Max 2001-01/08/2013 Top left pic is when I got him as a gift, Top right was Christmas, Bottom left was my last picture with him and Bottom right was Kiara and Maxs last picture together.

I haven't been on here in a while but wanted to honor my first dog.

I just got back from one of the hardest things I have ever had to do... I received Max as a 16th birthday gift, I just turned 26 on Dec. 30th...He was the first dog I could call mine, we had a couple family dogs but Max was MY first dog. I picked him out of the paper and met him in a parking lot and went home with him that day, I was so happy.

Over the past few years he has been very difficult but I still loved him so much, I have been preparing the past few years of having to make the difficult choice I had to make yesterday. He was drinking A LOT on he was urinating in his cage, I took him in 01/06 and they call back 01/07.. I was prepared for the worst like I had done whenever I took him in for an unknown problem, he was getting older and I knew at any moment it could be time to let go. He was diagnosed with diabetes and I knew I did not have the resources to prolong his life. They say knowing when to let go of your pet is the last good thing you can do for your pet and I knew this was that moment.

I put it out of my mind all day on 1/07 and on 1/08 as it got closer to 4:40 I got sicker to my stomach and knots got tighter in my stomach. I took a few last pictures and shared our last moments. On the way there he seemed so happy and healthy and full of life, sadly on the inside he was not. I felt so horrible because he had no idea, each mile I got more and more sick and sad. We arrived there and I could barely hold it together, seeing all the dogs come in and out with their owners killed me inside because Max had been through all this before, sadly he would not be one of the dogs leaving that day with his owner.

The wait felt like forever and I knew just dropping him off would be much easier but I would never forgive myself if I let him do this alone. As a kid I couldn't sit and watch dogs in distress even if it was for their benefit, I got older and was now able to hold my dogs and be present for the visits. I had never had to be there while putting an animal to sleep, I sat in the room with my friend holding Max in my arms as the lump in my throat grew as I tried to hold myself together.

They took him and came back with the IV in his arm and I got him to lay down as I held his tensed up body in my arms telling him to calm down and that its ok. They gave him the shot and I felt his body slowly go limp in my arms as he took his final breath at 5:13pm. That is when I lost it and said my goodbyes, took his collar and left.

I don't think it has fully sunk in yet, I feel I did what was best for my dog and will remember all the good times he brought to me. He was always there for me no matter how I felt, on my lap or cuddled up with me under a blanket.

With sadness in my heart I say goodbye to my first dog, Max I will never forget you and Kiara will miss you terribly, as will I.
I love you Max!

Brady, I'm so sorry for your loss. It is never easy to go through this. It is okay to cry about it. Don't be surprised if Kiara mourns too. Treasure the memories. Take care.

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss.

I had to do a similar thing in August. Samantha was MY first dog, and she was with me for 13 yrs. I'm sorry for your loss, hang in there it does get easier.

I am so heart broken for you. Reading this I'm crying my eyes out. Words can't describe this sorta thing, I can only say I'm truly sorry for you're loss. Max is running free until you meet again and the two of you will be reunited at the golden gates. Take care during this hard time and I will keep you in my prayers.

Thanks everyone. I'm so happy I sucked it up and was with him when it happened.

So sorry for your loss

I'm in tears here as well So so sorry for your loss, Brady

I'm so sorry, Brady

I cried I had to do the same not too long ago. I'm so sorry for your loss. It gets better, even though he'll be missed very single day. Rest in peace little Max!

It's never easy saying goodbye, especially not to a lifelong companion Max will be missed.

Sorry you had to do that, but it was the best thing to do to not let Max suffer any more may he be at peace now and you will see him again one day

I just took Kiara outside and it was the first time since August I took her out without Max in my new appt. it's all slowly sinking in, every little thing is so weird with just one dog. Kiara and Max were always together and now he's gone, I never left Kiara home alone and today when I took him and not her she cried and screamed,which she never does. I brought home his leash and collar and let her smell it. It's all very difficult.

I had to do the same with one of my cats about a year ago, It's not easy and I can't begin to say how much I sympathize, I know you and Kiara can make it through this hard time together. Its the hardest part about being a pet owner.

Brady I am so sorry to hear about your lost.

We made a choice like that several years ago with our cat who was about 16 years old.

Your post brought back memories or and tears to my eyes.

Run free max RIP./

I'm so sorry Brady. You brought tears to my eyes as well. It brought back memories of a dog that I had to watch be put to sleep when we had to let him go. 13 years old. Just remember Max is in a better place now, pain free.

Run free Max.

So sorry for your loss, made me tear up at work

I'm so sorry for your loss. RIP Max.

I am so sorry, Brady.
The hole a dog leaves in our lives when he/she goes is immense.
Max will be waiting for you on the other side.

Bah... I can't even conjure up the words Brady.... I'm so very very sorry.

Run free, Max. Run free.

Very very sad read. I'm sorry Brady.

Run free Max.

~Chris~

Kiara is moping around not eating

That was so sad to read. I'm sorry for your loss

I just saw this and I'm so sorry for your loss!

Sorry for you loss Brady we also lost our dog of 13 years Maggie in December it was extremely hard on me and especially my wife we were not on the boards at that time so here is a pic of my Maggie to share with you it does get better but I will never say it gets easier I still think about her all the time so just remember all the love you gave and keep the moments you got precious