Very rough weekend

[runematic]

I'm not the type to normally post boring details of my life on the internet. I know that there are a lot of pet lovers on this site, so I thought I'd post a goodbye on here. It helps the soul, too.

My brother & I are both single and we live together. We lost our faithful 13 year old Brittany, Barney, to massive renal (kidney) failure on Friday. Man, that's tough even to type. He was doing great the weekend before, but all of the sudden this past week, he couldn't keep food down. We took him to the vet and he passed away there. We were both crushed. My nephews always called him "Uncle Barney" since he was one of us. It's tough when you get home at night and expect him to come running out to greet you. Or when you get up in the morning & look for him crashed out somewhere. He will be sorely missed by my entire family. Forgive me for this post, but like I said, it helps the healing process. some folks say "that's just a dog...", but we all know better. RIP Barney and thanks for everything.

 

[hoover1060]

Yes we do know better

My heart goes out to you and your brother, and my prayers are with you for comfort. Its never "just a dog" but a member of the family, and their passings are felt probably felt more strongly.
I can't imagine or fathom life without my Jack.
Take heart though, I fully believe all dogs do go to heaven, and you'll see Barney again.

 

[frigilux]

Sorry for your loss...

runematic, it's perfectly normal to grieve for a pet. For most of us, they become part of the family, and losing them can be really difficult. I held my 14-yr. old cat (The Swede) on my lap as the vet put her down and I quite unexpectedly burst into tears. After a few months, the 'newness' of their absence will pass, that horrible ache will subside and you'll have lots of fond memories. Take care.

 

[runematic]

thank you both so much for the kind words. It helps.

 

[frontaloadotmy]

Barney

Dear Rune,
Condolences on the passing of Barney. He is in a wonderful place with others of his kind and will enjoy himself relating
tales of the great and satisfying earthly life that he lived.

 

[petek]

Rune, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss, it's heartbreaking I know when you lose a pet. I went through much the same with my old border collie Bob 3 years ago followed shortly by our cat Spot. Honestly I still think I catch a glimpse of Spot sometimes in the corner of my eye sleeping in a sunbeam on the floor like he always did. When Bob went I was at a loss because he went with me everywhere, sat beside my chair and tossed ball watching tv for hours each night for 13 years and then nothing. I was very fortunate though that within a week I found Parker, an older border collie rescue at the dog pound. He'd been there for months and was just about to be put down because they couldn't keep him any longer and no one was interested in an old dog. Well he turned out great, exactly like Bob was with tossing the ball all night watching tv and passed his therapy dog training with colors. Don't shy away from getting another too soon because of the hurt.

 

[whirlcool]

Sorry to hear of Barney's passing. Certain illnesses in dogs can be more aggressive in canines than it is in humans.
We have had dogs for over 30 years and each and every one was like a member of the family and each time one passes away it takes us months to get over it as each one had their own personality.
We send our deepest condolences.

 

[gadgetgary]

Another Loss

Just last Saturday, I lost my 16-1/2 yr.old Shih Tzu named Beijing. He had osteoporsis(for which I was giving him meds), and just last November, had to have an eye removed because of glaucoma. He was my 'precious little angel' and I told him every day how proud I was of him for going thru that major surgery at 15 yrs old. He ate his food and drank his water just as he did all his life, but, was falling down a lot. I dealt with it throughtout the year by basically spending all my time with him(I went on no vacations this year and would not have it any other way). Last Saturday, he had a great bath, and I brought him upstairs and finished drying him off. I put him on the floor for a drink of water,(which he refused), and tried to give him some American cheese for being a great boy during his bath. He ate most of the cheese, looked up at me, gasped for breath and basically died 'in my arms'. I was hysterical, and rushed him to the nearest vet(most were closed on Saturday afternoon). I knew on the ride there that he did not make it but was hoping. When I got the word that Beijing was gone, I could not stop crying. Lots of friends and family told me to cherish the long life he had with me, and to be greatful that I did not have to make the decision to 'puthin down', or, to come home and find him dead on the floor. This past Saturday was hard too, because I had to pick up his ashes. Only time will make it feel better and thanks to all for listening.
Gary

 

[toggleswitch]

My sympathy is with you on your loss. It always hurts deeply to lose someone who loves you unconditionally.

