Why I Don't Want My Own Dog

[@fisherlady408]

My last dog was 17 and I had to have her put down. I held Dixie while she took her last breath and bawled my eyes out for weeks. But, I wouldn't want to miss out on those moments for anything ❤ God truly blessed you with a huge heart 😊

[@lindsayshields1244]

I wonder if maybe Joe would be willing to put your name and address on Rocket's microchip as a backup person just in case he gets lost or left.

[@SaraMc-ez2mv]

Losing my dog was the hardest ever. She had cancer. But when I feel sad I remember the 13 years of joy she brought me🐶💜

[@elvirakammerscheid6340]

I am very sorry that you have suffered this loss. I don't have a pet for the same reason as you. I suffer too much from such losses and still mourn a pet that died 22 years ago. I don't have a pet because I'm afraid of losing one. I wish you strength to overcome it!

[@juliegreen6074]

Unbelievable how much I can relate. I can’t even watch your entire video because I’m triggered I can still see the images in my head and it’s been years. I thought I was the only one. Blessed are the people who don’t know what you’re talking about.

[@connieclark3562]

I’m so sorry, Darlene. I also think about the end being already written from the beginning. I also cry over the dogs I’ve had over the decades of my life. I can’t even imagine what you went through when you didn’t know where Rocket was. It’s horrible.

[@CreativeTrish]

It’s refreshing to hear someone that thinks like me on pets “in this season “ of my life ❣️ My adult daughter is dealing with touch decisions with 1 of her 14 yo dog😢 Thank you 🙏

[@NewcastleFred]

This made me cry Darlene. I feel exactly the same way. I have an 11 year old English Springer, and a 13 year old Cocker. I got them as rescues and they have been my world. Two years ago, the Springer had a massive cancer op, and it was then i realised theyre not going to be around for ever. My Cocker regularly gets grass seeds down his ear canal and it costs £500 every time to get it removed, now he has urinary incontinence and wears doggy pads. I too have cried lots, thinking of when they wont be here - it literally makes me sick with anxiety. I still cry over dogs i had when i was a kid. I will not have any more dogs because i know i would now feel like this from day one, and i just cant stand the stress, worry and sleepless nights 🥺

[@jordansmom143]

Life is so crazy!! We are born without our knowledge and have to experience wonderful things but with that very sad and heartbreaking things.

[@debrachauvin7683]

A bill before seeing the Vet Doc, really!!! I would have run. I had to put my dog down in October of 2022 and I still cry. I miss him very much.

[@gerbs747]

It is so hard to say goodbye to your dog or cat. Tai, was my lab/ Irish setter mix. She looked like a black Irish setter with her tail and chest hair a golden rust in summer from spending all day in the lake trying to catch fish. She learned any “trick” in one go. She would say “mama” at the door to come in and “I want my mama”. It’s 30 years since she’s been gone. I wish I could have cloned her, like Dolly the sheep. 🤔 Tai, I still miss you. 🐶

[@joanyoder5880]

yes, i know what you mean Darlene. my last dog was almost fifteen years old and she died over 38 years ago.

[@m2btboysandme01]

I’m with you on the crying….i do have two adorable rescues. My sister has been gone 10 years in December…I still cry every day.

[@deborahdoherty3823]

Yay🎉 I’m 1st. Understood about the dog. You never get over losing a dog. Any dog. Since I was 7 I have had 16 But for some ungodly reason I have this horrible need to rescue. When I say rescue I mean out of a dumpster with a red solo cup taped to her nose, a cat that some one was going to throw over a bridge, a puppy that someone was going to shoot, a dog that someone beat badly. I can’t give them up. I saved them, they are mine to care for and love until I need to do what I have too and it starts all over again. Dogs do stop you from going anywhere although my brother does babysit for me if needed. It’s so nice that he lives with us. Of course I drive my Husband crazy. But someone has to do it! Any time you feel the need to pet a dog, I have 4. I’m only 10-12 hours away.

[@Renee1318]

A Veterinary technician. Veterinary have real changed, gotten very expensive!

[@dowd9131955]

I feel it to! My last dog is gone 1 year ago..no more for me!

