Other Resources My Cup of Joe » in memory Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, the bear, DerekL, alicefoeller Reply
2004-09-17 10:48 AM

User image

Elite
3972
200010005001001001001002525
Reno
Subject: in memory
I don't know why I am posting this, but have talked about my dog a number of times on these threads. Last week Derreck brought Alex out to the gravel pit while I swam. He wanted to follow me out, and he watched me the whole time out and back.

We lost a good soldier yesterday. Alex had been doing so well – he responded well to a change in his food and a change in the dosage of his thyroid meds. He was clear eyed and alert, it was like the clock turned back a couple of years. He was very happy Derreck was here. I figured he had another year – but I know that every 6 months was a gift these past years. He was 14 and a half.

I decided after a lot of thought to get his teeth cleaned – they were pretty bad and I imagine the infection in his gums was additional stresses on his internal organs. My intuition was not really behind this, but I did not listen to it. His heart stopped while he was on the table, and he did not respond to resuscitation.

My heart is broken, my guilt is huge, but I can say without reservation that Alex lived life fully and well. Go well, my friend.


2004-09-17 10:58 AM
in reply to: #63061

User image

Master
2233
200010010025
Mechanicsburg, PA
Subject: RE: in memory
My condolences for your loss. My boys are 6 and a half and as they are starting to get grey, it's something that I think about a lot. It's really hard to lose someone that you've been with for 14 years who loves you unconditionally.



-Frank
2004-09-17 11:46 AM
in reply to: #63061

User image

Champion
4902
20002000500100100100100
Ottawa, Ontario
Subject: In Memoriam
My sincerest condolences for your loss, Mary. Alex must have been a very special friend. I understand exactly how you feel, having been there before.
2004-09-17 12:16 PM
in reply to: #63061

User image

Pro
5153
50001002525
Helena, MT
Subject: RE: in memory

*HUGS* Oh, I am so sorry to hear this. As a fellow dog lover, allow me to offer my condolences. As far as I'm concerned, the only flaw of the species is a short life. It's so hard to lose your Best Friend.

Don't let anyone undermine your loss and don't be afraid to mourn as though it were your close human friend. The grief is the same. Our family dog, Simon, passed last May and I think my father's grief was compounded because he felt that he should not be feeling it because it was 'just a dog'.

Here's to Alex, and Simon and all the other Best Friends we've lost. God bless them.

2004-09-17 1:19 PM
in reply to: #63061

User image

Expert
774
5001001002525
England
Subject: RE: in memory

Sorry to hear of your loss. I have Max, a 9 yr old lab and cant imagine coming down in the morning and not having his wagging tail greet me for breakfast.

I'm sure he will live on in your heart for ever.

2004-09-17 2:21 PM
in reply to: #63061

User image

Elite
3972
200010005001001001001002525
Reno
Subject: RE: in memory
the photo of my Avatar has a photo of him as a kid - I was figuring out how to attach it yesterday right before I got the call.

here is Alex more recently. I hope it attaches smoothly.....



(alex_fit2.bmp)



Attachments
----------------
alex_fit2.bmp (60KB - 20 downloads)


2004-09-17 2:26 PM
in reply to: #63061

User image

Member
531
50025
New Hampshire
Subject: RE: in memory
I’m sorry – just try to think of the wonderful times you had together.


Losing a pet is tough – I had to leave my Dog in a home back in England and that was tough enough – can’t think what it would have been like if he had passed away.

Mike.
2004-09-17 2:36 PM
in reply to: #63061

User image

Veteran
275
100100252525
San Diego, CA
Subject: RE: in memory
My condolances, went thru the same type of thing a few years ago. Feel no guilt, you did what you thought was best, adopt a new furry friend and treat him as well as you did Alex.......
2004-09-17 2:37 PM
in reply to: #63061

User image

Veteran
275
100100252525
San Diego, CA
Subject: RE: in memory
My condolances, went thru the same type of thing a few years ago. Feel no guilt, you did what you thought was best, adopt a new furry friend and treat him as well as you did Alex.......
2004-09-17 3:01 PM
in reply to: #63061

User image

Master
1902
1000500100100100100
Berkeley, CA
Subject: RE: in memory
Nothing quite like a loving dog. So sorry to hear about this, Mary, all my condolences. But you should kick the guilt. No doubt in my mind that Alex new how much you loved him. And the guilt will only interfere in all the really good memories you have.

Peace and all good,

Dana
2004-09-17 3:57 PM
in reply to: #63061

User image

Master
2233
200010010025
Mechanicsburg, PA
Subject: RE: in memory
A handsome boy you had there. I know that you need to feel how you feel, but please don't dwell much on the guilt. We all have to say "good-bye for now, see ya' in a little while."

