...would you ask them what I did wrong to upset them, please?

I'm back from the veterinary clinic today, with my dogs lead - but not my dog.

15 years he sat by my side. He did nothing wrong.

Oh Contrare Keygrip, if your mate lived to be 15 then obviously you did many things right.

15 is a pretty good run in hound years, my lab made it to 13 before she left me and her mate a border collie is now 14 and he is o-l-d. As much as it breaks my heart to even think about it, i've started considering taking him to the v-e-t for a sleep too.

Sorry for your loss.

And to paraphrase Kinky Friedman:

"They say when you die and go to Heaven (or wherever) all the dogs and cats you've ever loved in your life come running to meet you. Until that day, rest in peace"

Wow. So sorry for your profound loss. Corny, but I don't think pets die. They live in your Heart forever. It is a most sharp pain, losing a companion who asks so little yet gives you it's all. Take care.

Will

I am dreading the time I will lose my friend "Bruno Cat".
He is gettting on in years, estimate 17+
He adopted us nearly 4 years ago totally neglected.
His timing was perfect as we has just lost our previous Cat.
It has taken 3+ years to change him from the mistrusting agressive cat,
to his now perfect disposition, almost!!
I dread the day I have to say goodbye, but at least I will have the comfort knowing his last years were full of loads and loads of TLC.
I am sure you can look back on all the good times with your Dog and
feel you were able to fill his life with lots of care and TLC.
That's all we can do I feel, in response for all our beloved pets give us in return.

OPF

PS
I did make some observations about the Religious angle, but deleated
it as I feel it best suited to maybe another Future Post.

OPF. I too have a rescue cat. Very unhappy with the religion bit myself.

Humans would be ok, if it weren't for the people.

Will

Keygrip.... 15 years is a testimony to your great love and care giving. We all feel like we could've, should've, done more, but in the end, it's no different than our own departure: no one knows how or when it will happen, just that it will happen. (I should be so fortunate to have someone with me when my time comes.)

My heart goes out to you at your time of loss. We're so in love with our pets, we don't know how to fathom their inevitable leaving us. Hope you find solace in your memories.

Sorry to hear of your loss. I know the feeling of having the lead, but not the dog. :( The dish, bed, toys etc - it breaks your heart.

If it helps think of them as having gone on ahead, to meet you at the Rainbow Bridge when your time comes, as per Richo's post.

If there is a god then he/she did a good job designing the love on legs which is our dogs and letting us borrow them for a few years to remind us what is important in life. As for religion, I gave up on that as a small child when told that dogs didn't have souls!

Thoughts are with you.

Just to lighten the load a little and i may have posted this before, but when my aforementioned Lab passed away, she died in the back yard. There she was lying beside the fence to move nevermore.

I took my then 4yr old outside to show him she was gone and to say goodbye in his own way. Having only had several goldfish pass on, this was his first real passing and without even missing a beat he said "there's no way we can flush Nushie down the toilet dad, she won't fit". Did bring a much needed smile.

I am currently faced with a terrible choice regarding my German Shepherd, Samson. He is 14 and has nerve deterioration in his back that has left him unable to use his back legs, when we lift him up using a towel we can move him around and outside to do his business etc.

The vet says he has absolutely no pain, he eats well and is his normal happy self. I cannot bear the thought of having him put to sleep because it is inconvenient for us to look after him (which is not the case).

I want him to just fall asleep in his home with his family nearby and just move on in his own time, is that too much to ask?.

I am battling cancer myself at this time and know for me it is only a matter of time, I will go my way in my own home, that is what I want for my Samson.

Sory for your loss :sad:


Don't Grieve Too Long”

Don't grieve too long, for now I'm free.
I've followed the path God has set for me.
I ran to Him when I heard His Call.
I swished my tail and left it all.

I could not stay another day,
To bark, to love, to romp or play.
Games left unplanned must stay that way.
I found such peace, it made my day.

My parting has left you with a void.
Please fill it with remembered joy,
A friendship shared, your laugh, a kiss.
Oh yes, these things I too shall miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow.
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life has been full, you've given so much,
Your time, your love and gentle touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief.
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your head and share with me,
God wanted me, He set me free!

Author Unknown

I know how you feel. My cat Buster's suffering from failing kidneys. Highly intelligent, he's been with us for 11 years and survived wild dogs, foxes, an attack by a mink (very nasty) and the forest fire of 2000. Now eating less and less of his renal diet and drinking more and more water - bad news. Still goes for a walk up our mountain with me every evening, quells the feral cats with a look, still purrs, but his Time is obviously getting near.

Like everyone who loves an animal, parting must come for us. Not easy. My sympathies for you, Keygrip and Kwachon.

So sorry to hear that, Keygrip, but be happy that he/she lived to be what could be classed as the grand old age of 115 and you'll always have the memories for the rest of your life.

Keygrip, my condolences. I've still got my dog's lead. He went in similar circumstances. In 1994.

The only remedy for your grief is to find another dog. Make it a rescue dog (it helps you to know you are doing a good job).

{{{{{{{{Keygrip}}}}}}}}} <~~ big hug

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your dog... others have expressed it better.

