My childhood dog, Lucy, was put to sleep last week. My family rescued her when she was a year old- she was a total nervous wreck, having been abused at her previous home. I remember all of us sleeping with her in the family room the first week or so because that was the only way she felt safe enough to sleep. She used to shake every time she saw a young child (we were told she was raised by someone who ran a daycare).
I was about 8 years old when we got her and totally dog-crazy - we went to training classes and I worked with her nearly every day after school. She morphed into the best dog- calm, tolerant, obedient- we used to set up agility courses for her in the backyard and she was awesome at them.
My sister and I also rigged a harness for her and my other dog, hooked them up to a red wagon and went up and down the street like they were horses
They made the cutest team and Lucy seemed to love having a "job".
We decided to put her to sleep after she became completely incontinent- she could no longer go places with my dad or come in the house (would soak through all her diapers)- that, on top of her heart murmur, failing joints and suspected cancer was starting to impact her quality of life. We wanted to give her a calm passing before she had a chance to suffer too much- so I think it was the right time.
She was 14 years old, so she had a pretty good, long life. Sadly since I am away at college I wasn't there to say goodbye.
My kitty Zinger, also 14 years old, passed away yesterday as well. They were great buddies- he even slept with her on occasion. He was the sweetest, goofiest guy with an incredibly loud purr.
I'd like to think that they have joined my Mom and Zinger's brother, Pearl (Orange Zinger and Pearl Grey- my mom named them
) somewhere better and are happy to see each other again.
My lovely girl Lucy
Put my dog to sleep last week and lost my kitty as well 
