Obit: Our old dog Seamus

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: olddude
Date: 04 Aug 11 - 08:40 PM

I don't do preaching but do you want to know the secret of life. This is what I took away from my experience. WE ASK TO BE BORN, we ask to leave a place of total love and peace to come to the world filled with trials and tribulations .. why the heck would we do that. We do that because we want to please God, we ask to do that to show that we understood everything he taught us about love, compassion, about helping each other, about taking care of his other creatures like Seamus. We ask to be born to please God. We make an agreement with him. Every pet that ever loved you is there with a beloved family member or friend waiting for you to come. I didn't want to leave not at all, I was booted back because it wasn't my time, but I came back with a lot of understanding I think. My take , my experience. Other doubt and that is ok .. this is my path. Your old dog is completely happy with you and all that you did for him. Putting him down you set aside your own desire and love for him to spare him suffering .. you did good.

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: Maryrrf
Date: 04 Aug 11 - 08:15 PM

Kendall, when you put Seamus down, you liberated him in the gentlest, most loving way from a body that was broken down and no longer working. I haven't had a near death experience, but I've read about them, and almost invariably those who went through it report a feeling of peace and, if there was pain, blessed relief. Seamus wasn't going to get better - the end would have come soon whatever the case but it might have dragged out excruciatingly and caused him suffering and confusion. How wonderful to pass over to the other side surrounded by people who love you and are sending you off with a prayer and a blessing. You did a good thing for Seamus. I believe that animals can sense this. He still loves you - be sure of it.

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: olddude
Date: 04 Aug 11 - 08:14 PM

Putting a dog down is an act of love Kendall, when you love them so you don't want them to suffer. I made the mistake of holding on to my old lab to long. I wanted one more month .. he collapse and started howling in pain. I had the vet on the phone and he died in my arms. I can't forgive myself for being so selfish .. trust me my dear friend. you did the right thing. Right now your old dog is completely happy and living with one of your trusted friends or family. Maybe Utah is running him. I died technically from the PE ... I saw some remarkable things and when I returned to my body the docs were blown away as I described everything they did to me .. including the broken wing nut on the very top of the traction frame that I could never have seen. But I saw it when I floated out of my body and entered the tunnel. I was not particularly religious before that, I sure was afterwords because I saw heard and felt the love of God, saw the angles, saw the other side and my beloved pets ..

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: kendall
Date: 04 Aug 11 - 07:54 PM

I hope he does and that he forgives me for putting him down.

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: ranger1
Date: 04 Aug 11 - 07:43 PM

It wouldn't surprise if Seamus stops in from time to time to check on you, Kendall. My old terrier's ghost used to sleep on my feet whenever I went back to my grandparents' house and slept in my old room. He doesn't do it now that Bandit has taken that spot, though.

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Aug 11 - 04:42 PM

First time I knew I'd left my body was when I was birthing my last child, my second daughter, Morgan's mom. She came faster than expected, in the labour room and I was haemorrhaging and the docs couldn't get an iv started. They finally called to the ER for a nurse who was really good at it. Anyway, the whole time I was floating just above my body. I could see it, plus everyone working frantically on me and the baby, and my mom, who'd had five kids, but never seen one born. There she was watching the birth, the baby, and her youngest going through exactly what had happened to her when she had me. I remember asking my doc if I was going to die and he told me, emphatically, "NO!" He'd been my doc since I was 8 and I believed him. To this day, I am sure that is one major reason I slipped back into my body.

When my mom was passing, very quickly, I went into my sanctum, lit the candles and incense, and *talked* to her, telling her it was okay to go, her children would be okay. I SAW her in the hospital bed AND all of her deceased family there with her, welcoming her. This was not my imagination; it was not expected, it just happened and it was beautiful and peace-filled.

kat

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: gnu
Date: 04 Aug 11 - 03:42 PM

Yer welcome ahhh Ebbie. Yeah, Ebbie.

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: Ebbie
Date: 04 Aug 11 - 03:29 PM

I wanted to add that they say the secret to a happy old age is a bad memory.

Kendall, last night I met an acquaintance who had to put her dog down after there was no hope he would recover from the antifreeze he had got into. We stood together on the sidewalk and cried.

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: Ebbie
Date: 04 Aug 11 - 03:26 PM

Gary, thanks for the laugh. :)

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: gnu
Date: 04 Aug 11 - 03:18 PM

Strange stuff that. Ya know that there "life passes before your eyes" if tou have an instant where you expect to die? I have had some of those. The first one was when I was a teenager and it was in close call in a car. I saw my whole life pass before my eyes in a flash.

If it happened again now it would take less than a flash as my memory is failing.