I hope that as/when the time comes for Mr K (my 14.1/2yr old Shiba Inu) I will be able to show as much love and courage and take him to the vet for the final sleep - that, to me, is the greatest love we can show our old pets... knowing when it is time and loving them enough to let them go to the Happy Hunting Grounds :ok:

http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rbowx.gifRainbow Bridge http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rbowx.gif


Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Hi Keygrip,

I'm so sorry to hear about you losing your pet. If I was there i'd give you a big hug :(. I understand how you feel, as animals mean so much to us. I understand how you can feel angry with god for taking such a loved pet from you. We have a cat 'Maple' who's coming up to 4 now and he's so sweet, he was ill recently and the thought crossed my mind that we might lose him, it was just unbearable.

I remember having a conversation with a friend's brother once (who has belief in god) and I asked him how god could let people/animals whom we love die. I'm not sure though that I can remember what he said. I like to believe that when animals die they go to a better place than here, I hope that you can take some comfort from this.

Although it's hard and doesn't take away the pain initially, try to remember all the happy times that you both had together.

hugs, PC x

"They say when you die and go to Heaven (or wherever) all the dogs and cats you've ever loved in your life come running to meet you. Until that day, rest in peace"

Oh God, I hope so. I really really hope so!

I have only really cried twice in the last I don't know how many years. The second last time was when a much beloved cat had to be put to sleep because of a previously undiagnosed heart problem.:{

The last time was right now, reading the above posts.:{

Keygrip; Richo, Will, OPF and all the other posters, especially Radar66 said it all, far more eloquently than I.
Can't type anymore....

The last time was right now, reading the above posts.http://static.pprune.org/images/smilies/boohoo.gif

So glad I'm not the only softie here.

Shy Torque is right. Their loss is always hard to take, whatever the age, and after six mutts over the years, the only effective remedy is to get another one from the shelter/pound asap.

Slightly off-topic, but last time we were at the shelter I was surprised to see several bemused but evidently well-cared for dogs there.... turned out it was their owners who had died. I guess it's even harder on the dogs! Somehow you always think that the dogs will go first.

Just one other thing. Most shelters etc will give shots, check for parasites etc. However, ask them for a full physical too. First pup we got from the shelter was diagnosed with a serious heart murmur at his first vet visit "Don't get too attached to him!" was the vet's advice. Right too - despite our best efforts he didn't make a year. :{

"His Apologies" by Rudyard Kipling

Master, this is thy servant,
He is rising eight weeks old
He is mainly head and tummy,
His legs are uncontrolled.
But thou hast forgiven his ugliness
And settled him on thy knee
Art thou content with thy servant?
He is very comfy with thee.

Master, behold a sinner,
He hath committed a wrong
He hath defiled thy premises
Through being kept in too long
Wherefore his nose has been rubbed in the dirt
And his self respect hath been bruised
Master pardon thy sinner
And see he is properly loosed

Master again thy sinner!
This that was once thy shoe
He has found and taken and carried aside
As fitting matter to chew
Now there is neither blacking nor tongue
And the housemaid has us in tow
Master, remember thy servant is young,
And tell her to let him go!

Master, extol thy servant,
He has met a most worthy foe!
There has been fightin all over the shop
And into the shop also!
Till cruel umbrellas parted the strife
(Or I might have been choking him yet!)
But thy servant has had the time of his life
And now shall we call on the vet?

Master, behold thy servant!
Strange children came to play
And because they fought to caress him
Thy servant wentedst away
But now that the Little Beasts have gone
He has returned to see,
Brushed, with his sunday collar on
What they left over from tea

Master, pity thy servant!
He is deaf and three parts blind
He cannot catch thy commandments
He cannot read thy mind
Oh leave himnot to his loneliness
Nor make him that kitten's scorn
He has had no other God than thee
Since the year that he was born

Lord, look down on thy servant
Bad things have come to pass
There is no heat in the mid-day sun
Nor health in the wayside grass
His bones are full of an old disease
His torments run and increase
Lord, make haste with thy lightnings
And grant him a quick release

I keep Bassets who are also prone to problems with their back legs.
I have seen some fitted to skate boards!

When the dog loses interest in life and stops eating then it is, sadly, time but until then enjoy every moment you get for as long as you are able to.
regards,
PB.

I am sorry for your loss.

There is nothing like the pure love of a dog.

I submit that God gave you 15 years with your friend not that he took him away.

RIP to your friend.

I'm with brickhistory on this one. There's someone looking after us if they give us the affection and companionship of a wee furry maniac for a few years. I've shed a tear or two over the years when digging the grave for a much-loved pet, but the fun has ALWAYS, ALWAYS far outweighed the sadness when they go. Hang in there.

after the family mog died last year i took my daughter to the local shelter
and adopted a sorry looking tabby.
watching the fear, timidity and sometimes downright hostility melt away
to be replaced by normal (for a cat:eek:) behaviour, seems to be a good way
to get over the loss of a much loved pet.

Sorry for your loss, Keygrip. It's a terrible blow, isn't it? It's now quite a few years since the same thing happened to me and my family, with our pooch. We had him for 15 years also, he grew up with our kids and was so much a part of the family unit.
I sat in the car outside the vet and wept an absolute deluge when it happened to me. Feeling quite sad now on your behalf recalling it all. :(

When the dog loses interest in life and stops eating then it is, sadly, time
Absolutely . . .

