Dog loss

Subject: Dog loss
From: Spot
Date: 15 Apr 04 - 04:18 AM

Sad house today...had to put old dog to sleep after 16 years. He would sit in contact with my guitar for as long as I would play on sofa...Poor ol' Yorks...think I need a hug...or summat...how do you deal with this one?

                      Regards to all...Spot

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 15 Apr 04 - 04:44 AM

I sympathise - lost mine to cancer at 15 last year-still hurts like mad now -can't even think of a replacement yet as it's still so painful.

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: Ebbie
Date: 15 Apr 04 - 04:54 AM

I do sympathize. I had to put my Darby down last winter at the age of 14. I only had him for a bit over a year but it still hurts. But when I get to feeling too bad, I remind myself that that's why I took him- so he'd have a happy ending. Maybe if you remind yourselves of the happiness you gave your dogs, it will help.

The other thing that helps is the closure I feel when I remember stroking his body after his spirit had gone. He was so definitely NOT there it's easy to visualize him just beyond my sight.

(Incidentally, isn't it amazing how much they love music!)

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: Leadfingers
Date: 15 Apr 04 - 05:52 AM

Condolences!

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: Morticia
Date: 15 Apr 04 - 06:33 AM

(((((hugs)))))

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Apr 04 - 06:56 AM

{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}

Been through this a lot of times; it never gets easier, but I agree with Ebbie. Reminding myself of what a good life I was able to give them helps; and being with them when they pass on, to stroke them and say, "Goodbye, I love you" seems to always help, too.

I am really sorry for your loss.

kat

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: Alba
Date: 15 Apr 04 - 07:53 AM

{{{{{{Hugs}}}}}}
It so hard to say goodbye to our Animal Friends. They give us so much unconditional Love and ask so little back.
I hope your pain eases soon Spot. You just have to give it time. York was a Buddy youlle never forget. There is no quick fix for Sadness Im afraid.
Thinking of you.
Blessings
Jude

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: maire-aine
Date: 15 Apr 04 - 08:05 AM

I'm so sorry for your loss. ((((big hug))))

Maryanne

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 15 Apr 04 - 08:17 AM

sorry to hear this.john

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: Shanghaiceltic
Date: 15 Apr 04 - 09:46 AM

Hope you get over it and have lots of fond memories

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: Big Mick
Date: 15 Apr 04 - 10:08 AM

Grief is a pretty healthy way to deal with loss. I am glad The Greatest One gave us this gift, or we might explode at times like this.

I am sorry for the loss of this good friend, Spot. Our animals only ask that we love them, and they are always our friends. But the coming and the going is inevitable, so one need not grieve too long. It is the final act, we all face it, and perhaps this is the final gift our great, four legged, friends give us. They show us that life is meant to be lived well, and friendship given freely, finally that the passing is just part of the great circle and not to be feared.

Good on you for giving this friend the kind of reciprocal love he deserved. Sounds like he trained you well.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 15 Apr 04 - 10:15 AM

and don't let anyone get away with "it was just a dog!" type comments. yes - relationships with pets are more limited often then relationships with humans - but no less valid.

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Apr 04 - 10:40 AM

I second what MMario said.

One of my two cats is in for a little surgery today (he has a growth in his ear, best to remove it now and see what it is). He should be fine, but any time you're dealing with anesthesia, there are risks. Why would I spend this kind of money on a cat? You might as well ask why I would spend that kind of money on one of my kids--it's because he's part of the family. If this was life-saving surgery and I didn't have the money, I know the kids would use their allowance to pay for it. I've raised them to understand the responsibilities of pet ownership. They also know that the rewards are priceless.

Condolences, Spot.

SRS

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: Janie
Date: 15 Apr 04 - 10:47 AM

Oh that is hard, Hugs and peace.

Janie

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: JenEllen
Date: 15 Apr 04 - 10:59 AM

I agree with Mick. Dogs truly are one of the greatest gifts, and some of the finest teachers. You can miss the open adoration (when he sat with you playing, he probably thought you were the best guitar player he'd ever heard) but you can also learn that by wisely applying that sort of mentality in your own life, there is a great bounty to be found. Poor ol' Yorks, and poor ol' Spot. You're in our thoughts.
~JE

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Apr 04 - 11:00 AM

How you deal with it is cry, cry, cry; probably with guitar in lap.

SO sorry.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: Sorcha
Date: 15 Apr 04 - 11:04 AM

What they said. I'm not looking forward to the day......

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: Spot
Date: 15 Apr 04 - 12:01 PM

Thank you all for kindnesses ... dunno what else to say at mo....

I'll just go and have another blub.....

                           Regards to all....Spot

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: GUEST,petr
Date: 15 Apr 04 - 12:16 PM

dogs teach you the all the right things,
if theres any disagreement, its quickly forgotten.
If you come home and they want to go outside, you may not feel like it but afterwards you're glad you did.
they also teach you to lighten up, and sniff the roses (or anything smelly) and have fun. unconditionally.
yeah Ive had two that I had to put down after long lives, its never easy but often is the kindest thing.

