Rest in peace, buddy

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I lost my little Dachshund (11 years old) yesterday.

His liver didn't work anymore so we had to put him to sleep. He was an amazing dog, and he felt like a member of the family. He even used to wash the neighbors cat.
We also have a Beagle, and they were very close, so she just walks around the house looking for him. The last couple of days, she didn't want to go near him, because she could feel that he was sick. I've had him since I was 6 years old so he was my best friend...

Sorry, just wanted to get it off my chest

[ August 17, 2004, 16:23: Message edited by: Jesper898 ]

 

Sorry to hear that Jesper. My heart goes out to you. Losing a family pet that you have been around most of your life is like losing a family member. Best wishes to you.

 

That brings back memory. Our dog was put to sleep in December 2003, after being our companion for some 14 years. He was around half of my life. It was painful. Even my father cried - something I have never seen before.

I am sorry, Jesper. Good journey to your little friend.

Btw, my parents new dog is a Dachshund/Dackel.

 

Thanks for the kind words, guys.

At least he is not in pain anymore.

It's very hard when you are used to having him around for 11 years, he even used to sleep in my bed.

@Dendri: A Dachshund is an amazing dog, I hope he brings you as much happiness as Anton(my dog) brought me.

 

I know how you feel. We had to put down our cat a few months ago, and we've had him for about 12 years! Even though it was the humane thing to do, I still miss him.

 

Yeah, even though it is the right thing to do, it feels like hell.

 

Our dog is being put down as I type this, (after 13 years) so I can put myself in your place totally.

 

Family pets do become like family members. One of the reasons I do not like having pets is because you are almost certain to out-live them, and deal with the pain of their passing. We had a dog when I was a kid, and my wife owned a dog since before I met her. I cried a lot when the dog we had in my childhood died, and I imagine I will again when our current dog dies. It's also sad that our current dog's day are likely not to go on much longer. She's currently 9 and already has severe arthritis.

 

@Firestorm: I'm sorry, losing a pet is one of the worst things that can happen

@Aldeth: I'm sorry to hear about your dog, I hope it will live at least a few more years.


Damn, I miss him so much! Even though I know that we did what is best for him, I just can't stop crying.

 

It never ceases to amaze me. I'm not a pet lover, but one thing that I respect is when people make the decision that a beloved pet is dying and we mercifully end its suffering. Yet we can't do the same to humans. I have a 75 year old aunt who is suffering from Alzheimers and has progressed into dementia. God only knows how long my uncle and my dad will suffer.

 

I wonder how its like having a dog. They seem so damn cool. But, too much hassle to get one..

 

Sorry to hear about your pets guys, I remember when my last dog had to be put down about 4 and a half years ago - she was the offspring of a purebred Corgi and a purebred Sydney Silky Terrier and she was definitely a part of the family. Even though initially she was a family pet, the last 2 years or so of her life she was mine. If I was out somewhere, she'd apparently pine for me and she'd be sitting at the front door about five minutes before I walked in. Slept in my bed with me, everything. Then one day she was flea-riddled and very weak so we took her to the vet and he gave us the low-down that no matter what they did, if it was as bad as he thought she was as good as gone.

As we left, she looked at me with THOSE eyes - she knew. 10 minutes later I was bawling for half an hour. The only time I have ever cried over the death of a family member.

 

Jesper -- I'm so sorry for your loss. A friend once sent me this poem by Caren Clouston. Though it made me feel better, I cry every time I read it:

"Friend to Friend"

You're giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.


But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.


So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic, that will
Once more make me whole.


The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it's the only way.


That strength is why I've followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I've loved you all these years...
My partner 'til the end.


Please, understand just what this gift,
You're giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I've lost,
And all my dignity.


You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it too.


So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that's within you,
To now grant me this appeal.


Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.


And don't despair my passing,
For I won't be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I'll stay.


I'll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I'll run,
...a young dog once again.


Please, Jesper -- know that you did the right thing for your friend.

 

@Spellbound: Thank you for that beautiful poem, even though it made me cry, it really made me feel better.

[ August 17, 2004, 14:50: Message edited by: Jesper898 ]

 

That poem even brought a tear to my eye, and I haven't lost a pet recently. I'm just a sucker for these kind of things.

And Jesper898 + Firestorm - sorry to hear about your losses.

 

@Splunge: Thanks, man.

I'm glad you're all such great people, it's nice to share your troubles once in a while.

 

Sorry about your loss Jesper.

We have a cat that's currently 19 years old, while she is still looking good she can't jump no more and walks with a little limp. I see her around for another year, maybe two but I cannot really imagine the moment when it happens, 19 years is a long time and I'm not looking forward to it.

 

@Apeman: Wow, your cat sure sounds like a fighter. I'm sure she'll be here for a couple of more years.

 

@ Jester

I'm with ya buddy. 7 months ago, I had 8 pets. As of a month ago, I now have 2. 2 cats, 1 dog, 2 fish and a turtle, all in a short amount of time.

Gizmo, my 19 year old cat, died of liver failure. I've had her since I was 5 years old. She was huge for a cat, weighing in at almost 30 pounds at her heaviest. She was cranky, and demanding, and had an inimitable personality.

KC, my 16 year old dog, died from complications of her Cushings disease. She suffered from Cushings for 6 years, which may actually be some kind of record. Every vet we've ever spoken to says nearly every dog diagnosed with Cushings dies within 2 years of diagnosis - and that's the really healthy ones.

And last month, my cat Lucy (also known as Spud) was put to sleep. She was 17. She hurt the most of all of them, because she slept in my bed every night and was my best little buddy. I left for a trip last month and she was perfectly fine (as much as can be expected from an old cat with arthritis), and when I came back found her in my closet, paralyzed from the waiste down and disoriented. We put her to sleep the next day. ;(

The fish went belly up and we set the turtle free. They were easy.

It's painful, I know. We pour love into creatures with a much shorter expiration date than our own. They leave us, always before we're ready, and there's nothing we can do about it. All we can do is love the next one as much and pray that the ones we lost are getting some sweet ass table scraps in heaven.

Hang in there, buddy.

 

Really sorry to hear that, Jesper. It's tough losing a member of the family, I know. Getcha a drink and a breath of fresh air, and let go.

They say chicks, after child birth, just remember the good memories. Somehow they manage to let all the pain go, and only the good stuff comes to mind unbidden. They have to concentrate to remember the bad stuff.