
Heartbroken
Yesterday we experienced a very painful loss in the Dehler family and I’m sure we’ll continue to have many days of tears. We were forced to make the hard decision to euthanize Riley; Beloved friend, family member, and sweetest dog that ever lived.
Riley was 13 and had just had a cancerous tumor removed from his leg in February, so when we saw the cancer returned almost immediately after, we knew the prognosis wasn’t good. We tried to enjoy our last months with him, optimistic about the fact that, for the most part, he seemed fairly comfortable and happy. When he quit eating and started to take a turn for the worse a couple of weeks ago, we tried to wrap our heads around the idea that soon we would be making a tough choice. The truth is, nothing ever prepares you for the grief that comes when you have to say goodbye for the last time.
Riley was our first baby. Before our kids were born, he came with us everywhere, slept in our bed, and much of our leisure time was spent at the park throwing a tennis ball for him. He was a cool dog, and we weren’t the only ones who thought so. All of our friends, and most anyone who met him couldn’t help but love him. He was just so good natured and happy, and when our kids came along, he willingly stepped aside and accepted his place. He quickly became close to them, too.
In hindsight I think Riley had been uncomfortable for much longer than he let on. The vet told me that Golden Retrievers, being the people pleasers that they are, will try to buck it up and hide the pain to spare their owners. Yesterday morning when Riley looked at me, I knew it had to be the day.
Today Riley will be laid to rest on my parent’s land on the bluffs of the Chippewa River in Wisconsin. He’ll be right next to his late friend and partner in crime, Jato, my parent’s Golden Retriever, who was buried there five years ago. He’ll always be in our hearts.
Here are some photos of our goodbyes last night before our trip to the vet, as well as some that I just came across this morning that were taken this winter. The first ones are really hard for me to look at, because he looks so thin, tired, and sad. Still, they will always be what I have of our last moments with him.













And here’s how we’ll remember him:
Sweet.

Goofy.

Gentle.

Happy.

Boisterous.

Docile.

Loving.

Goodbye my friend! You served your purpose well!!