I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today-so did kat

Subject: RE: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today-so did kat
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Sep 10 - 11:15 PM

My nephew has just reminded me, via FB, of what neat tricks Merlee used to do. I could take off one end a straw wrapper, pull it just an inch or two off that end, then hold the straw over to him. He would grab the closed end of the wrapper in his mouth, pull it off like a magician whisking a tablecloth off of a fully-loaded table, and spit the wrapper out all in one fell swoop. The people at the local drive-up windows (Sonic, McD's) loved watching him do that. I wish I'd made the video I always said I would of him doing that. He also would take a paper plate, bowl, or french fry holder, very carefully so as not to spill whatever was in/on them, then set whichever it was down on the floor and eat up. Didn't really teach him any of that; he just kind of did it.

Subject: RE: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today-so did kat
From: DougR
Date: 26 Sep 10 - 07:22 PM

Very sorry for your loss, Spaw.

DougR

Subject: RE: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today-so did kat
From: LilyFestre
Date: 26 Sep 10 - 01:27 PM

I second what Dave said.

Wished I had seen this sooner.

(((((((((Lots of Love and Many Hugs)))))))))))))))

Michelle & Baby Jeremiah, lover of all furry friends

Subject: RE: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today-so did kat
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Sep 10 - 12:00 PM

Becky, thank you for that, though it has brought more tears with its brevity of eloquence. I was doing okay until Rog reminded me this morning I should put the cats' "fishie" on paper plates, rather than the floor, with no "clean-up" crew in the offing. The cats always left a little bit for Merlee...we called it their "tithe" to the Lord Protector. The reminder did me in and the cats didn't leave a scrap on their plates. It is very quiet around here.

Subject: RE: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today-so did kat
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 26 Sep 10 - 11:11 AM

I coincidentally came on this poem today on a friend's blog:

"The Name of the Air"

It could be like that then the beloved
old dog finding it harder and harder
to breathe and understanding but coming
to ask whether there is something that can
be done about it coming again to
ask and then standing there without asking

--W. S. Merwin

Yes, no matter how long it's been, it's hurts to put a finger on that pain.

~ Becky in Tucson

Subject: RE: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today-so did kat
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 26 Sep 10 - 08:12 AM

Oh, dears, loads of love flowing to all the lovers of beloved furry friends. I grieve for Merlee, too, and send hugs for Rennie and all the others...

I'm finally opening my heart to welcome a potcake pup one week from tomorrow- hopefully she'll be with us for many years (the photo is not the one we're getting- don't have available pix of her yet, but soon!).

Subject: RE: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today-so did kat
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 26 Sep 10 - 06:25 AM

lovely Merlee and laid-back Rennie and all the other furpeople (thanks Kat, I have been reading the other links).

Lives have been enriched. That "ragged aching hole" stands as proof of the joy.

hugz to you all.

Subject: RE: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today-so did kat
From: gnu
Date: 26 Sep 10 - 06:04 AM

kat, LH. Again...

Awww geez.... sniff. I can't add to the above comments.

Subject: RE: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today-so did kat
From: Fred McCormick
Date: 26 Sep 10 - 05:23 AM

My own dog, Ben, died earlier this year. I'm still missing him and probably always will, just as I still miss my previous dog, Grendle.

The good news is that yesterday I adopted a four year old retired greyhound. His name's Taffy and he's Irish. Figure that one out. He needs obedience training and, since he's not been formally house trained, I'm keeping a very close eye on him. Touch wood, there have been no accidents yet. He'd never been in a house before, but I think he's got the idea. It's his new kennel and you don't foul your new kennel.

The great buzz though will come when I've taught him to come on command, and I'll feel safe enough to let him off the lead and he can have a really good run.

I think Taffy and I are going to have some great times together.

Subject: RE: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today-so did kat
From: JennieG
Date: 26 Sep 10 - 04:25 AM

I'm sniffing too.....losing a furry family members leaves such a gap in our lives.

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today-so did kat
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 26 Sep 10 - 04:11 AM

Oh man, you never get too old to remember (and re-live) the pain that losing a beloved pet causes you, and the ragged aching hole it leaves in your life. Spaw & Kat my thoughts are with you -

Bonnie   xxx

Subject: RE: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today-so did kat
From: mouldy
Date: 26 Sep 10 - 02:34 AM

I have avoided this thread, not because I don't care, but because I knew I'd be doing what I'm doing now....I hope tears don't fuse the laptop!

It's 11 months since I had to say goodbye to Tessa, due to heart failure, and although my life is freer without her, I often think of her. She was a rescue mutt for my mother and in my opinion was a second choice dog. My mum didn't want the dog I thought would be best. She was too strong for my mum, shed hair permanently, and barked at everything. However, when my mum died suddenly there was only one place she was going, and I had to make room for a second dog. Then, a few years later there was only her, and I began to realise what a little character I was living with: hated other dogs, didn't chase cats, loved all people, but ADORED men. She used to flirt shamelessly!