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: kendall
Date: 04 Aug 11 - 02:54 PM

Dan, I would love to talk to you about your experience. I hope it's not just a dream or imagination.
I had an out of body experience years ago through meditation, and I was floating in outer space. Suddenly I thought, "WTF this is impossible", and I was immediately yanked back into my body.

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: Ebbie
Date: 04 Aug 11 - 02:52 PM

Bless you, Dan. I'd love to see a thread on the subject.

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: olddude
Date: 04 Aug 11 - 01:56 PM

And you really can't ask, just questions in your head that get answered. You don't speak you just think .. anyway that is what happened to me along with several other things that were pretty remarkable. I bet we all have to buy a shit load of dog food everyday when we get there. I owned a lot of dogs and cats that I loved

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: olddude
Date: 04 Aug 11 - 01:47 PM

Well Captain when I did the near death thing and when into the tunnel
I saw my favorite relatives there and talked to them, I also saw every dog and cat I ever owned there also. I remember asking where is my Irish Setter and My dead aunt said, "your uncle Dan has him out hunting right now, he will be back soon but you won't be cause it is not your time"

cool huh

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: Becca72
Date: 04 Aug 11 - 01:36 PM

That dog always did have great timing...

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: kendall
Date: 04 Aug 11 - 01:34 PM

It's ironic that the bill for his ticket home just arrived exactly on the minute that he was declared dead one week ago today.

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: I don't know
Date: 31 Jul 11 - 02:57 PM

Sorry to hear, had to have both mine put down (10 years apart)never easy but remember the fun you had.

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: kendall
Date: 31 Jul 11 - 02:52 PM

The Hell you say! :-)

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 31 Jul 11 - 01:40 PM

Hmm, I think you and he may be going in different directions Cap'n

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: gnu
Date: 31 Jul 11 - 01:39 PM

He won't bite you. Might give you a licking though

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: kendall
Date: 31 Jul 11 - 01:30 PM

If we meet on the other side of the veil, I hope he doesn't bite me.

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: bobad
Date: 31 Jul 11 - 12:57 PM

One day your thoughts will wander back to the silly antics and good times you had with Seamus, you will remember and smile at the memory.

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 31 Jul 11 - 12:43 PM

You never do forget things like that, it's just that living with the memories gets easier over time.
None of us want to be forgotten do we?

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: kendall
Date: 31 Jul 11 - 12:27 PM

30 years ago I had to put my Beagle down. I took him to the vet and when we entered the office that dog, for the first time, stood on his hind legs and put his front paws on my leg. Looked up at me, and I swear he knew what was going to happen. I've never gotten over that, and now this.

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: Maryrrf
Date: 31 Jul 11 - 08:14 AM

Having had to do the same thing, I know what you and Jacqui (and Mary, of course, who was his Aunt)are feeling. Even though you know it was the right thing - it just hurts, and there's no taking it away. Acceptance comes, but there's always an empty spot in your heart. I do believe, as a matter of fact, I'm sure of it - that Seamus felt the love that surrounded him as he peacefully passed on. You eased him through his transition - I think we'd all hope for the same, when our time comes.

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: Allan C.
Date: 31 Jul 11 - 06:03 AM

Spaw said it best: "No matter what, they don't live long enough." I hate that our pets don't leave this world when we do. Being left behind by such a spirited dog hardly seems fair. To my way of thinking there are few bonds stronger than those between dogs and those who are entrusted with their friendship. That just makes such a time as this all the harder to take.

Best thoughts to Kendall, Jacqui, and Mary.

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 31 Jul 11 - 04:53 AM

Kendall, if I ever get to the same state of health as Seamus, I hope some kind person does the same for me.

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: My guru always said
Date: 31 Jul 11 - 04:49 AM

{{{kendall}}}

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: kendall
Date: 31 Jul 11 - 03:38 AM

He ate he drank and never made a mess in the house, but he slept all the time. In time he was unable to get up the three steps to come in and at the end he stumbled going down the steps.
His breathing was labored and he appeared to be losing muscle mass in his hind legs.
Logic tells me we did the right thing, but something keeps asking me if he was really dead when they buried him.

It's 3 am, I can't sleep.

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: katlaughing
Date: 31 Jul 11 - 01:18 AM

Remember, Kendall, animals use all of their senses; we could, too, but we've lost track of them, sometimes. I am sure he heard you, not only, verbally, but more importantly in his heart. He felt your touch, your love, your sorrow. He knew he'd done a good job of loving you and that you were and did reciprocate. Also, remember, to an animal there is no concept of time. They live much more in the now than most of us. For them, any good moment is enough and then they are on to the next minute of Now. He's there, always, in your heart, and, if you grieve a lot, he may even make a *visit* to console and/or cajole you.

I had an old Siamese female, Sasheen, who came to visit me after she'd passed, I was so distraught. I couldn't see her, but I felt her jump up on the bed and settle on my pillow just like always and I felt her as I stroked her and sobbed my "thanks" for that last visit.

