderful folks even made a donation in her name.
It’s been a little over a year now, and we have been consoled by another special canine spirit, Sadie. We had been haunting the local pound looking for just the right dog, and I snatched Sadie up as soon as she became available for adoption. A beagle/shepherd mix, she is remarkably like Thorne in both intelligence and temperment. She even has some of the same mannerisms as Thorne, much to the delight of my husband.
Thorne is buried in our backyard, under the venerable oak, in a spot dedicated for those who cross the Rainbow Bridge. One day, Sadie and all our other canine children will join her there. Too bad we humans won’t have that luxury.
Guy Andrew Hall
Having lost many pets over the years. My condolences for your loss, may he rest in peace, and your good memories of him live on.
LiberalTarian
I am very sorry for your loss. My prayers for your family.
Chris Johnson
Be well, John- or as well as you can be- you know that’s what Russell would want. Take care of yourself man.
Ned Raggett
My best. Some friends lost their dogs to age earlier this year, and I’ve had two family dogs pass on over the years, with a third facing her final year or so soon. Never easy, never.
Lee
Waaaaayyyyy off topic…
Anyone see CNN?
John McCain to suspend campaign?
greynoldsct00
John- I’m sorry to hear about Russell, my best to you and your parents. Our pets can truly be a member of the family with their own distinct personalities, they provide friendship and comfort and the leave such a void when the have to leave us. I’m glad you have so many big memories of him.
Keith
Apparently, John McCain is also distraught over the loss of Russell, as he has decided to suspend his campaign. Of course, given that he spent 5 1/2 years being treated like a dog instead of having a pet dog, it is not only understandable but admirable as well.
JKC
John-
My condolences on the loss of what was obviously a much loved member of the family.
A Mom Anon
Sounds like Russell was loved and given a wonderful life. I’m sorry for your loss. He sounds like a really special little guy. I’m thinking of adding a puppy to our household for my son,he’s 14 and wants a dog of his own now.
Currently,I’m nursing my cat back to health. He disappeared for a couple of days and came home Tuesday with chemical burns on his face and in his mouth. The vet thinks he got acid thrown on him. He will be ok,but will need lots of TLC and pain meds. He’s the sweetest most trusting little guy,one of my neighbors is appearently a psychopathic asshole. Needless to say,Al will not be going outside ever again. I’ve been a basketcase since this happened.
I often prefer the company of animals to people,I can’t imagine why.
patrick
I feel your pain, we have a 10 year old collie/shepard/retriever mix who was diagnosed 3 weeks ago with congestive heart failure, and it’s heartbreaking to watch his decline…he still has his spark, but he’s lost a lot of muscle mass and now is starting to lose energy. he is my first child, and if it hurts this much to lose a pet, I can’t imagine the agony a parent feels losing a child.
David Hunt
Mr. Cole,
You have my deepest sympathies for the passing of Russell. I still remember when my family’s beloved cat, Tiger Lilly, had to be put down after 18 years. I remember that when we buried her, that I could not keep the composure that I had managed for the funerals of both my grandfathers who had both died within the past two years. It confused me at first. I finally decided that though I hadn’t loved her more than them, I had spent more time around her. Either that or I was more in denial as about her going than I was for them. Her absence left a very big whole in my life.
This is all to say that I know exactly how you feel. My best hopes that life becomes better, soon.
KRK
Very sorry to hear about Russell. The death of a beloved pet really is a wrenching loss.
capelza
Hugs to your parents, John. Russell sounds like he was a great guy.
As a friend once defined it, heaven for dogs is the place where the rabbits run slow and straight.
Dibatt
John: Thank you for sharing this with us. You told the story well. RIP. – Dilbatt
C.R.
John,
Very sad indeed. My condolences to you and your family.
I too had one of the “best dogs ever”… a Golden.
Our canine brothers and sisters have such pure hearts that completely take over our own hearts without us ever knowing it. That’s why it always hurts so much when they move on…
C.R.
P.S. If our dogs are not in heaven waiting for us, I want nothing to do with that place.
Comrade Fulcanelli
My condolences on the loss of your beloved “Russell”. My wife and I lost our best freind “Max”, a doberman/sheperd mix in August. Smarter than most people I know, we lost him after a battle with cancer that lasted almost 2 years after being given 3 to 6 months. He was 9 years old and his little sister “Maya” is lost without her pack leader.. It still sucks to think about him…
We’re dog people through and through, so we know how it hurts. Again, our condolences to you and your parents.
redjellydonut
I’m very sorry to hear about your loss. People who’ve never had dogs can never comprehend the horrible grief their passing brings.
deckko
Very sorry for the loss of your friend. The streets of Bethany will be quieter and sadder without him.
NoahC
My thoughts are with you and your family. So sorry for your loss.
zuzu's petals
So very sorry to hear this news.