I lost my 10 year old black cat in February to diabetes. Had her from 6 weeks old and prevented her from being---er destroyed at birth.

She was orginqlly primarily for mouse-control in my NYC tenement-- the mere smell of a cat will keep mice away.

I was never really a cat person. But when she had her nails done and her female parts ripped out [same day, went under once] she was in pain. (Felt I had to do the nails as my niece was a year old at the time).

We established a love bond right then and there when she saw that I was out to help her by placing her in the litter box, or on the couch or assisting her down for those painful couple of weeks.

We grew very close and tight and she was jealous as hell when my partner moved in. We fixed that though by making sure he fed her once a day and I did the 2nd meal.

She was well-loved and well disciplined. Did not jump on furniture or counters and slept between our feet only, never above the knee.

The diabetes got progressively worse, and I (originally needle phobic) learned to give insulin shots. She never so much as flinched, and came to accept the routine.

She passed peacefuly of a diabetic coma as the necessary high doses of insulin cause uncontrolable blood-sugar spikes.

You are so right the change in routines and no greeting at the door are tough at first. Every time I heard a bell (like the one she had on her collar caused me to look for her near my feet), no matter where I was..

AFter 10 years I still cloes dryer dorrd and clset door tight away and still keep the coommode covered at all times.

Quick story, In her youth someone lef tth etoilet uncovered and she zipped through the partmetn and attemoppted to jump on the throne. Well when she fell into the water she yelped and all i can envision is a Tweety and Sylveter episode where the cat is hanging off the ceiling with its claws in.

The good side of all this is you will have a companion waiting for you on the other side.

Here's to a rapid healing. Time heals all.

 

[runematic]

Thanks all. I really do appreciate it. GGary, I understand & accept my condolences as well.

 

[gansky1]

What a hard weekend to go through, I'm so sorry for your loss.

 

[Brneyedgrl80]

Gosh, I am so sorry to hear that!

Pets are way more than just pets. Some people just don't get that.

I don't know what I'll do when my cat Moonunit passes away. He's 15 now.

Again, I am so very, very sorry.

 

[agiflow]

All of us who have/had pets know the real sense of loss when it comes time to put down one of our beloved pets. 10 years ago i had to put down my 14 year old dog Daisy.

It was extremely hard to see the life run out of her in the vets office. I wound up with a cat that my brother brought home soon after we put Daisy down. She is 10 now and in good health, she follows me around like a dog and insists on sleeping with me when i get to bed.

I loved all my animals and can not picture the day i do not have one in my life.

Sorry for hijacking the thread, it is very normal to grieve over the loss of a pet. Let's face it you loved the animal and that is all that matters.

 

[Versatronic]

My condolences

Losing is a pet is like losing a member of the family. Sorry to hear about your loss.

 

[maytagbear]

Rune, GGary

I am deeply sorry about Barney and Beijing.

I am very grateful to say that my LJ the wonder cat is alive and well, and looking at me with the "my human is an idiot" look he does so very well.

LJ is my first cat, but not my first deeply loved pet. I lost my Cocker Spaniel, Dolley, on April 12, 1978. I was a senior in high school. I still miss her, but it doesn't hurt so much to think about her.

Love and hugs,

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[spiralactivator]

Our pets are every bit as much a part of our lives as the human members of our families. Anyone who says it's just an animal is ignorant. I am deeply sorry for your loss.

 

[fnelson487]

Rune and Gary

For those of us who have gone through it, we can relate to what a painful experience it is. I lost my Lhasa Buster a couple of years ago and have his 14 year old buddy Bridget still with me. I cried for two days when Buster died of congestive heart failure. I saw it coming but had a real hard time dealing with it when it happened. A dear friend gave me this, hopefully it will be some comfort.

Rainbow Bridge
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....

Author unknown...

 

[gadgetgary]

A Heartfelt Thanks

Thanks to all who responded to my great loss. It is a difficult road, but with help from the people at automatic washer, it will be somewhat easier to get through the days.

My deepest sympathy to runematic for your loss.

Thanks for your wonderful love Beijing, and, I am sure we will reunite again and re-establish our 'partnership'.

Love you all
Gary~!

 

[mayken4now]

runematic:

I have been there, done that and am saying to you, it's a part of life, never easy, but we too will be there one day. Just hang in there bud, we will keep you in our thoughts.

Steve