[@beverlymclaughlin4170]

I can relate....i totally get it

[@artfulyama9071]

I get it. Pet loss is devastating.

[@MsDale1976]

I totally agree, I don’t want to see my dog die. Dale had cancer and could hardly walk. My hubby took him on his last walk and he couldn’t even get up the stoop to come in. We knew it was time. I don’t know who cried harder my husband, the vet., or myself, even though we knew it was the best thing for him!

[@jenihansen7201]

I understand Darlene. I love my animals so much.

[@Whole180withAliyah]

One second into your video & I am loving your top, Darlene. You look terrific! 💛🧡

[@darlenemitchell4198]

We had our last baby boy put down over a year ago and I still cry over him! We lost our son in 2009 and losing our fur baby last year was just as bad! I was totally in tune with this fur baby & my heart is still broken. So now I cry for my son and for our fur baby son. I have 4 granddaughters & they all have dogs so I can love them but I too will never have another one. I dreaded the day when we’d lose Bear so you are not alone my friend. ♥️🐾♥️

[@amberthomas3939]

All three of my kids are like this, too. They get very upset thinking about our cats dying. They're still young, 1-2 years old, but the knowledge that they will die just weighs on my children's minds.

[@amethystsamia]

Dogs are such a joy. And they bring such sadness. I don’t cry every day over my Dog’s eventual passing, but I worry about every little thing. Is he comfortable. Is he sad. He’s got a scratch. Omg will it get infected. You get the point. And the vet bills. And my Seymour Butz does tie me down. When he goes I will most likely hit have another. Until there’s one that needs rescuing. 😢

[@patriciaratchford2826]

Me!!! I feel that way about my dogs!! I’ve lost 3 in the past 5 years. I still have one and I cry thinking of when he will leave. I will never have another one for that reason!

[@Corinne-e1c]

I definitely feel the same way❤

[@trina7410]

My vet visit with my itchy skin dog did the same thing to me and we had to pay it because we didn't know what else to do. We had varied everything

[@brendagoulette759]

I'm totally opposite. Between my mom and I we have 6 cats. 2 are very sick. And meds and office visits are so expensive. But we love them and will do all we can for them. I rescued for a few years for kittens. Well I was foster failing and adopted a few. Lol But the person running our rescue always said try not to get really sad if one dies because there is another one that needs your help. I cried and lot of happy tears and sad tears. ❤

[@EvaVilla-pm5mv]

I had to put down my Chihuahua last year. I had her from Five months to fifteen yrs. She was just suffering and in pain. I don’t want another dog either. 😢

[@middleinitiald3356]

I had my dog for almost 16 years. He was my life. I googled the life expectancy for his breed when he was 5 and saw that they typically live 9 years. 🥴 So I started the grieving process early too. I always thought I’d always have a dog, because I love them so much. 5 years later and I can’t do it. Losing my sweet dog almost ended me and the grief aged me 10 years.

[@janstetler9888]

I took my dog in one time. She couldn't use her hind legs. The Tech. said they would have to take exrays ($200-300) before the vet could. even look at her. I didn't have that kind of money at the time. Worst part is the vet came out of the office and sat down and cuddled my dog. Who does that. Not even offering something for pain, or at least checking her out. NEVER WENT BACK TO HER.

[@melodyengland4439]

Well guesswhat Darlene, I do understand where you are coming from, I still mourn the loss of every single dog, a person never gets over it, not anyone with a heart that is. Their loss, especially when your the one that has to make that dreaded choice of having to put them down, I've had to do this way to many times, anyhow you have enough going on in your life.

[@anoldladi]

Mine goes the other way. I worry that I would not want to figure out a safe place for a dog when I, myself, pass on.

[@donnarichey144]

I do the same and the same with my horses I lost. Its hard.

[@dianemiller7417]

I want a dog just like Rocket. I’ve always had a dog but they get to sad when I can’t take them with me. I can’t stand to disappoint them.

[@claramiranda2049]

Love dogs pets I cry too 😪😪😪❤️❤️❤️❤️👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@vallang4832]

I feel the same way Darlene about my cat.

