ANA Discussion Forum
AN Community => AN Community => Topic started by: Lizard on June 06, 2010, 10:18:50 pm
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I had to say goodbye to my chocolate labbie today (the one kissing me in the avatar), she was only six and it was so sudden, came on Thursday. Just a month ago a full blood panel, urine and fecal exams all came back normal, but I was having issues with her eating habits, but all the Dr's just thought she was being picky. Even just last weekend she ate all her meals. Last night we took her to Tufts veterinary emergency hospital where the most capable surgeons within 75 miles were waiting to take care of her. We thought she had a perforated intestine and was becoming septic, but when they started the emergency surgery and opened up her abdomen and it was covered in tumors.
We had to let her go and I'm just devastated, there isn't even a word for the pain I am feeling...heartbroken? sick? overwhelmed? mad? none of these quite cover it even together. We knew there was a risk of a tumor on or in the intestine which could cause the perforation and possible cancer, but I never would have imagined she was doomed right there on the table. I'm still up after 39 hours and still unable to sleep, I'm so wrecked and thought there might be a few of you out there who could relate. ??? :'(
She was our special girl because she came to us from Lousiana through a lab rescue group. To rescue a dog is to have an amazing companion who is so grateful to you for saving them from God knows what. They know how it feels to be lost and forgotten as well as how it then feels to be loved and cared for and because of this they show just that much more love, affection and gratitude.
We have another lab also rescued (her "sister") ,but she is not intuitive like my Keena was. Her name Keena came from Gaelic and means strong and brave because we believe she was both the second we saw her. She has been my rock throughout my diagnosis, recovery and continued deficits and now she is gone. I buried my face in her neck time and time again, accepted kisses when she knew I needed them and never even asked. I never had to say anything and it was like she knew what I was thinking. We had a very strong bond and she was closest to a child as I have felt in my 29 years.
I don't quite know how I will get over this loss. Its different than the other animals I've lost in my life and the outpouring from my family and friends has been amazing, but I don't think I will ever find another dog who I can relate to on this level. I feel so lost...
Probably time I try to get some sleep, :(
Liz
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I'm so sorry, Liz. It's hard losing a pet. The same thing happened to my Boxer, Spice. He appeared to be aeating, but had lost alot of weight. Blood tests back in October came back normal. In March another blood test showed some abnormalities, leading to surgery, which revealed a cancerous tumor had spread to many of Spicie's organs. The Vet wasn't able to save him. It was hard letting him go. Such a loss leaves a very huge void.
My deepest condolences, Liz.
Syl
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Liz ~
Please accept my condolences on the unexpected and tragic loss of your canine best friend, Keena.
I grew up with our family dog, Luke, a purebred Boxer that won over 50 first-place awards in dog shows on the east coast. My dad bought him (for an enormous amount of money that he later recouped in stud fees) when I was 8 years old. He was a very intelligent, happy dog that loved to romp with us but was perfectly obedience trained and would stop and sit as still as a statue with just a one-word command. Sadly, our Luke was diagnosed with stomach cancer when I was 14 (he was 7 years old) and my father had him put down to spare him suffering in vain. When my dad, a blue-collar guy and no wimp, came home and broke the news that "Luke is gone" it was the first and only time (up until then) that I ever saw my father weep. We all wept. It was a tremendous loss, just as yours is, now. I love dogs and always relate well to almost any dog I come in contact with but I've never owned a dog in my adult life. No dog could take the place of my childhood buddy, Luke. I can assure you that you'll 'get over' your loss - but you'll never forget Keena, just as I've never forgotten Luke. Life goes on and I've certainly learned that nothing stays the same, forever. That applies to both the good and the not-so-good things in our lives. Cherish the years you had with Keena, Liz and know that you both enjoyed something very special. Meanwhile, grieve - as you must - but know that she is now beyond any suffering and shared a joyous, if abbreviated, life with you and your family. You have memories that won't easily fade. Treasure those and know, too, that anyone who has ever loved a loyal, faithful, good dog shares a part of your loss, and so, you are not alone in your grief. Take my word for it that the feelings of emptiness will pass and you'll feel better. Not tomorrow and probably not the day after- but eventually, you will.
