The loss of a pet

[Head Elf]

I know this sounds silly, but my husbands beloved Irish Wolfhound died this morning. The loss of a pet, I know doesn't compare with a loss of a parent or child, but he was with us for 7 years and he was my husbands first dog. The bond they shared was just like any little boy and his dog. Granted Owley was no Lassie, but he was priceless. He brought so many things to us. He watched his own kitten(s) being born. He was a gentle giant that watched over children. How he help someone up when they were down with a wag of a tail. How he used to play and prance. It was so unexpected that I am at a loss for words. My other Irish Wolfhound is now going through seperation anxiety and is constantly looking for his friend and mentor. Now I know why I have scrapbooks on each of my dogs, so the memories will always be alive. Thanks for letting me babble on about my dog.

Black Rose's Amhlaoibh will be missed but not forgotten. He is with my mother and protecting her from now on.

[hilarios]

My thoughts are with you. I obviously have a great affection towards my own dog. Although I have only had him for a few months, he is our baby. Only being a puppy, he already knows when I am having a sad day and snuggles with me. He definitely challenges our relationship, but we love him so.

I have grown up with dogs and they show only true loyalty. I would suggest buying/borrowing the book "Marley & Me". It will make you and your husband cry, but also it will put a happy light on all the great memories of your pup.

[Jeff Westover]

Dogs are as much a member of the family as any of your kids. I'm grateful beyond words for the pets my parents keep and the love and companionship they provide, especially for my Mom. We grieve with you -- such a sad loss!

[Head Elf]

Unconditional love..... When they look at you with those puppy eyes and lick you and the puppy breath, that's priceless. Enjoy your puppy and may you have many years with him. Yes, they do know when you are having a bad day and you can talk to them about anything and they still love you. Thank you for your thoughts, they are appreciated.

[JanaBanana]

Animals are a large part of us... sorry to hear of your loss.. we had a pom for 13 years before she passed :( We had her longer then most of our kids....

[Courtney]

Sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved pet.

[officepro4u]

It certainly isn't "silly"!! I think I grieved for my Daisy as I would a child! She was killed by a car on Thanksgiving morning. I cannot go a single Thanksgiving without crying for her. I am tearing up as I write this.

Pets are part of our family...not just pets! I miss her every single day.

[Ms_Speedy_Elf]

I'm sorry for your loss.

I agree with others about pet's being a part of the family.Our fur babies.

[Maureen]

I think we, my big burly carpetfitter of an other half and myself, took it in turns to howl for about 3 weeks when our last dog was put to sleep aged 6. Don't EVER let anybody tell you "it's just a pet" Anyone who has animals knows they are never "just a pet". My heart goes out to you both - but bear in mind you gave your dog a wonderful life and he's waiting for you at Rainbow Bridge

http://www.rainbowbridge.com/Poem.htm

[Faithmom6]

I am so so sorry for the loss of your beloved pet. hugs..

[Annette1990]

I am sooo sorry to hear this. I know how you are feeling. I have been there more than once myself. Your pets really do become a part of your family. My chow-chows were like my kids. I sure miss them and think of them often. Hang in there! :rudolph:I also wanted to share this lovely little poem I seen on a card many years ago that I bought and framed.

DOGS ARE MIRACLES with PAWS

A Dog's nose in the palm of your hand can cure almost anything
Dogs are made of love and fur
Let your dog take you for a walk
Dogs are a sure thing
Some little known dog secrets: dogs have no secrets
Dogs are like vanilla ice cream; reliably delicious
Dogs are wise agents directly from heaven
If you had a tail, wouldn't you wag it?
There are no bad dogs
Be your dog's best friend
Dogs like dancing, drive-in movies and dreaming
God made dogs and spelled his own name backwards
Dogs make great therapists
Kiss your dogs all the time
Some dogs are nap dogs
Dogs invented unconditional love
Dogs are party animals
Apply dog logic to life:
Eat well, be loved, get petted, sleep a lot, dream of a leash-free world
Live your dog's life

[Head Elf]

Maureen,
Thank you for the lovely site for the poem. My husband doesn't cry much, I have only seen him cry three times. Once when my own mother died, again when his friend died and when he read the poem. You are truly a Goddess and I thank you.

[JayIsh]

I'm with ya too...I found our precious little kitty on our bedroom floor almost three years ago and I still see her lying there...And the crying I did over that little cat rivaled the crying I've done in my whole life...We still miss her...But we talk about her and smile about her and feel blessed that she was with us for almost fourteen years...Pets are our connection to another part of God's creation and I think we are supposed to connect and bond with them and love them like you have loved your pooch...Some people don't get the whole greive over a pet thing...But I do!

