grieving our pets

[Soft*Silver]

I did not see a thread for this and if there is one I am sorry.

Perhaps some of you have followed my posts about my old girl newfie, who is 14 and would have been 15 this May. She has dementia and for two years I have been spoon feeding her because she has lost the ability to eat from a bowl. She had days of confusion and was at times, disoriented. Lately she began to have accidents in the house and I tried many tricks to conquer this problem, eventually going to Depends, with a hole cut for the tail. Even that, sadly, was not fully efficient.

About four days ago she began to act very strange, even for her. Long/short, her dementia finally took hold of too much of her and she is truly lost. She comes to look for me and when she looks at me I can tell she isnt quite sure why she is looking at me. She loves me, that is still there, but there is such a sense of panic that never leaves. Not fair to keep her alive in this state of being. And worse, she cannot eat. If you could see the struggle she goes thru at meal time, trying to open her mouth and not being able to. She wants to eat. She is hungry. Even if I put it in her mouth and hold it shut, it is terrifying to her. Like its hot and needs to be spat out. And she does as soon as I let go. She has dropped weight in 4 days. Nothing is working. I am out of tricks. Add her arthritus is worse than its ever been.

Its time. I talked to the vet on the phone. We had an appt set today. After talking on the phone, I know what kind of appt its going to be. My girl will be in my arms and I will be her compass one last time as I help her cross over...to where she will know she can find me, where she will never need to feel alone again, where she can eat and move and "be" without pain or confusion forevermore. And one day I will join her there...along with all my other pups I have helped over that rainbow bridge.

Think of me at 5 PM EST. A wonderful dog will be crossing over. Sing your prayers so she will know we cared that she was part of us over here ....

[Soft*Silver]

Grieve not

nor speak of me with tears,
But laugh and talk of me
as if I were beside you...
I loved you so -
'twas Heaven here with you.
- Isla Pascshal Richardson


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[wimsiclegirl]

Dearest Softness....

There are no words that bring sincere comfort at a time like this...Our pets are like our children or our closest family members. They are there for us with unconditional love in the good times and the bad. Losing them is such a tragedy...

It is obvious through your posts how well loved your dog has been. To help her cross over is the ultimate act of love that you can offer her...a peaceful transition.

Knowing that it is time and being strong enough to let go are very difficult decisions to make. I commend you and hope that you find some comfort in the closure this experience will bring both of you.

Praying for both of you...Courage, strength, comfort and peace...

In my thoughts and prayers...

[suebee]

All of us, especially those of us who have been there will be right there beside you Softness. It's painful, but it's the price for 14 years of unconditional love. This is the last favour you can do for a friend. I'm glad you'll be there with her.

May you have a peaceful crossing old girl. Soon you'll romp in the fields like a puppy and everything will be right again.

Sue

[PinkieLee]

(((((softness)))))))

I am so very sorry. I know how much you love your sweet girl, and how dedicated you've been in keeping her happy & healthy. I pray that peace & comfort surround you during this difficult time.

[lipstixgal]

I am sorry you have to lose your dog and I hope you find the courage and the peace in all of this. I will think of you on Friday in the morning. I didn't know that dogs can get dementia and everything else that goes with it...

[Greyson]

Softness, my heart goes out to you and Newfie. You and Newfie will be in my thoughts and prayer.

[Soon]

Will be thinking of you and your beloved newfie.

Peace to you in this difficult time.

[The_Lady_Snow]

My condolences softness, we'll be thinking of you both.

[Jesse]

THE DOGS WHO HAVE SHARED OUR LIVES
The dogs who've shared our lives.
In subtle ways they let us know
their spirit still survives.
Old habits still make us think
we hear a barking at the door.
Or step back when we drop
a tasty morsel on the floor.
Our feet still go around the place
the food dish used to be,
And, sometime, coming home at night,
we miss them terribly.
And although time may bring new friends
and a new food dish to fill,
That one place in our hearts
belongs to them...
and always will.

---Linda Barnes ---

[lipstixgal]

THE DOGS WHO HAVE SHARED OUR LIVES
The dogs who've shared our lives.
In subtle ways they let us know
their spirit still survives.
Old habits still make us think
we hear a barking at the door.
Or step back when we drop
a tasty morsel on the floor.
Our feet still go around the place
the food dish used to be,
And, sometime, coming home at night,
we miss them terribly.
And although time may bring new friends
and a new food dish to fill,
That one place in our hearts
belongs to them...
and always will.

---Linda Barnes ---

That is very nice it reminds of my dog which was a scottish terrier I lost to cancer 3 years ago and I still miss him!!

[Dreamer]

Softness know we are thinking of you and of Newfie. Sometimes the kindest things are the hardest.

If it should be....
If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
and pain should keep me from my sleep,
then you must do what must be done,
for we know this last battle can't be won.

You will be sad, I understand,
but don't let grief then stay your hand,
for this day, more than the rest,
your love and friendship must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years,
what is to come can hold no fears.
Would you want me to suffer? So,
when the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend,
only stay with me until the end,
and hold me firm and speak to me,
until my eyes no longer see.

It is a kindness that you do to me,
although my tail it's last has waved,
from pain and suffering I have been saved.

Do not grieve, it should be you,
who must decide this thing to do.
We've been so close, we two these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

Author unknown

[princessbelle]

I am so sorry Softness. I know how hard this has been on you and how wonderful you have been to your baby. What a gift YOU have been to her as well. Please take solice knowing you did everything you could have possibly done and more. Love and hugs to you honey.


http://dl3.glitter-graphics.net/pub/1612/1612553rgscujldjb.gif (http://www.glitter-graphics.com)

[christie]

There are no words other than we are thinking of you during this most difficult time. I'm glad she had you in her life and know well the joy a big ole dog can bring to your life. The gentle giant dogs have a special place in my heart.

