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BS: Damn animals...
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Subject: BS: Damn animals... From: Amergin Date: 19 Feb 11 - 01:37 AM 12 years ago, I met a lovely basset hound named Phoebe. She was psychology scarred by the abuse and starvation she suffered through the first several months of her life. She was a rescue from the local kennel. Still my heart breaks, when I think of how bony she was, when I bathed her over and over again, to get the kennel stench off her body. Her experiences made her believe that she would have to eat everything. There have been times we left a full bag of dog food on the table...and come home to find her belly bulging...and a big hole in the almost empty bag. She was always the happiest when it came to eating, either her regular food, or the nightly treats she would get. she would jump up, in an intricate dance, her toenails striking the hard wood floors in exclamation of her joy. You would throw a handful of dog food on the floor, watching the little pebbles of canine delight scatter, then she would run after them eating them up, following the trail, in a scene reminiscent of a Pacman game. I almost lost her last spring and summer, she had bad diarrhea, and wouldn't eat. However, once we finally figured out she had whip worms, I was able to get her treated, and she returned to normal, and things were good. Today, the cheeky little bugger broke my heart, as I was forced to hold her, while the injection carried her spirit away. The last month and a half or so, she has been vomiting. I thought it may be the worms again, and got more medicine for her, and in the three weeks since the medication, no puking...however, her appetite grew less and less..., last night she ate, but could not keep it down at all...and today did not eat at all, save for a cheeseburger, which I gave her prior to the vet visit, just in case. The vet found a mass in her abdomen. He said it could either be a blockage (but he doubted that as there was no fever), or it could be a tumour. Either way it would cost thousands of dollars to check, and to treat, which I don't have...but he said it wouldn't make a difference for her anyway. She was not going to recover in his opinion, so I gave the ok...and at approximately 1600 Pacific time, she went to sleep in my arms, and I kissed her furry nose farewell, and then abandon her body, as I have no place to bury her. Good night, Phoebe. I love you. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: Janie Date: 19 Feb 11 - 01:40 AM {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Amergin}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: Ebbie Date: 19 Feb 11 - 02:55 AM Oh, God. It is so hard. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: GUEST,Eliza Date: 19 Feb 11 - 08:54 AM Amergin, I am so very sorry, and will remember you in my prayers. I too have lost several pets over the years, and the grief is terrible. Please think as much as possible of the happy life Phoebe spent with you, and the unconditional love you gave her. How lucky she was to have found you. God bless you. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 19 Feb 11 - 09:17 AM commiserations & hugs |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: Maryrrf Date: 19 Feb 11 - 09:37 AM Deepest sympathy - having had to do this, it is one of the most difficult things to bear, even knowing that it is inevitable and that it is the best thing for your animal companion. They fill a special place in our hearts. (My old hound dog, Missie, played the "Pacman" game as well - with popcorn, her absolute all time favorite). It sounds like she had a wonderful life with you. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: Stilly River Sage Date: 19 Feb 11 - 10:28 AM My condolences, and though it might seem difficult right now, congratulations to your vet. The prospect of surgery for your pooch would have reduced her quality of life; to deal with that after being ill, the prolonging of her life would not have been a humane option, even if it might have spared your heart a little. I think you would have found that you were already mourning her potential loss, during the surgical phase and in the face of her increasing discomfort. You made the right choice, for both of you, as difficult as it was. SRS |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: Fred McCormick Date: 19 Feb 11 - 10:32 AM Short of losing a close relative, I don't know of anything more heartbreaking than having your dog put down. I've had to do it twice and the wrench was awful. Just try and remember the good times. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: gnu Date: 19 Feb 11 - 11:12 AM Sniff..... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: Bill D Date: 19 Feb 11 - 11:34 AM so... she & you gave each other 12 years of joy & companionship. Not bad, even when there is no easy way to say goodbye. I'm sorry for your loss, but glad you had each other. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: Deckman Date: 19 Feb 11 - 12:55 PM I've often taken comfort with Robinson Jeffer;s poem: "The House Dog's Grave" . |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: fat B****rd Date: 19 Feb 11 - 01:01 PM I am right with you there, Amergin. I have missed people less than our old Border Collie. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: GUEST,Eliza Date: 19 Feb 11 - 01:50 PM Deckman, have just read the poem, which I'd never seen before. Found it very moving yet comforting. Will print it and keep it in my folder. Thank you. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: Deckman Date: 19 Feb 11 - 02:40 PM I tried, and failed, to post it to this thread. |