You'll be in my prayers and those of many others as you struggle with this loss.
Jim
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I am so sorry, Liz. I know it's not simply like losing a member of the family, it is losing a member of the family.
Our neighbors had to euthanize their fourteen-year-old black lab this weekend as well. She had been growing progressively weaker from arthritis and could not get up Saturday morning. Our black lab is looking for her every time she goes out. The neighborhood is not going to be the same without her.
We'll be thinking of you.
Sara
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Liz .....
I am so sorry. Nothing can ease the emotional pain you are feeling right now. The unexpectedness of it is probably what hurts the most.
Love and caring .....
Clarice
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I can relate, as well. Just remember that you gave her the best life ever. It may not have been a very long life, but it was one filled with love. She was a lucky girl to have found you. Hope you have lots of pictures to make you smile.
Tears for you and for her,
Nancy
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Liz, My sympathy for the loss of a beloved pet. Pets are part of the family. We have none now but went thru many as one daughter esp was a huge pet lover and almost became a vet tech. She even had over time had 2 pygmy hedgehogs who had tumors which had been found by a vet as our daughter took very good care of pets. She is only into cats now with the loss of them. Our lab took it hard with the loss of the cat and in time I can still tell you the date of losing Max later too.
Cheryl R
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Liz,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my "baby" a couple years ago who had been with me since college. Nothing can take away that overwhelming feeling of loss and grief, but try your best to remind yourself of all the good times you had. Dogs are never with us long enough and once you've lost a very special one, it is something you never completely get over. You will always miss them, but you will probably go on to love more pets as time goes on just as much as you loved your sweet girl. It's just different. Just like people, they all have their own personalities and unique relationships that are so special. I did get another dog, Frankie, who I love with all my heart and who is now the furry master of this household. My first dog and best friend, Tyson, still graces this house with pictures everywhere, memories I will always cherish, and even his ashes sit above my fireplace! Tyson holds a place in my heart forever just as Keena will in yours. I love her name and I believe her strength and bravery will continue to empower you as you continue to face your own challenges from your AN recovery. Keena will always be there looking over you and sending you kisses from heaven.
My heart hurts for you now and I hope you are getting some sleep.
God Bless,
Amy
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Thank you all for your sympathy, and yes I did get some sleep. Although I feel like I was running laps when I woke up feeling just as terrible. I guess that what happens when you cry yourself to sleep...
I know I will have more amazing pets in my life and none of them will be like Keena was, but I really still "need" HER!
I stayed home from work today, but I'm not sure how I will go back tomorrow. The second I walk into my cube I will break down. There are pictures of her smeared all over...
My house is filthy and I really don't want to vacuum, because all her hair will go with it and that makes me sad, who would have ever thought that sucking up hair would make me cry?
I am feeling really bad for my yellow lab as she is quite depressed today and will not eat her breakfast, she was best buds with Keena and I have to remember that she has lost a companion as well. Hopefully we will find a new friend for her in the near future, because I am going to hate to leave her at home alone all day.
Anyway off to pick up some pictures I had printed out of her....
Thanks again!
Liz
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I am sorry for your loss ... I have lost several that have broke my heart ...I have got over the anger and sadness but will never forget them or what they meant to me ... especially one …CD was the worst loss ... he was a Catahoula and not quite 15 ½ when I lost him ...
