My oldest dog

Your story brought tears to my eyes. I hope you don't mind, I would like to share this with you. I wrote this when I had to put my dog to sleep.

The Long Road - for Yogi, by Cheetah

Side by side we walked, I don't know how far.When we first met, I didn't know you.
You came to help, to serve.
Even though you were nervous and scared,
you did what you were trained to do.

As we walked together, we grew a bond.
Nearly inseparable.
You braved the car, the subway train, even the crazy bus.
You stayed by my side, even when fireworks threatened
to send you running.
You always knew where the exits were, and told me so!

I carried you when you could no longer walk.
I lifted you, cradled you,
just as you lifted and cradled me when I didn't know how to keep going.
and together we cried.

You laid down with me.
Your eyes looked into mine
and said "do not worry".

I want you to know
You are loved,
You gave me Strength, Courage, Trust, Loyalty, Spirit.

Again, we will walk side by side.
It does not matter that the walk is not fast anymore.
It matters that you walked into my life and
together we walk out at the end.

Thank you Yogi!

Yogi S. - Professional Hearing Dog - 1994~2010
 
:aw: thanks so much Cheetah, I honestly haven't been able to read that yet but I'm touched that you put it up and I do appreciate, wanted you to know-
 
dogmom said:
I really needed and appreciate all the :grouphug:

whatdidyousay, I am so glad Finlay is there with my boy!

:-((( I was very concerned and didn't have a good feeling when we noticed last night he was having some difficulty with orientation and seemed more slow than usual; he got up off the couch at one point and stood there looking like he was gonna throw up; he also circled the couch in a bewildered way several times <including going back behind it using a route that he rarely took>, had difficulty using the stairs to get up to his couch and just seemed more listless. He was interested in food presented to him on the couch but didn't want to leave to get to it. I spent extra time with him and checked on him several times in the night. This morning he didn't come to greet me in the kitchen as usual and didn't want to follow me outside, but still was interested in eating and drinking and did pee and poop. But he seemed a bit distended in the belly. I called the clinic right away and we brought him in, hubby left work and met me. We had an ultrasound done and they found fluid in his abdomen so they drew some out and it was blood - based on that and ultrasound they determined it was likely a spleenic mass that may also be partially connected with the kidneys. They could operate but the prognosis would be likely not be good and quality of life would be short. Given his quality of life issues, age and the nature of the procedure, we decided to not put him through the operation.

I brought with me one of his favorite blankets, his stuffed duck that quacks and a child's small stuffed soccer ball with janglies in it <it was a gift given to him when we were walking one time on my block and we stopped at a rummage sale> , and some meat I 'd made for him this morning, and a banana. I fed him meat and banana, some of his favorites and he went to the Bridge outside on a blanket in my arms with hi stuffed toys, which I wanted to go with him. We'll get his ashes next week.

His usual spot on the couch seems so empty.....
Click to expand...

:hug: I'll just give you another hug. Same as my first post, I just don't have adequate words. A hug says it all.
 
dogmom said:
I really needed and appreciate all the :grouphug:

whatdidyousay, I am so glad Finlay is there with my boy!

:-((( I was very concerned and didn't have a good feeling when we noticed last night he was having some difficulty with orientation and seemed more slow than usual; he got up off the couch at one point and stood there looking like he was gonna throw up; he also circled the couch in a bewildered way several times <including going back behind it using a route that he rarely took>, had difficulty using the stairs to get up to his couch and just seemed more listless. He was interested in food presented to him on the couch but didn't want to leave to get to it. I spent extra time with him and checked on him several times in the night. This morning he didn't come to greet me in the kitchen as usual and didn't want to follow me outside, but still was interested in eating and drinking and did pee and poop. But he seemed a bit distended in the belly. I called the clinic right away and we brought him in, hubby left work and met me. We had an ultrasound done and they found fluid in his abdomen so they drew some out and it was blood - based on that and ultrasound they determined it was likely a spleenic mass that may also be partially connected with the kidneys. They could operate but the prognosis would be likely not be good and quality of life would be short. Given his quality of life issues, age and the nature of the procedure, we decided to not put him through the operation.

I brought with me one of his favorite blankets, his stuffed duck that quacks and a child's small stuffed soccer ball with janglies in it <it was a gift given to him when we were walking one time on my block and we stopped at a rummage sale> , and some meat I 'd made for him this morning, and a banana. I fed him meat and banana, some of his favorites and he went to the Bridge outside on a blanket in my arms with hi stuffed toys, which I wanted to go with him. We'll get his ashes next week.

