Archive through December 13, 2000
The ClubHouse: Archives: Losing A Pet:
Archive through June 15, 2001:
Archive through December 13, 2000
Grneyedladye | Tuesday, November 14, 2000 - 12:33 pm   Thank You very much Zelda and Samson. |
Enbwife | Tuesday, November 14, 2000 - 05:30 pm   Backhome - I too cry every time I read this discussion topic... Grneyedladye, I have tears streaming down my face right now reading your story about Keisha above. I know you are all right and we will know the right time for Chloe. It's so sad to see her walking into everything. She sometimes gets disoriented and doesn't know which way to go. She doesn't enjoy her walks anymore, when "walk" was once her favourite word. Thanks everyone for your feedback. I'll keep it all in mind.  |
Tukuul | Tuesday, November 14, 2000 - 05:39 pm   Oh no, Gu. I've seen people do that myself, but I don't think this is the place to harp on it. Let people talk about whatever makes them happy. Happy? Hmmmm <shrug> |
Dilligaf | Tuesday, November 14, 2000 - 07:19 pm   I can empathize with the sentiments above about whether or not us humans know when it's time to put down a pet. It's the hardest decision I've ever had to make. Almost Kevorkian in a sense. I have been struggling with the decision I made one week ago. Levi's tumors had broken through the skin on his belly and he was bleeding out. Probably bleeding internally as well. His gums were stark white meaning he was losing a lot of blood. If I left him to go to work, I probably would have come to a dead cat and blood all over my house. I didn't have any choice. After the vet examined him last Tuesday, he said that he could remove the tumors (again) but it would only prolong his life a few weeks as the ravenous tumors would grow back and overtake his system. I decided the humane thing to do was to put him to sleep. The vet placed a tiny mask over Levi's face and gased him until he fell asleep. He then shaved his little paw and gave him an overdose of a sleeping agent. He was gone in 30 seconds...one rotation through the heart. It was a very peaceful and swift death. I can't second guess my decision, I did what was right. I also received a nice card from my vet along with a dozen roses. Vets these days are more sensitive than human physicians. It's rather amazing. My vet's sentiments were short and to the point..."How precious the time. How beautiful the memories. I wish to extend my most sincere sympathies. Signed, Dr. Lowell Ragsdale" I couldn't ask for a more understanding vet. He was wonderful throughout the entire ordeal. And to Guru...sadness is not always negative. Sometimes sadness can be beautiful. I would appreciate it if you would find another thread to post in and leave us to our grief. Your misguided posts are not welcome here. Thank you to all who have sent emails and messages, your thoughts and prayers have been comforting to me during this very tough time. I love you guys... |
Caged | Tuesday, November 14, 2000 - 09:29 pm   Dilligaf~I totally agree with you that sadness is not always negative. Guru is just insensitive to people who need to share their grief with others to make them stronger. If you read the other postings, obviously people are responding to this topic. I wish I could say that everyday life is peachy, but it is not always. As I said before, with all the postings in this thread,with the exception of.... I think the percentage is good that we are able to express our sorrow. |
Grneyedladye | Monday, November 27, 2000 - 01:00 pm   Thought I would bring this up to the top. We have now purchased a toy Yorkie for my daughter and we have named her Jessy Lyn (female) She is a silly little pup (8wks old) She sure has made a difference in my daughters life! Although my other dog "Samson" doesn't like her at all???? He is just grouchy b/c he is not the only one anymore. But he still gets as much attention from us! The puppy is for my daughter and I have to remember that hehe I Love Puppies! Early Christmas present |
Norwican | Monday, November 27, 2000 - 02:52 pm   Awww, toy yorkie's are adorable Grneyedladye (my neighbor has one). I'm sure you and your family will get many laughs and love from her  |
Guruchaz | Monday, November 27, 2000 - 03:17 pm   My post had to be adjusted because I am unable to allow people to have any thread to talk about subjects I don't like. I did not have proper self-control and posted a bit of flamebait. |
Moondance | Monday, November 27, 2000 - 03:33 pm   Thanks for all of your posts! You are still in my prayers and it sounds like some wonderful healing happening I have rescued so many animals and I work with best Friends Animal Sanctuary (a wonderful no-kill animal rescue ranch) Check it out! http://www.bestfriends.org/ I just want to remind everyone with Christmas coming up, some are getting new pets, please consider the rescue route! 1000s of little homeless souls are put to sleep every week! If you must have a full breed pet, there are rescue groups for that also. If you need any help, please contact me Zelda8@aol.com, the Internet is full of information or go to the Best Friend site up above. And please spay & neuter! Thanks and all my love to you & love critters |
Moondance | Monday, November 27, 2000 - 03:43 pm   Grneyed... My Mom rescued a little 4 pound Yorkie this year after her Yorkie of 21 years died. You are in for a ride! They are such fun dogs and personality plus! Have fun! I love 'Cricket' stories and I get them all the time... just yesterday, she was attacking the iron and ironing board... she has something against housework! Smart! |
Grneyedladye | Tuesday, November 28, 2000 - 11:15 am   LOL Moon Thanks Norwican & Moon I think that this Yorkie is so Darling and funny! She has alot of engergy for sure hehe. She only weighs 1.6 lbs right now. I have always had doggies that we have rescued from abusive homes. This is the first little puppy we have gotten since I was a little kid! (Which by the way was a long time ago) I am sure we will have alot of funny pet stories to tell with this little girl HeHeHe. |
Flint | Wednesday, December 13, 2000 - 10:35 am   Last monday I had to have one of my dogs, Bashful, put down. He was 13, and had inoperable tumours that were affecting his ability to eat and breath. It was hard to do, but it was the right thing to do. Today we adopted Ruger, an 8 month old German Shepherd, from the local SPCA. He won't replace Bashful, but he will help fill a void in our lives. My other dog Sheba was lost the past week without Bashful around, and her and Ruger are already getting along great. But I digress. While at the animal shelter picking up Ruger I saw a bookmark with a poem on it for those who have lost a pet. It goes ...
