End of an era.
I took Indy to the vet on Thursday the 15th and I'm afraid his tumour has grown so large that the skin is dying off. It's inoperable because of his age and his stroke history so the decision has been made to put him to sleep next Monday. He's been struggling for the last nine months and it's the kindest thing before he gets in serious pain. My heart is breaking writing this, it makes it too real.
Thank you for all your kind comments so far, every one has a special place in my heart and it helps to know Indy has touched you all and he will be missed by you. If it is any consolation there are many unseen photos of Indy that are still to be published here. He will live on.
Comments and faves
she wolf-, @colored_animals, jules.popo, picsbymeLLB, and 66 other people added this photo to their favorites.
karen_pr1mo (6 months ago | reply)
Oh no, Mike, I'm so sorry to hear this.
Don't know what else to say than take care and enjoy your last days with your wonderful friend.
she wolf- (6 months ago | reply)
It was good to talk to you yesterday Mike. Please be with Indy all you can. I am sure he knows how much he is loved. I will be available anytime you need me. Indy will alway be remembered...and by people from all over the world.
It is amazing how through your photos and stories... so many of us feel like we know Indy too.
The comments will help you through some of this but for now it is too painful..and too unreal.
I know. Time will be needed ...but I hope you can feel the surge of love by the many of us who care for you and Indy...
If more people took care of their dogs like you...this world would truly be a better place to live in... and the dogs would be so happy and cared for. (this applies to all animals).
You are a good person, Mike....and have been blessed to have Indy as your friend...and you his.
I have candles lit. I had one all day and all night for Indy and You burning (in a safe container). i have many more and will be with you both in spirit.
I love the sincere friendship of you both.
God Bless you and Indy. I will miss him dearly and am thinking of you.
all my love she wolf and the pack. xxx
divine_moments2007 (6 months ago | reply)
It is the hardest thing any pet owner has to do.. and the kindest.. You are strong, Mike.. Indy is fortunate to have such a kind and compassionate man in his life.. I love Indy, I will never forget him.. The tears will never end for this incredible dog. Wish I could be there to hug you both.
Pain is Weakness (6 months ago | reply)
Ohmygosh, I am so so so so sorry Mike :/
You are making the right decision, and going on the journey with him will make it a whole lot easier for him.
I'm so sorry, i'm so used to seeing him all over my homepage, this breaks my heart :/
I wish you the best.
He is such a gorgeous, strong dog.
Always cherish what you had with him, and remember that this isn't really the end
meg price (6 months ago | reply)
Oh my goodness, Mike I am so sorry to hear this. Indy has quite obviously had the most wonderful, loved, happy life a dog could wish for and many happy years with you but I know it won't make saying goodbye any easier. He will be missed by so many. Take care and I hope these last days with Indy are as happy as they can be, give him a pat from me. Hugs to you my friend x
she wolf- (6 months ago | reply)
ps. I remember how much my grandma Barica loved to see your photos... she told me many times how Indy looked so cute and lovely. She also said he looked a bit like our Odin and one time...she called Our Odin, “Indy”. Indy made an impression with her...and when we were surfing on line...at my house...we always stopped in to say hello to Indy. xxx
billnbenj (6 months ago | reply)
It's so very sad,Mike.Although Indy will be leaving you,nothing will ever take away the memories of all the wonderful times you had together and your great love for each other.He'll be sorely missed by everyone who knew him,both personally and on Flickr.Take care,my dear friend.
jules.popo (6 months ago | reply)
oh mike. i'm so sorry. we will all miss indy. take care, be happy together, and know that there are a lot of people thinking about both of you.
BriSaEr (6 months ago | reply)
Ohh no. I'm so sorry Mike. Indy touched so many lives and will be missed like crazy. You are doing the best thing for him which is something I wish all owners were capable of doing even though it hurts them to do it.
sarah ... (6 months ago | reply)
oh i'm so sorry mike. not sure what else to say. i love this photo of him.
Purple Paws (6 months ago | reply)
Sorry Mike. Remember to think of all the good times and the amazing life you've given Indy.
Striking Photography by Bo (6 months ago | reply)
My Heart goes out to you Mike. So so so so sorry to hear the news. Been away from flickr for a little while. I know how hard it is to lose a friend like this. Hang in there. :-(
Ineke R. (6 months ago | reply)
Oh gosh Mike .....I am so sorry to hear this.
It's so hard to lose your dog.
My heart and thoughts are with you both.
Wishing you lots of strength.
