Another Loss for Us....

[whirlcool]

This afternoon we had to say goodbye for the final time to our Dalmatian, Kelley. Over the past two years she has been battling old age wasting. She finally got to the point where it was very difficult for her to get around without falling and she also was getting quite nasty due to the frustration she had. She also had lost a lot of weight as well as having dementia set in. It was at the point where we didn't know if she would bite us if we tried to pet her or not.
Strangely enough, today was one of her good days. She actually ran across the yard like she used to years ago. She was walking nice and even and was very lovable. She even wanted us to pet her. At the vets office she kept trying to jump up to sit in my lap, something she hadn't done in years.
So I picked her up and held her for about 10 minutes while Karen and I spoke to her and told her what a good dog she had been. Then the vet gave her the shot and she just closed her eyes and went to sleep very peacefully.
This past weekend we gave her a bunch of her favorite foods and rawhide chews. She couldn't have had it any better. This closes the chapter in our lives as Kelley was the last of many Dalmatians we have owned for the past 30 years. We now have Labs.
This photo of Kelley was taken just minutes before we took her to the vet for the final time.
We are having her cremated and will put her in the park in our subdivision where she always loved to go and play ball and frisbee. It was her favorite thing to do.

 

[goatfarmer]

So sorry for your loss. Beautiful dog.

I have the ashes of one of our dogs, and one of our cats, on a shelf in the garage. they spent many days there, so it's fitting that's where they rest today.

 

[mrsalvo]

I am so sorry for your loss. She is very beautiful.

 

[andrewinorlando]

 

[whirlcool]

I forgot to mention that Kelley was about 16 years old, our vet said she was the oldest Dalmatian she had ever seen.

 

[maytagbear]

So very sorry,

Allen.

She was a wonderful spirit, in a dog outfit.

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Allen, I am truly sorry for your loss. Having been raised around all sorts of animals my whole life, I can understand how a loss such as yours can hit hard. I'm glad you both stayed with her till she took her trip to that big grassy meadow upstairs. I KNOW that was difficult but I am sure she was comforted by it. Best wishes...

RCD

 

[jetcone]

It is so hard but yet such a loving thing to do

I learned the hard way last March. I thought I could never do this and found out I could and did and now see it as the most humane thing to do.
All they want to do is please and be with you their whole life.

Kelley looked like a sweetie. I read Marley & Me for book club and now they are making the movie. I wonder if they will take you to the end. Gawd!

My Al missed being the oldest bull terrier in history by 3 months. I didn't even know we were that close when I had to let him go.
He was very active that last morning too but the day before was bad.

It's almost like they know relief is coming and they can then say good bye with a big release of good will, don't cha think?

I had the overwhelming sense that the minute Al was gone he was so happy to be free of the pain of his body. It felt so real to me, maybe I was imaging but I don't feel I was.

They are such bright spots in our lives.

 

[gadgetgary]

So sorry for your loss

May Kelly rest in peace knowing you gave her a great life.

Pets enrich our lives so much, and ask so little in return.

I am sure Kelly is looking down at you smiling and saying

'Thank you'!

 

[toggleswitch2]

Ditto the above sentiments.

 

[whirlcool]

Jon:

You are so right, for Kelley this past weekend was particularly hard on her. I definitely had the sense that she was no longer enjoying life. Yet today she had excellent mobility. The vet said this is the best time for them to go as that is how you will remember them best. The only thing I regret is that she didn't want to go in the car for a last run around the park, her favorite place. I think she just wasn't up to it anymore.

 

[tlee618]

Allen, I am very sorry for your loss. It is never easy to let go! Just know that you did the kindest thing for her. Terry

 

[sdlee]

so sorry to hear,

we had a lot of dogs over the years but three main ones that spent thier lives with us, they were very specail. I always feel they are with me, the others, I think they are there too but in the background.

Imagine the gates opening at the puerest spirits as they depart here for a future meeting with us there. Just like the people you knew they will be there too.

 

[peteski50]

Another Loss

Hi Allan,
I am very sorry to hear about Kelley. I love animals also.
Peter

 

[jons1077]

So sorry...

Kelley is a beautiful animal. I'm so thankful to hear animals like her are in such good hands and treated so well. Thank you for helping her gently go to a better place. Animal lovers hold such a special place in my heart and the animals recognize it too. You must be so loved by so many.

My heart goes out to you and your beloved Kelley.

Jon

 

[frigilux]

Sorry for your loss, Allen. Kelley looks like a sweetheart of a dog. It's always tough to make the decision to put a beloved pet down; it always comes down to quality of life. Kelley was blessed to be in such a loving household.

 

[gyrafoam]

Allen, so sorry to hear of your loss. May your memories of Kelley be a blessing.

 

[spiceman1957]

Whirlcool,

I'm so sorry about your loss. I started crying when I read your story of the final hours of Kelley. My dog (Cuddles) is 10 years old and I know I'm going to have to face this as well. My partner has heart disease and Cuddles is beside him all the time. My fear is that I'm going to find my partner or the dog dead. Not a good feeling. Which makes me ask this question, Why are we so good to our pets and Not to our fellow humans? I really feel for your loss.
John

 

[whirlcool]

Thank you all very much for your words of sympathy. This means so much to both of us. What was so hard about this was that our previous dogs pretty much had to be euthanized due to things like brain tumors, diseased organs, etc. They were basically already at death's door when they went. But in Kelley's case a clear decision couldn't be made. The vet left it up to our decision. The worst part about it was we had to make an appointment for the procedure. It was like picking the time and place for it. That was a very hard thing to do. But as responsible pet owners you have to realize that in the end you have to do the right thing for the animal.
Even though we have two Labs (Brandy and Buddy) there seems to be some energy missing in the house, like a dead spot in the air, it's hard to explain.
But we'll probably take in a foster dog from the animal shelter right before Christmas. We've had several of those this past summer and it is always a rewarding experience.