Pet Lovers

[CalminHeart]

Last week, my friend called in tears. A vet was coming to send her beloved dog to heaven. I immediately went to her house and found her dog on a mat on the floor. He was awake but not responding much. My friend's brother arrived soon after I did. 

I laid on the floor, talking to and petting the dog. For 10 years, I took care of him when my friend was out of town and had surgery. He always ran to me when I visited his home or he came to mine. We loved to play and snuggle together.

The vet was incredible. Gentle. Soft spoken, took her time, answered all our questions, and walked us through each step. When we were ready, she took him on a stretcher to be cremated and the urn will be returned to my friend. 

We've talked and I've been over to her house a few times since then to check on her. Her brother has been so caring and good to her as he always is. Her sister in another state reached out to me since she couldn't be with her.

It got me to thinking about my little guy. He's 13. He was horribly abused the first 2 years of his life. I had to teach hgim how to drink and eat out of a bowl. He was afraid of everything, especially when I would reach out to him.

My dog and I are best friends, family, and connected at the hip. I won't handle it well when his time comes.  

I lost 5 immediate family members April 2023 to June 2024 and am finally recovering from that. 

[vermint]

@CalminHeart I'm so sorry for the loss of Clark! Sounds like you & your friend are helping each other through it, though, and that's good. I'm also sorry for the loss of your family members, but glad you are recovering...it all just takes time, doesn't it?

I have 2 elderly cats (15 & 17), so will be facing losing them sooner than later. Had each of them since they were 2-3 months old, so a long time. My dog is 6 1/2...not "old" exactly, but he is a big guy and they tend to have shorter life spans than little dogs. His life expectancy is about 10-12 years, but who knows?

We love them as well, and as long as we can!

[kug]

I had to put down my beloved Sheltie Teddi in February.  He had been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease a year earlier.  My vet told me she had never seen a dog so sick and so young.  He would have been 2 on Easter Sunday.  I miss him so much.

[goldensrbest]

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@kug wrote:

I had to put down my beloved Sheltie Teddi in February.  He had been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease a year earlier.  My vet told me she had never seen a dog so sick and so young.  He would have been 2 on Easter Sunday.  I miss him so much.

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It is so heartbreaking, your little teddi was so very young.

[mrshckynut]

@CalminHeart   it is a sad story to read and i feel the loss of your friends dog Clark   i am glad you were able to be there for and with her during this very difficult time

our condolences to everyone that loved Clark.  ❤ 🙏

mrshckynut 

[We rescue cats]

@CalminHeart I am so very sorry that Clark has gone to wait for you and your friend. It's so hard but it sure does show how much we love our babies, giving them that final gift of love and peace is the hardest thing we have to do for them. I'm so glad Clark had a good friend like you to care for him when his mom was away, that speaks volumes about your character and the size of your heart.

[OneHappyHiker]

@CalminHeart From what you have said, your nik matches you perfectly. You gave your heart and sense of calm to not only your friend but your furry friend as well. Everyone should have a person like you in their lives.

My condolences to everyone who loved Clark as he added so much to your lives. Sending prayers and comfort to you while you heal, and may you always remember the fun times you had with your Dear Clark

[GingerHead]

@CalminHeart  

What a beautiful and bittersweet image....you 

on the floor with sweet little Clark, reassuring and calming him as he passed. 

We should all be so lucky to go in such a loving and gentle way....

I'm sorry about the losses of your little buddy Clark and your other family members as well. 

As for your little guy....don't think about the end....put that out of your mind missy! No time to waste on that!

I need to remind myself of this as well, I have my own little best friend  love whose 11.

We have to focus on the here and now and enjoy and treasure every little minute and doggy kiss

[cindyNC]

@CalminHeart So sorry about Clark.  Wishing your little guy continued good health. 

[Puggywuggy]

I am sending you and your friend my heartfelt sympathies! I have been taking round the clock care of my beloved Boomer the last month and a half and am anxiously awaiting his biopsy results as tears race down my face reading about your precious Clark! My heart goes out to you.