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: Little Hawk
Date: 15 Apr 04 - 12:42 PM

Yes, dogs are wonderful beings. They are without guile, except when it comes to stealing food and avoiding baths, etc... :-) They love unconditionally.

When our Arnot died (little brown dachshund) it really broke me up. I can empathize with what you are going through.

- LH

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: CapriUni
Date: 15 Apr 04 - 12:43 PM

Cyber-hugging and tearing up, here!

Remember, though, that Death is often cruelest to those that keep on living... but when Death comes in peace, is kindest to the ones he takes under his wing.

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: Bobert
Date: 15 Apr 04 - 01:03 PM

Sniff...

Bobert

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: Gypsy
Date: 15 Apr 04 - 01:05 PM

I am so sorry........grief is part of the great joy that you have from the companion. Your friend is waiting for you on the other side of the rainbow bridge.......healthy, happy and whole. Blessings be....

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: CarolC
Date: 15 Apr 04 - 05:47 PM

I'm sorry for your loss, Spot.

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: Raptor
Date: 16 Apr 04 - 10:22 AM

Sorry

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: beadie
Date: 16 Apr 04 - 02:12 PM

My condolences, Spot.

I still mourn for dogs (and other species) that I lost 35 years ago. They really never completely leave you.

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: Big Mick
Date: 16 Apr 04 - 02:14 PM

Damn it all, Spot. You have had me thinking of my favorite little beagle from my childhood. Her name was Daisy Mae. She was a beautiful little beagle, tri colored, who pranced. She was my best friend, and I get weepy thinking of her 40 years later.

Then there was Frisky ..... yeah, they are such wonderful friends for a kid, even a 53 year old kid.

Mick

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: open mike
Date: 16 Apr 04 - 02:44 PM

was yorks a yorkshire terrier?
treasure the memories...
and be glad to have had those
many long years together.
hugs (and pats on the head) to you.

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 16 Apr 04 - 03:45 PM

Sorry for your loss, Spot. It's never easy to have your friends put to sleept, nor should it be.

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: GUEST,Melani
Date: 16 Apr 04 - 06:53 PM

My Labrador has been gone close to five years now. My husband has said no more dogs. But I really think the only cure for the grief involved is another dog, after whatever seems like a suitable mourning period to you. My rats are wonderful, but I really need something big and furry to hug that wiggles and wags.

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: ranger1
Date: 16 Apr 04 - 09:40 PM

Spot, so sorry for your loss. Our Clancy is thirteen and Jason and I are dreading the day when he leaves us. But for now, we enjoy every day we have with him.

I lost a terrier four years ago, and one thing that helped me was to write down all the great things about him. It helps a little with the grief at the time, and is nice to read later, after the pain subsides a bit. Hugs from a fellow dog lover.
ranger1

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: Mudlark
Date: 17 Apr 04 - 11:21 AM

Dear Spot...So sorry to hear this. It is their only fault, as far as I'm concerned. They don't live long enough. I've loved all my dogs to distraction, still miss every one that's gone, pray for long and vital lives for the 3 I've got left. I hope you can eventually get another dog, not as a replacement, there is no such thing, but because they are such wonderful companions. Take care of yourself--it's a huge loss.

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: Spot
Date: 17 Apr 04 - 11:50 AM

Open Mike...aye, he was a Yorkshire terrier..full of all he had ...!!! This is just the most awful thing at the moment.. Many many thanks to all who've taken time to comment.Nice to know there's a load o' folk who care enough...

                  regards to all as ever ....Spot

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: KateG
Date: 17 Apr 04 - 04:10 PM

He're's another {{{{HUG}}} from someone who's been there, done that. The love of a dog is something special. I was broken hearted when I finally had to put my old rottie down. He had been with me 24/7 for 10 years through all sorts of trials and tribulations, and he never let me down. It was one of the saddest days in my life when he looked at me and I could tell that he was ready to go. Cherish York's memory, and when the time is right consider giving a home to another Yorkshire in his honor. His sucessor, not his replacement...since he can never be replaced.

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: GUEST,VRDPKR
Date: 17 Apr 04 - 04:43 PM

Yeah. Lost my schnauser, Max, last summer. For sixteen years a good and true companion.

this is a poem by William Levenworth:

Yellow Dog

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

Whose ashes grace the forest way
We roamed together yesterday.
And, to the wilder god I pray:
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.

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 17 Apr 04 - 07:07 PM

Doggone!

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: Scoville
Date: 17 Apr 04 - 10:01 PM

{{{Soft little dog kisses from Diamond}}}

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: ranger1
Date: 17 Apr 04 - 10:32 PM

Spot, there is a book you might like called "Old Dogs Remembered." It's a collection of writings by famous (and not so famous) writers about their dogs who have passed on. I can't remember the editor or publisher off the top of my head, but if you're interested, you can PM me and I'll get you the info.

