Obit: Our old dog Seamus

Subject: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: kendall
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 08:06 PM

The old boy has reached the end of his road. Unable to walk more than a few feet before resting, constant heavy panting and very weak legs. He is almost 13 and it's time to free him.
My grandson came today and dug the grave, and the Vet will be here tomorrow to put him to sleep.
So long old pal, you have been the best. :-(

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: saulgoldie
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 08:16 PM

So sorry to hear it, Kendall. Thoughts and prayers.

Saul

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: kendall
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 08:20 PM

Heartbroken is hardly sufficient.

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: bobad
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 08:24 PM

My heart aches for you, it is something I have had to do more than once, it is the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life.

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: ranger1
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 08:37 PM

Oh, Kendall! Jason's outside crying now for the good old boy, and I'm bawling while I type this. Give Mr. Moose a big hug from us and tell him to find our Clancy when he gets to where ever it is that good dogs go when they leave us.

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: catspaw49
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 08:42 PM

Sorry Kendall.....and not much I can say.........***sigh***.........We put our last Weim down about a year back now and I will never "get past" that one. Sissy was 14 and a half, quite old for a Weim, and was Daddy's girl from Day One. We still had a lab mix, Soskey, still young, and we figured he would be around for many years to come. Karen rescued him from the middle of a busy highway four years ago and he's been a fine fellow and a sweet guy to have around.

Friday, one of the boys left the front door ajar and he wandered out. WE spent the evening looking hard for him but Karen found him on her way home Saturday morning. He'd been hit by a car several blocks away on Route 664. We are now mourning another good friend gone from our lives and much too soon.

That's the problem with dogs in general........No matter what, they don't live long enough. You have all my best for you and Jacqui.....and Sins too..................


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: frogprince
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 08:45 PM

Just meeting him for that little bit, we could see he would be a good companion. I had to dig a grave for a four-footed friend just once, long years ago, for a shaggy old buddy named Boots. The only thing bad about a good dog, the rule is that you have to see him go.

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: gnu
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 08:54 PM

Awwwwwwwwww shit! I hope he gets a good feed of steak and lobster before... awww shit... I am crying.

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: olddude
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 09:03 PM

Awww Captain, I am so so sorry to hear this ... you love that dog ..
awww shit ... I am sorry Kendall


in my thoughts and prayers
Dan

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: Amergin
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 09:05 PM

This is the part I hate about having pets...when they are no longer there to be your physical companion, your friend...but only pale reflections in your memory. My heart goes out to you, Jacqui and Sinsull...

I lost my basset a few months ago, from stomach cancer, and have been dogless since. It is hard, and lonely, but I'm just not ready to go through all that again.

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: Jeri
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 09:05 PM

I will miss him SO much. I know Seamus has a load of friends. It's hard to imagine visiting South Portland and not seeing Seamus. Hugs all around-- to you and Seamus's other family members, and especially to that big, goofy, sweet old guy.

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: Maryrrf
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 10:09 PM

My heart sank when I saw the title of this thread. I met Seamus in May, and although he was not in good shape, he was still a noble fellow and a wonderful companion. It won't be easy for you guys, and there isn't much that can be said - it breaks your heart. Know that many of us have been through this and we understand how much it hurts. I know I'm hoping that when I cross the bridge, I'll hear a "woof" and my Missie will come bounding up to meet me....

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: Ebbie
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 10:10 PM

I almost didn't open this thread because I knew what the news would be. I still bleed when I think of the last dog I lost - more than a year ago now; I too thought of not getting a dog again because I knew up front of the inevitable pain and grief that comes with the package.

And then I thought: No new dog can take the place of the dog you love but it CAN fill the space and then the new dog makes its own place. There is limitless room for all these places.

Kendall, Sins, Jacqui, everybody: I can't tell you how much I and others feel for you. Just know that we grieve with you.

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 10:14 PM

I am so sorry. I've owned dogs and cats and once cared for my cousin's pony because I had a barn and she didn't. Letting an animal go is so hard. I'm sure you have good memories and photos, but you know life without your old friend won't be the same.

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: maeve
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 10:18 PM

I'll miss him. You have all given him such a happy life!

Maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: LilyFestre
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 10:20 PM

Rest Easy Seamus.

I'm so sorry Kendall.

((((((Hugs for you and Jacqui))))))

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: Bobert
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 10:26 PM

I hate this part of pet ownership... I really do...

Been there, Kendall...

Just know that you have been the very best friend that Seamus has ever known and that, no matter, can never be changed... That is forever...

God speed, Seamus... God speed...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: KT
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 10:38 PM

Tears drippin' down onto my keyboard, here. I'm so, so sorry, Kendall and Jacqui. And Auntie Sins, and all of you who have been the beneficiaries of the love of this great canine friend. KT

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: Crowhugger
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 10:42 PM

My heart goes out to you Kendall and to Jacqui, great big condolences on a difficult good-bye. Yes God Speed, Seamus. Safe home!

Maybe when he gets where he's going, Seamus'll have grand old butt-sniff and romp with some of ours who've been and gone over the years: Rudy, Sheba, Miso, Scruffy, Tammy and Ginny.

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: maeve
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 10:45 PM

Mary is part of Seamus' family, too. "She Who Feeds Me Warmed Food"

Hugs to Kendall, Jacqui, Mary...and others who have enjoyed knowing Seamus or some other special pets.

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 11:03 PM

Oh Kendall and Jacqui, I'm so sorry. What was that line of Steve Sellors's song? "Dogs are here to teach us that life is short and life is sweet...."

Dan

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 11:20 PM

Kendall, Sins, Jacqui, everybody: I can't tell you how much I and others feel for you. Just know that we grieve with you.

What Ebbie said. He sounds like he was a great dog, but like the woman at the Humane Society told me when I had to put my old and ill cats to sleep, sometimes the kindest thing you can do for them is to not let them suffer. It's good the vet will come to you.

Take care, all.

Maggie

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: Celtaddict
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 11:37 PM

I am so sorry. Hugs to Kendall, Jacqui, Sins, and Seamus. Slan abhaile, and give a wag to Zellie when you meet her.

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: GUEST,DonMeixner
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 11:52 PM

We had a dog named Schooner. All the kids grew up with him. The boys fed him pickles and let him sit on the couch. He and my Dad were best friends. And he died the same month and year as my Dad on Becca's 16th birthday. I haven't had the heart to get another. But every time I see a Golden Retriever I see a bit of Schooner in them

I hope you remember him well Kendall.

Don

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Jul 11 - 11:59 PM

Just today, out of the blue, Morgan - the Grandson, asked me how to go to the "spirit world." He wanted to visit our old dog, Merlee, who had to go last September. We lit some candles and incense, and I guided him through a bit of visualisation and we said some special words of love to Merlee, wherever he is. Then we sat very still and quiet, each of us thinking about that "good dog, you." After a couple of minutes, Morgan was so excited to tell me that he had *seen* Merlee, petted and played with him, and, he wasn't deaf any more. (He'd lost his hearing in the last year.) Who's to say whether he really did or not, but I believe we can. After we were all done, I brought him out to the computer and read The Rainbow Bridge to him.

Kendall, I remember when you first told me about Seamus, a l-o-n-g time ago when he was all you had for daily company. Over the years, many of us have followed the Life of Seamus as he gained a "mommy" and an "auntie" as well as many friends. You, Jacqui, and Marigold have my deepest sympathy. May you find strength flowing to you from all of us, esp. tomorrow, and may you always have blessed memories of such a wonderful being as your Seamus.

Spawdarlin'...I am shocked to hear of Soskey and so sad that Karen had to find him that way. The only consolation, imo, from experience, is that you know what happened to him and could bring him home. Hugs all round to you all.

You, too, Amergin. We've been dogless since last Sept. I have just begun contacting a few folks about another McNab, but we are in no hurry. I think Morgan will be a major reason for us to get another, though.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: ClaireBear
Date: 27 Jul 11 - 12:23 AM

Ah Seamus, my friend, I'll miss you so much. Jacqui, Kendall, Sins, Becca and all the others for whom Seamus's tale wagged, you have my sympathies...Seamus, over whom I pole-vaulted many a time when I had to get to the loo in the middle of the night, has my heart. Farewell, ole buddy. Skritch, skritch.