[@shirleydooley1919]

With you this time ! No Dog! ( all my family as at least 2 dogs). Two weeks ago one of two of my niece dogs not feeling good she took to vet X-ray, bloodwork etc. Result is “Lyme Disease” and a bill amounting to $1,500. (State of Penna.)

[@ellagregory818]

I get it. I just think about the dog that needs a good home. Its extremely hard when they pass. I think about them passing and I get upset. I try to concentrate on making their life enjoyable as much as I possibly can. I want them to be happy. That's how I try to deal with it. My dogs are my babies. And they are a big responsibility. I get it

[@sandynuber1509]

Darlene, I've been married for 60 yrs and have lived in Texas most of my life. I want a divorce and move to Maine. Please give me your opinion on living in Maine. The pros and cons, if you will. You are so right about having a dog, it's painful.

[@ellagregory818]

Vet care, I truly understand that one. I just spent $136 on one of mine today to get his updated shots

[@cheshiregrin950]

Darlene, the pups in the old folks home will be looking into your eyes everyday and telling you how they feel and what their life is like and your empathy would rear up and the flood of emotions and tears would flow similar as if you were their Mama. Right? So, that would be problematic as well. Your tender heart is normal. I have one too. I have two black Havanese boy dogs 4 and 2. My loves. The vet visits are a real experience for sure. Have to take them for regular wellness checks too, plus groomer, can really add up. I’m a lot older than you, I did not fully realize what I was getting into 😮 Stay cool from a Mississippi Girl . . .

[@patriciaratchford2826]

That’s the way the Vets are these days! It’s horrible!

[@gailjackson2663]

Interesting outlook. I am glad you keep this contained to just dogs. Painful enough with dogs.Medicine is crazy today. What happened to the look and analyze the situation. Nope all about the cash.

[@joanbarker6581]

Well yes, dogs 🐶 are like having a child at home.

[@dawnplough1458]

Oh yes that happened to me in Florida at a place called ( Blue Pearl) it’s awful

[@sherimcgill5139]

You have talked about this before a few years ago. I thought of it many times while Rocket was in your life and I wondered how you were dealing with it. You’re just a highly sensitive person, and as you mentioned, there are many others like you.

[@febeleven]

I agree with you on the Vet, it's all about $$$! Say thing with those Rabies shot, my 2 Cavapoo girls get so sick, after the shot, then the Vet {he makes house calls}, has to come and give medication for vomiting and Diarrhea. IL. need to have the dogs Rabies shots!

[@nancyjackson2279]

At Xmas time, they have lots of battery operated animals. And they're so realistic looking. Wow, I've never heard of paying first, then looking for a problem.😮

[@mantistoboggan2676]

Im okay not having any animals. Enough other people have them so I can enjoy them time to time but not need to care for any.

[@ruthannelackey]

my dog was poisoned, last august and had to be put down

[@nancyjackson2279]

Volunteer at a humane society They ALWAYS need compassionate people.

[@darlene.michaud]

I thought about that before but I'd be crying the entire time. I can't watch any commercials about animal shelters either.

[@vickymcmahon8121]

Like your top.

[@SusanBeckham-cu6ul]

It's a terrible to losse a dog.

[@joanyoder5880]

Darlene you are a very feeling person

[@darlene.michaud]

To a fault, lol.

[@LadyBug..Reseller]

Vet bills are horrific I have 3 dogs 😳😱😵

[@irenew6202]

Vets today will have you coming back hundreds times...i have 4 dogs..so i know all to well..

[@almaleticiaherrera1878]

Jesus can help you in your pain, he comes and lives in your heart and gives you peace and joy in times of troubles... By the way, I have just found you here, I saw one of your videos, from 7 yrs ago, where you made a fleece pants, I think it was a leopard style opposing the zebra. Thank you for teaching us. Jesus loves you!

[@kimtardiff5951]

Hey Darlene❤

[@dianemiller7417]

I think it’s a trauma response

[@robinpowell2712]

❤❤❤

[@kathleenkroha2063]

You are very passionate❤what a love

[@donnawhiteduck3379]

🙋🏻‍♀️