In the wild the creature would become prey (maybe even to the rest of the pack).
Of course you have to eliminate any minor maladies that might be overcome (maybe even with the help of vet treatment) but if the underlying prognosis is not good, the kindness comes in releasing the soul from the ailing body (or saving further suffering for your pet). It's the least that you can do for them.

As far as 'believing' is concerned I was brought up believing (Sunday School, Church Choir etc etc). I married a non-believer (from a family of humanists) and my children have never been forced - but basically don't believe. Neither has adopted 'worship'.

Myself, I'm not sure. I don't have conclusive proof either way - just as I have no proof about extra-terrestrials - so I keep an open mind.
I expect that I'll find out when my time comes.

Gah, this thread has made me cry... :{

Condolences to Keygrip and all the many others here who have loved and lost their furry family.

My cat finally gave up the ghost two weeks ago. He was nearly 21, older than I am, and if has been very hard not having him around for the first time in my life. He was a Burmese, and therefore very vocal and permanently attached to someone's lap. The house is strangely quiet, and not being allowed to get another cat has only made it worse.

Remember them with joy.

Sympathy to you, Gypsy Air.

Just returned from the vets, looks like Buster Baggins kidneys will hold up a while longer. But not, sadly, for ever.

Saying goodby one day is all part of having a loved companion, I guess.

A word of warning! Don't under any circumstances do what I did 3 days after taking my 16 year Golden Retriever for a last visit to the vet. I'd seen the very funny previews of Marley and Me so decided to take Wife and Daughter to see it.

Whole Cinema must have thought we were a very soft family!

Sad Times

TeeS

It was the most difficult time for me when I had to take Heidi, our German Shephard to the vets for that visit. I cried, properly cried. Felt like I had just killed my best friend.

I think that it your best bet is to remember your hound for a while, and then sooner rather than later, look out for a puppy. There is only one thing that will fill that very large hole in your life, and thats a shnuffling, floppy eared, wallpaper stripper, that is all drool and needle sharp teeth.

Also see if you can get an artist to make a pencil sketch or painting of your old pal from a favorite photograph.

Sorry to hear your news.

There's a dog near us that's the spitting image of our old totally black Lab/Collie cross, who I recalled having to very sadly have put down some 15 years ago, when he was almost 16 years old. He pre-dated all my children - it was like having a son put down. :uhoh:

When I first met his "doggy double" out for a walk a few years back he took one look and ran up the road to me, tail wagging and he jumped up at me and wanted a big fuss. His owner came running up after him; she was embarrassed and very surprised to see him do that; she said he had never done that to anyone else.

From the look on my face she thought I was scared of the dog. I said not at all; I was delighted to meet him but for a moment I just thought the ghost of my old dog had returned to see me!

Saw him again today, he still bears an uncanny resemblance to my old departed dog, who I do still miss. But now I wouldn't be without our two delightful and funny (but demanding and sometimes trying) rescue dogs.

I can't see me ever buying a pedigree dog; there are so many dogs in the rescue centres who are desperate for a good home and some human kindness.

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of a dear companion, dog or cat. And to those who posted prose, thanks.

There's two fiction books that touch on what cats believe about God or an afterlife. Might be of some comfort to you. "Tail Chaser's Song" by Tad Williams. It's sort of a "Watership Down" but with cats. Another is "The Autobiography of Foudini M. Cat." Told from the cat's point of view with some good conversation with a Lab.

My elderly cat is getting a bit senile and I don't know if she's just following her servant's (me) lead or really getting on. She's about 16 years old, recent vet visit says she's in good shape physically. I so dread losing her. She's been the best cat who's owned me so far.

Dea

As several members here are from different locations (including some where the language isn't English) I wonder whether their canine (and feline) companions would be able to converse with those of others?
Is there a universal animal language?
If you keep dogs and cats do they decide on whether to speak 'woof' or 'caterwaul' - though voiced accordingly?

Keygrip. I don't like pets and only agreed to us having a dog 'on sufferance'. Damn nuisance, always needing to be taken for a walk or whatever. And I cried when she went (after 17 years). So sorry, mate.

And for As several members here are from different locations (including some where the language isn't English) I wonder whether their canine (and feline) companions would be able to converse with those of others?
Is there a universal animal language? I have read research that indicates that pets have accents similar to those of their owners. So probably not always (if it's a Geordie dog talking to a Spanish dog definitely not, except for tone of Woof).

I'm really sorry, Key. Cherish the memories, don't mourn the loss.

Very sorry to read about your sad tail.

Our little dog is fast asleep on the sofa after having added another 8 hrs to her C180 logbook visiting her "cousins" in Canada. She is the best thing that ever happened to us, and I'm sure your dog was the same for you. You are so lucky to have had those 15 years, I hope we are as fortunate. You must have lots of wonderful memories.

So sorry Keygrip.......it will get better with time.

"I have only really cried twice in the last I don't know how many years...."

Wish I could say the same.
Have been saddened by the deaths of my pets, friends' pets and now thanks to PPRuNe, the pets of those I don't even know. I can honestly say I've never met an animal that I didn't get along with. (I feel somewhat guilty for shedding more tears over losing four-legged friends than I did after the demise of some relatives.)

