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Title: Goodbye for now old girl Post by DennisM1045 on Oct 10th, 2007, 9:00am After bringing my family 13 years of love and devotion I had to put our Golden Abby to sleep last night. My heart is broken. Bad back legs, liver cancer and failing kidneys all conspired to bring an end to a long and happy life. I just couldn't stand to see her suffer any longer. Most of her dignity had been stripped. She was no longer that white streak flying in circles around the kids in the back yard. All she could manage now was her ever-present smile and an echo of that puppy still reflected in her eyes. I put the word out Friday night. She spent the weekend being loved by everyone in the family. They each found some time from their busy lives to come and say goodbye to an old friend. I hadn't seen her that happy in a while. Everyone took turns lying with her in her dog bed and making sure she knew she was loved. Her favorite thing was a crowd of family half in the bag and dropping food on the floor for her to clean up. Sunday night we had a fire and she made it out to sit with everyone for a little bit before retreating to back to her corner of the kitchen and the warmth of her dog bed. Tonight I brought her for her last ride in the car. I propped her up in the back seat and rolled down all the windows so she could hang her head out like she loves. It was 55 degrees. She always loved the cold. We used to call her snow dog. It seems to me that she spent more time outside in snow storms than when the weather was clear. I sat and held her throughout the process. She went peacefully, looking into my eyes. I held her for a long while after. I don't really remember the ride home. When I got there it took me several minutes to get from the car back into the house. My wife came out and we made the long journey back inside together. I haven't cried like that since my Dad died. She's left one hell of a hole in my heart. A friend of my daughter Aidan printed a beautiful story about where dogs go when they die. It’s a wonderful place where they are restored to their former youth and vigor and get to play in a meadow with all the other pets that moved beyond this world. I’ve seen it before. You probably have too. Goodbye Abby. Have fun in the meadow girl. I’ll be along eventually. http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff168/DennisM1045/DSC00712_small.jpg |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by Mosaicwench on Oct 10th, 2007, 9:09am Awww . . I'm so sorry for your loss.:'( Dogs are great that way - I strive to be HALF the person my dog thinks I am. |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by PollyPocket on Oct 10th, 2007, 9:11am :'( :'( :'( I am so sorry Dennis. But I am glad for Abby that she had y'all there loving her. [smiley=hug.gif] Jen |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by luveemom on Oct 10th, 2007, 9:43am I'm so sorry Dennis....sounds like you gave her a great life. [smiley=hug.gif] Alicia |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by JDH on Oct 10th, 2007, 9:45am I'm sorry for your loss Dennis. May Abby rest in peace :'( Rainbow Bridge 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... |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by nani on Oct 10th, 2007, 9:56am :'( I'm so sorry, Dennis. How wonderful for Abby to spend her last days with so much love and affection. Rest in peace, Abby. hugs, nani |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by Melissa on Oct 10th, 2007, 10:02am [smiley=hug.gif] |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by artonio7 on Oct 10th, 2007, 10:23am [smiley=hug.gif] So very sorry for your loss Dennis. with warm regards, Tony |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by The mad viking on Oct 10th, 2007, 10:41am I'm sorry for your loss Dennis. May Abby rest in peace [smiley=hug.gif] Svenn |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by Grandma_Sweet_Boy on Oct 10th, 2007, 10:57am I'm so sorry for your loss. :'( Carol |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by sandie99 on Oct 10th, 2007, 10:59am RIP, Abby... :'( I'm so sorry for your loss, Dennis. [smiley=hug.gif] Hugs, Sanna |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by boonie on Oct 10th, 2007, 11:14am sorry for your loss jim |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by Rosybabe on Oct 10th, 2007, 11:22am My eyes and heart are crying with you while I type this Dennis :'(. I am very sorry for your loss but I am sure Abby is making the dear Lord happy right now in heaven becausw we are all creatures of God and he has a place in his kingdom for all. [smiley=hug.gif] Rosy. |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by Guiseppi on Oct 10th, 2007, 11:22am They're just dumb dogs....but damn it hurts when you lose em. :'( Guiseppi |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by phil_h on Oct 10th, 2007, 