Be gentle with yourself.

Christie & Jess

[Semantics]

Thinking of you and your sweet girl :stillheart:

[WolfyOne]

Softness, I certainly understand your grief because like you, I'm an animal rescuer
The ache in your heart is heavy now, but in time will ease
It is never easy making the decision you've made
often times we hope they will go peacefully in their sleep
Even when that happens, we're not as prepared as we think
We cry and then we cry some more and it hurts
Sometimes we even ask ourselves what gave us the right to have them put down
Just know, know matter what you're thinking, you did what was best
You took the pain and suffering she's been doing away
She's up there smiling at you right now
She knows one day you'll be reunited and she'll show you around
Right now, all you need to do is look up and smile back at her soul
Because as we happen to know, All Dogs Go To Heaven

[Gemme]

Softness and Story,

Many thoughts and much love to you both on your upcoming, separate journeys through this world. Know that the other is always going to be in one another's hearts and always wishing and wanting the very best for one another.

Blessings to you both. :rrose: :rrose:

[weatherboi]

hey softness-
i am so very sorry about your loss!!!!

[Mtn]

((((Softness)))))) so sorry, hon.

[DomnNC]

I'm so sorry for your loss Softness, it's a hard thing to have to finally come to do for our pets, but it is better than continuing to watch them suffer. It took a lot of courage and a lot of love for you to make that call, I know. Just know that as you hold her and say goodbye that she is thanking you as well, thanking you for ending her pain and suffering as well. She will forever be a part of your heart living and breathing within. Just close your eyes and she is there, always.

[waxnrope]

Thinking of you, holding her in your arms as she leaves for another place. May you find solace in her love of you, the funny memories, the love that you had for her. This is a hard thing to do. You did the right thing ... but it is oh-so-hard.

[CrankyOldGuy]

When they say a dog is man's best friend, it's easy to understand why. Losing your best friend is difficult. I am very sorry for your loss.

[Kelt]

I understand your pain at this time. I had to make the same journey with my close feline companion of 15 years 3 weeks ago. My thoughts are with you as you go through all of the losses that will show up over time. I'm sorry this is happening for you.

[Tommi]

(((((((((((((Softness and that newfie who will romp again))))))))))))

http://cdn3.iofferphoto.com/img/item/339/986/76/samoyed-dog-angel-fairy-wolf-porcelain-cameo-necklace-ac6da.jpg

[Cowboi]

I am sorry for the loss of your Newfie.

[Softhearted]

I am so sorry for your loss. I recently lost a pet and I can totally understand the feeling. I will have you and newfie in my thoughts.

[DapperButch]

I have you in my thoughts, Softness. I'm so sorry for your loss.

[Rockinonahigh]

Softness so very sorry about this news,my heart goes out to both of you.

[Arwen]

Think of me at 5 PM EST. A wonderful dog will be crossing over. Sing your prayers so she will know we cared that she was part of us over here ....

That's a loving thing you did for your girl. It's hard. It leaves a hole in your heart where they were. I've been there. I'll be there again. Just like you. It's that promise we make to them--to take care of them.

Hugs. Just hugs.

[diamondrose]

Softness..

I send comforting thoughts to you during this hard time

[Daktari]

No words. Sorry. You're in my thoughts.

[sylvie]

oh softness -

my heart is breaking for you.. ((((huggggz))))
it's not easy making the decision you made - but know you did the right thing for her and she's not suffering anymore.. find peace in the fact you've done all you could for her, and gave her all those wonderful years together..♥ she's with you & looking down on you, everyday hun.. and i know it's so difficult to lose your best friend..i've had to make that very same decision after 19 years..

sending you warmth, hugs & thoughts your way during your difficult time...
xoxox!

[Soft*Silver]

I want to thank all of you for sending such loving thoughts to me and my girl. I had to take a few days to collect myself. I wasnt in a good space. Many of you know that the past few years have been a really tough time for me. Story had literally been my life line more than a few times. She had pulled herself out of some health problems because she didnt want to leave me. She worried about me. In the end, as I was holding her, I had to promise her I would be ok. She had to promise me she would let go. The energy around us was intense. The vet had put my dogs down for two decades and knew my spiritual work and respected it. He waited for the moment. We both gave him the look.

When she was gone from her body I saw how ravaged her body had been. And I felt how clean her spirit was. I wept, from sorrow over losing her on this earth, from how hard this transition was, how painful our last month was together, how relieved I was to feel her within me, and how scared I was over how weak I felt. So I went and stayed somewhere so I could collect my thoughts and grieve. I prayed and stayed sober and rested and ate well and came home today. And when I came here, I wept, reading all of these wonderful posts and messages. Thank you. I needed to come home to this. Once again, the planet demonstrates what a community it truly is. A dog dies and people reach out to its owner. You guys get what she meant to me. She wasnt JUST a dog. She was my life. My angel. My love.

Thank you.

[Passionaria]

I'm sorry for the loss of your beloved friend, sending you love :heartbeat:

http://digital-photography-school.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/flower.jpg

[WingsOnFire]

{{{{{{{{{{{Softness}}}}}}}}}}}

My heart goes out to you. I know how much your baby meant to you. My ladybug is going to be 13 this year. I know that her time will one day come and it makes me savor every moment with her. She finally grew all her hair back from her infection last year. I was sure I was going to lose her then. She has proven to be a strong soul.