I don't intend getting another dog, because I can do overnight stays without needing a sitter or kennels, now that I just have a cat. There are no more layers of dog hair, and no crap in the garden to clear up......but there's a dog shaped hole in the ether!

I thought I missed my old Meg, but that second choice, second hand mutt obviously left a mark on my psyche.

Spaw, Kat, and everybody else - I feel for you!

Andrea

Subject: RE: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today-so did kat
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Sep 10 - 12:25 AM

Ah, my dear, dear friends, thank you so much. LH, I am sad to hear of your Rennie, but I agree with your belief of what may happen for them in the "Great Beyond.":-)And, Rapaire, for your friends and Molly, too, my condolences. Ebbie, so glad you have found Elliot! Marigold, Spawdarlin' and Bobert, SRS, you, too, thank you so much.

Here's a little bit about Merls which I sent in a PM to another of us:


"Rog and I are just getting ready to turn in...seems strange not to put the dog out for his late night walkabout the yard. He never barked or growled unless there was a real reason to, not even when all the neighbourhood dogs were all going off in full cry, yet he was a very audible dog..I can just hear the soft chink-chink of his tags and the tap-tap-tap of his one long claw on the wooden and linoleum floors. The cats are a bit bewildered, Trystan esp. as he loved to rub up against Merlee's ruff and chin while he was lying on the floor."

I can't believe it was ten years ago when I wrote a Thought for the Day about Merlee HERE, a piece that found its way into my book. I'd forgotten it was that long ago.

What a memory book Mudcat is! One of the very first threads I started, after figuring my way around, was for help with an over-zealous Border Collie!.

Thanks for letting me share so much of him over the years. And, Spaw, thanks not minding my adding to your thread.:-)

Goodnight, my friends,

luvyakat

Subject: RE: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today-so did kat
From: Ebbie
Date: 25 Sep 10 - 11:26 PM

Oh, kat, even I will miss Merlee.

Yesterday I made room in my heart and life for another dog. I will always miss Meggie but Elliott bids fair to fill his space with fun and laughter.

{{{{{hugs to Spaw and Kat and Rog and all the hurting ones...}}}}}}

Subject: RE: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today-so did kat
From: catspaw49
Date: 25 Sep 10 - 11:08 PM

Aw katmyluv..........You know how I feel and I you. Wish I had something great to say at these times...............

All our love to both you and Rog. It may have to be done but that doesn't really ease the pain. I'm sure Merls and Sis will recognize each other as kindred spirits.........

Pat and Karen

Subject: RE: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today-so did kat
From: Rapparee
Date: 25 Sep 10 - 10:05 PM

My friends Pat and John had their cat Molly put down this afternoon. She told them that it was time.

Subject: RE: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today-so did kat
From: Little Hawk
Date: 25 Sep 10 - 09:54 PM

Interesting viewpoint ya got on heaven, Bobert! ;-) Me, I think that spirit beings have loads of energy, not being weighed down by a heavy body any longer, so I expect Rennie is young and limber again, and running around with the enthusiasm of a young pup...which he once was, a long time ago.

Unless, of course, he prefers to maintain that well-honed aura of stationary grandeur... ;-D

Subject: RE: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today-so did kat
From: Bobert
Date: 25 Sep 10 - 09:17 PM

Sniff...

R.I.P. Rennie...

One thing about Heaven tho... You can be as lazy as ya' want... What thay gonna do once yer in???

Sorry, LH... Man, all these dear friends goin' on... Bummer...

B~

Subject: RE: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today-so did kat
From: Little Hawk
Date: 25 Sep 10 - 09:04 PM

Our remaining old Dachshund Rennie also passed quietly from this world about a week and a half ago. I knew he was going to go soon. He was clearly in trouble the last couple of days and I put him in the vet's care, and they tried to stabilize his blood sugar levels, but to no avail. He died after about 24 hours at the vet's. I don't think he experienced any pain.

Rennie lived a long and full life according to his own desire, which was mostly to expend as little physical effort as possible! ;-) He was definitely the laziest dog I have ever known, and that's saying something, but at least he lived the way he wanted to.

He will be missed, as all his predecessors were. There's a long list of them by now. The happiness they brought to our lives will not be forgotten.

Subject: RE: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today-so did kat
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Sep 10 - 08:16 PM

It's hard, but it's the last kind thing we can do for our pets, to help spare them a long painful death once they get to this point. I'm so sorry out Merlee, but I think you made the right decision.

Hugs to both of you, Kat and Rog!

