Have a mixture of pets.... Always been a German Shepherd fan so our first dog we had was a female black and tan GSD, who despite her size still wanted to sit on laps



She was purchased from a breeder as a pup and gave us the pleasure of owning her for 9 years before having to be but to sleep due to DM.  After three months I felt that something was missing so we approached Battersea and we found our second GSD, Bessie



She was 4 when we got her, and having been abused by her previous owner too a lot of work before she became my best friend and helped me through some tough times.  Sadly she too developed DM after five years of owning her.... 

I managed to last a year without having a dog.... but in December last year gave in and collected our third GSD, again a rescue from Battersea.  Juke was 15 months when we got him, and had never been socialised.  Again he needed a fair amount of work, but now has settled in well.  Don't know what it is with GSDs, but they don't realise how big they are and still want to sit on laps !



Here's a picture of one of my other pets.



I've kept snakes for 36 years.  Lucy (above) was the result of a 5 year project to breed my own Super Lesser Royal Python.  Currently have 7 Royal Pythons, 1 Bairds Rat snake and a male Boa Constrictor of 8' 6"....  Now he does give you a cuddle :-)

Poppy and I are very sorry to hear your sad news, David.

Not an easy decision but most certainly the correct one.

With all best wishes

John

Sorry to hear your news, David. 15 years is a good age for a big dog. It all comes down to quality of life in the end, and you made the right decision. He looked a lovely boy.

All the best,

Chris

Never a nice decision to have to make fella and having had to do the same just a few weeks ago for our 19 year old cat I have a pretty good idea of how you feel. I still miss her and her habits/routines now as does the 9 year old cat who seems a bit lost without her around. Keep your chin/chins up mate 

Really sad to hear this David @dannyboy) , know what you must be feeling.  Time is a good healer, but so is another dog, worked for me.

David,

Blue looks like a wonderful dog. Losing a dog is horrible, but at least time will heal the acute pain of loss even though you will never forget.

Best wishes
Webbo 

Thank you to everyone who has posted a reply, the replies are very much appreciated.   . I know I am not the only one to loose a cherished friend and it is not the first time it has happened to us, but it is still hard.

Yesterday, like every day, Monday to Friday, I was in the house by myself, alone, with nobody, apart from the pets, but, boy, did I feel alone. We could sometimes go for hours and not speak to each other, but I knew Blue was there and he knew I was there. Today we went on our monthly(ish) trip to Enniskillen. We parked in the Asda car park and Louisa just burst into tears. When we got back, I went to say hello to him - he was not there. We will get used to the situation, but it ain't easy. I have not mentioned to Louisa about getting another dog yet. Part of me says "yes", but the practical me says "no" - I am not getting any younger  , but we will see what happens. Thank you again.