11:30am The loss of a dogs unconditional love , unconditionally sucks....You're grateful to have known such unconditional love......... Sorry for your loss............. phil h |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by Tiannia on Oct 10th, 2007, 11:40am I am so sorry for your loss. She is still with you and there will be many times when you will still feel her checking up on you. I know that i do with our cat that passed right after our move here to OR> I swear she held on just long enough to see us settled up here and in our own place. |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by Bob P on Oct 10th, 2007, 11:46am This past Monday I had to put down Binki the cat after being with our family for 24 years. Never an easy thing to do but it is usually the best decision for the animal. Abby looks like a real lover! |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by aloneuk on Oct 10th, 2007, 12:05pm im so SO sorry for your loss :'( [smiley=hug.gif] [smiley=hug.gif] |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by barry_sword on Oct 10th, 2007, 12:33pm Good-bye Abby. :'( So very sorry for your loss, Dennis and all your family. Damn this hurts and it is not even my dog. The innocence of a loved pet. Sorry for your loss also Bob with your kitty. 24 years is quite a good, long life. Maybe Binky and Addy are playing together now. Very sorry for both your losses. :'( Barry |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by BarbaraD on Oct 10th, 2007, 1:11pm Sorry Dennis.... I've got tears in my eyes and I'm hugging HOmer. It just hurts so much to lose a pet... Hugs BD |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by ShariRae on Oct 10th, 2007, 1:14pm I am so sorry for your loss...as lucky as you were to have her in your life..she was just as lucky to have such a wonderfully loving family.You did what was best for her...out of love for her.Rest assured she'll be waitin for you when the time comes,but for now..she is running & playing in the meadow..pain free. Much Love Shari |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by JDH on Oct 10th, 2007, 1:14pm Here's another that fits this thread: A Dog's Prayer By Beth Norman Harris Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me. Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do. Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps falls upon my waiting ear. When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper. Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger. And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest - and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands. |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by Ghost on Oct 10th, 2007, 2:23pm I know the hurt and strenght it takes I still have a pic of Bubba on my desk. Had to put him down 4 years ago. He was the most incredible friend I have ever had. Mike I too sat with him and looked into his eyes as he passed. I will always miss him. |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by Mrs Deej on Oct 10th, 2007, 2:31pm Dennis, :'( :'( OMG...I hate stories like these. I'm so sorry for your loss. I know how your heart must be hurting. We too lost our Weimaraner after 14 years to a tumor. My parents loved that dog so much they had him cremated...he's on the mantle. :-/ I'm praying that your hearts will heal... Much love and condolences... Steph and Deej |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by Ree on Oct 10th, 2007, 4:49pm You ripped my heart out with this beautiful tribute to your loving friend Dennis... we too have had to put down a dear dog that we so loved and it took 9 long years to get another pup... I am so sorry for your loss... Abby was truly blessed to have such a caring master. Be well, and find comfort in knowing she is frolicking in the daisies in a beautiful land. love to you Ree |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by Jonny on Oct 10th, 2007, 4:58pm Sorry, bro :'( |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by Bethany1 on Oct 10th, 2007, 6:02pm :( :'( [smiley=hug.gif] |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by john_d on Oct 10th, 2007, 6:29pm http://www.gamicon.com/album/slides/MeOnFarRight.jpg I had to do the same thing for the dog on the left when he got to old, it was 10 years after this photo and I was 18, fluffy was very old had the same problems as yours it sounds like, he was just in pain all the time and could barely sit. I took him to the vet myself, and sat in the room with him. Your story really hit me big time and reminds me of that bitter-sweet moment I had to say goodbye to the dog I shared my childhood with, it broke my heart but I knew it was the right thing to do. Thanks for sharing that. |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by cynjeep89 on Oct 10th, 2007, 7:27pm Dennis, Abby is fine now. She is no longer in pain and is having one heck of a good time running and barking with my