More Sad News

[bmccasland]

Python, am so sorry to hear the news. As the parent of senior citizen fur children myself it's one of those decisions I know I'll be making sometime in the future. That doesn't make it any easier, or take the pain away.

[roadie gal]

I am SO sorry. Our animals are our family and it hurts so much to lose them.

BIG hugs to you!

[surgtech1956]

Python, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I have a 14 year old lab mix and I know that day will come.

[crazycanuck]

I'm sorry to hear about your fur friend I'm sure you gave her tons of love!

I think she'll be at the rainbow bridge bragging about her human owners!

C

[Tri Girl]

Oh Python, I'm so very sorry for your loss. It's so sad and so difficult to make the call, but you did the right thing for her.
I'm grieving with you.

[LBTC]

{{{{{{{{{Python}}}}}}}}}}}

I'm so sorry! Yogi, Ted, Norton, Giro and the other TE furkids are showing her around the Rainbow Bridge right now. You did the right thing and in time the lump in your throat will turn to a warmth in your heart.

Sending lots of hugs and comforting, gentle, peaceful butterflies,
~T~

[sbctwin]

I am so sorry Python. I hope you dream of your doggie at Rainbow Bridge with all the other TE fur friends..

[Python]

I'm sure she's at Rainbow Bridge with my other two GSDs. Tara who passed away with old age - she was almost 15 - very old for a GSD in 1995 and Sam who had to be PTS at only 18 months old in 1987

Perhaps Sam was the worst one to come to terms with as he was so young.

We got Sam as a last resort rescue. He had been badly ill-treated and abandoned. He had been found starving wandering around an industrial estate. The rescuers managed to feed him up and rehomed him with myself and my now ex-husband as my ex-husband had experience of handling GSDs while he was in the Royal Air Force.

Where I used to live we had miles of beach. We would often go there and let the dogs run free. Tara used to love it. So did Sam - except he would be highly agitated and would pant for the rest of the day, also whining. We only had him for about 3 months and this was getting worse until one Sunday (never forget that day) I'd taken the dogs down to the beach about 10am and Sam was panting and whining at 10pm. First thing in the morning we rang our vet who after examining him said his heartbeat was erratic. Our vet ran tests and sent them off to the Royal Veterinary College in London (we lived in Scotland at the time). We got the test results back within the week. When I spoke to the vet on the phone he wouldn't give me the results. He asked us to come in - and take Sam with us. I knew when he said that the results were not good. It turned out that Sam had compromised kidney and liver function and his heart was in the early stages of heart failure - all as a direct result of ill-treatment and malnutrition. We were told that with drugs he might live for about 4 years but he would only have been able to go for very short walks, very slowly, never allowed to run and play like Tara could so we took the decision there and then to put him to sleep. We know it was the kindest thing we could do for him - and I swear he knew. As the vet was putting in the needle, he raised his head, looked me straight in the eye - and it was such a gentle look - I know he was saying "thankyou" for showing him kindness. Even yet, when I think of Sam - and he was a beautiful dog, I still get sad and angry that anyone could have treated him so cruelly.

In time we will probably get another GSD and probably another rescue. Tara was a rescue too but her circumstances were a bit different. Her original owners loved her dearly and she was extremely well trained when we got her. Unfortunately their marriage broke down and neither of them could take the dog. Some months after we got Tara the rescue centre (who kept in touch all Tara's life) rang me to say the original owners had reconciled and wanted Tara back! Suffice to say, they were told that was not possible.

Many of my furkids and scalekids are rescues. In two weeks time we pick up another rescue snake. He is a Cornsnake and a gorgeous orange and lemon colour. His owner has gone off to College and his mother doesn't want the poor snake so he is with a foster carer at the moment until we collect him in a fortnight's time. It is a 300 mile journey to get to him but as luck would have it, he's in the same area as my best friend so we are going to make a weekend out of it, go up on the Friday and back with the snake on the Sunday. He'll then have a home for the rest of his life.

I know it is early days, but tonight I have spent several hours looking through the rescue centres because we now have a space for another GSD who is in desperate need of a loving home. We can never replace Sadie but out there somewhere there is another doggie just waiting. Looking at these sad but hopeful faces will help me to come to terms with Sadie's passing. Our pet name for Sadie was "Waggy-Tail" because she was always wagging it.

[salsabike]

Oh, Python. I am sorry.

[DDH]

I'm so sorry for your loss. It's heartbreaking to lose such loyal friends and beloved family members. Cherish the memories always. My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with you.

[onimity]

Python,

I'm so sorry to hear about your dog. I know the pain of loving a beloved pet and hope that the hurt heals quickly leaving only the good memories. The story of Sam is so sad; it floors me too that people can be so cruel to animals. Your pets are lucky to have you & I hope that you find another dog to join your family soon.

Anne

[BadgerGirl]

I am so very sorry for you loss. I can assure you my German Shepherd Sausha will greet her with open paws.

[Wahine]

Python I'm so sorry to hear your news. It breaks my heart. It's been 2 years since I put down my bullmastiff and I still cry like a baby when I read these posts of all the people who have lost their pets lately. It still aches but it does get better and you did make the right choice. Be proud that you didn't let her suffer.

[Velobambina]

I'm so sorry about your sweet puppy who, no doubt, was, is, and always will be your beloved dog.

[bikerchick68]

Python... I'm so sad for you. I went thru this very same thing last Dec 22. I came home and my old man, Winston, could no longer stand. He had a spinal cord issue and I knew his time here with me was done. I too believe that what you did was the greatest act of love and kindness you can give to a beloved fur friend... doing what's best for them, not what's best for you. I want to share this poem. It's one that brought me much comfort and reassurance. Hugs.

FROM FRIEND TO FRIEND

You're giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.

But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.

So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic, that will
Once more make me whole.

The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it's the only way.

That strength is why I've followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I've loved you all these years...
My partner 'til the end.

Please, understand just what this gift,
You're giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I've lost,
And all my dignity.

You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it too.

So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that's within you,
To now grant me this appeal.

Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.

And don't despair my passing,
For I won't be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I'll stay.

I'll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I'll run,
...a young dog once again.

In Memory of Asta, Feb. 1997
(c) Karen Clouston
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