he was a rescue and tiny when we got him in 1993 ... he could crawl in by boot and stick his head out and was dubbed Compact Dog by my oldest son and I shortened it to CD ...husband was not too happy as we were struggling just to stay together and had other dogs and he didn't want CD around ... CD grew quickly and put my sons on the bus and hung out with me until they came home ... when I went through the divorce and my ex didn't want to fool with a dog but wanted to use him for a bargaining chip …CD became totally mine in settlement papers in exchange for signing over a bucket truck , chipper , flatbed trailer , chain saws etc etc ... our tree trimming business worth into the 10's of thousands ... CD was worth it even though my sons and extended family thought I was nuts ... my ex would have sent him to pound or dumped him or killed him outright to hurt me and I couldn’t let that happen ...some said he was just a dog and I turned it on them and said it's just money ...my sons loved him but didn't think I should sign everything over to their dad ...but you do what you gotta do even when others think you nuts
CD saw me through the tears and fears that came with the divorce and welcomed Bo into my life when we got together ... he actually seemed to prefer Bo over me most days and at times I was jealous ... when Hannah was born in November 97 he was there sniffing and then slept under her crib ...his birthday is the 12th same as mine and I was hoping Hannah would join the club but she made her appearance on the 7th ... when Sarah came along in July 99 he was thrilled as Hannah had gotten to the point she didn't want a doggy nanny and tried to get away from him as he tagged behind her outside keeping track of her ... if she went too far he barked til I came … even if I was insight he barked …with Sarah he had a new charge… eventually Hannah grew back into him and he had 2 companions other than me … he let htem dress him and tie hats on him and paint his toe nails …he took it like a man and never complained … he came to me to be fed and taken care of but his heart belonged to the girls and Bo …
When I had the An Surgery in July 2007 he knew something was different … I was gone too long and Bo was gone with me … strange people were taking care of him and his kids … when I came home he was all over me sniffing and checking me out … once he decided I was OK and that I was really me …he became my shadow never far away …he was also my ears … no one came up the drive without me knowing … he barked from turn in until they got out of car and I Okayed them …then he would calm down … when my FIL lost a leg in October 2007 CD began splitting his time between us … he would leave and walk across the field to sit at FILs feet for a while then come back and hang with me …
One day he didn’t respond when I called him … I walked over to where he lay in the sun and touched him and he all but jumped out of his skin … but when he turned his head I clapped and yelled … nothing … he had totally lost his hearing … I told Bo that night that CD was going to die … he asked why I thought that and I told him that CD was getting me ready to function without his ears to help me …several month later on April 20th he just went to sleep and didn’t wake up… vets had checked him and found nothing wrong other than being deaf …said he was in great shape for a 15 and ½ year old dog … I was heart broken , sad , mad , and felt let down or abandon …
I know you are hurting and it will pass ... but you won't forget ... I think of CD when it rains , he loved rain and when someone sneaks up on me … I scared the UPS man when I opened the door to go out and he was about to knock and I screamed … and mostly when the school bus stops at the end of the drive and he isn’t sitting there as I watch the girls get off in the afternoon …but I no longer feel like a chunk of me has been ripped away …more like a dull ache and now I can focus on the good times and what I gained by having CD as a friend and family member …
Spend extra time with your other dog … she is grieving too and you can help each other …I would tell you I have a doggy brush with CD’s hair in it stuffed in a ziplock but that would make me just be too weird …I usually keep that bit to myself and ignore Bo‘s funny looks and shaking head when it comes out of the junk drawer when someone is digging for something … but I do and find comfort in it being there , so I understand the vacuuming thing … I bought a new brush for other dogs …Take Care
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Liz,
I am so sorry. I know how hard it is to lose a faithful companion like that too. I had my lab mix for 16 years and she was with me through the most difficult times of my life. It was the hardest thing I'd ever had to do when I had to let her go. But they certainly don't deserve to suffer, so you have to know in your heart that you did the right thing for her.
You will have all the great memories of her with you forever, long after the fur has been vacuumed up. Nothing can take that away. And she sounds like she was one very lucky dog to have been rescued and loved so much.
I had the same thing happen with my greyhound that was very depressed after Alex was gone. He would walk around the house and check all her usual comfy spots looking for her and he didn't want to go outside without her. It got better and eventually we got a puppy to keep him company. Of course at that point, he was an old man and probably would have preferred to not have a hyper puppy chewing on his ears and tail while he was trying to sleep. I think he eventually forgave us for that. There are so many other dogs that need a home, so I'm sure when you're ready, you'll find a good friend to keep everyone company.
Give you other pooch an extra scritch behind the ears from me.
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Liz,
Please accept my cyber hugs for your loss of Keena. I am so sorry.
Hugs,
Brenda
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Again thank you all, this day has turned out to be much more peaceful and I'm finally moving toward remembering the great memories and not just the emptiness of where she should be and the feeling like she's just outside waiting for me to let her in or relaxing on her favorite spot on the bed (usually right on my husbands pillow). I just came back from taking my other dog swimming, haven't seen her that happy in a while. Now if I could just get her to eat...