I will soon have to go through it with a horse I've had for 26 years.
Not looking forward to that but it's part of life. As difficult as these losses are, I do feel sorry for those who have never experienced a special friendship with an animal.

I could not imagine life without a dog. They love you unconditionally, always for give your failings, always want to keep you company, always want to play, always pleased to see you, always cheer you up when you are down, get you off the sofa and out into the fresh air and always up for a snuggle when you are feeling low.

My first ever Springer, Chloe, lived to 15 and a half. Her back legs and eyes finally gave up on her and so we did the kindest thing. Horrible experience. I currently have a 6 year old springer called Harry and a 13 month black Lab called Charlie. Fantastic lads to have around and they make life that much richer. Harry nearly died a few years back when he got a ball stuck in his throat (my stupid fault). He was 'dead' when we got to the vets but she managed to drag him back from the light at the last second. When I walked into the treatment room there he was lying on the table. I knew he was OK because, as with all springers, his tail was going 90 to the dozen and he had enough energy to lift his head and lick my face. I was crying, my wife was crying, the vet was crying and so were the two nurses. I cried even more when I got the bill.....worth every penny.
My daughters moggy died very young so we had him cremated and his remains scattered in the garden. We then planted a fern to mark the spot. She spent hours and hours making a wooden nameplate, which is there to this day.

Somewhat ironic that if I was to become terminally ill, with no quality of life, I would be tucked away in the corner of a ward and left to die of hunger and thirst. If I had done that to my dog Chloe, I would have been prosecuted. Funny old world.

There is only one thing that will fill that very large hole in your life, and thats a shnuffling, floppy eared, wallpaper stripper, that is all drool and needle sharp teeth.

see you've met one of the mods then?

Buncha sooks.










OK - Somebody pass the tissues please.:{


Very sorry Keygrip, Gypsy Air et al. BTDT

I am currently faced with a terrible choice regarding my German Shepherd, Samson. He is 14 and has nerve deterioration in his back that has left him unable to use his back legs, when we lift him up using a towel we can move him around and outside to do his business etc.


I had to put my beloved German Shepherd to sleep last summer. She made it to 12 years and 8 months.

She was diagnosed with the same condition "Degenerative Myelopathy" when she just turned 10. At that time I was told to expect her to last only 6 months at the most, but I was given a gift of another 2 years.

Her condition deteriorated in the last year so that she was dragging her hind legs. It broke my heart to see her do that and I was preparing for the day that she would not be able to move at all.

Fortunately (as I see it now) she chose her time. On her last evening, she went outside and lay on the grass, something she did not do normaly. I went and sat with her there. After a while she, went back inside and went upstairs to our bedroom so I followed her up. I could see she wasn't able to climb our bed, so she lay down on the ottoman we had for her.

She lay there so I lay there with her. After about an hour, she got up and went to the stairs. At the top of the stairs, her legs failed her so she sat there. She tried to get up but she couldn't, so we brought her down in a blanket and put her downstairs.

She just kept looking at us. I called the vet and he said that the way I described her, she wasn't in pain so that I should call him again in the morning.

We slept next to her that night on the floor and said our last goodbyes. I called the vet in the morning and he came by and put her to sleep. As best as we can figure, she started having a series of strokes from the night before and it was her time to say goodbye.

As we had her from a puppy, and she was my constant companion, there was real pain, but that will go away with time. The emptiness will always remain.

My deepest sorrow for you keygrip, from your post, I can feel your pain.

Death of a Martian by the Red Hot Chili Peppers is a good one for a lost friend.

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Nine months ago we too lost our beloved cat Max after 16years. It was very hard at first as most of you can relate to. Now something most strange yet wonderful has happened. A family in our road has three cats and for no apparent reason one of them (Oscar) has decided to leave his original family after 14 years with them and move in with us. Spookily he is absolutely lily white. He now occupies the bed and blankets of old Max. What made him leave home and walk the 100 hundred yards to us? We have never seen him before. He has been here a week and now happily sleeps on our bed. The sad thing is that his original family has not bothered to come and take him home, which perhaps says a lot about why he left. He has filled a hole, he is happy and so are we.

" Gentlemen of the jury: The best friend a man has in this world may turn against him and become his enemy. His son or daughter that he has reared with loving care may prove ungrateful. Those who are nearest and dearest to us, those whom we trust with our happiness and our good name, may become traitors to their faith. The money that a man has, he may lose. It flies away from him, perhaps when he needs it the most. A man’s reputation may be sacrificed in a moment of ill-considered action. The people who are prone to fall on their knees to do us honour when success is with us may be the first to throw the stone of malice when failure settles its cloud upon our heads. The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him and the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is his dog.

Gentlemen of the jury: A man’s dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near his master’s side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer, he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounters with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens.

If fortune drives the master forth an outcast in the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him to guard against danger, to fight against his enemies, and when the last scene of all comes, and death takes the master in its embrace and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by his graveside will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws, his eyes sad but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even to death".

Old Drum (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Graham_Vest)

If a dog loses the use of its rear legs and is in otherwise good health you should consider having a trolley made to fit. I have seen a number of these contraptions and in each case the dog had adapted to it very well and was able to enjoy a near normal life.