C

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: Rapparee
Date: 27 Jul 11 - 12:55 AM

A good friend here had to do the same last Thursday to his friend Susie. It never, ever, gets easier. Think, though, of Seamus romping in surf and turf as he did when in his prime...because he will be.

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 27 Jul 11 - 04:38 AM

I have a few friends in the area of Portland Maine, and Seamus is one of them.
It's tough, but necessary, and it's easier on Seamus than it is in us.
Big hugs to you all, yes even you Cap'n!

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: bfdk
Date: 27 Jul 11 - 04:40 AM

Oh man, Kendall, I'm really sorry to hear this, you must be devastated. I remember Seamus in his prime, I can't really understand that this was all of 5 years ago.. Give the old boy a hug from me!

I dread the day when I shall have to walk the same road with my old buddy, he'll be 16 in September and has had certain health problems lately, too. It's so hard to say goodbye, isn't it?

Big hugs from this side of the pond for you all.

Bente

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: Naemanson
Date: 27 Jul 11 - 05:14 AM

I'm so sorry to hear about this Kendall. He was a good dog and had a good life. I remember him from our party at Mary's house. Hard times.

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: Leadfingers
Date: 27 Jul 11 - 05:19 AM

Good Call Kendall ! But one of the hardest to make . Its not easy weighing up a dog (Or ANY pet)'s quality of life and deciding that its reached the final stage .
When I met Seamus , he was still very active , but that was a while back . ALL Sympathy mate to all of you in Portland .

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: Micca
Date: 27 Jul 11 - 05:30 AM

Kemdall and Jacqui and Mary, I am so sorry at this news, it is ,indeed, the hard part of pet companionship, this Last Gift that you have to give. I have known Seamus for about 6+ years and found him a good companion and friend, we have spent many quiet contemplative mornings at Auntie Marys over a cup of tea. I will surely miss him.
Yours in sorrow
Micca

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: ragdall
Date: 27 Jul 11 - 05:39 AM

Kendall and family, I'm so sorry that you have to bid your faithful buddy farewell. In making this decision you're showing him the same loving, care that you've given him over the years.

Hugs to all of you.

rags

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: Janie
Date: 27 Jul 11 - 05:48 AM

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

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: freda underhill
Date: 27 Jul 11 - 05:52 AM

Very sorry to hear this sad news, Kendall and Jacqui.

best wishes

freda

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: Stu
Date: 27 Jul 11 - 05:59 AM

Sorry to hear about Seamus Kendall. We lost our dog Lily eighteen months ago and I have to say, it's been tough. We need to get out into the world (back to the US -woo-hoo!) and then we get more dogs. Two this time.

I believe all animals are spiritual, but canids of every type are humankind's soulmates, from the mighty persecuted and hunted wolf, that pursued, hounded and trapped elemental spirit of the land the fox, our own domestic dogs in their glorious diversity. As a species we've grown up together with them, evolved with them and they are a part of our societies, our fellow travellers through time and space during our precarious existence on our wonderful blue marble . . .

Whereas us humans are prone to our many failings, our myopic worldviews, intolerances and prejudices of all manner, our dogs see past this capricious, transient veneer and into our true selves. They recognise us a spiritual beings and the best of recognise them as the same. Dogs truly do understand. Better than any other living creature on the planet, dogs understand us.

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: kendall
Date: 27 Jul 11 - 07:00 AM

I'm very surprised at the number of responses. Thank you all do much.
I've had to witness the passing of many pets in my life, but Seamus got to me like no other ever did. It feels like my heart is being ripped out.
Oh well, Jacqui just bought 6 boxes of tissues.

I believe that all living things have a spirit, a soul if you will, and his energy will return to the universe. Right now, I have to believe that.The sight of that hole in the flower bed is more than I can bear.

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: maeve
Date: 27 Jul 11 - 07:38 AM

Kendall- Let me know if you'd like to plant something special to honor Seamus' time with you. If I can help I will.

