Rest in peace, buddy

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I guess that's why it's the opposite with a death. With a birth, there's a constant presence as a reminder that all the pain was worth it (from what I've been told by women I know who've given birth) and yet with a death, there's only emptiness where once there was a presence. Kinda makes it difficult at times to recall the happy times. But it gets easier with time.

 

We lost our dog, Banshee, a few months ago to complications from cancer treatment. She was ony 6 years old. But she was a purebread Collie, blind (undeveloped eyes). One of the best, sweetest, caring dogs I've ever known. It still hurts. About two weeks before, I took pictures of all three of our dogs in the yard. Thankfully we still have the memories.
Just before that, my parents put down the last of the three dogs I grew up with. She was my dog, raised her from birth. I also lost a pet leopard gecko around that time. It's wierd how even the death of a lizard can make you cry.
We had to make the decision to put Banshee to sleep when it was obvious when we got to the vet she wasn't going to make it.
You always wonder about the decisions you make. But you also have to prevent yourself from being selfish.
My mom sent me this poem after we lost Banshee. It's very comforting. I think it was written for dogs, but I like to think it pertains to all pets.
It brings a tear still...
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown

http://rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm

 

@DR: I'm sorry, man. Losing that many pets must have been very tough.


@Elios: I'm also very sorry to hear about your losses, Elios. Thank you for that beautiful poem, it makes me feel a lot better.


@Elios&Spellbound: Thanks, guys. Those poems really make you feel better. I really appreciate it.

 

Well, our dog, a golden retriever, has hart-problems, walk way too slow, and has cancer now too, but he is already 12 years old.

 

This thread has put tears in my eyes. My own cat is 14 years old and I don't know what I'll do without her when the time comes. It's kind of strange that I named her Ghost and when she dies I don't think she'll stay behind as one. She has had too much of a happy life. Pets bring such a warm and unique love into your life and leave you with such pain when their time comes.

Maybe you can think of this Jesper. The love you felt for your dog was the same he felt for you. Because he died first he never had to suffer the pain of losing you. Your love gave him everything he needed and made his life a joy to live.

 

I`m sorry for you Jesper. I really know how you feel. I had a cat that died from a rat bite. I only had that cat for 6 years but I miss him. He always knew when I came home and waited for me or came from behind. He knew I always let inside the house. You know I`m sorry for every one here who lost a pet.

 

Thanks, guys.

@Ancient Galatan: I'm sorry to hear that. Heopefully he'll be around for a couple more years

@Lord Garak: Sorry to hear about your cat, buddy. I always wanted a cat too, but my other dog, the beagle, would probably not like it.

@Dragonfly:

Yeah, I tell myself that too. It helps a little bit, although I still miss him terribly.

Actually, the night he died, I heard him while I was lying in my bed. It sounded exactly like he was walking around in the hallway. the beagle was downstairs, so there's no way it could have been her.

While it could have been my imagination playing tricks on me, I like to think that it was Anton coming to say "farewell".

 

I too sympathize with you, Jesper, three days ago we had to put our feline 'brother' of 18 years to sleep, due to a heart-attack and old age.... Again, my sympathies as well

 

I lost my cat two weeks ago, I had him for 15 years, the earliest thing I remember was getting him..

 

We lost our guinea pig this afternoon. I was in here working on the computer and he started twitching a little bit and making a few sounds. I went over to his cage and just petted him to try to comfort him as he died. It’s weird how a little rodent can affect you.

We're pretty sure he started going into kidney failure. Lost his appetite, wouldn't drink.

I’m doing ok and so is my wife, just a little sad around here. I’m going to have to do some rearranging in the computer room. I took the cage out, but there’s just that “empty” spot.

He was my first pet I got on my own when I moved into my first appartment in college. He was around 6 years old.

I like to think that he is in that place in the poem I posted earlier, playing with everyone else's pets and just eating carrots and doing what guinea pigs do.

 

@Seayer: Wow, 18 years is very impressive. I'm glad he had such a long life.

@Morgoth: I'm sorry to hear about you cat. It's especially hard when you've had them for such a long time.

@Elios: I'm sorry to hear about your guinea pig. At least you were there right until the end.

I'm sure he is.