As Amergin said, take it easy, esp. on yourself. Seamus had an excellent life and passing. Would we could all be allowed to go in such a loving, kind, and peaceful way.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: Ebbie
Date: 30 Jul 11 - 10:10 PM

As you know, Kendall, they say the last thing to go is the hearing. I have no doubt at all that Seamus heard every word you said, and reveled in it.

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: Amergin
Date: 30 Jul 11 - 09:41 PM

Over the years, my family has loved and lost many great four legged friends, however,it was only three years ago when I was forced to make the final decision for the first time. I remember that horrible day greatly, sitting in the vet's office telling him everything that was wrong with her. It felt like I was trying to persuade him it was time, it felt like I was betrayed her trust, as the needle went in, and she fell into her last slumber, in my arms, with me weeping over her. It took four days to where I could somewhat function again, the sadness, the sleeplessness, the wondering if I truly did right by her.

As time went on I began to realise, I did the right thing. Yes, people told me I did good, but there is a difference between being told and knowing. Anyway, I came to realise how miserable she must have been, yes, she knew she could count on me, and my love, just like I could with her, but she was blind, deaf, and suffering from dementia. Those last few months must have been filled with fear....and the needle gave Daphne the release, the rest she needed.

When I lost my basset, it was heartbreaking, but I knew I did the right thing. Phoebe had been sick 9 months before, with a parasite, that made her stop eating so much, and gave her horrendous smelling diarrhea. Then, it had been once we figured it out. Unfortunately, five months or so later, she started puking. Not all the time, not every day, but more often than usual. So I took her back to the vet, and we tried this and that, more worm medicine, thyroid, and she'd stop puking for a week or two, or maybe three, and then do it again. The vomit always smelled the same. Then, her last day, she didn't eat, and for her not to eat, well this is a dog that would eat a whole bag of dog food at one go, if allowed to. I took her to the vet, and just in the off chance it was her last day, bought her a cheeseburger. She did eat that. It turned out she had stomach cancer. So I bade her goodbye, as the needle kissed her...and then went home and got seriously drunk. I did feel easier knowing I did right, though I did have nightmares thinking that maybe the mass he felt in her stomach was the cheeseburger, but that was only eaten a few minutes before....so it didn't have time to get there.

I'm just saying, Captain, that I know your pain, and I know how you are feeling at this time. I've been there, as have we all. It does get easier, though nothing and no one, can fill that hole they leave behind. The hole does get smaller though, and you can reflect on them and the happiness they brought you, without welling up with the tears.

Take it easy, mate.

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: gnu
Date: 30 Jul 11 - 08:46 PM

"I wept like a child and told him what a great dog he was and how much we loved him.I hope he heard and understood."

He heard and understood that all his life. Ya did good... all his life. Cry yer heart out. Go ahead, cry yer heart out. Seamus will still be there, in yer heart.

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: Jeri
Date: 30 Jul 11 - 08:37 PM

Kendall, YOU needed to say the words, but I think he knew how much he was loved every minute of his life. No dog is that comfortable with people and that happy unless he's completely confident that he belongs. It wasn't just at the end, it was always.

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: kendall
Date: 30 Jul 11 - 08:31 PM

Would someone convince me that he did?

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: kendall
Date: 30 Jul 11 - 07:17 PM

Seamus died in my arms. I held his tired old head while the anesthesia took his life. I wept like a child and told him what a great dog he was and how much we loved him.I hope he heard and understood.

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: gnu
Date: 30 Jul 11 - 06:21 PM

Spaw? Spaw... I am sorry to hear about Soskey. RIP.

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: ranger1
Date: 30 Jul 11 - 06:15 PM

Kendall, that silly yellow goofball was protected and loved his whole life. Seamus had the best of families, we all loved him, and we all grieve for you, Jacqui, Mary and Becca. Jason and I thank you for entrusting him to our care from time to time, especially during that month between Clancy's passing and Bandit's arrival. Letting us take care of Seamus helped heal the hurt of losing Clancy. Seamus was a special dog, but then again, would any dog belonging to Kendall Morse be anything but special? You did good by him, especially at the end.

My vet told me when we took Clancy in that part of the contract we make with our pets is ensuring quality of life. Sometimes that includes making the decision to let them go when that quality of life is no longer there. It's not easy, but we do what we must for those in our care.

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: catspaw49
Date: 30 Jul 11 - 04:29 PM

Failure to protect.......yeah, I know all about that. I, in essence, killed Soskey last week. He was a lovable big goof and not the brightest hound I ever had but he was a love and a lover. Karen was completely nuts for him and he for her. But I should have checked that front door latch especially now with the boys and their friends going in and out so much. I should have fixed the door so it always shut solidly on its own.