Jay

[Holiday]

I am sorry to hear about your loss. Our dog is 12 1/2 & it makes me well up just to think about when the time comes... Their life span is just too short in my opinion! They bring so much joy & so many smiles, & every dog has their own little quirky things they do that just make you laugh, and we miss so much when they are gone. Hang in there!

[reindeerelf]

My deepest sympathy to you and your husband. The loss of the fur people in one's life is major. Last year we lost both the harrier we adopted 12 years before and the cat who had been with us for 17 years within 4 months. They left a large void in everyday life. Just before last Christmas we adopted two rescue dogs, a young mother foxhound and her pup. We greatly enjoy the new members of the family but still wish the others were here with them.

[trackrebel]

I´m sad to hear about Your loss....I never lost a pet, since we just have kids for about 7 years...but just thinking about losing them makes me cry...not having them around me...would be terrible...I hope You´ll get over it....and I´m sure You will always remember the doggy

[Sunshine73]

I'm so sorry for your loss. :( Fur babies are as much a part of the family as anyone else and losing them is never easy.

[MarthaK]

HeadElf, what a lovely tribute you wrote. It really hit home with me although it has been two years now since I said goodbye to my dog Calvin. I never thought a heart that big would ever stop beating. I know you feel the same about your baby. I am ever so sorry for your loss.

[TaraML]

I'm sorry for the loss of your pet. :( I had to put my 18 year old cat down in 2001 and it was SO heartbreaking to me. It was like she was my child. So I know how painful it can be. :(

[Head Elf]

Thank you's go out to all of my family here on MMC, without you I know that I would just keep it inside and let if fill me with negative baggage. You have definitely made it easier, now if I could just get the younger male to quit howling for his mentor and friend. They were together for all of his years and it will take time. Again thank you......

[ohchristmastree]

I am so sorry for your loss. I know what it is like to lose a pet as just recently my cat (pumpkin) went missing. I still today wonder what happened to him. I don't know what i would do if I lost my Reilly (my black labrador) Reilly is part of the reason i love christmas so much as he was born on the best date on the calender! December 25!

[irishsnow]

Sorry to hear your sad news.

I lost my dog a few years ago, he was with us for 13 wonderful year and brought us so much happiness. He was just like another member of the family

[rodmonster]

We were not allowed to have anything but fish as a kid.
So i got my first real pet once i was married in college.
My beloved Booper (calico kitty).
She was the world to me. Jumped on my shoulder as soon as i hit the door, Sleep on my head at night or arm under the covers, went to stores, went on family trips, sat in lap at computer...patted my head with her paw when i was sick, licked my nose to wake me every morning, would steal corn and peas off my plate at dinner, etc.
We took her to the vet for a minor operation and they gave her too much anesthesia - she passed away.....
I was beyond heart broken...cried and cried and cried...me - the football player...250 pounds of mush....totally broken.
Took me months not to cry from just seeing her things in the house etc.
We eventually got more cats (now 3) and dogs (now 2) - and i love them all very much - but - none will ever be my Booper....

So i know where you are coming from........ Human or not - they are still family.........

[trackrebel]

thank You for that last comment....They are family...even tho there are some human beings that don´t understand that....By the way...the story about Your cat almost made me cry...and mad at the vets....to much anesthesia...my goodness...it´s terrible

[rodmonster]

I do miss her...
Good luck on your side as well!

http://www.webguys.org/rodney/images/rod/booandme-resized-resized.jpg

[irishsnow]

Great photo Rod

[trackrebel]

Is that Booper? Gosh...Your cat almost looks like mine...just that mine has a stripe....starting between the eyes going down to her where her nose starts...thats why her name is Stripey....very nice picture indeed.

[Head Elf]

Rod, I love the picture of you and Booper! You as the 250 football player, me as a former Marine and others of course. We all think we are tough, but when it comes to our pets (or kids) we get all mushy. Your story brings tears to my eyes as I write this. How in the world could a vet give to much anethisa? Boggles the mind. I never expected any answers to this thread, but I'm so glad that we have all been there or will be there and the support from this weekend has been great. I love my second family, all of you and the new ones too!

[cheryl65]

I am so sorry for your loss. I hope your other puppy is doing better after the loss of his friend.

[rodmonster]

Glad we could help a little.

This place is very special!

I too love it here - and it brings a smile to my face everyday!

[Head Elf]

News Update!!!

Freddie the 2 year old wolfhound is doing better, doesn't howl as much just whines. But we show him alot of attention and tell him we will be back when we leave for work in the morning and tell him goodnight when we go to bed. He has his appetite back and that is a very good thing ( I think). After I get my female fixed then he will have a new companion. Freddie was born on Friday the 13th along with his brother Jason. Freddie has soft tissue damage on his paws and his first 6mos he was in casts that were painted orange and green. But he isn't the nightmare as his namesake. I'll have to post a picture of him soon.