Posted on 09/22/2014 12:57:08 PM PDT by DanMiller
Princess was eight years old and a wonderful companion. She had been declining, reviving and again declining for the past several months, despite substantial veterinary attention. Last night she refused to eat or drink and died at about 10:30 this morning.
Princess is in the middle.
Princess became my favorite of all our dogs, past and present. She was attentive to my needs and concerned about me. As I became increasingly infirm with age and had difficulty descending the two steps to go from our house to my wife's separate but adjacent art studio to activate our internet connection, Princess noticed my difficulty. She accompanied me to the steps and positioned herself at my side so that I could lean on her. Shortly thereafter, she noticed that I also had difficulty ascending the two steps to Jeanie's art studio and positioned herself at the top for me to lean on. Despite her illness, Princess tried her best to do the same until a couple of days ago.
Jeanie and I will bury Princess later this afternoon next to the grave of Shadow, who died from the bite of a venomous snake in 2006; Shadow's breeder gave Princess to us when we told her of Shadow's death.
Shadow was also a wonderful pup and died at the very young age of three. Jeanie and I still grieve for her and her photo has long been the graphic on my computer desktop. Not a day passes when I do not look at her grave and wish her good morning or good afternoon. As soon as I figure out how to do it, I will put pictures of them both on my desktop.
Due to Princess' death, I am more than a little disconsolate and hope that readers will excuse my absence for a day or two. Little beyond Princess' death matters to me at this point and perhaps writing this may be something of a catharsis. After we bury Princess, I shall seek solace in a substantial tot or more of rum.
Awwww, that’s so sad. Having lost a dog, assorted cats, and even a bird over the years (there’s a story behind the loss of the bird, but I’ll save it for another time), I definitely can relate. Wasn’t long ago that I lost my adorable black cat. Haven’t been able to bring myself to get another cat right away. Will wait for the appropriate time, and I hope you do the same. When you are ready, you will know, and I suspect it would be good for both of us to do so one day. There are so many dogs/cats out there that need a good home and a loving owner. You have too much feeling not to give another animal a chance at a good life with you to take care of it. Again, my sincerest sympathies.
My condolences. It hurts to lose your best friend.
All I can do is repeat what Sal posted:
My heart is with you in your grief. The only bad thing about dogs is that they can’t live forever.
So sorry for your loss. I understand your pain.
Sorry to hear about the loss of your helpful, beloved companion.
You will meet again. God loves us and wants us to be happy, and
our precious pets are all waiting with Him for us to get there.
My dog died when I was 4 years old. His name was Spotty, and
he was trying to follow my older sister and me as we walked to
the park when he was hit by a car and killed. I still miss him and
can’t wait to see him again, even after 63 years.
Keep the LOVE. Sammy passed 11/2/13 and I held her a lot that last year because I knew it was coming. I can still feel her now. I hope this makes some sense. You know in a way God is teaching us too. He says, this world is so hard on my children, although necessary for their survival. The Love is relief for us.
They may grieve for a few days, but I think most dogs are resilient and will adapt well in a short time to a new home, given the right environment of other dogs to play with and people to love them.
My dogs are as devoted to me as any could be, but separation hurts me more than it does them. When I went on vacation for two weeks, I left them with my sister and her dogs. I called sis a few days later to see how they were coping. She said, "I hate to deflate your ego, but after a few hours they were doing fine and having a great time playing with their cousins at 'summer camp for dogs'".
I could not bear to be dog-less, no matter my age. Perhaps you could adopt one that has nothing to lose and everything to gain.
I am so sorry for your loss.
I understand, because I don’t know what I would do without my Cooper. I am in denial, planning on him living as long as I do.
You will see Princess again, on the other side. I have no doubt she, Shadow, and many others will be waiting, happy to be reconnected with you.
This is where rescue dogs in.
They come pre-trained and all seem to know it’s s second chance and are grateful.
What a Beautiful dog Princess was inside and out.. Tears for your loss.. I do believe we will see our beloved animals again. Take extra special care of yourself during this time.. God bless.
Oh, so sorry for your loss of Princess. Dogs stay in our hearts forever. Princess will always be with you.
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