So I know ooohhh so much how you feel about your beloved Story. She was a blessing to you as you were to her. Your heart is so big and full of love.

Sending you peace and comfort.

Becca

[LeftWriteFemme]

http://redroom.com/files/images/134.300x300.JPG




w4rvdTQ5gw0

[cinnamongrrl]

http://redroom.com/files/images/134.300x300.JPG




w4rvdTQ5gw0

So sorry for your loss...I know it's hard...even time can't heal some hurts...it just dulls it so we can go on...

[femmeInterrupted]

I'm currently loving the heck out my 6 year old Newfoundlander, named Piper. I adore her! It's my first Newfie, such a spectacular breed. Truly loving, magnificent creatures :) This thread made me think of the Lord Byron poem, written for his dog when he passed, also a Newf.


Epitaph to a Dog

Lord Byron

Near this Spot
are deposited the Remains of one
who possessed Beauty without Vanity,
Strength without Insolence,
Courage without Ferosity,
and all the virtues of Man without his Vices.

This praise, which would be unmeaning Flattery
if inscribed over human Ashes,
is but a just tribute to the Memory of
BOATSWAIN, a DOG,
who was born in Newfoundland May 1803
and died at Newstead Nov. 18, 1808.

When some proud Son of Man returns to Earth,
Unknown to Glory, but upheld by Birth,
The sculptor’s art exhausts the pomp of woe,
And storied urns record who rests below.
When all is done, upon the Tomb is seen,
Not what he was, but what he should have been.
But the poor Dog, in life the firmest friend,
The first to welcome, foremost to defend,
Whose honest heart is still his Master’s own,
Who labours, fights, lives, breathes for him alone,
Unhonoured falls, unnoticed all his worth,
Denied in heaven the Soul he held on earth –
While man, vain insect! hopes to be forgiven,
And claims himself a sole exclusive heaven.

Oh man! thou feeble tenant of an hour,
Debased by slavery, or corrupt by power –
Who knows thee well must quit thee with disgust,
Degraded mass of animated dust!
Thy love is lust, thy friendship all a cheat,
Thy tongue hypocrisy, thy heart deceit!
By nature vile, ennobled but by name,
Each kindred brute might bid thee blush for shame.
Ye, who behold perchance this simple urn,
Pass on – it honors none you wish to mourn.
To mark a friend’s remains these stones arise;
I never knew but one -- and here he lies.

[~ocean]

ty for sharing (((( femme ))))

[Soft*Silver]

oh Left....I am so sorry for your loss! I can still remember the deep sorrow over losing my girl I started this thread for. I still miss her. Once they are part of us, they never truly leave us when they are gone from this earth. They simply wait for us on that other side.

That might not comfort you at the moment, but know we love you and hold you in our cerebral and spiritual embrace.

[femmeInterrupted]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/18647_265285330766_912806_n.jpg

Just found a picture of my Newf, and remembered having recently contributed to this thread. :) Just sharin' some Newfie love :)

[Hollylane]

:stillheart:http://i48.tinypic.com/29zrj0n.jpg:stillheart:

Today Gaige lost her little dog, Holly, and my heart goes out to her. Gaige rescued Holly, and gave her more years of love, health and happiness than she could have gotten anywhere else.

I truly wish that I could be there today, to give my strong butch a much needed hug.

[Bard]

When Desd and I got home from the reunion the wonderful guy that was pet-sitting for our babies, Phoebe Gracie Juliet and Jasmine, was worried our older Cat Jasmine was not doing well she had been her normal sweet self the day before but now just laying in her bed.. Jas was 17 years old had a kidney disease and her time had come so I sat with her let her know mama was home and I loved her I called Goose and goose said good by to her and Jasmine drifted off to a better place.. I miss my sweet monkey butt cat she was with me through all the tough times my confidant a loving sweet baby.. :rrose: I miss her every day

[Queenie]

I lost my cat Cleo a few years ago and I still cannot get over it. I miss him so much that it hurts at times. I miss the way he'd look at me or the way he just knew what I was thinking. I had him for around ten years. He was on my father's bed when my father passed. Always thought that some of my father went into Cleo. Because after my father died, Cleo's behavior just was different.

[*Anya*]

My Bishon Frise Baby died of heart failure two years ago today. She was the dearest, sweetest dog. I still miss her terribly.

She is my forever dog.

[VintageFemme]

Not a day goes by that I don't love & miss my Charly Brown. We were together over fifteen years and it will be two years this August that he left this world. I still don't know how to 'be' without him and I'm kind of thinking I never will.

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p173/gypsyfw/happycharly5810_2.jpg

[Bard]

Jasminehttps://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/71739_1604737913927_2367198_n.jpg

[Soft*Silver]

I was so moved by this thread today. I hear so much of what people do to hurt each other...its so nice to hear of how we restore ourselves thru our pets.

I see another newf lover is on this site. I have had newfs for the past two decades. I love my newfs and only adopt senior ones. I like them 7 years or older. These are hard to place by the rescues. No one wants to get invested and then lose them quickly...but I have never regretted any day I spent with my newfs and think the ones I have with them far outweigh the days I missed with them.

My old guy is 11 years old..he is a bronze newf, Bourbon. You can tell how old he is by the way he rises up, or how he coughs But not by how he licks my face or body slams me when i walk in the door. I cant imagine him not being in a home where he gets to be someone's special Someone.

For all of you who have recently lost a pet, I am so sorry. They opened your heart and now that they are gone, it feels empty..but thats not true at all. Once a heart is opened to love, its there to love again...when time is right, let another one find a place there.....