I know this is what we sign up for, but she was only supposed to be 1/2 through her life and not at the end of it, she touched so many lives even our vet who called me crying.
This dog was one in a million!
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I am sure she was so much more than just a pet! Please accept our heartfelt sympathy for your loss.
Priscilla
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So sorry to hear about your loss of a very special friend. My heart goes out to you . Our two girls (one is also a rescue) are so special to us and I can't bear the thought of losing them. I'm in the hospital with my wife recovering from her AN surgery and being away for weeks is hard enough, I can't imagine how this feels for you right now. It's true that rescue dogs often times rescue or teach the owner just as much as the other way around, and it sounds like that is the case with you. That pain will never fully heal, but I hope you hang on to all of the positives from your time with Keena and that brings you peace. When you're ready there are many more pups out that need great homes like yours.
Mike
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Liz,
So many of us can empathize with you :'( Losing a pet is like losing a family member, and I could see how close you two were!
Even with pets, we go through the grieving and it hurts, really hurts, but does get better as time goes by.
Our little chihuahua rat terrier mix was cute as a button with his little chihuahua ears. We lost him on our property from a pack of dogs, and it just about killed me who has never been a dog person! The vet bills to save him were astronomical, all to no avail.
Our 15 y/o at the time was devastated. We have heard that you're not supposed to run out and get a "replacement" dog, but we found a lively,spunky,nutty rat terrier-Bella- who has stolen our hearts. (and similar to to "kip.")
She too will break our hearts someday, it's just inevitable.
Hang in there.....I buried Kip in our back yard, and am working on expanding the " shade garden" in honor of him.
Peace to you,
Maureen
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Liz,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is. My Max was a yellow lab mix who was found on the streets when he was about 4 months old. Friends knew I was thinking about getting a dog, and they brought Max to me and my two girls. Max was a sweetheart and over the years we had so many good times. He watched over me and my girls and helped get us through a divorce and a move. He was our constant, always knowing when one of us needed some special cuddling with him. W hen he was 10 he became very sick, stopped eating and drinking. , it hit me that When I took him to the vet and he just laid on a blanket quietly, not at all interested in all the other dogs around, I began to cry knowing he was very sick. After many tests and then two trips to the big animal hospital in the city, Max was dignosed with cancer- tumors in his stomach and rectum. They said they could do surgery on him and he would probably be okay, although he would never be the same. I took him home and went back to my neighborhood vet, whom I trusted, and asked what he would do if this was his dog. He was heartbroken when he told me he would not do the surgery- that Max would always have alot of problems. He would have bowel incontinence, very little energy and would only be a shadow of himself. I left him at the vet to get some IV fluid and went home to digest this awful news. How could I put Max through all that surgery and pain knowing he would be alive but never well. And how could I take him back home and put my kids through this same scenario again and again- him limp and sick as could be, then going to the vet getting some IV for a day or two, then coming home and being sick all over again in another two days. And so I had to do the hardest thing possible, to put my dear companion to sleep on a day when he looked well and seemed fine. I still cry when I think of this, but I know I did the right thing for Max, not allowing him to suffer for the benefit of a few good days here and there. I remember how months afterwards, as I was driving home from work at night, I would get this hollow feeling in my heart as I pulled up to my home and knew Max woudn't be there waiting for me. It took me three years to become ready to accept another dog in my life. Now I have my beautiful Maggie, a terrier mix who I adopted from an animal shelter. She is my sunshine and I know that Max would approve of her. I also know that someday she too will leave me and join Max, but I "would rather have loved and lost, then never to have loved at all." I tell you all of this not to make you sad, but to tell you that those we love are always with us and although it may take time, you will heal and you will "love" again.
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You all are the best and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your kind words. I'm still so sad and mad and all the emotions in between, but finally I'm feeling a little better. I look at my yellow lab all alone and it breaks my heart, so I think sooner than later I will be adopting another chocolate lab. I am not ready, but she needs the company and of course rescuing helps to rationalize getting another dog so soon. There are so many of these sweet dogs out there who are looking for a home just like ours. We will be making a donation in Keena's name to our rescue group and then telling them to find us another pretty labbie...