But I didn't and he went out for a little look around, just something to do, and got himself lost..............if I had done even one of three or four things he'd be alive. Seamus like Sissy got old and died. We could do no more for them than provide that final service which we owed them. Soskey, I could have protected.................

Ironically, Karen had found him almost 4 years ago running up and down the middle of a busy highway. She sat with him til he calmed a bit and I went up and got him. If there is a doggie heaven, Sissy has undoubtedly found him and reamed him a new ass......"I always knew you were a dumbass but this takes the cake! You had a lot more good years left in our home and you go out and get yourself hit.........Just follow me around so no one sends you off from here........friggin' idiot......"

Spaw

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: KT
Date: 30 Jul 11 - 03:38 PM

Ouch, gnu. You've got me raining tears again. Remembering a similar experience with my ol' pal. Can't even see the keyboard, dang it!

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: gnu
Date: 30 Jul 11 - 02:18 PM

After one particular pet passed in my arms at the vet's I sat in my truck, rolled the windows up and ROARED while tears streamed for nearly five minutes. Then, I cleaned myself up and drove home and looked at every pic of that pet I ever took. I still get tears when reading a thread like this, but they are mixed and, well, you know, time is the only healer. That and Alzheimer's... I think.

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: kendall
Date: 30 Jul 11 - 01:48 PM

I just had a talk with my ex wife who is a therapist, and she told me pretty much the same thing.
Failure to protect is a phrase I knew she would understand, and she all but gave me hell for thinking it.
She also told me to not fight the grief, to let it wash over me. Man, it's doing that alright; it's like a Tsunami full of rocks, broken glass and pieces of 2 by 4s beating me up real good.
At least I am finding that my heart is not all scar tissue after all.

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: Ebbie
Date: 30 Jul 11 - 12:21 PM

You did protect him, Kendall. For a dog of his size, Seamus lived to a ripe old age. You made it possible for him to reach the end of a good life; the kind of life he had is what you get when you are lucky.

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: frogprince
Date: 30 Jul 11 - 11:26 AM

So far as "failure to protect": what Dan said. Heavy grief can send anyone's thoughts off in directions like inappropriate self blame. It's plain to everyone that no one could have done a bit better than all of you there did.

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: olddude
Date: 30 Jul 11 - 11:07 AM

Captain he had the greatest of families and best life .. you did good, you did very good with him and he knows it. He will be there waiting for you ... don't you dare say failure to protect ... you did really good. And look at all the people who also loved him ...

he had the best life, because of you .. because of Jacqui and all the others who watched him. It was time ...

They break you heart they do, but I would not give up a moment with any one of them that I lost. They gave me so much .. Now I gotta face the fact that my old weiner dog who sleeps with me, works with me, goes to the store with me, is always with me ... well he is failing and it won't be long ... That thought I can't bear with all that has happened to me this year but, I know I have to face it when the time comes soon

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 30 Jul 11 - 11:06 AM

Don'r think he'd like his rest being disturbed just now Cap'n.
You know what they say about sleeping dogs

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: kendall
Date: 30 Jul 11 - 11:01 AM

I have this crazy desire to dig him up and hug him. And, the phrase "Failure to protect" keeps rattling around in my brain.

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: gnu
Date: 29 Jul 11 - 10:34 PM

Understood, Kendall. Me too and my pets are longgggg gone.

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: kendall
Date: 29 Jul 11 - 07:51 PM

I'm glad God saw death and gave Death a job of taking care of all those who are tired of living.
When all the wheels in a clock are worn and slow and the connections are loose
And the clock goes on ticking and telling the wrong time from hour to hour,
And people around the clock joke about what a bum clock it is,
How glad the clock is when the big junk man drives his wagon up to the house, and put his arm around the clock and says:
"You don't belong here, you gotta come along with me."

How glad the clock is then when it feels the arms of the junk man close around it and carries it away.

Carl Sandburg

I must avoid this thread for a while, it's too painful.

Subject: RE: Obit: Our old dog Seamus
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Jul 11 - 06:57 PM

Great stories and what a wonderful comfort for Seamus to have all of his favourite meals plus family to be there with him.

I know I said I thought it was a little too earlier to think of another, but I hope you won't mind my posting the following. I found it on the website for our local humane society:

My Own Forever Home

I waited very patiently;
the days they came and went.
Today's the day, I always thought,
my family will be sent.
Then just when I began to think
it wasn't meant to be,
there were people standing there,
just gazing down at me.
I knew them in a heartbeat;
I could tell they felt it too.
They said, "We have been waiting
for a special dog like you."
Now every night, I say a prayer
to all the gods that be,
"Thank you for the shelter that
was there to rescue me"
They gave me food and cared for me,
when I was all alone.
But best of all they helped me find
my own " forever home".
-author unknown