[Gaige]

:stillheart:http://i48.tinypic.com/29zrj0n.jpg:stillheart:

Today Gaige lost her little dog, Holly, and my heart goes out to her. Gaige rescued Holly, and gave her more years of love, health and happiness than she could have gotten anywhere else.

I truly wish that I could be there today, to give my strong butch a much needed hug.

Thank you Hollylane. <3

[Gaige]

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s219/Chapstik4Lipstik/97a_zps4ea8ac9c.jpg (http://s153.photobucket.com/user/Chapstik4Lipstik/media/97a_zps4ea8ac9c.jpg.html)

It’s been a little over a week since my dog Holly passed on. It was about 3 years ago on an early Saturday afternoon when I received a call from my parents. They had just headed out for the day when they came across a little dog wandering down the middle of a busy road near their house. After picking her up from the side of the road I was able to get her into the vet that same day. She was malnourished, had hair loss on her head and tail due to flea bites, had a yeast infection in her ears, bad teeth, mammary lumps, a lump on her side AND she was blind. The vet could only estimate her age as “ancient”. The flea problem and yeast infection were treated immediately but the dental and biopsy on the lumps had to wait until I fattened her up some. The lumps turned out to be cancer as did the lump on her side. She had the side lump and mammary chains removed and had her dental work. For the first 6 months or so she always walked around with her head down just as she did when I found her. As time passed she lifted her head and walked with confidence. She had a strong, independent personality. She didn’t NEED me but she liked having me around. I, on the other hand, was not long out of a long term relationship and she was just what I needed. I loved coming home in the morning to get a kiss or two from her. She was stingy with those kisses which made them even more special to me. Some mornings I didn’t get any but I still annoyed her with my kisses and hugs. I know secretly she loved it. I’m grateful for the time I had with her and I miss her.

[Tye]

So sorry to hear of your losses. It's so hard to lose your best friend.

[Scuba]

Hang in there Gaige!!

[SnackTime]

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/oo110/KJaxonM/th_Bailey.jpg (http://s366.photobucket.com/user/KJaxonM/media/Bailey.jpg.html)

One year ago today, I lost my (tri color) Australian shepherd (Bailey). She was my first Aussie shepherd, the best dog that I ever had the pleasure of being "owned" by. I miss her and the way we were in sync with each other do not get me wrong I love the two dogs I have now.. I believe she had a heart attack and passed on with me by her side. She was loyal and loving to her last breath.

P.S. Kind of funny how I stumbled on this thread exactly one year after her passing

[Soft*Silver]

Dear Gage and Snack Time,I am so sorry for the huge loss you both suffered. When one of our beloved four leggeds leave us, a part of us leaves with them....but we are more complete because of their presence in our lives. If not for them, I do not think we humans would be tolerable on this earth. Our connections to our pets are perhaps the last final thread that connects us to the Whole, the universal spiritual connection.

Mourn, for that is but another form of love. Love to both of you...

[Mr. Moon]

Gaige - I am so sorry for your loss! One day at a time, as they say. Be gentle with yourself as you grieve. If you need anything I'm right up the road, and I have my new rescue Foster for you to love on, when you need some love time!

SnackTime - I'm coming up on a one year anniversary of the loss of my wonderful Taylor Dane. My heart goes out to you. I still miss her with everything I have....

-Moonie

[Soft*Silver]

Mr Moon, I am sorry for the loss of your dane, too. How sad. Truly sad.

I still miss my beloved Story, the landseer newfoundland, that I laid to rest a few years ago. She was my constant companion while I was in such horrific pain from my surgery and from lost dreams and failed loves. She carried me thru those years of mine and in return, I kept her safe and made her feel secure in her last two years with dementia.

we loved them well, didnt we?

[candy_coated_bitch]

Oh, this thread is so heartwrenching. :(

Gaige and SnackTime, I am very sorry for both of your losses and for how raw things must feel right now.

I lost my beloved pet rabbit two years ago in April and he really was like a best friend. He was there in times when no one else was, and was too smart for his own good. He drove me freakin' batty trying to chew my apartment down, but he was also incredibly loving. He always knew when I was upset and would sit on my pillow and lick my tears.

I still miss him and still have times of intense pain. It catches me by surprise, actually. He died in a fire when I was moving into a new apartment. I moved him in the day before we would be moving the large furniture because I was trying to protect him from being in the way and possibly getting hurt. Unfortunately, my new apartment burned down that night. I have horrific guilt about that and even though I logically know it's not my fault I still question myself over what if I had done something differently he would still be alive and wouldn't have had to die like that alone and scared in a new place. God, I hate it so much.

I think people who don't own pets can never understand just how real that connection of love and friendship is. Big, big hugs to everyone in this thread. :stillheart:

[Hollylane]

ccb you have me missing my buns. I'm so sorry for your loss. I can only imagine how horrible that must have been.

I lost my bonded pair of buns last year, less than 2 months apart. I miss them very much. They were such sensitive little buns, and so sweet on each other. Buttercup was the first to pass, from stasis, and Parsley shortly followed her, with an inoperable abscessed tooth, caused by malocclusion. He had done so well, for so long, having his teeth filed down once every 2 months. He had many more years in this world, because I was so diligent about his vet visits. I just don't feel like I had enough time with them. Though, it never does feels like enough time...


https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/944617_4134264374240_1157364547_n.jpg
This photo was from one of their first "dates". Parsley is on the left, and Buttercup the right.