What a whirlwind of emotion...
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Thanks Donnalynn :) Lots of good memories!
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I am sorry about Keena. What a pretty name! We have a male beagle-basset combo that is 17-18 years old. We just have to get all of the love out of them that we can for the short time they are in our lives.
Grace
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Liz,
So sorry about your Keena. I also have a chocolate Lab and I know how special they are. A few years ago I lost my Ursa, a sweet, sweet, Black Lab, to a spinal tumor. The vet said I could maybe have surgery on her, but it would be a lot to put on her through at almost 9 years old. She had laid on the bed with me during every one of my brainwrecks and comforted me. I swear that dog almost knew when they were coming! I opted for the humane thing--for her to go to Doggie Heaven to be with her Aunt Sassy, another black Lab, and my wonderful father Dr. Ed. My dad was a great veterinarian who always used to say he was going to Doggie Heaven when he passed. I know he is up there now, throwing a tennis ball for Keena.
Capt Deb
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Thanks Deb and as a fellow lab lover you know how special they can be and they are up there with great company too :)
Thank you for the kind words,
Liz
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BIG HUGS ... from a fellow lab owner. Mine has been my companion during all this AN tuma stuff too. He stepped up to the hearing-service-dog plate without too much training... he also forced me to get out and walkie walks... no matter how wonky headed I was.... as when a lab has to pee... they have to pee. And my goodness if they have been stuck inside too long and really really have to go... we are all amazed at how much pee comes out as they can stand there relieving for almost 5 minutes (Sorry a little lab owner humor in attempts to cheer you)
My heart goes out to you.
I live in farm country where my dog is most at ease (he hated walking in the city)... do you live in the country too?
Another fellow Lab owner HUG being sent your way.
DHM
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4CM,
They really can pee for an eternity, too funny. They are also great alarms, too bad they can't help with the alarm clock...always sleep right through that thing :)
I'm am feeling much more cheery as we have decided to get another chocolate to keep our yellow company, she hasn't been the same dog and she needs the companionship.
Thank you so much and yes we do live in the country and on a dead end street, but when we walk out to the main road the yellow one sorta freaks out when cars go by so yes I totally understand that one. They prefer to go for a swim any day over a walk...
Thanks for the hug,
Liz
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Lots of animal lovers on here and I can't imagine anyone not sympathizing with your situation and your loss. I have cried a bucket or two of tears over my lifetime because of the loss of our pets. I had one kitty that I literally fell in love with (I saw her and my heart melted!) and this was back in the days when we let cats run free in the neighborhood. She would have had a much longer life if I had had the brains to make her an indoor kitty. She was probably hit by a car, but survived the encounter only to have serious issues with her bladder. Her tail was paralyzed and she couldn't urinate on her own. There was nothing to be done, and I held her in my arms for hours that evening and cried and cried and cried and cried. The last kitty we had, Pepper, lived for 19 years, a long life for a cat. She was a survivor, having overcome feline distemper as a kitten. In the end she had kidney problems and she was sickly for a year. We actually had to give her fluid ourselves with an IV. It's easy in a kitty...it just goes under the skin and then she slowly filled up with water until she kind of sloshed like a furry water balloon. The saline was slowly assimilated into her system and she lived many more months with me doing that for her. Finally, she looked at me and she was miserable, and I looked at her and we knew it was time to let her go. And that's the last pet we have had. I'm near tears writing this, and this happened 10 years ago now. When I think of owning another pet I think of two things: 1. the expense of being a pet owner again, and 2. going through the loss of the pet.
It's a very difficult thing because we fall in love with our animal companions just as we do with our human companions.
Pepper is still with us. She was cremated and is in her own special place near the fireplace, because that was where she like to curl up and sleep. And when it's my turn, she goes with me to where ever my ashes will be.
So, do we understand? You betcha!! Hugs to you in the loss of your special girl. :'( :'( :'(
Sue in Vancouver, USA
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Thanks Sue, and we just got Keena back in a box yesterday, made me mourn her all over again, but I'm happy we have her back. We are planning on planting a weeping cherry and burying her under it...