MMJnSC (6 months ago | reply)
I am so sorry...Indy is wonderful boy and I am sure he will keep watch over you. Of course, he will live on forever in your heart. I know you will spoil him rotten over the next few days. Give him a kiss from me.
Hart Hill (6 months ago | reply)
**many many hugs ** for you both.....
joujoubee (6 months ago | reply)
So so sorry. Just went through this with my love. It's the worst. Good luck.
(lynda)'s lenz EF50mm (6 months ago | reply)
awwww no, Mike. what can I say, what words can EVER soften this blow that just sucks the air out of our lungs when the time comes ............. my tears, my hugs, all flying across the sea to you both. there is no way to make this any less harsh than it is .... just know that my thoughts are with you both .............. he's a lovely, gentle, kind soul, and he has given so much, and asked for so little in return ---- and now you will do for him the one thing that he needs the most. when he does get to that rainbow bridge, my old girl Molly and my Miss Tippy will be waiting to meet up with him ........... I will tell them tonight when I speak to them in the dark, to look out for a handsome, oh so handsome young and spry and gentle Indy, coming to meet them both. we'll all be united again someday, Mike ......... I have to believe that. hugs and hugs and hugs, my friend. and a strong whiskey, and a big box of kleenex, from me and wee Duke.
capreoluskate (travelling ...) (6 months ago | reply)
So sorry to hear that, Mike. Thinking of you both. Will always remember Indy and your photos of him...
tobin eckian (6 months ago | reply)
oh noooooo0ooooooo. beloveds. such a loss. large hugs to both of you. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
danifromhell2005 (6 months ago | reply)
I couldn't even read this when I was out as I knew what would happen!! Have had to leave it til now!!!! I really can't get my head round it. He's been in my life since he came into yours!! My little baby Indy!! Can't write anymore cause I can't see anymore. Love you Uncle and Indy. xxx
Linda's Angus (6 months ago | reply)
Just reading this now Mike with tears in my eyes and a deep pull at my heart. You have made one of the hardest and most unselfish decision you could make. We are all here for you.
Hug Indy for me and a huge hug for you.
picsbymeLLB (6 months ago | reply)
My heart breaks with yours Mike.
Through your beautiful photography, you've taken us all on a wonderful journey with Indy, be it high in the mountains or down by the sea, each photo captured Indy against the breathtaking beauty of your countryside. Indy has a place in my heart forever.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Give your boy a gentle hug and kiss from me.
Take care and know that you have the love and support of your many Flickr friends during this difficult time.
sandra_s. (6 months ago | reply)
The one serious ambition I have in life is to do what you've done - to bring Kessie and Kyla all the way to the other side of their (hopefully long) journey, in the way they deserve. Or at least approximately so, since I'm impeded by being human. At least without severely letting them down. You've done that for Indy. I don't know what else to say. My heart breaks for you.
alaska12 (6 months ago | reply)
I'm so sorry you are going through this with your beloved Indy. I hope he isn't in pain right now Mike. I know that you must be....
R.J Cookenboo (6 months ago | reply)
Oh my gosh Mike, I am so so so sorry to hear this! Bless Indy! Take comfort in knowing he's had a wonderful life and you made that possible for him. Not all dogs are as fortunate to have that kind of love. I'll be praying for you my friend. I know this is hard, I went through it 4 years ago with our bc Zack. If you need to talk please email me anytime. Hugs!
WendysPaws (6 months ago | reply)
So sorry to hear this news about Indy... Indy is a beautiful boy and will be remembered by all of us as we have come to know him so well here on flickr...
purplewoman05 (6 months ago | reply)
Mike we're so sorry. I know that this is going to be one of the hardest things that you ever have to do but you're doing what's right for Indy. Even though we know the inevitable will happen it's still such a shock when the time finally comes. I'm sure that Scamp is waiting to greet Indy in dog Heaven - the ball is ready - the game doesn't end here. You will have so many treasured and wonderful memories and you can be happy in the knowledge that he had a truely wonderful life with you. xxx
BluueFox (6 months ago | reply)
I dreaded the day I would read these words Mike as we know what can happen when our beloved friends with four legs head towards old age. I wish it were not so but it is and I am so awfully awfully sorry. Indy is special and he will always be special.