Maggie

Subject: RE: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today-so did kat
From: SINSULL
Date: 25 Sep 10 - 08:14 PM

Merlee had a good life, was dearly loved and is now at rest. What more could an old dog ask for? Go ahead and grieve, Miss kitty. It is a terrible loss.
Marigold

Subject: RE: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today-so did kat
From: Bobert
Date: 25 Sep 10 - 08:12 PM

I'm hation' this!!!

To all Mudcat pets... Please, ya'll.. No more diein'...

Loosing pets is just like lossing a family memeber and it sucks...

I'm so sorry, kat, for your loss of Merlee... Give Rog a big hug fir me, will ya???

B~

Subject: RE: BS: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 Sep 10 - 07:42 PM

Spaw, I hope Sissy will make room for Merlee. We just got home from having to have him put down. Merlee was the smartest, most dignified dog we have ever had the privilege to know and he will be greatly missed and in our hearts forever. I've never seen my Rog take to a dog so much. We knew it was time when the vet confirmed he had kidney failure, along with kidney-related anemia and really bad arthritis, probably from throwing his back out trying to be comfortable whilst peeing, puir thing. Don't know who is going to let me know it's time for "Daddy" to be home at night, now.:-< Love you, Merls!

katsaddened

Subject: RE: BS: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today
From: Ebbie
Date: 09 Sep 10 - 12:39 AM

Hey, I don't want to let her go, just yet. Refresh

Subject: RE: BS: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today
From: alison
Date: 08 Sep 10 - 12:38 AM

oh 'spaw I am so sorry to hear about Sissy - I remember when you got her too..............

big hugs from me too


slainte
alison

Subject: RE: BS: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today
From: Ebbie
Date: 07 Sep 10 - 08:26 PM

Soon after I came to Juneau I met a woman who had her finger in many pies in Juneau. She had three dogs when I met her. One was the "puppy", now 7 years old that she had acquired to replace one of her older dogs at their inevitable demise.

The 'pup', as I said, was now 7; the middle dog was 17 and the oldest dog, she said, was 24. The older dogs weighed, I would guess, 25 and 30 pounds respectively. None of them was pure bred.

The two older dogs were quite arthritic; they would exit her car and nose around on their creaky legs but they seemed pretty mellow. Their tail wagging nearly knocked them off their feet.

I have/had no reason to disbelieve her.

I do know two dogs in Juneau aged 17 and 19 today. And cats- gads, I've never known cats to live as long as they do in Juneau. I suspect that there is less stress in Juneau- less pollution, a very active outdoorsy lifestyle, no hot weather. I dunno.

Subject: RE: BS: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today
From: gnu
Date: 07 Sep 10 - 07:56 PM

I am surprised by the labs. I thought they were about a 12 year dog. Those are long lives. Perhaps it is about the dog and the owner to some degree.

Subject: RE: BS: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Sep 10 - 07:27 PM

Depends on the dog...some clearly can live longer.

Subject: RE: BS: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today
From: Seayaker
Date: 07 Sep 10 - 07:24 PM

Dogs live 12 to 16 years; that's their natural span.

Be proud that you gave her a happy and contented life.

Subject: RE: BS: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today
From: catspaw49
Date: 07 Sep 10 - 05:18 PM

Thanks again to all........and yeah Mick, I was lucky to have her....................

And Kendall.......I understand your comment perfectly...............

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today
From: Big Phil
Date: 06 Sep 10 - 05:11 PM

Aye, sorry for the loss. Its like a part of our heart has gone with them, the pain is so great.

Phil*

Subject: RE: BS: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today
From: Big Mick
Date: 06 Sep 10 - 01:04 AM

My good friend, I am sad with you. These damn critters just grab hold of us, and don't let go. They are friends without condition, loyal to a fault, and usually find a way to get spoiled rotten. I know how this one hurts, but damn, son, you were lucky to have that beautiful woman in your life as long as you did.

All the best, buddy.

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today
From: gnu
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 07:33 PM

Awww... geeze Spaw. Double sniff. You just enjoy the four legged freinds you have and when, and IF, you find that new friend, go for it and don't hesitate.

Subject: RE: BS: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 07:17 PM

Spaw, re: new dog. Of course you'll know when, and it will know why.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today
From: kendall
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 04:00 PM

SNIFF!

When old Clancy died I thought no other dog could replace him, but I got Seamus anyway. I was right, Seamus didn't replace Clancy, he made his own space in my life. Now, he's coming to the end of his life and I will never replace him. Too painful.

Subject: RE: BS: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today
From: Ebbie
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 01:53 AM

sniff

Subject: RE: BS: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today
From: KT
Date: 05 Sep 10 - 01:23 AM

Thinking of you Spaw, with caring and sympathy.