-Frank


2004-09-17 4:42 PM
in reply to: #63061

User image

Champion
5495
5000100100100100252525
Whizzzzzlandia
Silver member
Subject: RE: in memory

I'm so sorry to hear about your Alex.

I can't imagine life without Mocha the wonderdog... she's about a year and a half and God willing, we've still got plenty of time ahead of us.

The only people that wouldn't understand your feelings are people who have never loved an animal. I've been lucky enough to have had 3 very special doggies in my life and I still miss two of them very much...Any other pet "parent" would definitely understand the depth and breadth of your sorrow.

I'm sure he knew just how much you loved him.... PS Mocha sends her condolences too.

((((HUGS)))) LW



Edited by Whizzer 2004-09-17 4:46 PM




(Mocha8403small.JPG)



Attachments
----------------
Mocha8403small.JPG (22KB - 17 downloads)
2004-09-17 7:58 PM
in reply to: #63061

User image

molto veloce mama
9311
500020002000100100100
Subject: RE: in memory
i'm so sorry. my mother just lost her 4 year old beloved english setter to lymphoma. she has said that it was harder to lose him than it was to lose her own parents - not because the love was more or less, if we a different kind of love, but because he was her responsibility. pets hold such a dear place in our lives - often taken for granted, yet always loving, always loyal. my heart goes out to you.
2004-09-18 11:21 AM
in reply to: #63061

User image

Veteran
321
100100100
Findlay OH
Subject: RE: in memory
I'm very sorry to hear about Alex. I'm nervous every time I one of the pets is sick and has to go to the vets. As others have said it is ok to mourn him, he was a best friend. And you had him for 14 years which is a testament to his loving home.

Mourn him and then begin a whole new friendship from you local shelter when you are ready. You'll never replace him but there are plenty of animals out there that can use a good home.
2004-09-19 9:10 PM
in reply to: #63061

User image

Expert
1836
100050010010010025
Lafayette, CO
Subject: RE: in memory

Mary, I'm so sorry for your loss!  If there's anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to ask. 

2004-09-20 1:56 PM
in reply to: #63061

User image

Subject: RE: in memory
You have lost a dear friend and companion. I hope that the pain you feel now is someday outweighed by the wonderful memories of times shared with Alex.


2004-09-20 11:46 PM
in reply to: #63061

Master
1391
1000100100100252525
Subject: RE: in memory
So sorry to hear of your loss. My parent's dog (german shepard/lab mix named Tiff) that we had when I was in high school and college was just put to sleep. She was 14 years old, and couldn't go on anymore. It was the hardest thing for my family to do, but it was the best thing since she could barely go on. She was a great dog and will be missed. Of course, you still can't miss her in my parent's house because the largest picture hanging on the wall is the picture of Tiff. My picture, my brothers picture, their grandchild's picture all pale in comparison to the picture of her.

A few weeks after Tiff, my older brother came home with a puppy for my dad's birthday. She is also a german shepard lab mix named Sadie and she's every bit just like Tiff. She's even bossing the other dog Patch around who is 8 years old just like Tiff did.
2004-09-21 11:38 AM
in reply to: #63061

User image

Extreme Veteran
441
10010010010025
windsor, ontario
Subject: RE: in memory
Sorry to hear about the loss...I have a tough time dealing with this kind of loss...pets, and especially dogs, offer unconditional love, and are loyal, moreso than most of the more advanced species we deal with every day...you haven't lost a pet, but a good friend, and you are entitled to grieve accordingly...my condolences

d
2004-09-21 5:08 PM
in reply to: #63061

User image

Member
50
2525
Kansas City, MO
Subject: RE: in memory

I've told my parents that they're not going to get grandkids so they might as well enjoy their granddogs.  They become such a part of your life and your family so I can only imagine the pain you are going through right now.  You have my condolences as well.  When you're ready, I suggest going to the pound to take a look at the puppies there; they'll definitely bring a smile to your face and help you remember all the good times you had with Alex. 



Edited by cshanks 2004-09-21 5:08 PM
2004-09-21 8:03 PM
in reply to: #63061

User image

Elite
3972
200010005001001001001002525
Reno
Subject: RE: in memory
On my rides, I pass right by the Denver Animal Shelter..... It is only a matter of time.

Thanks for the support everyone. Today I went and picked up his ashes and an imprint of his paw on a clay disk. One fine day I will take him up on his mountain and set him free.
New Thread
Other Resources My Cup of Joe » in memory Rss Feed