[candy_coated_bitch]

ccb has me missing my buns.

I lost my bonded pair of buns last year, less than 2 months apart. I miss them very much. They were such sensitive little buns, and so sweet on each other. Buttercup was the first to pass, from stasis, and Parsley shortly followed her, with an inoperative abscessed tooth, caused by malocclusion. He had done so well, for so long, having his teeth filed down once every 2 months. He had many more years in this world because I was so diligent about his vet visits. I just don't feel like I had enough time with them. Though, it never does feels like enough time...


https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/944617_4134264374240_1157364547_n.jpg
This photo was from one of their first "dates". Parsley is on the right, and Buttercup the left.

OMG, they are so precious!!!!! I am such a lover of bunnies. I really do think bonded pairs fall in love with each other in a sense. It's wonderful to watch. If I knew how to post a pic I would.

[Soft*Silver]

ladies,I am friends with a woman who runs a buns rescue. I bought one of her HellBuns tshirts as a fundraiser. I love what she does...rescues these pitiful creatures who many just dont understand arent LIVESTOCK.

prayers out to you and your lost ones...

[Greyson]

Just a few days ago I was looking at photos of my beloved Bailey, baby dawg. We had to put her down in Jan. 2012. She was 13 years old. I loved her very much, still do. That dog was different from any other animal I had in my life. She just made me light up on the inside and so many others too. I would always get stopped by people to comment on what a beautiful dog she was. She loved people and other dogs but Bailey was a shy one with humans she did not know, yet.

My heart goes out to all of you here and thank you for making it safe for others like me to share my still lingering grief over the loss of my baby dawg.

[Hollylane]

ladies,I am friends with a woman who runs a buns rescue. I bought one of her HellBuns tshirts as a fundraiser. I love what she does...rescues these pitiful creatures who many just dont understand arent LIVESTOCK.

prayers out to you and your lost ones...

My friend got me involved with Bunny Advocates, my bun Parsley came from one of their foster homes. You're right Miss Tia, people do thing think of them as livestock, even though Bunny Advocates repeatedly goes in to train people in bunny care, and in how to screen potential bun parents, nothing has changed.

[Soft*Silver]

Oh Greyson, Bailey sounds like she so much like my sweet newf,Joey. Every single person he met, told me he had changed them somehow. There was something inside,within him, that touched something within each of us. It became such a phenomena that we called him the Buddha Dog.

It makes me believe that there are beings on this earth, that carry the Light stronger than others. We all do, but some exude it more purely than the others. And somehow they do so in mass appeal. Your Bailey surely was one of them.

And Hollylane, our local rabbit rescue does alot of education too. They also use social networking to post photos of these buns in adorable pictures, so people have different images of buns other than in wire cages at county fairs.

Speaking of livestock, even livestock need to be handled with care and appreciation. We have lost our connection with our food sources. We buy it in plastic and cardboard.. Rarely do we connect with the animals that feed us, therefore, we allow the meat industry to do inhumane things to slaughter animals. I was raised by a farmer, who tenderly cared for his livestock, named them, played with them in the open fields, and come the day they were to go to auction, would spend time with them, thanking them for feeding his family. We knew the animals that fed us and instead of grossing us out, made us appreciate our meals and taught us to not objectify our food. Breathing animals gave their lives for us. Food chain, yes, bottom line. But it was a sacred lesson my father taught us....

sorry for off topic/on topic chat. Hugs to everyone with losses...

question....has anyone NOT adopted a new pet after the loss of their pet? Was the loss that huge that you just could not do it again?

[LeftWriteFemme]

It has been a sad and sudden farewell to the Enchanting Dog

http://serendipitousgallery.com/images/enchanted-dog.jpg

[Soft*Silver]

Left, you lost a dog? I am so sorry....

It has been a sad and sudden farewell to the Enchanting Dog

http://serendipitousgallery.com/images/enchanted-dog.jpg

[Mr. Moon]

Mr Moon, I am sorry for the loss of your dane, too. How sad. Truly sad.

I still miss my beloved Story, the landseer newfoundland, that I laid to rest a few years ago. She was my constant companion while I was in such horrific pain from my surgery and from lost dreams and failed loves. She carried me thru those years of mine and in return, I kept her safe and made her feel secure in her last two years with dementia.

we loved them well, didnt we?

Thank you Miss Tia. I took care of Taylor near 24/7 with kidney failure. I finally knew when it was time. She took care of me through my hardest time and didn't want to leave me. Poor baby's body just gave out. We loved them more than words can say!

[girllikeu2]

I still get weepy thinking about my babycat who left me in 2008. I Got him when he was 3 weeks old and was his Mama for the next 18 years. I miss him still though I have 2 new babies ... who though they are their own brand of wonderful will never replace my Robcat. <3 to all mourning fur kids.