Sorry to hear about your loss, Keygrip. I've lost pets before and its left me in bits. My 14 year old pooch was very sick just before xmas and I was beside myself with worry. He made a steady recovery after 6 weeks and is today as bold and cheeky as ever. Loosing a much loved pet can take a lot out of you, I know. You've had 15 wonderfull years with your pooch, remember the good times. All dogs go to heaven.

Regards, CG

Originally posted in another thread but I think it's more at home here.

Some years ago we had a 14 year old cat who had been with us since a kitten. He'd been ill on and off for some time and spent periodic overnight visits in the local vet hospital.
I took him there one day and left him with the nurse.

At about five the next morning I woke up crying, inexplicably and desperately, unusual for me as I'm not given to emotional outbursts. So as not to disturb my wife I got up and went to the bathroom. When I'd recovered I slipped quietly back into bed. Before I had time to get back to sleep the phone rang. It was the duty vet calling to say the cat had just died after some sort of fit.

I can't explain it but I'd like to think it was the old beggar waking me up in the middle of the night one last time.

Jeez, Keygrip, what a bastard.

I know how you feel. A month or two ago we had our oldest dog euthanised. She was 17, as best anyone could tell (all our pets are strays/foundlings so prior history is unknown). For two years she'd been declining, eventually being confined to our bathroom to make cleaning her & her incontinence mess easier. Eventually she wouldn't or couldn't leave her bed unless we assisted, even for food - and food was always the obsession of her life, spending her time sleeping.

Our vet had been saying since the end of last year that her time was near. He wouldn't even do any procedure that required a general, fearing it would kill her. Even boarding her with the vet had him worried she'd pop off while we were away.

Finally over a short period she couldn't get comfortable enough to sleep and would sit with her head down for extended periods. I always said I wouldn't have her put to sleep no matter how inconvenient her care could be, but I would never let her suffer. So, needle and tears later, she feels no pain.

The house felt quite empty when we got home, even with our other two dogs, a young cat and a toddler running rampant.

The last dog I ever had was Blackie. A small mongrel of a dog, courageous and faithfull in accompanying his newly-found 10 year old master in all his endeavours. I remember having to throw stones at him to stop him from following me into town when for the very first time I was allowed to go to the local cinema alone. Another time, the family went on holiday for 10 days? Dad said it'd be OK if the ayah boiled up a lot of bones, Blackie would bury what he couldn't immediately eat and that would see him through until we got back. Well, we got back, and he was still alive if a lot thinner. A couple of years later when I was about 12, I heard that the school I attended had decided to 'rid the estate of dangerous strays'. I was hardly worried. Blackie wore a collar, was well-known by everyone at school. But when Blackie did not show up for his evening meal that day, I was worried. The next day, I scoured all 20 acres of the estate fearing the worst. I never found Blackie. But I now know who shot him. An ex. IAF major, respnsible for the school kitchen, I went to school with his children. He lost his wife unexpectedly at an early age due to cancer about 20 years later. I considered finally that we were quits. As a 10/11 year old, I sometimes attracted her wrath when I wandered about with my Xmas gift of a .22 air-rifle. "'Stop shooting the birds" she'd shout, as if I was doing something wrong?! We had 3 months winter holidays every year. If I wasn't encouraging dog-fights, I was probably out 'bird-hunting'. I'll admit that I probably managed to feed the little kitten whose name I cannot recall perhaps 4 or 5 times over 3 years with my bird-kill. :rolleyes:

But Blackie would easily (in my estimation) be worth:

1) A dozen Tony Blairs
2) A 1/2 dozen Gordon Browns
3) A couple of HM Queens
4) 4 score of GWBs
5) 1/2 miilion starving / sick Africans for each year of absence commencing 1973

Shocking, innit...?! But probably true for 95% of us. We respect the animals close to us far more than other human-beings (who're all invariably trying to deceive or take adavantage of us in some way, like the government).

PS. We'll know when a truly global catastrophe (H5N1 / economic or otherwise) hits us because that's when the government will announce that all household pets also have to be immediately terminated due to the (health) concerns. In the same way as whole herds of cattle, turkeys, chickens, pigs etc. have been exterminated in the past few years.

I think every household should keep a few 'tame' rats in their garden, a few moles or whatever. Just to ensure that 'they' don't have the last laugh...?!

What does Blackie think about it all though? I'll go along with whatever he sings (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDL9rS2p_wA) though.

Sorry to hear of your loss Keygrip. Sad though it is all is not gloomy.

We lost our Lab cross after 13 years in January. We were and still are heartbroken. We were never going to have another dog and go through the heartache again.

However, a month ago we took on a new addition, an 18 month old black Lab from the Blue Cross. She is a joy and whilst we still miss our old girl every day we now have a new light and a challenge for the future.

It's hard but stay positive. The future is four legged.

Me and You and a dog named Boo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fgGNZYR5QM) Just dreaming there of a simple existence, wandezring about the planet with a woman you love, a dog you love and why not a stray cat or 2...?!

I have been asking the same question Keygrip.

In the past 2 years,I have lost 4 dogs and 3 cats yet nothing hits as hard as losing a healthy young dog.

All my beasts were giving a fighting chance over and over to see them to an old ripe ages but my 15 months old Kangal pup ate his meal at 5 PM, I found him on his side by 11PM on a rainy Saturday night and he was dead by Monday afternoon. All his tests taken at the vet's hospital continued to arrive for couple of months clearing him for any illnesses.