I did a double take today, when I saw my old dog's look-alike, and in that split second before remembering, my heart skipped a beat. And it's been eight years.

Subject: RE: BS: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today
From: Bobert
Date: 04 Sep 10 - 10:28 PM

Sniff...

Subject: RE: BS: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today
From: catspaw49
Date: 04 Sep 10 - 09:29 PM

Many, many, thanks to all of you for the wonderful posts, PMs, E-mails, and phone calls. This has always been a pet-lovin' bunch around here and I appreciate the support.

Some suggested another dog and specifically another Weimaraner as they have always been my breed but I don't think I'll even look for one. I don't want another dog or another Weim......I want Sissy........and I can't have her. For me, Sis was different than any of the dogs that came before.......I dunno' why. Sometimes an animal and a human have some weird sort of bond........however it worked, she and I had it.

We still have four wonderful cats and a handsome black hound we rescued, or I should say Karen did, from the double yellow line in the middle of a busy highway. He's a bit confused as to where Sis went but he's a happy goof and a great guy......and he likes the extra attention.


Thanks again for all the love and support!

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today
From: GUEST,vrdpkr
Date: 02 Sep 10 - 10:13 AM

The Power of the Dog
Rudyard Kipling

There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.

Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie-
Perfect passion and worship fed
by a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumor, or fits,
And the vet’s unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find - it’s your own affair -
But ... you’ve given your heart to a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!)
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone - wherever it goes - for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.

We’ve sorrow enough in the natural way
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we’ve kept ‘em, the more we grieve;


For when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-term loan is as bad as a long -
So why in - Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

Subject: RE: BS: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today
From: GUEST,Patsy
Date: 02 Sep 10 - 05:04 AM

>Of all the natural shocks that flesh is heir to, why do we take on such sorrow by getting pets?<

The love is unconditional.

Subject: RE: BS: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today
From: olddude
Date: 01 Sep 10 - 02:38 PM

ya figured they will break your heart about every 14 years ... and we still get them .. my old guy just sitting here on my lap. I will have a melt down ... I already know it is coming ..

He is 13 or so the vet tells me. Rescued him 8 years ago so we are not sure.

Subject: RE: BS: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today
From: maeve
Date: 01 Sep 10 - 01:46 PM

Easy, Kendall; because of the inherent joys. It's very like our choice to have friends, to love other people: Life with loved ones is smack dab full of joy when you go looking for it.

m

Subject: RE: BS: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today
From: kendall
Date: 01 Sep 10 - 01:34 PM

Of all the natural shocks that flesh is heir to, why do we take on such sorrow by getting pets?

Subject: RE: BS: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today
From: SINSULL
Date: 01 Sep 10 - 11:07 AM

Shedding a tear here at work, Spaw, for you and your dog and my Ed. It hurts so much to lose them.
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today
From: olddude
Date: 01 Sep 10 - 10:55 AM

For you and Karen my friend



Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters. We bring you our grief in the loss of our Sissy and ask for courage to bear it. We bring you our thanks for her who lived among us and gave us freely of her love. We commit our friend and companion into your loving hands. Give us eyes to see how your love embraces all creatures and every living thing speaks to us of your love. Amen

Subject: RE: BS: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today
From: GUEST,Patsy
Date: 01 Sep 10 - 10:26 AM

So sorry to hear that, my Blenheim Cavalier Bonnie had to be put to sleep a couple of years ago. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I miss her gentle faithful character and her looking at me with those big brown eyes but I am so glad she was mine and remember the good times.

Take care.

Subject: RE: BS: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today
From: kendall
Date: 01 Sep 10 - 07:41 AM

I got up this morning feeling like death taking as shit, wondering how many more days our old Seamus has with us and I read this. You have my deepest sympathy Spaw.

                         YELLOW DOG

You keep your lofty, abstract god.
Myself, I choose a child of Pan
An ordinary dog who does for love what mortals can.
Who stretches out her mortal frame
Determined, although she is lame
For one more walk beside her man.

Whose ashes grace the forest way
We roamed together yesterday
And, to the wilder god I say,
"Give her soul some woods to run
A stick to fetch, a patch of sun.
And, near her, Pan, preserve a place
For me, come from a lesser race."

This was written by my friend, Bill Levenworth and it tears me up every time I see it.

Subject: RE: BS: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today
From: GUEST,999
Date: 31 Aug 10 - 01:28 PM

Sincere condolences, Pat.

Subject: RE: BS: I Said Goodbye to a Great Hound Today
From: Dave Swan
Date: 30 Aug 10 - 03:29 PM

Awww damn, man. I'm so sorry. I know you loved the hell out of that dog and gave her a great life. Furry little thieves take you heart and never give it back. Big hugs to everyone there.

D