On a good note we found another dog and we are getting her on Sunday. She's also a chocolate lab femail and a rescue from KY, I still have mixed emotions, but it will be something for us to focus our energy on. She will never replace Keena, but she will help me to remember my favorite girl. Linnie (our yellow) will be the happiest of all. Someone new to share her life with, walks, hikes, swimming, fetch and playtime....I am so happy for her! Can't wait for the new memories we are going to make!
Thank you all again : )
Liz
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I have had so many dogs in my life that I am can’t remember all their names … I remember our Malamutes / Wolf cross who was named Kriska … we raised huskies when my dad was stationed in Alaska and a wolf visited her momma whose name I can’t remember …we kept her from the litter and the Eskimo sledders bought up the rest saying the cross was a good dog … another was Wendy a chocolate lab that we inherited in Alaska when someone stationed there was sent to Korea and couldn’t keep her … this when my brother Roy was about 6 month old and Wendy who was spayed recently , just after having pups adopted Roy…then there was a Black Lab named Boots who was a terror …very destructive dog , but he was also a homeless dog who was left on base when a GI was transferred and Daddy took him in …he ate our squirrels and chased moose without much luck asdie from running to the house with the moose at his heels …he also barked around the clock … eventually went to a man who wanted a dog to put in junk yard to keep people out at night Boots ran all night long from wreck to wreck playing an barking … the man loved him …
One dog that sticks out as a much loved dog was a yellow lab who I still think about from time to time and I have a millions stories from
When we were kids, my brother who is about 2 years younger than me , wanted a dog for his birthday ...my parents brought home a yellow lag ...a high energy ball of fur and tongue ...geez he could lick you to death ... Roy wanted to name him Samuel ... but the two younger boys then 4 and 2 wanted to help name the dog ... so to keep the peace and not be pressured into feeling like they would have to match the gift of a dog for the rest of the boys , they told Roy that they could help in the naming ....4 year old wanted to name him B is for Boy ( pre-school letter of the week ;D ..could have been F is for Fox or W is for witch or z is for Zipper had it been a different week ) and the 2 year wanted to name him Dog ... he became Samuel B. Dawg on all his papers ...he had come to us with a lovely long fancy name , but they sent off paper work to officially re-name him ... In the end he was simply Sam
as I said , Sam was a ball of energy when he came to us …first night there we were watching him run in the back yard and he tried his best to get a basket ball in his mouth but only managed to get his 6 week old belly over the top with hind legs hanging off one side and front legs over the other side … he was always into something and very entertaining …he was a comedian in his former life or his comedic spirit is now wandering around in a comedians body
He had to stay outside any time we were gone because even though easily house trained he was in live with furniture legs and like to eat them …or we would come in and find him sprawled on the dining room table …but we had a big shaded back yard …it had a playhouse built by former owners , a tire swing he could swing in by putting front half of his body through and walk around in circles with his tongue hanging out and I swear he was laughing …he always look to us and gave a funny little yip to make sure we looked at anything he was doing … just like a little kid saying hey mom look at me
he also had plenty of water at all times and in California that is a must …his pan that would hold about a gallon was next to a faucet … easy for us kids to refill …and when we dump water and refilled the bowl Sam would be right there not clowning and watching every move we made like he was studying us and he was …
we were gone all day when we went to a grove / farm … we had gone to pick fresh produce and fruit to freeze and can …and came home to water running down the driveway …Daddy ran in the house thinking buster line …water was seeping in the glass slider and water up about a foot on it … we ran around house looking for a source and discovered watered running out over the 8 inch blocked wall that Daddy had built across the gate to keep Sam from digging under it and escaping ( again) …open the gate and find the yard with 8 to 12 inches of water filling the side of the yard closest to house …yard slope up away from house so water was deep there and nothing up hill …and the lovely rock wall did a good job holding back the tide … and there is Sam all happy with himself splashing and playing in the pool he had made … we are talking water that deep over an area maybe 10 x 30 …Sam was in water heaven … and we kids pulled off our shoes and joined him …Daddy went and turned off the running water and accused us of leaving it on when we left that morning … Sam went over to the wll where spigot came out and put the handle in his mouth and with a few twists of his head had water flowing again and bounced over to Daddy smiling and wanting praise for a job learned … Daddy patted his head and went to get the tool box and removed the handle … after we were thoroughly soaked Daddy busted the blocks blocking the gate and let water out …