It sounds like Russell was very lucky in his family. I have a friend with two rescued JRs, and I know it takes a special personality to give them just the right home.
By the way, the soccer story is hilarious. I hope those are the memories that remain for you and your folks.
NoahC
My thoughts are with you and your family. So sorry for your loss.
Nathan R
I don’t comment often, but I wanted to wish you the best in this trying time. We had to put our family dog, Willy, down just last week, and it was the most difficult day of my life to this point. He was about Russel’s age; it’s simply not fair for these guys to have to leave so soon.
Cap'n Phealy
Let me add my condolences to your family. My wife and I went through this last year, and I understand exactly how it feels.
sarah mc
My beloved Jack Russell is ten, so my heart hurts for you and understands your Ma and Dad’s loss, as well as yours. They are such unique dogs, so communicative and so aware–and they all seem to need to burrow in bed. Our Rochelle is ten, unchanged since puppyhood. I dread the day…but will enjoy her even more, with thoughts of you.
Gregory
I’m sorry for your loss.
Christy Hardin Smith
Oh, I am so sorry. We’ve been through this with one dachshund a few years ago and it still makes me weepy just thinking about it. Condolences don’t make it better, but I’m leaving one anyway. Much, much sympathy…
John O
John, sincere condolences.
I had to put a beloved cat down this week at the ripe old age of 6. It was devastating.
And I’m a dog guy.
Sounds like the big little guy was a great one. Hang in there.
Nikolita
I’m sorry for your family’s loss. :(
Several years ago, my first boyfriend’s family had to put down their dog Muffy, a female mutt. She’d had cancer once before, in her paw pads, and they removed one or two I think. She was cancer-free for awhile, but then it came back, this time in tumors all over her body. She was 16 by that point I believe, and they knew that it wasn’t fair to keep her alive when she was so sick and in a lot of pain. There wasn’t much they could do for her anyways.
So the family went and took her to the vet to be put down, my boyfriend, his sister, and their parents. And they all cried a lot, because as you said, their dog was not just a pet but a family member. Especially for my then-boyfriend, who had basically grown up with that dog for as long as he could remember.
I have a 6 year old cat and while she’s an indoor cat, I know her day will come one day and I will be heartbroken when it does finally happen. She’s prissy and stuck up, but she’s my baby and like my child almost, and I’d be devastated if something happened to her.
Nora
I had the pleasure of dogsitting Russell several times as a teenager — what a fantastic dog. I remember walking him with Irie (a larger, blonder dog), and Russell just sometimes looking at Irie with a face that said, “What could you possibly be smelling over there?” A loss to your family, as well as the ol’ hometown.
gypsy howell
I know how heartbreaking it is, John. 5 years and a new-dog-that-I-love later, and I still well up thinking about our old dog.
My sympathies on your loss of a beloved family member.
Peace and may you have many balls to chase in Doggie Heaven, Russell.
Tattoosydney
John,
I read this post early this morning (Sydney time) and then had to rush back to bed, to lie there for another five minutes next to my boyfriend, with our red cattle dog lying between us, to rub his ears and stare into his deep doggy eyes (the dog, not the boyfriend), until my eyes stopped tearing up.
My sympathy to you and your family.
Michael
Lesley
So sorry your delightful Russell is no longer of this world. If those two photos are any indication, he seems very photogenic.
I have no experience with Jack Russells, but gained some insight into their strength and endurance one windy day when I was walking our local seawall. An enormous tree branch was being propelled against the current by a tiny Jack Russell. He wrestled it to shore and then dragged it up the beach to his mistress. I couldn’t believe my eyes.
Sounds like R was quite a character. Thanks to you and your folks for giving him a good life.
mvr
Condolences. I know it is more difficult than you’d expect people to understand.
ScreamingInAtlanta
John, so sorry about losing your family member. Been there, it is awful. Bless him in dog heaven.
Did you ever see the AJC cartoon when Lewis Grizzard died, and he’s walking into heaven and there’s his dog (Catfish?) wagging his tail and coming to greet him?
TrishB
Damn, how could you say that Russell wasn’t photogenic? Pics show that he is every bit a terrier in those photos. That’s pretty much all a JRT ever wants in life – to be everything that any terrier ever could hope to be. Sounds like he met the criteria and passed on all counts.
Media Glutton
John, that is so rough — I totally understand how you feel. I remember being at the vet’s office with my dog, hearing about how the operation to save his life would be a few grand … and I could not for the life of me say no.
Thousands of bucks later, and many hours of working overtime, my dog lived only another year, but the surgery was worth it. Pets rule. My thoughts are with you and your fam.
booda555
Don’t think I’ve ever commented here before, but after losing my Lily a few years ago I just had to let you know that lots and lots of us understand just exactly how painful it is. They just don’t last as long as they should. You can only be glad that you shared a good life with them. Humane society donation for Lily and Russell to follow…
Batocchio
Condolences. It’s especially tough when they hold on for so long.