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Subject: ADD: The House Dog's Grave (Robinson Jeffers)-poem From: Joe Offer Date: 19 Feb 11 - 02:55 PM I found "The House Dog's Grave" here (click): The House Dog's Grave (Haig, an English bulldog)I've changed my ways a little; I cannot now |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: Mrrzy Date: 19 Feb 11 - 04:41 PM I grew up with basset hounds. What great dogs! And Pheobe is a great name for a basset. There is currently an Eloise in the family... sigh... poor you. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: Deckman Date: 19 Feb 11 - 04:45 PM Thanks Joe |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: Dave MacKenzie Date: 19 Feb 11 - 06:23 PM Hey gnu! How come you knew the name of the cat I had put down just before Christmas! Blind and she hated being in the house. I kept expecting to find her spattered in the middle of road, especially as she'd lost her sense of direction. You never realise how much you'll miss them. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: Dorothy Parshall Date: 19 Feb 11 - 10:26 PM There is no greater love than to let the creature you love leave in peace when the time is right, with you there showing your love. I would have to stop and count the number of times, for my own and those of others who could not be there. Doing the right thing is not always easy, but not doing the right thing is harder - for always. After ten or so years the pain is less but we always miss the wonderful creatures who enrich our lives for the time we are given with them. You too will heal. Remember the love and let it fill you with joy. How fortunate you were to experience that love. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: The Fooles Troupe Date: 19 Feb 11 - 11:05 PM Last week I went out and found that the little black chook who had such a strong personality and survived several dog maulings had jumped up in her usual manner on top of a heavy garden shredder and overbalanced, pulling it down on top of her. It was quick. I never liked chooks as a kid, but this one was different, she had imprinted on a dog which thought it was human. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: LilyFestre Date: 19 Feb 11 - 11:09 PM (((((((((((((((((Love & Hugs))))))))))))))))) It's one of THE hardest things in the world to do...saying goodbye. Michelle |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: open mike Date: 19 Feb 11 - 11:30 PM hugs for you...treasure the memories... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: eddie1 Date: 19 Feb 11 - 11:50 PM Hi Amergin My heartfelt condolences having just gone through the same with our elderly cat. A week later we are still hurting. These guys play such a huge part in our daily lives and then leave such an empty hole. Let that hole be filled with happy memories of the love and companionship you were allowed to share together over the years. Eddie |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: Smokey. Date: 20 Feb 11 - 06:00 PM My ancient cat died while we waited for the vet this afternoon, so I know just how you feel. Tonight will be the first catless night of my entire life. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: BrooklynJay Date: 20 Feb 11 - 07:00 PM I truly grieve with you. I've been there - had to do the same thing with my dear cat Tiger in 2004 and I still miss him every day. His brother Bubba is still with me (he'll be twenty in June) and I dread the day that I may have to do the same thing with him. The love we get from (and give to) our critters can never be adequately put into words. But, as others have said, try and find some comfort in the good years you had together. Jay |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: catspaw49 Date: 21 Feb 11 - 01:17 AM Aw damn Gin........I am so sorry. I wish I had some magic words but there are none. When we put Sissy down last August, I held her muzzle in my hand and looked into her eyes as that wonderful spirit left her. Now one of my sustaining memories is that the last thing she saw or smelled with that Weimaraner nose was me. I share you pain today and look forward to the time we can both enjoy the great memories of wonderful dogs. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: J-boy Date: 22 Feb 11 - 12:38 AM I'm so sorry Amergin. It's been four years since we did the same for our beloved Clancy-dog. We still miss him everyday but we did find another rescue dog who goes by the moniker of Bandit. He's a little bastard but we love him regardless. Rescue dogs are the best. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: Amergin Date: 22 Feb 11 - 04:24 AM Thank you, everyone....this wonderful place is always a good source of comfort...when she passed, her eyes remained slightly opened...as they would when she slept.... I miss her dancing when it was time to eat...she would jump up, big smile on her face, and twirl around in a circle. or the cheeky grin she would get as if she was getting away with a crime, when she would pick up a paper dish with some scraps of canned catfood, and carry it outside...or the time when she got too fat...I threw some goodies on the floor and she did her pacman bit...but scooted herself along, butt never leaving the ground...or when you had a treat in your hand...and she suddenly jumped up to grab it from your fingers...and sometimes carrying a bit of skin with her as well...very reminiscent of a shark flying from the sea....and most funny, yet irritating, was her habit of sniffing every blade of grass, every flower, every leave, every pebble, while we went on our walkies...I miss her very much, and making the decision to send her soul home was hard...the second time I have had to make it...and while I am grateful for the love, the companionship, the joy...it is not a decision I will ever make again. I can't do it. I love these buggers too damn much...and so while my life may be emptier without them, I will in the lonbg run save myself this pain. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: GUEST,Guest Date: 22 Feb 11 - 09:17 AM We lost a collie to and only lasted 2-1/2 months before we got two more from a rescue. My OH said walking is just not the same without a dog. They just dont live as long as us. And, thanks for saying she smiled, my collie smiles though I seem to be the only one who can see it ! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: SINSULL Date: 22 Feb 11 - 09:34 AM So sorry, Amergin. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: olddude Date: 22 Feb 11 - 09:35 AM My deepest and sincere condolence to you and your family my dear friend. Nothing hurts so much .. nothing. Every time it happened to me it broke my heart. I have an old wiener dog that is so old he can barely get around anymore. I know very soon I will be facing the same thing and I will have a major meltdown. My dog goes everywhere with me even to work and the store ... Nothing hurts more 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. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures. Lord we bring you our grief in the loss of dog and ask for courage to bear it. We bring you our thanks for our friend who lived among us and gave us freely of his love. We commit our friend and companion into your loving hands. Give us the eyes to see how your love embraces all creatures and how every living thing speaks to us of your love - forever. Amen. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: katlaughing Date: 22 Feb 11 - 11:50 AM My condolences, Nathan. We loss our Merlee last Fall. They steal our hearts and stay forever. luvyakat |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: VirginiaTam Date: 22 Feb 11 - 02:11 PM Well I am weeping. Phoebe is in no pain now and you have just demonstrated that you have lovely memories of her to carry your through the loss. You both were very fortunate to have found each other. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: Genie Date: 22 Feb 11 - 05:45 PM Thanks so much for sharing that poem, Joe. My heartfelt empathy and condolences to you on the loss of such a dear friend, Nathan. Been there, done that. It's always heart-rending. It never keeps me from falling in love with another furry or feathered friend, but a new love doesn't really take the place of one you've had to say goodbye to. Genie |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: GUEST,Patsy Date: 23 Feb 11 - 07:02 AM Sorry to hear about that. It is heart rending and sad I know, I was so lucky with my two cats and then my dog, together they were a wonderful team. Alas they are all gone now and I will always have great memories of them each one trying to get as close to me as possible at the same time, I would give anything to have them back like it was. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: LadyJean Date: 23 Feb 11 - 09:24 PM My current family of cats are young and in good shape. I dread the day when they aren't. Sympathy all over. She sounds like she was a real sweetheart. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: jacqui.c Date: 24 Feb 11 - 07:23 AM Just found this thread. So sorry Nathan - that's a hard thing to go through, even when you can tell yourself how good a life Phoebe had with you. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: Seayaker Date: 24 Feb 11 - 05:42 PM Sorry to hear of your loss Amergin My 13 year old collie had been a bit "off" since being on heat a few weeks ago and last monday she really got sick and I thought I'd loose her. After a couple of vet visits and some antibiotics she seems to be improving but it really makes you realise how much you rely on them. I'm dreading the time when it comes but it's the price you pay. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: J-boy Date: 25 Feb 11 - 02:10 AM I know the pain all too well Amergin. But it's worth it. A dog is out there waiting for you. No dog will ever replace Phoebe but when we lose a loved one the best thing we can do is take that love and carry it along. Share it. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: GUEST,Patsy Date: 25 Feb 11 - 06:22 AM It is worth it. When all the horrible things are happening 'out there' your pet never changes the way it feels about you which is the wonderful thing of having a dog or a cat. It hurts, then all the good memories come back. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Damn animals... From: GUEST,Eliza Date: 25 Feb 11 - 02:58 PM Some years ago I had to have my old cat 'Sam' put to sleep. He had a bad heart and could hardly walk. The Vet said it was for the best. My husband buried him in our garden, down near the field where he always roamed. I thought my heart would break. Now we've moved house, and I'm so sad that he lies there alone and not here with us in the garden of this new house. I only hope his spirit is at peace. He was my 'best' cat ever. I still can't quite look at photos of him without welling up. But I did my best for him. The Vet. practice sent a condolence card later, it had a picture of a Siamese cat and the words 'I loved you so, 'twas heaven here with you, but the call came and I could not stay.' It did comfort me, but a lost loved one can never be forgotten, whether it's a pet or a person. Does anyone believe that we meet our loved animals again in the 'next world'? Hope so! |