It's been 8 months, I still cannot bring myself to look at his pictures.

I wish I can give you comforting words such as,time will heal your pain or get another pup to ease your heartache,that will be a big fat lie. You never forget them, at certain times you may find yourself drowning in so much sorrow you cannot see straight.

My thoughts are with you.

Sad news, I was distraught at loosing my pet last year and his was only a budgie

It's not an easy day - but I had to come back and say "Thank you" to all for your words and your thoughts.

"Muttley" came back to us today - but in the form of cremated dust in a small wooden box, which itself was wrapped in a red velvet bag with gold embroidered letters saying "Till we meet again at the Rainbow Bridge".

It's been a horrendous week. No sleep. No appetite to eat. No music in the house.

Waking every morning, looking at the floor at my bedside to see Muttley - but not seeing him. Then the realisation that what woke me was the sound of my wife crying out loud. She had no Muttley to go out with her to feed the birds and the squirrels. No dog to wander around the garden with her to pick up the empty bowls from last nights wild raccoon and possum feeding.

At least he is back with us, in spirit, to be in our bedroom when we awaken.

We know we did the *right thing*. Muttley had been diagnosed with kidney failure back in January - and he was doing OK, but then suddenly crashed over a period of 24 hours. We had been hoping, for some time, that he would follow the example of one of our cats "Sputnik" and drop off to sleep on his own, never to wake up. We knew she was going - that didn't hurt as much.

We have been lifting him up and helping him to the back garden many times a day, as his back legs completely gave up recently. He was unable to stand. He was happy, he didn't hurt.

Then his kidneys suddenly gave in. He couldn't eat, he couldn't drink. Anything he did manage to get down his throat came back up within minutes.

We had to make that call to the vet. Muttley was suddenly in physical pain, too. He was yelping at us as he lay on the carpet, unable to move.

I carried him to the car, carried him to the surgery, held his paw as the vet slid the needle into his back leg. Then hugged him tight, as he tensed, "grunted" twice and let out two very deep breaths before laying motiionless on the steel table. He didn't even close his eyes to settle into that eternal sleep. He froze solid with his eyes wide open. A sight I will never forget as long as I have to suffer through this miserable :mad: life.

Of course all this will pale into insignificance for many of you with the current news of the Air France and many will be thinking of "get your priorities right" - but I just wanted to come back and say "Thanks" to all who cared enough to comment - especially all those who sent me a PM.

All his toys have been donated. All his beds have been donated. We are now down to three cats - Cosmic, Saturn and Orbit - one remaining wabbit, two guinea pigs and four birdies.

Give it time and get another? No, not this time. If the next guy would last 15 years too - he would outlive us. That would be really unfair to him.

Thanks again folks - and I *do* care about Air France - but it hurts like hell.

Belated condolences.

Keygrip, we too lost ours a few months ago. One thing learnt was that canines die with their eyes open.

today i am faced with a heart breaking decission.

my beloved cat who has been with us since she was 4 weeks old and i was 9 has been at the vets for about a week now with kidney problems. ive recieved a call from them today saying she has not improved much and there is little hope for any more improvment. my options are to carry on with the drip medication or put her to sleep.

it was heartbreaking going to the vets yesterday to visit her, before we knew the blood reasults today, and for the first time ever she never calmed down with my mother or me by her side.

she has given us so much love and so many happy memories, the purest form of love anyone can ever experiance and i cant bring myself to making a decission to end her life. 15 years of being part of our family and i alwase prayed that when it was her time to go, she would do so peacefully at home where she is comfurtable.

i dont know what to do and cant face the fact that she is leaving us.

Sounds obvious - she is no longer the fit and well creature that she was - and doesn't seem likely to be able to be in the future.
If she was 'in the wild' there would be nothing to keep her alive and she would have passed-away naturally.
The actions of the vets is interfering with nature (which could be justified if the prognosis was good, but it isn't - they have told you so).
It's time to let her go . . .

Do the right thing and give her dignity (and release).

Key Grip
My mate Boo was endex a couple of years ago; it hurt but the fine people on here helped me as they are helping you.

After two weeks we went to a rescue centre and found a bundle of totally untrained loony six-month Labrador. It took six months and the overnight covert destruction of a three-piece suite (living Japanese style is just fine BTW) to get him sort of sorted.

He needed us but not as much as we needed him. Give it a couple of days and see what you think. Plenty dogs out there need you.

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep
Then you must do what must be done
For this, the last battle, can’t be won.

You will be sad – I understand
Don’t let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day, more then all the rest,
Your love and friendship, stand the test.

We’ve had so many happy years
What is to come can hold no fears.
You’d not want to suffer so,
When the time comes, please let me go.

Give it time and get another? No, not this time. If the next guy would last 15 years too - he would outlive us. That would be really unfair to him.
Whilst I respect your decision, there are many mature dogs that can be found in 'rescue' centres - most already 'trained' (though some with issues) that could benefit from your experience.

... and i don't know how to cope with it. I'm not asking for Agony Aunt's advice; i guess i'm just trying to find a way to stop crying.