[deb0670]

my ex and i rescued a dog from the Humane Society a few years back. He was a wired haired terrier mix of some kind. Small little guy about 6 yrs old or so.. Out of all the animals in the shelter, he was the only one who just sat still and watched me. Didn't bark nor jump around. I got down on my knees in front of his pen and looked at him and whispered hello and he just sat there and tilted his head and wagged his tail a little bit. i reached my hand up to the door of the pen to let him sniff and he lightly licked my hand and i was hooked. We adopted him that day. i named him Scrappy cause he was so unkempt looking and it just fit. After we brought him home, i was petting him and loving on him, and looked at his face head on and realized he had no upper front teeth and his bottom jaw was cocked to the side a little. What horror when i realized that this poor sweet lil guy was kicked hard enough in the head.. or something to cause that kind of damage..
He was my lil guy.. we bonded more than i have ever bonded with another animal. He was my shadow.
i won him in my divorce with my ex( like he could have taken Scrappy from me) and Scrappy was with me and my daughter for another two years. When my daughter and i had to move from Arkansas to Seattle, i knew that would have been too hard on Scrappy, so i left him with an elderly lady who had grown quite attached to him.. It was the hardest thing i ever had to do. I found out about a yr later... he had to be put down due to just being too sick.
i will never forget him, nor will i ever be as close and love another animal as much as i did Scrappy.
my puppy(Peaches) that i have now, runs a close second ..
i miss Scrappy as much now as i did 4 years ago.

http://i726.photobucket.com/albums/ww261/danicablossom/9eea43dd-cc3d-4334-8a49-74c5c8443800_zps95d94b36.jpg?t=1367966284

[Mr. Moon]

Just when you think you're doing so well.....

This was the first anniversary of Taylor's passing....and I tried my best to ignore that fact and thought if I didn't think about it, it would pass....

Work drama from my total dysfunctional asshat boss was the biggest it could have been this week......everyone was anxious.

I came home anxious and even my new beautiful boy rescue, Foster Grant (almost 2 years old) could feel the anxiety. I kept trying. I remained calm and had a pretty decent day today, even with the continued work drama.

I came home early, and realized I had given Foster a bath and he needed more brushing to take care of his shedding...I knew I had brushes that I hadn't removed that were used with baby Taylor Dane....I used one before with Mr. Foster..so I thought I'd clean the other of her hair, zip lock it in a baggie......

Am I stupid??? I lost it, big time! OMG...it had been so long since that stabbing grief had hit my heart like that. Holy crap.

I'm just sitting now...figured posting and letting this out might help. Foster Grant curled up and let me cry.....kissed my tears.....Love HIM! but I still feel like my heart has been ripped apart.

It takes sooo long.....

I hope you all are doing well.

-Moonie

[*Anya*]

Just when you think you're doing so well.....

This was the first anniversary of Taylor's passing....and I tried my best to ignore that fact and thought if I didn't think about it, it would pass....

Work drama from my total dysfunctional asshat boss was the biggest it could have been this week......everyone was anxious.

I came home anxious and even my new beautiful boy rescue, Foster Grant (almost 2 years old) could feel the anxiety. I kept trying. I remained calm and had a pretty decent day today, even with the continued work drama.

I came home early, and realized I had given Foster a bath and he needed more brushing to take care of his shedding...I knew I had brushes that I hadn't removed that were used with baby Taylor Dane....I used one before with Mr. Foster..so I thought I'd clean the other of her hair, zip lock it in a baggie......

Am I stupid??? I lost it, big time! OMG...it had been so long since that stabbing grief had hit my heart like that. Holy crap.

I'm just sitting now...figured posting and letting this out might help. Foster Grant curled up and let me cry.....kissed my tears.....Love HIM! but I still feel like my heart has been ripped apart.

It takes sooo long.....

I hope you all are doing well.

-Moonie

No you are not stupid at all.

My vet cut a lock of my Bishon's hair for me when she died. She died April 19th, 2011 and I will always keep it. It also is in a Baggie.

I will always miss her.

My GF said she is my forever dog and that she is, and always will be.

My cock-a-poo passed August 6th, 2011, so another anniversary is coming up soon.

We will never forget any of our fur-loves.

[NJFemmie]

Mare and I lost our beloved Ember a couple of weeks ago. It was beyond heartbreaking. Mare's composure with most things always fascinated me, but with this loss, She no doubt lost it. I guess I have always known that when that day came, I had to be the one who kept it together. It was rough.

Ember was the sweetest orange cat I have ever known. In fact, he changed my opinion about orange cats after seducing me with his lovable charm. He was feisty when you irritated him (and of course, I had to poke that tiger on occasion), but for the most part, he was the most lovable feline I have ever come across. The house isn't the same without him.

I still grieve the loss of my Charlie and Shaolyn. Even though they died years ago, my heart still hurts knowing I lost the two best-est friends I have ever had. They've been with me through thick and thin, and when I lost them, a little piece of me went with them.

Now, a little piece of me left with Ember.

[Hollylane]

Just when you think you're doing so well.....

This was the first anniversary of Taylor's passing....and I tried my best to ignore that fact and thought if I didn't think about it, it would pass....

Work drama from my total dysfunctional asshat boss was the biggest it could have been this week......everyone was anxious.

I came home anxious and even my new beautiful boy rescue, Foster Grant (almost 2 years old) could feel the anxiety. I kept trying. I remained calm and had a pretty decent day today, even with the continued work drama.

I came home early, and realized I had given Foster a bath and he needed more brushing to take care of his shedding...I knew I had brushes that I hadn't removed that were used with baby Taylor Dane....I used one before with Mr. Foster..so I thought I'd clean the other of her hair, zip lock it in a baggie......

Am I stupid??? I lost it, big time! OMG...it had been so long since that stabbing grief had hit my heart like that. Holy crap.

I'm just sitting now...figured posting and letting this out might help. Foster Grant curled up and let me cry.....kissed my tears.....Love HIM! but I still feel like my heart has been ripped apart.

It takes sooo long.....

I hope you all are doing well.