JenJen
What a gorgeous tribute.
I have known dog love, and the only way to get over the heartbreak is to find new dog love.
A toast to Russell!!
Debbie(aussie)
My best wishes to you and your family. We are the proud parents of a fox terrier (the same but smooth hair rather than wiry). Patch is 11 and he too is a true family member. I understand your grief at Russell’s passing.
DAmned at Random
My condolences to you and your family.
I always wait too long to have my animals put down – I keep thinking I can pull them through. My old mutt, a former stray, passed in July- she was at least 13 (we had her for 12 years) and had begun to slow down noticably. She just laid down under the neighbor’s tree and went to sleep. My husband says I can’t get another dog until I’m over her- but you just started me crying again so it may be a while.
The point being I feel for all of you who loved Russell. Every dog should be loved as well.
Comrade Johnny Pez
Three years ago, my family adopted a pair of elderly basenjis named Zane and Zoie. They were eleven at the time and suffering from diabetes, so we knew their days were numbered, but it was still heartbreaking when they passed away. We keep their ashes on a dresser in the bedroom, and I still smile when I remember them.
My condolences, John.
Screamin' Demon
John, you just described my dog to a T. Our black cocker El Duque doesn’t like other dogs, and he lives for the ball. Stash it away somewhere, anywhere, and he will find it.
Condolences.
Bubba Dave
Deepest sympathies. The last favor my 19-year-old cat Cloudy did for us was to die peacefully in the car on the way to the vets to be put down, saving us that last awful moment. You KNOW it’s the right thing, and you have nothing but his best interests at heart, but it still feels like an act of betrayal. It’s not– it’s your duty and the final kindness you can offer– but it still feels like 10lbs of suck in a 5lb bag.
My condolences to your folks and to you.
ThatLeftTurnInABQ
I missed seeing this post until just now, and somehow feel like a cad for it.
My deepest condolences, John.
I was lucky enough to have relationships like that with two wonderful dogs (both St. Bernards) when I was growing up, so I know how much it hurts when they are gone. Russell must have been a very special
dogperson indeed to inspire such a moving tribute. Please pass along my sympathy to your family.Brachiator
You clearly loved Russell. And your suggestions for donations are very apt. They do good work and in tough economic times, may be overlooked.
Condolences.
DanJoaquinOz
What a terrific dog! I cracked up laughing at the story about the frat boys and the volley ball. I had an Afghan who used to do the same thing with the lifesavers at our beach. He’d sneak up and pinch one of their training batons and then lead the whole crew (20 ultra-fit guys in Speedos), plus half the beach, on a merry old chase. Afghans are greyhound-fast so no one could catch him. By the end the half of the beach that wasn’t chasing him was cheering him, at which stage he’d stop, drop the baton and come fanging home, grinning in triumph. When he died, suddenly at 8 years old, a bit of me died with him. But I still laugh, remembering his independence, intelligence & sense of humor, and 10 years later, still dream of him on a weekly basis. I think John, in those dreams, he’s visiting me, and I bet you’ll find Russell, and comfort, there too.
EnderWiggin
I don’t have much to add to the great comments here, but my condolences to you and you family for your loss. This might be one of the best posts on the site.
I am sad now :(
Hammer
John, I’m sorry to hear of your family’s loss. You were blessed to share a life experience with that fine canine for 15 years.
Most people never know the feeling of having such a close friend like Russell.
Take care.
– geoff
Jill
John,
I cried last night when I read Russell’s memorial. In fact, I am holding back tears now as I write this. I know how much he meant to your family–he was your family. I had the great pleasure of knowing him for the last 6 years of his long life. Boy could that little dog walk–for miles, he’d just keep going–and he always wanted to be ahead of the human holding the leash. I’ve never had a dog of my own and I am grateful that your family gave me the chance to walk with Russell. He was a perfect walking companion, had so much energy and his baseball finding skills were AMAZING! That guy would trot around the outside of the Bethany College baseball field finding balls in all sorts of hidden places. He even found balls after we were certain they had all washed away in the flood. He could smell them, I’m sure of it. Russell was the best, he lived a long and happy life full of love, walks, and ball playing. RIP little buddy.
Dennis Landon
I’m proud to say I knew Russell, and he was the greatest. Since I also knew him in his wild early years, I also need to say that Robyn and John Cole could make the pet owner world forget Cesar Milan.
May heaven be filled with old soccer balls.
Gail
My heart goes out to you and your parents. I have had JRTs many years in my life and Russell sounds like he would have fit in perfectly. Spunky was 17 and Bruno was 11 when we had to send them “over the bridge”. I still have tears when I think about them (as I do right now) but more for your loss. The tribute to Russell was wonderful and I have lit a candle here in Victory Mills, NY.