Having gone this route myself a number of times I understand it all too well. I am sad that it is happening now rather than later
As hard as it is to say goodbye, it is also kind to know when to say goodbye
I know words are just words but I think we are all somewhat overcome at this sad news
randiana (6 months ago | reply)
Crushing news. I know Indy has brought such joy and companionship to you, and as you shared that relationship we all came to know him. He will be missed, and the only relief is knowing he will not suffer. I know he'll be waiting anxiously for your reunion one day. God Bless.
Dogloverlou (6 months ago | reply)
Oh gosh Mike. I've not been around much the past two weeks and i've missed the news on Indy. I'm so sorry. But you're doing the right thing, i know i'd make the same decision.
sluj (6 months ago | reply)
I'm so sorry you're going through this. Indy loves you and knows you love and are doing only the best for him.
DutchImage (6 months ago | reply)
What can I possibly say that hasn't been said here....
SierraMcL (6 months ago | reply)
My heart goes out to the both of you.
Your pictures and stories of Indy have never failed to make my days brighter. He's known a life of love and happiness, and that's an amazing thing! I hope that you cherish every moment together.
Much love to you both!
lucy&toby (6 months ago | reply)
Indy has had a life full of love from you.
Thinking of you x x
WebDog! (6 months ago | reply)
So sad to hear this! You are in our thoughts.
sturmele (6 months ago | reply)
This brings tears to my eyes... can't even think how you feel.
We and Aaron are with you. A huge kiss to Indy from all of us....
Anda74 (6 months ago | reply)
Oh, Mike, that is absolutely devastating... Indy has been loved and adored by so many people, you two have touched thousands of souls with your unique love and bond. Hugs to both you and your gorgeous boy. Rest forever young in our souls, Indy.
mswyni (6 months ago | reply)
Mike, I am so very sorry to hear the news. It has been wonderful to have Indy in my life through your beautiful pictures of him in one of my favorite places on the planet, Wales. He is truly the epitome of a perfect companion and friend. Thinking of you at this very difficult time. Barbara.
redshift1960 (6 months ago | reply)
So sorry to hear this Mike.......Thinking of you both.
fastcat! (6 months ago | reply)
This is such sad news....as others have already said, it is the hardest and kindest decision we can make for our beloved companions. Treasure these last few days with him.. he will always be remembered through your wonderful photos...... XOX
PoochskiesLove (6 months ago | reply)
Oh this is awful...It's always been so great to come home and see new photos (or old memories) of Indy. It's so sad to hear this will happen no longer.
I wish you the best in this tough time, it's never easy to say goodbye to such good friends.
Herselfandme (6 months ago | reply)
So sorry to hear this, Mike. Glad you two found each other and generously shared so many of your moments here. Indy will be missed by many.
MakingMemories(Deja-Vu photography) (6 months ago | reply)
oh Mike I have tears in my eyes..I feel like I have known Indy for ever just from you and flickr..my heart breaks for you..Please hold him tight and tell him how much we all love him and will miss him..he will be watching you from doggie heaven..the worst day of my life was when i had to put down my cat,, so I know how you feel but he will ALWAYS be in your heart...I wish i could reach out and give you a hug...sending prayers Mike for you and him..xoxoox
A. Walden (6 months ago | reply)
Nothing...absolutely nothing...more difficult...my deepest thoughts are with you...
Stuart`Dootson (6 months ago | reply)
Mike…that is so sad to read…I can't imagine how you must be feeling, how upset you must be…But you're making the right decision for Indy's sake…and at the end of the day, that's what really matters, that you do the best thing by him….
127 Blue Hearts (6 months ago | reply)
Mike, I am so sorry. You're doing what's best for him. Savor those last moments with him. You are in my thoughts.
fioresoleil (6 months ago | reply)
No, no, I am not able to hear this. I am crying for Indy, he will miss me very much. But I don't want that his sufferings continue, he doesn't deserve that. I love him so much. Please Mike, give him a big kiss and a bear hug from me. Be strong for you two.
(In certain moments it is very hard to find the right words, even in my own language. I apologize to you for every mistakes.)
RD_Elsie (6 months ago | reply)
Mike, my heart is breaking reading this ! A lot of pats to Indy, hugs to you from all of us
Golden Moments Petography (6 months ago | reply)
I am so sorry Mike
Btw wonderful photo
sprinkle happiness (6 months ago | reply)
Oh my gosh, this is so not what I would like to hear for this Christmas season! oh Mike, I am so sorry :( Indy is such a beautiful and wonderful old soul. We all love him so dearly and whenever we see your photos of him, it makes us all smile. I can't believe this at all. I will Pray for you and your family...and of course Indy. May he run free forever.