-Moonie

When my best friend, Count Basie, passed, about 5 years ago, I snipped a little clump of hair from behind his ears (a silky soft spot, where I rubbed him to his heart's content). I wanted a paw print, and I couldn't find anything other than a tube of lipstick, so I rubbed it all over one of those big clodhopper feet, and pressed his lipsticked pad against a piece of cardstock paper. When I finally let them take him from me (I had a vet come to the house, so that he could pass in the comfort of home), I had them make a clay disk with his paw print in it, before his cremation. I also purchased a local artist's urn, and it is truly beautiful. I had another local artist create a stone plaque, with his image airbrushed onto it. I still have his photo as the background of both my work and home computers. I have a special box with his jingly tag filled caller, the snipped hair, his paw prints, and his favorite toy, that I get out once in awhile.

So, no. You are not being stupid. I will never forget my Basie Boy, and at times I still find myself feeling that utter and complete sense of loss.

[Mr. Moon]

Thanks everyone for your honest and...well raw (?) responses. Maybe I'm the one who feels raw, who knows.

I have all Taylor's things still out, some in baggies (I am preserving her smell....which is part of what happened with the hair...I took a wiff..oy). I have her two favorite toys out next to her wooden urn....Holly - one is a small Raven's football. :) I used to take her toy every day and kiss her box with it, just like we used to do kissie face with it...she loved that. This all will sound pretty awful to people who have no clue what we all are going through with the loss of our babies. (I still do kissie face sometimes LOL)

My new pup Foster is very tolerant of all this, like he knows....but he's a special boy and senses everything....which is good and bad ;)

Thanks for the safe space to write and read. I have come and read all your stories, not often in the last year because it dredged up my horrible grief, but I have read them.

I think we're all special people to allow these special loving animals in our hearts and souls....

That would make me smile on some days I guess.

Bless you all, really, and thanks again for being here.

-Moonie

[Gemme]

When my best friend, Count Basie, passed, about 5 years ago, I snipped a little clump of hair from behind his ears (a silky soft spot, where I rubbed him to his heart's content). I wanted a paw print, and I couldn't find anything other than a tube of lipstick, so I rubbed it all over one of those big clodhopper feet, and pressed his lipsticked pad against a piece of cardstock paper. When I finally let them take him from me (I had a vet come to the house, so that he could pass in the comfort of home), I had them make a clay disk with his paw print in it, before his cremation. I also purchased a local artist's urn, and it is truly beautiful. I had another local artist create a stone plaque, with his image airbrushed onto it. I still have his photo as the background of both my work and home computers. I have a special box with his jingly tag filled caller, the snipped hair, his paw prints, and his favorite toy, that I get out once in awhile.

So, no. You are not being stupid. I will never forget my Basie Boy, and at times I still find myself feeling that utter and complete sense of loss.



Willow Anastacia passed years ago when I was in FL. I also had her cremated and have a paw print of her. She was such a special kitty and comes with me wherever I go. Since FL, she's been to WA and TX and is now in RI with me.

♥

[NJFemmie]

We rarely let the cats outside, and when we do, they usually stay confined to the front porch with no desire to wander off. The day Ember died, Mare engulfed Herself in gardening to keep Her mind occupied. As She as working, a small tuft of Ember's hair was found in the tulips - an area where he never wandered. I told Her that was his way of letting Her know that he is with Her.

That tuft of hair and his collar is now encased in a small metal heart. A small memento of a cat who spent many years comforting Mare, especially when She couldn't sleep. Last night was one of those nights for Her. She was always able to hug him close and he willingly allowed it accompanied with loud purrs.

Ember was extra special to Mare because She got him at a time when he needed to be bottle fed. He was literally Her baby.

I'll miss the nights "arguing" with him about getting off my pillow because it was my bedtime. Or, park himself on my side of the bed and look at me with those big, soulful eyes guilting me every time I had to move him along. He was certainly royalty in this house and he will be an incredibly hard act to follow.

[Soft*Silver]

an online friend of mine just lost her 14 year old newf..she passed a few days ago. I spent years reading her stories about her newf, and felt like I knew the dog so well. I wept when I read of her passing. I look at my old boy, who at 9-10 years of age, is older than he should be. He will not make 14. I will be lucky if I get another year from him.

how do they get so entrenched in our hearts and lives? even from afar...even in a short amount of time. Our lives remain forever touched. But thank heavens they do! I could not imagine my life without the love of these incredible beings...

[Glenn]

This is dedicated to my sweet, kind, and good, Norweigan Elkhound -Thor. 1998-2007 You were my last dog my beautiful young man. I am coming home soon my beautiful son, and we will be happy together forevermore.:praying:

[Smiling]

I'm missing my sweet baby so much. I keep her urn very close.

It's been almost a month since I lost her and I still cry every day; some days only light tears come and other days bring unbridled sobbing. Today it is the latter.

She hasn't come to say goodbye to me yet, but I feel her presence around me now.

And I don't want her to go.

[Soft*Silver]

Dear Smile...I feel for your grief. I remember putting my beloved Joey to sleep..a big old newfie...and it took me two years before I stopped crying. In time, I did stop. But only when I was ready.

[Smiling]

http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s577/Bree524/a752863d-3df5-4a34-8637-d6952d6d86d3_zpsdc34205b.jpg

I placed a link to a photo if anyone is interested. lol, she was annoyed with me for disturbing her nap in this picture.

The file is too large to be uploaded to the gallery here; I just tried.

My bed was more hers than my own and now it just feels super empty without her. She was such a bossy cat; I actually miss her pushing me around!

She used to swat at this little ornament I had hanging around my doorknob [knowing that the sound irked me] whenever she wanted to be let out. It worked every time. She was too smart for my own good and had me trained like a pet seal to do her bidding. lol

[Soft*Silver]

she was such a beautiful cat and obviously queen in your lives. Thank you for giving her such a wonderful life! :bunchflowers:

[Smiling]

she was such a beautiful cat and obviously queen in your lives. Thank you for giving her such a wonderful life! :bunchflowers:

Thank you, Miss Tia!