Jack and Charlie are brothers from same litter. Just over 1 year old.
My Jack got ran over 2 nights ago and killed. Having had them chipped when they were wee kittens, the Vet scanned him and up comes our name, phone number and address on the screen.
Someone found Jack on the road and took him to the Vets. I do not know who that person was, or maybe it was the same person who ran him over.

I see that many of you lost a beloved pet. What hurts me the most is that he was only 1yo.
I know we did our best to give him a happy life; and so he had all the love in the world, he was spoiled rotten and we adored the ground his paws walked on.

Although Mr ATS has been of such great support and he is very sad too, I can't seem to stop crying. All i think about is my little Jack. And Charlie, his brother, looks lost, sleeps where Jack liked to sleep and he is lonely.
I just wish this pain would go away. Not having children, they are like our babies. And i can't believe my baby died. But what i feel is, a part of me died with him.

Funny how one can get so attached to a little creature. It becomes your child, part of your family, part of your life as you know it.

Now my life as i knew it with Jack in it is pretty much screwed and i'll be damned if i know what to do next.

Look after Charlie and play with him to distract him, he needs you now more than ever.

As a kid in the Ireland, I had a dog. We were the greatest of friends. We would go shooting and fishing together, I would cycle miles with him following and his tongue hanging out as we raced and I laughed.

One day, outside the farmhouse, he was hit by one of the three cars that passed by each day.

I heard the hit and raced out of the house. My childhood pal was clearly broken: back and legs. He looked into my eyes in appeal. I ran back to the house, got the .22 and, looking into his eyes, put him out of his misery as any loyal friend should do. I was, I think, 13.

From that day I have never let an animal get that close to me.

A while ago I attended the funeral of an old lady.
The vicar talked about the meaning of 'heaven' and suggested that it manifested itself through the memories that those that survive retain of the departed. The stronger (and more frequent) those memories were exercised, the greater is the manifestation of 'heaven'.

As a scientist (brought up as a Christian though increasingly uncertain) I accept this definition.
I still have active memories of my Grandfather who died when I was aged seven, and, at least to me, he lives on - at least in my mind.
Likewise I have wonderful memories of my Bassethound, Dinah.

Reading the Rainbow Bridge (http://www.pprune.org/4952454-post15.html) (again) it brings tears to my eyes, so don't be ashamed, Abusing_the_sky - it was more than forty years ago when I said goodbye to Dinah as she lay in the back garden waiting for the vet to call and release her from her Earthly life and its encumbrances. I still approach Bassets (and mainly receive a welcome as affectionate as she would give me).

There have been dogs in my life since Dinah (and there were dogs before), but she retains a special place in my emotions. I expect I will find out whether the Rainbow Bridge exists when my time comes . . .

Meanwhile, Abusing_the_sky, make the most of your memories of your Jack, give way to your grief, and, in time you, too, will discover whether your reminiscences keep him 'alive' - at least in your mind. That's what 'heaven' is about I believe.


.

As you may imagine, I have perhaps more experience than many of other people's bereavement. Frequently, this is in a family that I know only superficially, if at all. So I set myself two tasks - setting aside the 'religion' bit for a moment: help 'em to laugh; help 'em to cry. (Frequently this happens simultaneously.)

The last thing we should do is shuffle our emotions under the carpet. They only come back to bite us later. Been there, done that, too. For me that meant 6 months on prozac and taught me a lesson.

So, sincere sympathy, a_t_s; get through it as best you can, and do believe that the good memories will stay, too.

Jim.

Lars. We all of us (including pets) have a time to live and dance. We also have a time to return to the Spirit from whence we came. After a flash of real days and years, we rejoin for eternity.

Please don't let your profound human love for a pet to languish, we are all one.

bear

But what i feel is, a part of me died with him.

That's because it did.

He was part of your life and now that has been taken from you.

No words will ever relieve your pain but you need to dig deep and believe that the one year he existed was the best one year he could have enjoyed with anyone.

My blokey and I raised the runt of a litter (whose mother was killed when they were just about two weeks old)......we took him to the vets and the man in the white coat took out his needle and shook his head........we said "no", took the poor little guy home, put stuff in his eyes to cure his conjunctivitis, put stuff in his ears to cure his ear mites, fleaed him, shoved stuff down his throat to cure his worms, hand fed him every four hours with a milky-Weetabix mix.....as he got stronger, we pumped him full of cat vitamins......he lived until he was eleven.

Our vet wanted to volunteer us for some publicity thing to do with a national trade magazine and what can be achieved if you're prepared to commit yourselves to a pet. We refused, that little guy was part of our family, why would we want recognition, you look after your own?

They're part of you and when they go, part of you goes with them.

You did the best for him, one year or eleven years.

Treasure the memories.

Time won't fade the memories but it will heal the hurt.

As Jim said (we come from the same place).

Life and death are very close together. One always leads to the other.

Something I often say during funeral visits is "I give you permission to cry". Folks try to be brave when their hearts are aching if not breaking. The stiff upper lip is totally inappropriate. Let it out. Shout at God if you like - he's big enough to take it.

Hey Keygrip, it's 'orrible, and I'm sorry.

I know it's not much help, but it sounds like your Mutt had a pretty good life:)

Brave decision mate, but not easy.

