Thanks Goose - a real labor of love. Last year we were scheduled to take a trip to Florida in January and he had surgery - we didn't think he would pull through and he did. (We skipped the trip). We are now planning on heading down to Hilton Head last week in March and have reserved a "room" for him in a special place that specializes in older dogs/cats at $40 a night ! :) (he's worth it).

Not sure he is up for the trip so we may have to give it up again. That's OK too. To me, this is what life is all about...

 

Have had a couple of very sad days. Yesterday I had to put my dog down. I posted a picture of him last week and he went downhill very quickly. I had hoped and prayed he would go in his sleep, but it was not to be. It was quick and painless for Tofy, but I feel so horrible inside.

Today I buried him at our cabin. My daughter was very close to him - they grew up together - and I figure she will someday inherit our camp and will be able to remember him. She's out of town and wasn't able to be here for it.

I took lots of pictures and videos before he died and after. Sometimes I don't understand why it is so difficult for me, while others take it in stride. It's funny, 15 years is a long time and there are so many fun memories - guess I have to concentrate on them rather than the sadness........

 

Sorry to hear about your Tofy AJ. I feel your pain... I was there several years back when our wonderful dog became very ill and we found out she had liver disease. She went pretty fast, but putting her down to end her suffering was the hardest thing I ever had to do... We all felt so lost without her, as she had become such a big part of our family. The kids grew up with her and she was their protector. She was my shadow as she followed me wherever I went.

Soon we found another lab-golden mix as a family pet. Not to take her place, but she really helped us to get over the loss. She is every bit the friend and companion our first dog was. Such a character! I'm sure that if/when you are up for it another wonderful pet will come along.

 

I honestly think the absolute worst thing about owning a pet is that they eventually will pass.....I know that might sound goofy but I have had to put down my share of pets and it never gets any easier...of course you will feel some grief and a void...we are talking spending a decent part of your life with these pets


Sorry to hear of your loss AJ..it is difficult. Keep strong although it is not easy



Goose

 

So like many of you - I have pets, I have to put down animals and you right - it never gets any easy. Attached are my "three amigos" - Earth, Wind, and Fire. Yes, he is as big as he looks. Wind (the black cat is 16 lbs) Earth is 20, and Fire is 32 lbs at last weigh in. Fun when he walks across you when your sleeping....

 

Holy cats Batman!! That Fire is one HUGE feline!

I would think he would have a hard time just walking, much less jumping up on the bed! I would honestly say you should put that dude on a diet for his sake... He could of course have a health issue that I am not aware of. They all sure seem to be pretty good buddies though!

 

AJ,

Maximo, Paquita, Malinche, & Xochitl send purrs & licks to you in this sad time. Your Tofy has now crossed the rainbow bridge and is at peace, waiting for you. You sound like amazing pet-guardians & I too have done all I could financially & otherwise to help my fur-children. You did the right thing by letting him go peacefully & with dignity--please take comfort in that. I've had to do it too & know it is not easy.

@ngelita

 

Thanks all for your nice comments. Brutal week. I even made a video of my saying goodbye to Tofy in his little box as I buried him. Think I tend to torture myself sometimes. I appreciate everyone's comments.

PS - Those are happy cats! (I have 4 cats myself plus the 3 or so that hang out in the backyard from the neighbors looking for food.) Did you ever notice that every cat is totally different from the others? I mean, they really do have a personality of their own and you have to recognize it and cater to their individual needs.

 

Well here are my two meat heads.....Raven is a Am. Staf. Pit mix, she is about 8 months....Aldo is a Italian Grey hound mix that we rescued he's about 2yrs

I also have a sugar glider, Clyde but no picks of him.

 

Ah - they're GRRREAT!