[WolfyOne]

http://i1306.photobucket.com/albums/s577/Bree524/a752863d-3df5-4a34-8637-d6952d6d86d3_zpsdc34205b.jpg

I placed a link to a photo if anyone is interested. lol, she was annoyed with me for disturbing her nap in this picture.

The file is too large to be uploaded to the gallery here; I just tried.

My bed was more hers than my own and now it just feels super empty without her. She was such a bossy cat; I actually miss her pushing me around!

She used to swat at this little ornament I had hanging around my doorknob [knowing that the sound irked me] whenever she wanted to be let out. It worked every time. She was too smart for my own good and had me trained like a pet seal to do her bidding. lol


She looks like one of my rescues...very pretty girl she was.
It gets easier with time, I had to have 2 put down this year.
They are God's creatures and I am their Keeper until He needs them.
I have enough to share with anyone who wants to give a rescue a good indoor life.

[Smiling]

Thank you for saying so, Wolfy; and thank you for doing such important work for the animals who are abandoned, abused, neglected, etc.

I think they - pets especially; are God's gifts to us here on Earth and we are going to have a lot of explaining to do [collectively speaking] on the way they are treated someday.

[Stronghealer]

My best friend Luke passed away October 19, 2013!
I miss him so so so so much!









.

[Soft*Silver]

I am so sorry, StrongHealer,about Luke's passing. Can you tell us about him?

Hugs and love....MsTia

[Smiling]

My best friend Luke passed away October 19, 2013!
I miss him so so so so much!








.

I am so sorry for your loss, Stronghealer.

[Stronghealer]

He was the most gentle being I have ever known...more later-my heart hurts so so much








.

[Soft*Silver]

:::hold tight to that grief until you can loosen, then tell us about Luke:::::rrose:

[Galahad]

Why doesn't this process get any easier over the years? It's expected and accepted and yet the pain is still as great as the first loss. At times the world seems awash with grief. So I endure until it eases and try to remember that joy will return.

[Sweet Bliss]

:rrose:

Have decided December 31 st.

Now it's real. omg.

[Sweet Bliss]

Yoda is now free to roam and explore all through the Universe.

See you later at thexbeach. :bunchflowers:

[Smiling]

Yoda is now free to roam and explore all through the Universe.

See you later at thexbeach. :bunchflowers:

SweetBliss,
I am so sorry for your loss. Warm hugs to you across the virtual universe.
I know it hurts like crazy. :(

[Soft*Silver]

Oh sweet bliss I am so sorry for your loss. What a sorrowful way to end the year...but it was done as an act of love and kindness. Blessings on your heart...

[Rockinonahigh]

Yoda is now free to roam and explore all through the Universe.

See you later at thexbeach. :bunchflowers:

So sorry for your loss,hugs from a friend.

[Daktari]

Yoda is now free to roam and explore all through the Universe.

See you later at thexbeach. :bunchflowers:

:(
:gimmehug:

[DapperButch]

Yoda is now free to roam and explore all through the Universe.

See you later at thexbeach. :bunchflowers:

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[Sweet Bliss]

Thank you everyone.

Thank you from the deepest heart of me. :rrose:

[firegal]

Some times they are our savior/life raft

Sometimes they are such a loss/void.

They don't live comparably long enough...among other comparables.

Unconditional love is so so unique!

[Stud_puppy1991]

My 5 darling fur-babies died 10 years ago, and I still miss them. Candit, Bandit, Sunshine, Petunia, and Ringer. Best dogs I ever had. Wonderful pets. They were great. Gosh, do i miss them.

[Uli]

My favorite person in all the world was a dog named Gertrude Jayne. She died last Tuesday, September 30.

She was kind enough to give me lots of warning about her impending demise and also thoughtful enough to make it undeniable that it was time to let her go.

We were together for 13 years, my longest successful relationship of any sort with any living being. She was beautiful and shiny and perfect in every way (except for that shoe eating phase when she was a baby).

The grief has been different than what I had anticipated. For the first few days I felt extremely disoriented, like I suddenly didn't know where I belonged. But, my gratitude for her life and for the grace and peacefulness of her death is actually stronger than my sadness.

I can't imagine there will ever be a day that I don't miss her, but I feel like she stuck around until she knew my life was filled with enough love to sustain me after she was gone.

Her younger brother was with us when she died. I'm not a religious person and not generally very spiritual, but he suddenly loves the water just like she did and is no longer afraid of car rides which were her favorite thing. So, make of that what you will, but it's giving me great comfort no matter how it happened.

[Uli]

Ugh, too late to edit. I'm bad at days but good at dates. It was Wednesday, not Tuesday. Her back legs stopped working on Tuesday afternoon, she died on Wednesday, which was September 30.

[Blade]

Sorry for your loss Uli. This is my 5th football season with out PJ. I miss that little white dog as much today as I did that first season without her.

[Uli]

Ugh, I hate this. I fell asleep crying and woke up crying, and no amount of crying will ever bring my Gertie Pie back. Why is it getting harder instead of easier? All but one of the other furbabies came running to the bed to snuggle me when they heard me crying this morning, which is so, so sweet, but my gratitude for what's good is not stronger than my sad today :(

(The one furbaby who didn't come is our youngest cat. She's not very human attached because she still has her actual cat mommy, but she's adorable and amusing nonetheless.)