My dog had its shots at 12 month old and that was its only visit in 17 years. i made 3 dry runs knowing that day was coming for the poor soul. it was without doubt one of the top 5 worst days of my life.i always think back to my freind who died a couple of years ago suffering with cancer when he said if i was a dog you wouldnt let me suffer like this.

All dogs go to heaven, keygrip.

I will never ever own a dog again ever. Even just thinking about it makes me choke up.

I had to leave my Lab when I went to live abroad which totally cracked me up and years later had to put down my wife's Dachs which suffered the usual back problems which was just as gut wrenching.

Nope, not again

Abusing The Sky.
I was so sad to read about your loss of a much loved pet.
My Granddaughter's rabbit died a couple of weeks ago and I
still find myself going to the garage sometimes to let the rabbit
out into the garden. It's awful, but I suppose the memory will
fade eventually.
It didn't help coming on top of the recent loss of my Mum.
Sometimes things conspire against you.

Keygrip and Abusing_the_sky,

I feel your loss. I too have experienced the loss of a pet on many occasions. Firstly with cats starting when i was about 10. Later on I had two of the most lovable dogs in the world, both killed by cars. I still blame myself to this day, thinking I should have done something differently. Maybe I should have called Billy sooner or made sure the Gate was closed before Joey ran out?.

I still think about both of them to this day. Billy died 11 years ago and Joey 7. When I remember them I still well up and cry sometimes. I feel guilty because I don't cry about my 2 grandfathers I have lost since.

I don't think time heals any hurt, It just makes it hurt less often.

Right now I have a Lab and a King Charles at home who I haven't seen in over 4 months since I moved to Munich. I'm flying home next week and I'm looking forward to seeing them more than my family. I dread the day the phone will ring here to say Alfie or Ojo have died :(

MWR: the guilt thing really isn't needed. My cat died 3 weeks after my father and I think I was a worse mess for the cat. Partly, of course, because I was already grieving for my father, but also because we invest so much in pets, and know that they rely on us so much. My father had a fairly peaceful death, heavily sedated and awash with morphine. My cat was put to sleep after a series of epileptic fits which left him frightened, bruised and sometimes cold and wet with his own urine. We'd tried barbiturates for the fits, but it left him a totally different cat, lethargic and miserable.

When the next cat was put to sleep (cancer), I swore "never again", but was (as I've related elsewhere on JB) conned by wife and #2 daughter into another mog. Now, of course, I wouldn't be without the insane little bugga, but I know that in a day or a year or 15 years, I'll be a gibbering wreck again unless I go first.

My sincere condolences to keygrip, and to all in this thread who have lost a pet.

I lost my beloved cat, Timmy, last year to cancer.
I suppose he had had a good run, just shy of 17 years. Even so, it doesn't make his loss any easier to bear.
For six months we had been taking him to the v-e-t, and each time we were told that he was in no pain, but we should prepare ourselves for the worst, and consider euthanising him "very soon".
Timmy saved me having to make that decision.
One night, I woke suddenly. I went downstairs, and Timmy was in his basket, awake. I sat beside him, and stroked him.
He went back to sleep, and died a few minutes later.

That was in February.

In November the same year, we lost Freddie, our youngest in a RTA.
Someone was kind enough to pick him up, and take his body to the vet's.
He is buried next to Timmy in the garden.

I just visited a village in another country. Everyone has dogs primarily, it would seem, for their utility as security guards.

Although they do seem to like them as companions, they don't gush tears when they die, and just get another dog.

One household got some cats, but decided that they were useless and too stinky, so they killed them.

Different perspectives in different cultures, I guess.

ps. Why can't the England team have a dog? Because they can't hold on to a lead.

This poem tends to bring many tears yet oddly enough,some comfort to me.



Lend Me a Pupppy


I will lend to you for awhile,
A puppy, God said,
For you to love him while he lives,
And mourn for him when he's dead.


Maybe for twelve or fourteen years,
Or maybe two or three,
But will you, 'till I call him back,
Take care of him for me?


He'll bring his charms to gladden you,
And (should his stay be brief),
You'll always have his memories,
As solace for your grief.


I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught below,
I want this pupppy to learn.


I've looked the whole world over,
In search of teachers true,
And from the folk that crowd's life's land,
I have chosen you.


Now will you give him all your love,
Nor think the labour vain,
Nor hate me when I come,
To take my Pupppy back again.


I fancied that I heard them say,
"Dear Lord Thy Will be Done,"
For all the joys this Puppy will bring,
The risk of grief we'll run.


We'll shelter him with tenderness,
We'll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we've known,
Forever grateful stay.


But should you call him back
Much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
And try to understand.


If, by our love, we've managed,
Your wishes to achieve,
In memory of him we loved,
To help us while we grieve,


When our faithful bundle
Departs this world of strife,
We'll have yet another Puppy
And love him all his life.

Enough of this rubbish please.

Animals don't have religion(s), which explains why they only kill in order to eat.

Question. What has caused the most deaths human v human within the human race?

Answer. RELIGION

Ask any citizen of the USA and think 2001!

Allah uh Akbar.

explains why they only kill in order to eat.
I question that.

Dogs will kill rats and may not eat them, whilst dominant male lions (and maybe other species) will kill the offspring of subordinate males I believe . . .