past dogs, Freeway, Mauzi, Max, Bo, Jamie and all of the other CH pets that have passed on. I know the pain and it feels like it will never stop hurting but, with time, the pain becomes less acute and is gradually replaced by smiles and the occasional giggle when you think about them. Their special kind of unconditional love and companionship is so special, isn't it? You and your family gave her a wonderful, warm and loving home and she knew that she was part of a great family. Take care and I hope that each tear that you shed will be replaced with a smile when you think of Abby. |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by chewy on Oct 10th, 2007, 8:22pm You allowed her to go to the rainbow bridge. You returned all the unconditional love and friendship she gave you over the years. Thats a bond that cant be broken by death or any length of seperation. Abby is not gone, she's just not here. She will be waiting for you with a big wet kiss and two front paws that will knock you on your ass. Believe it. |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by DennisM1045 on Oct 10th, 2007, 8:56pm I'm feeling better tonight than I thought I would. Thank you all for the opportunity to put my grief into words. I'm sorry for the saddness of it. There is enough saddness around here. But I had to write what I felt and it helped me to get it out. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your kind replies and PMs. It appears that love of our pets is another common thread among clusterheads. My oldest Son came by with a picture taken of Abby and me on the day we brought her home. Apparently, the years have not been kind to either of us ;) They put it in a nice frame which I'll put on my desk. Ok, enough of this, I'm back at the oar lock now. I love you all. -Dennis- |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by Charlie on Oct 10th, 2007, 9:08pm Sorry for you. They just don't stick around long enough. http://www.clusterheadaches.com/public_html/yabbimages/smileys/hug.gif |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by Charlie on Oct 10th, 2007, 9:08pm Sorry for you. They just don't stick around long enough. http://www.clusterheadaches.com/public_html/yabbimages/smileys/hug.gif Charlie |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by DonnaH on Oct 10th, 2007, 9:30pm :'( |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by cash5542 on Oct 10th, 2007, 9:45pm Check your pm. :( Charlotte |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by deltadarlin on Oct 11th, 2007, 7:54am I am so sorry. I know exactly how you feel. We had to put Grace down a few weeks ago. I came in the house yesterday and I could have sworn I heard Grace sneeze (she'd usually be napping on the couch and when she got up, she'd sneeze). It's tough and we still haven't gotten used to her not being here. Carolyn |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by midwestbeth on Oct 11th, 2007, 1:21pm Dennis, I'm so sorry for your loss. :'( Beth |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by Smurfysmurff on Oct 11th, 2007, 7:42pm Dennis, I am so sorry for your loss. Just last month, I too had to say goodbye to my Baby Girl. I've had Baby for almost seven years, when she got cancer, and within three weeks of noticing she wasn't her normal happy, hyper self, she was in such pain and suffering that we had to let her go. Let me tell you though, I am so happy to know that the last thing she saw as she passed on was her mommy, holding her tight, and telling her how much she was loved. It will eventually get easier, but there will still be days when you come home and expect her to come running up to meet you, but you'll prevail. And if you have any other dogs, they become such a huge comfort. Right now I have my puppy Hamilton cuddled up beside me, snuggled under the covers. Although he does keep poking his head out and glaring at me. I don't think he's to happy that he just had a BATH. If you ever need to talk PM me. |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by George_J on Oct 12th, 2007, 1:29am Sorry, Dennis. Best wishes, George |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by kayarr on Oct 12th, 2007, 2:23am How sweet is that good bye for your wonderful friend! I am sure she is at peace and understands. Hugs! |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by Miz_D on Oct 12th, 2007, 5:22am Dennis, I am so sorry for your loss...thank you for sharing your feelings about your companion, it brought tears to my eyes and reminded me how grateful I am for those that love me unconditionally...whether they have 2 legs or 4. My thoughts are with you and your family. Danielle |
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Title: Re: Goodbye for now old girl Post by echo on Oct 12th, 2007, 11:52am I'm sorry for the loss of your faithful friend. It sure hurts to see them go to the next place. |
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