Maeve

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 27 Jul 11 - 08:37 AM

hugs to you all

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 27 Jul 11 - 08:48 AM

Love to you and Jacqui- echoing others, you are indeed giving your good friend the last, best gift. And since you and he have shared so much love over the years, I offer you what I often tell friends who are suffering the loss of two-legged loved ones: love never dies.

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: Becca72
Date: 27 Jul 11 - 09:04 AM

It really feels like I'm losing my brother. It's definitely time but MAN does this SUCK.

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: jacqui.c
Date: 27 Jul 11 - 09:09 AM

Thanks to you all it helps to know you are out there.

The vet is coming tomorrow at noon - that means that Kendall's grandson can be here to bury the boy - not something that Kendall feels he wants to do.

Mary will be here to say goodbye to the best dog ever.

I'm really not a dog person but this crazy mutt just took my heart. Right now, listening to his stressed breathing at night and seeing how he is generally just makes me want to take away all the pain. Yesterday he didn't even want to go get the mail, which is something that usually has him leaping out the door, as he knows that a treat will follow.

gnu - he's being fed good stuff. Tonight he'll have a can of Dinty Moore stew - Mary tells me he loves that when he stays with her and I'm sure I'll find a few more treats for him.

Spaw - so sorry to hear about your puppy. They are so vulnerable in so many ways.

This is a photo taken by Kendall earlier this year.

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: SINSULL
Date: 27 Jul 11 - 09:15 AM

I guess I have to be the one to remind you all that this is Seamus - the horrible beast who used to snag the scrunchie out of my hair when I was driving, who stole wallets, TV remotes and and socks, who nearly drowned Jacqui when he tried to steal a sailboat, who humped his way up Willard Beach and couldn't get rid of his hard on (Vet Tech: He has hurt his leg. SINS: That is not his leg), who insisted on treating dead shellfish as a sushi bar and then would cough up the poisonous remains where ever he chose, who took up the whole couch because he could, who farted on queue, who would only eat his kibble at my house with warm chicken broth,who still checks to see if the side fence is down so he can wander off and scare the crap out of us, who drooled all over Brian because it annoyed Brian,who challenged Ed the Cat and lost,who got skunked, cleaned and skunked again within two hours, who dragged averyone down the street except Edmund (still see him proudly striding military fashion at Edmund's side)..my big beautiful silly friend.
I am celebrating his life with a few tears but glad to have shared him him.

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: Becca72
Date: 27 Jul 11 - 09:52 AM

Mary,
Those are all the reasons why we love him so!

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Jul 11 - 10:07 AM

I think we're all transferring this to our own beloved pooches as well, hoping this day doesn't come too soon for our goofier and loving household members. Pass the tissues, Jacqui!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: GUEST,Eliza
Date: 27 Jul 11 - 10:16 AM

Deepest sympathy kendall, have grieved many times over much-loved pets, they were each part of the family. Hold on to the treasured memories and the love and happiness you gave your dog. I buried Sam (cat) last year, and I thought I'd never stop crying. But now, I smile when I think of him, he was a real star, and his funny little ways give me joy as dear memories. I hope it will be the same for you. I sincerely believe we shall see our loved companions again one day.

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: Fred McCormick
Date: 27 Jul 11 - 10:46 AM

I've had four dogs before I got my present one, a retired racing greyhound called Taffy, and I've had to have two of them put down. Of the other two, one died of old age and the other chewed a piece of carpet and choked on it. She died on the vet's operating table.

Every time one of them departed, I felt as though a part of my being was wrenched from me. In truth it had been because there is no other companion on earth like a dog. They are loyal, trusting, caring, undemanding and always there. All they ask in return is to be loved and looked after properly.

So I've always reasoned that, if you didn't feel as though the world was about to collapse, when you took that final drive, then there just wouldn't be any point in having a dog.

My deepest condolences. And Taffy sends his as well.

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: kendall
Date: 27 Jul 11 - 11:50 AM

"If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog." (Harry Truman)
That applies everywhere.

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: Megan L
Date: 27 Jul 11 - 12:22 PM

You are in my thoughts

Subject: RE: BS: Our old dog Seamus
From: DebC
Date: 27 Jul 11 - 12:50 PM

We send our love.

Deb