Well that's depressing: When your pet was dying...

There is nothing you can say... or do to make them feel better.

I still miss my dog - even though he was cold and cranky and would bite you even though he had no teeth left (they all had to be removed due to tooth decay from his kidney's failing).

The vet saved a piece of his fur and did a cast of his paw and I have that but it makes me cry every time I see it.

I just had my cat of 15 years pass this past February. I think what made it easy for me...was that when I got her..it was a very dark time in my life. I moved 3000 miles away from home, married a man that I didnt want (arranged) , to a state that was gloomy. (I am from Cali) and no cats..(i am one of those who gets depression without a cat)

So anywho..God brought her into my life cause I really needed her. She was a great companion. Flash forward...I am now pretty fufilled..

So my point..she is somewhat in a better place..so its time for her pet to go..She did her job..by being a companion...It makes me feel better when I think of Yoda in that capacity....People who dont have pets dont understand how much they are a part of us..

Here's a website that gives support through times like these for caregivers of pets, and it also has resources on it for those of you who are battling a pet's illness currently. http://www.daybydaypetsupport.com

For those who have lost a pet, here's a poem that may help:

Victory

Last night I dreamt that my precious dog, who passed away a day ago,

had come to see me one last time before he went where good dogs go.

As I looked into his eyes, remembering all that his days entailed,

I said, “I’m sorry I couldn’t save you. I’m sorry that I failed.”

My dog immediately shook his head and said, “Mom, don’t you see?

You have not let me down or failed. You won, victoriously!”

“But how?” I asked my sweet, sweet dog, “Can you say that I have won?

I tried so hard to make you well, and in the end, you’re gone”

My dog gave me a beaming smile and said, “I do recall,

that you gave me the one thing that I wanted most of all.

The only thing I ever really hoped for endlessly,

was to get the chance to live as part of a loving family.

I’ve met so many dogs here with no opportunity

to start each day with knowing that love was a guarantee.

But I was given that great gift and cherished it while I lived.

I just wish the other dogs here could have had the life I did.

And all your work to fight my illness… that was not in vain.

For each new day you fought to give me was another day I gained

The chance to have my belly rubbed, to snuggle and to feel,

the joy of seeing all the wonders the treat jar would reveal!

You fought to keep me healthy and by doing so gave to me,

the best life I could ask for. Will you claim that victory?”

I hugged my dog and said, “But I didn’t get much time with you.

Perhaps I could have tried something else, there’s more that I could do.”

My dog said, “Mom, you did all you could, so please don’t hold this guilt.

I don’t mourn the years we’ll never have. I cherish the love we’ve built.

One day of pats and treats and kisses and playing with the cat,

is more than I could wish for, and I got eight years of that!”

I raised my head and began to feel what my sweet boy was trying to say,

“I know you’ll be okay”, he said, “You always find a way.

So please release your heart from guilt and don’t live in regret.

And use that love to help more dogs. You’ve never failed us yet.”

I began to understand what he wanted me to know.

I had fought his illness bravely, and it was okay to let him go.

I wrapped my arms around him, hugged him one more time and then,

I said goodbye as he prepared to leave me once again.

But before he trotted away and headed off into the sun,

he turned his head to smile at me and said,

“Thanks Mom. Job well done!”



© copyright 2012 Kristen Abbott

Nobody said anything bad, but it meant a lot when people simply acknowledged I had a loss. I have two dogs, both about two years old now. As I read these posts, it warms me to know how many of us have been lucky to know how great our dogs have been for us.

For me, nothing has dulled the pain of losing my last dog as much as time. Even now, about 1.5 years later, I find my eyes water and occasional full crying when I think about Lucy. But I was lucky to have her, lucky to have Rusty and Ranger now. I sometimes look at them and know that most likely, a day will come when I will have the pain of their loss and not sure if I can go through it another time. These loyal, funny, exercise partners who are overjoyed to just have my presence in the backyard with them will one day go.

I won't need any grand gesture, nothing like that will help. But for me, friends knowing and acknowledging I am going through real loss and pain is the best thing they'll do for me.

I dont know if we pet lovers ever get over the grief. We put our dog down about a month ago (10 days after he attacked my son -- who was "playing" with the dog while he was eating (old dog, young kid)....4 hospitals and 5 days later my sone came home and loved on the dog and forgave him.

Our brother in law took the dog to be put down for us as we couldnt do it.

Reading these postings.....brings it all back, tears and all. Thank you all.