this post was submitted on 19 Jun 2026
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Just let go of Juneau, 14 years old, adopted him 12 years ago. A true fetch fiend, and a great guard dog, he was ever vigilant even to his last days. My head knows it was his time, but my heart is fucking ragged right now. RIP Junebug πŸ’–

Edit to add: thank you all for your support. I am pretty deeply introverted and don't have many people to lean on. Being able to share this part of his journey has been very helpful with this heavy heart of mine. Thank you all and take care, and for those of you with pets of your own, dote upon them a little extra for me πŸ’–

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[–] nieminen@lemmy.world 36 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Juneau is a beautiful boy. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Mine is crossing over tomorrow, I'll tell him to look for Juneau. Maybe they can be friends?

This is one of the hardest things I've had to go through. I'm sure it's the same for you. Just know you're not alone. As hard as the decision is, I'm sure it's in his best interest. You gave him a long happy life. That's what matters most.

[–] WeirdyTrip@lemmy.blahaj.zone 18 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (2 children)

Thank you πŸ™

Your boy is also gorgeous, they'll make a striking duo ❀️ I will have you in my thoughts tomorrow, sending you strength and support.

I've had and lost a few other dogs, but it hurts just as bad each time. I do know it was his time, but it's so tough when they still have that youthful glint in their eyes. Just grateful that my clinic does at home visits, so he got to go at home with his other animal companions, favorite people, as cozy as possible.

[–] nieminen@lemmy.world 9 points 1 week ago (1 children)

That's so nice! Got to be home and comfortable. I love that for him.

We're going into the clinic tomorrow. I didn't ask if they do home visits for this, because mine would be stressed out having someone else be in the house. He likes it when it's just family.

I hope you and your other companions have long healthy lives together.

We don't deserve dogs.

Be sure to take some time for yourself. It's important to grieve.

Totally get it, Juneau was okay-ish about clinic visits, but always anxious to get back home. Also helps that he assumed all humans were friends who wanted to pet him, so to him, the more the merrier ❀️

Give your boy some extra snuggles for me tonight, and maybe some extras of his favorite treats, too.

Thank you for your kind words, and I hope you also take care in the coming days πŸ™

Jesus, you’re making a grown man cry over here. I’m so sorry for both of you.

[–] f314@lemmy.world 21 points 1 week ago (1 children)

The worst feeling in the world! Just remember that every year you shed is evidence of how much you loved him πŸ’• It will hurt like hell for quite some time, but the love and memories will last forever!

[–] WeirdyTrip@lemmy.blahaj.zone 15 points 1 week ago

Thank you πŸ™ Been crying on and off for the 3 days leading up to today, surprised I have any tears left to shed. And indeed they will, he was such a great, loyal dog. And a hairy one, too, I think I will find tufts of his hair around my place for as long as I stay here. Hairstorm was his special power ❀️

[–] FaceDeer@fedia.io 11 points 1 week ago

I hung on to my first dog several weeks longer than I should have. I know it's rough, but hopefully in the long run you'll feel that you did the right thing by him letting him go at the right time.

IMO the best way to approach life is to try to maximize the number of good days in it and minimize the number of bad days. I'm sure in those 12 years you gave him plenty of great days.

[–] broja@piefed.social 8 points 1 week ago (1 children)

What a beautiful, snuggly boy. It's so hard to let them move on when it's time, but it's one of the last acts of love we give them. He will live forever in your heart. Dogs never truly leave us. Wishing you lots of peace.

Thank you πŸ™ he really was extravagant, and especially in his old age always cozied up nearby. Gonna miss those old boy snores.

[–] wjrii@lemmy.world 8 points 1 week ago

There are two options: lose them someday, or never have them in the first place.

Both are sad. Only one is unacceptable.

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

I'm so sorry for the both of you.

Just remember that you've been all places under heaven and all things to her β€οΈβ€πŸ©Ή

This never gets easyβ™₯️

I am so sorry for your loss. It's so hard to say goodbye, and to adjust to life after they're gone. What a beautiful, fluffy boy he was.

[–] nocturne@slrpnk.net 4 points 1 week ago

I had to run to the vet Wednesday to pick up meds for my kitten, and they had the rainbow bridge candle burning for someone who was having to put their pet to sleep. After i finished up i sat in my truck and cried for a pet i never met, or even saw.

Now i am crying for your dog too.

I'm so sorry. I'm glad you and he had each other.

[–] titanicx@lemmy.zip 4 points 1 week ago

My heart goes out to you. I'm a year past losing my friend. But I'm not past losing him. Cry and remember.

[–] dial_pootis@lemmy.world 3 points 1 week ago (1 children)

That feeling when they go is the worst. My dog also left recently, still get teary eyed remembering it. Not to mention the small triggers that reminds of them.

[–] ramenshaman@lemmy.world 3 points 1 week ago

My kitties are 4 and I can reliably make myself cry by thinking about them crossing the bridge. Very sorry for your loss OP.

😞 always keep them in your heart

[–] gilokee@lemmy.world 2 points 1 week ago

He's beautiful. I'm so sorry for your loss. When my best girl goes, I'm going to be an absolute wreck.

RIP Junebug

[–] Hadriscus@jlai.lu 2 points 1 week ago
[–] Xanthrax@lemmy.world 2 points 1 week ago (1 children)

It might not mean much, but I love you and how you've treated your dog. Rest in peace.

It means a ton, thank you πŸ™