As Sam grew he out grew us size wise … he was next to impossible to walk by the time he was 6 month old …we were all small for our age and scrawny and it took at least two of us to hold him back … for adults he walked perfect and heeled and sat on command … but with us kids he was just too much for us to handle …
one day we walked him to the school playground … he loved sliding … we played for a while then attempted to go home …Sam had other ideas that eventually led to me body surfing across the grassy ball field on my belly … the shorts I had on with stretchy waist band ended up around my ankles … thankfully panties didn’t come off too …a few scrapes , my shirt arms and legs were green but not really hurt … tried to sneak in and clean up unnoticed but we didn’t manage it … Daddy advertised Sam in the paper … we interviewed maybe a dozen hopefuls …Sam was special and we weren’t going to give him to just anybody … he ended up in Ojai with a policeman who wanted him as a companion dog on walking rounds …not a police dog who was trained to attack , just a dog … the man said that people trusted a police with a friendly smiling dog more than just a guy walking around with a baton and gun on his hip …he had a mutt that had recently died and said he wasn’t really looking for a replacement but when he saw the ad decided to check Sam out and ended up the winner in the Sam giveaway …
Ojai at that time was a small community … and we went to a state park often that was near Ojai to camp and saw Sam when we did … he always had doggy kisses for us and bounced when we saw him …he was a great dog but too much for us and he was going to end up hurting us not intentionally but just in play … when we left California we went to say good bye to him …lots of hugs and tears were exchanged …I am glad to have had him pass through my life
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I am not sure how I missed this post, but wanted to add my belated condolences. People who don't have furry family members probably don't completely "get" how deeply we love our four legged friends. As an only child, our Irish Setter was more like a sibling than a pet and it still makes me weepy to think of him. My mom says that you can count on two things when you bring a pet into your life: 1) that they will love you unconditionally and totally, and 2) that they will eventually break your heart. As with most things, mom was right. Fortunately, my husband shares my love of animals - we have two cats and a geriatric collie, all rescued. And, since we don't have children, they really are our kids. We know that Carrie, our collie, is getting near the end of her days, and we have promised ourselves (and her) that we will not let her suffer. Brave words and I know that we will both be sobbing when the time comes. For now, though, we just enjoy all the time we them.
I am sure that having a new puppy will bring some extra joy into your lives. She won't replace Keena, of course, but she'll find a new place in your hearts and pretty soon you will not be able to imagine life without her.
Sending you a big hug.
Debbi
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Soundy, Love your memories of that crazy lab, our dogs do some of the silliest things, but these are the memories that stick with us. Keena used to play on the play scape at the school behind our house. She climbed up AND went down the slide...no fear that dog.
Debbi, Yes they will always break our hearts, but its worth it for all the happy times.
All,
We did get our new dog, she's fantastic and some of her mannerisms remind me of Keena, but she's not nearly as stubborn :D She's still settling in to her routine, but she's really a special dog, who I think was hand picked by Keena ;)
Oh the range of emotions our pets bring...she really is a doll (thanks Keena)
Liz
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I had to smile when I read that some of your new pup's mannerisms remind you of Keena, almost as if Keena had selected her.
About 15 years ago, I rescued a beautiful grey and while cat from the jaws of death (she was literally one hour from being "euthanized" at the shelter!) Two days later I found out that my mom had cancer - Mom beat the cancer and Cleo flourished. When I met Willie and we subsequently got married, Cleo was our family. She was even in some of the wedding pictures! Well, about 3 years ago Cleo was suffering the maladies of old age and we made the very painful decision to let her go. By that time, we had Carrie, our Collie and a second cat, Rocket. So, we thought we'd just keep the two of them. Of course, that lasted about 2 weeks and we found ourselves bringing home a 6 month old Calico rescue named Phoebe. And, it is the craziest thing, but I swear that Phoebe has taken on some of Cleo's very specific mannerisms - strange stuff that our other cat has never done. We always smile when we see Phoebe doing something very Cleo-like because we know Cleo is still with us. Just as Keena will always be with you.
Deb