His usual spot on the couch seems so empty.....
Click to expand...

dogmom, I wish I could give a real hug! I am crying right now as I know just what you are going through, I was thinking of Finlay today and now empty the couch is now. He loved to rest his head on the arm rest ,and I was patting the arm rest after Finlay when to be with my mom. I am so sorry for the lost of your dear friend. I slept with one of Finlay's toy for weeks!
I hope this hug will help . :hug:
 
:aw: :aw: thank you very much, whatdidyousay! your hug helps a lot, everyone's does. It does mean a lot to me.
 
It is so hard and sad to read about lost of a beloved family member. Our pets are with us for such a short time , but you leave you with a life time of wonderful memories. When Finlay dies, I found myself still holding the door open for him or having my left hand closes as I was holding onto Finlay's leash.
Our beloved pets leave an imprint on our hearts that never will go away. Marty is working on planting his imprint in my heart. I am glad you have two more beloved dogs to help you with your lost. It is amazing how a dog can tell when you need to be comfort. I was sitting down at my kitchen table and started to think of now Finlay always came running up to me to get a hug, and I started to cry . Right then Marty came running up to me for a hug! He knew just what I needed! I hope you do not mind we posting this. I am trying to say your dogs will be there for you and that is great comfort.
 
:aw: Phillips!

and no, don't mind, whatdidyousay! You just gave me a touching story and you are sharing your kindness with me, I'm grateful:hug: :ty:for giving that to me.

:grouphug:
 
:hug: I'm so sorry. Really.

It tore me up when we lost our rottie, Ahab, to cancer after a long battle and too much surgery and chemo that I now wish we'd never put him through. Still hits me hard, five years later. You did the right thing, such a hard thing. I hope I have the presence of mind and the selflessness to take that action when my now nearly-13 yo creaky lab, Grendel, gets to the point where pain overtakes the good things.

I'm sure you gave your furry guy so much love -- that carries on forever.
 
:ty: so much, Grendel and Sosie :aw:
:aw:Grendel, am soooo sorry about your dear Rottie boy! Cancer is SUCH a huge issue in the breed!
:grouphug:
 
My poodle died last night. She had a really bad heart and the vet had told us in March to be prepared, but I wasn't really.

She got weaker and weaker the last three days, and had a bad stroke late last night. She waited until my husband got home from work, and then died in his arms.

We are taking her out to be cremated this morning as soon as it is open.
 
Bottesini said:
My poodle died last night. She had a really bad heart and the vet had told us in March to be prepared, but I wasn't really.

She got weaker and weaker the last three days, and had a bad stroke late last night. She waited until my husband got home from work, and then died in his arms.

We are taking her out to be cremated this morning as soon as it is open.
Click to expand...

Oh Botti! I'm so very sorry.
 
Bottesini said:
My poodle died last night. She had a really bad heart and the vet had told us in March to be prepared, but I wasn't really.

She got weaker and weaker the last three days, and had a bad stroke late last night. She waited until my husband got home from work, and then died in his arms.

We are taking her out to be cremated this morning as soon as it is open.
Click to expand...

Man Botti - That is so sad. :hug:
 
Bottesini said:
My poodle died last night. She had a really bad heart and the vet had told us in March to be prepared, but I wasn't really.

She got weaker and weaker the last three days, and had a bad stroke late last night. She waited until my husband got home from work, and then died in his arms.

We are taking her out to be cremated this morning as soon as it is open.
Click to expand...

I am sooo sorry for the lost of your beloved poodle! That is so moving that she waited for your husband to say goodbye to him. This called for a real big :grouphug: ! My heart is so heavy as I will watching my granddaughter when her parents bring their dog Ally to the vet on Wed. This has been a real tough year for us losing so many beloved dear friends.



I spoke to my daughter today and found I will not be staying with my granddaughter when Ally is going to vet. My daughter and son in law are having their daughter go to a friend's so she will not be home when Ally is being taken the vet. I am feeling sick writing this! I can't believe Ally will be gone in a few days! It is comforting to know that all our pets are in heaven and having a great
time playing together!
 
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Botti, I'm sorry for you. I know how hard it is. :(
 
Bottesini said:
My poodle died last night. She had a really bad heart and the vet had told us in March to be prepared, but I wasn't really.

She got weaker and weaker the last three days, and had a bad stroke late last night. She waited until my husband got home from work, and then died in his arms.

We are taking her out to be cremated this morning as soon as it is open.
Click to expand...

:tears:
 
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