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: GUEST,JTT
Date: 18 Apr 04 - 05:39 PM

Oh, sad. Virtual hug, Spot, and a virtual stroke to the ears of your dog as he trots his way to the hunting grounds.

He was a lucky dog to have someone love him so much that he's so missed. I hope you're able to find room for another dog to lean on your guitar, when the sadness has eased enough that you don't see it as a replacement but as an offer of friendship to a new friend.

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: Gareth
Date: 18 Apr 04 - 06:47 PM

Sorry to hear of your grief Spot, which I share - I am afraid it is the price we pay for having a companion.

But look at the upside, as JTT says, he's beyond pain, and now has his wishes fulfilled.

gareth

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: Spot
Date: 19 Apr 04 - 04:08 PM

All....
       More thanks to you ..... I suppose it will get better....it isnt yet, but then , its not even a week....!! Seems like a lifetime already...glad I spend a bit of time alone..(BOO-HOO!)Good thing was he didnt flinch nor nothing, he just stopped being him....

                Regards and thanks to all....Spot

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: wysiwyg
Date: 19 Apr 04 - 04:24 PM

I've often thought how ironically cruel-- just when we most need whoever has been our best, most reliable source of comfort, THAT's the very person or animal we end up having to grieve, WITHOUT them there by our side!

And, we say we put our pets to sleep, and they don't feel a thing, but what we are really doing is volunteering to be stabbed through the heart ourselves, and THAT does not go to sleep, it just, eventually, aches for something else!

Sometimes I wonder what's up with THAT!?

~Susan

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: CapriUni
Date: 19 Apr 04 - 05:30 PM

It must be more than a fluke of culture or idiom, that, when you see someone who seems inconsolably sad, the turn of phrase is: "What's wrong? You look like someone who's dog has just died."

Because what could be sadder or lonlier than that?

It's also a sign that we are not alone in our feelings of grief.

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: LilyFestre
Date: 20 Apr 04 - 03:18 PM

Big hugs to you....HUGE, GIGANTIC hugs at that!

Michelle

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: Gypsy
Date: 20 Apr 04 - 10:55 PM

How you doin' laddie? Am thinking of you and your furry friend. You gots any memories of things that made him unique to you? Sometimes, talking about the good stuff can help. And as a dog mother, am always interested in good dog stuffs. Prayers and hugs your way......

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: Spot
Date: 21 Apr 04 - 05:38 PM

Gypsy....
             I suppose I'm 'doin'!! Any memories? So many I almost wish I'd none!! I suppose my favourite is of his 'attitude'...he always reminded me of horse dressage stuff when he strutted about his territory..he sorta 'shuddered' his way across the rooms and garden.Looking at him from behind always made me think of my conception of a leprechaun...( dont ask why...!!) The way his 'dogness' and total lack of patience made him often jump through patio door just before it was opened!! He never did get the hang of that one..etc etc etc ...Priceless li'l fella ...


             Thanks again to all who cared to comment..

                      Regards to all...Spot

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: Spot
Date: 21 Apr 04 - 05:49 PM

Jusy thought of another...Anybody familiar with motorcycle trials will be aware of 'nose wheelies' and 'stoppies' !! He would turn 90degree corners (en route to kitchen) using such techniques with complete panache. Brief explanation for uninitiated...Run like buggery, stop with such force that arse end reared up off floor and stylishly allow arse end to rotate through however many degrees it took, while using nose as anchor, before landing nose-first in food!!
Sure he taught Dougie Lampkin...!!!Speaking of whom, though I dont think he's riding this year, me and my son are off to Fort William soon to follow the Scottish Six Days trial for a week...That will help a lot I think...

   thanks again all...

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: Alba
Date: 21 Apr 04 - 06:38 PM

Enjoy Fort William and the Trials, Spot.
I can see York now...stoppies......Maybe Dougie did get a few of his tricks!!!
Thinking of You.
Let us know how your week went when you get back.
Blessings and {{{{hugs}}}}}
Jude.

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: Gypsy
Date: 21 Apr 04 - 10:42 PM

What lovely images! Can see him now.........mustv'e taken an enormous amount of airspace with that kind of energy. Can you say polterdog? (the phenamenon of getting from point A to point B with no need to traverse the space between) Thank you so much for sharing. Any more?

Subject: RE: Dog loss
From: Spot
Date: 22 Apr 04 - 06:47 PM

Gypsy...he was just the worstest travellin dog ever!! Yapyapbloodyyap! He couldnt get out of the WINDOW fast enough ( he preferred not to do doors!). Nearly made him goggles and white scarf- on-a wire,for car.. he liked to hang out of windows!! And a silencer!
Basically he was a nutter...

Thanks again to all

                      regards ...Spot