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 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 have 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 eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. 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 meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain on your face, your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more in the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then together you and your special pet cross the Rainbow Bridge... -Author Unknown |
Norwican | Wednesday, December 13, 2000 - 10:45 am   Sweet poem Flint. Sorry about Bashful and congratulations on Ruger. |
Willi | Wednesday, December 13, 2000 - 10:55 am   Flint, My daughter has been mourning the recent loss of a pet...She has asked me a lot of questions about her pet & Heaven...I am going to read "Rainbow Bridge" to her when she gets home from school today. Thank you for sharing it...I know it will help her. Have fun with Ruger |
Wink | Wednesday, December 13, 2000 - 10:56 am   So sorry about your loss Flint. Thank you for the beautiful poem. |
Twiggyish | Wednesday, December 13, 2000 - 11:00 am   I too am sorry. It sounds like Ruger will be wonderful for you and family. |
Spamgirl | Wednesday, December 13, 2000 - 12:34 pm   My fish died today Now fish aren't really cuddly, and when the others died I didn't really get upset, but this one was special... he was the last one, and when his little buddy fish died he got so depressed... just laid there all the time... but when i came over, he'd get all excited... now I dunno if he was just a special fish or what, but he was pretty damn smart.... and today i was going to go buy him a pal... bt he was dead... of a broken heart |
Enbwife | Wednesday, December 13, 2000 - 12:43 pm   Sorry to hear your sad news Flint & Spam... Even though fish aren't cuddly, I believe they have personalities and you do get attached. Hang in there! |
Norwican | Wednesday, December 13, 2000 - 01:02 pm   Spam, a pet is a pet... sorry about your fish. |
Moondance | Wednesday, December 13, 2000 - 02:54 pm   I posted this some time ago... I sent it to Flint recently and he thought I should post it... I hope you all find it as special as I did. Sorry about your fish SpamSpam. Rites of Passage Some of the most poignant moments I spend as a veterinarian are those spent with my clients assisting the transition of my animal patients from this world to the next. When living becomes a burden, whether from pain or loss of normal functions, I can help a family by ensuring that their beloved pet has an easy passing. Making this final decision is painful, & I have often felt powerless to comfort the grieving owners. That was before I met Shane. I had been called to examine a ten year old dog named Belker who had developed a serious health problem. The dog's owners; Ron, his wife, Lisa, & their little boy, Shane were all very attached to Belker & they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker & found he was dying of cancer. I told the family there were no miracles left for Belker, & offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron & Lisa told me they thought it would be good for Shane to observe the procedure. They felt he could learn something from the experience. The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why." Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, "Everybody is born so that they can learn how to live a good life; like loving everybody and being nice, right?" "Well, animals already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long." By Robin Downing, D.V.M. from Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul |
Guruchaz | Wednesday, December 13, 2000 - 02:58 pm   Yet another one of my posts had to be adjusted because I am unable to allow people to have any thread to talk about subjects I don't like. I did not have proper self-control and posted a bit of flamebait again. |
Cammie | Wednesday, December 13, 2000 - 03:08 pm   If you don't like the topic, don't read the thread. Simple as that. (By the way, everyone =knows= how miserable you are.) |
Cammie | Wednesday, December 13, 2000 - 03:09 pm   No disrespect intended, Guru. |
Wink | Wednesday, December 13, 2000 - 03:11 pm   Stuff it Gu Gu. |
Flint | Wednesday, December 13, 2000 - 03:36 pm   Dilligaf; yeah, vets today are a lot different. The one who attended to bashful and us was very good. he made sure we had all the time we needed, told us they would send the bill, not to worry about it. When we did get something in the mail from them a week later it was a condolence card, and not the bill. It was a very nice gesture on his (and the offices) part. Moondance; I am printing that anecdote off and taking it down to the vet when I take Ruger down for his 1st checkup. It was very touching. Thank you again. Spamgirl; Norwican said it best. A pet is a pet. They become a fixture in your life, an important one, regardless of what species they are. A buddy of mine in University had a pet chameleon. personally, I don't like spiders, snakes, or lizards, but that chameleon was as important to him as my dog. When it died he was just as grief stricken. It is all part of being human. |
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