Posted on 11/09/2016 12:28:48 PM PST by 11Bush
Last night I went to bed without knowing how the most important election of my lifetime would end. I had my hopes that the people of this country would do the right thing and elect Donald Trump but like most here I had my hopes crushed more often than I care to remember.
This morning I woke to Willie, my dog, my best friend, my companion, in distress. He was gagging and unable to stand. As he lay on the floor he lost control of his bowels and bladder and I knew that this was maybe the end. I quickly dressed and wrapped him in a towel, jumped in the car and headed to the Vet's office.
The radio in the car was on and I vaguely heard that my greatest hope had been realized. Trump would be the next President of this great county and maybe, just maybe, we had a chance to correct course. What a great feeling!
The feeling was short lived as I looked at Willie, laying on his bed riding shotgun next to me. Only his head was sticking out of the blanket and I reached over to offer a comforting rub.
Willie had been with me for over 15 years. He was a Dachshund (more hound for the pound) and came from a rescue society. His early life must have been rather rough since he was just skin and bones, missing a lot of fur, and forlorn as a lost soul. But you could see in his eyes that he was a good dog, he only needed someone to love him and bring that quality out.
It wasn't long before that good dog emerged. He started putting on weight (maybe a little too much), his fur filled in, and he started to show a playful side. He would run endlessly around the house until I picked him up and put him on the couch next to me. We were a pair of couch potatoes.
We had many adventures together. He accompanied me on camping trips, track days, and his personal favorite, road trips. Just picking up my keys sent him heading for the door in anticipation of a long ride. He always rode shotgun curled up on his bed and I would rub his head and tell him he was the 'worst dog ever, except for all the others'. There were a couple of times that I had to stop short and he would slide onto the floor, look up at me as if to say 'WTH was that', and hop back onto the seat. We visited twelve states together. Eating fast food was his favorite part and he always knew it was coming when I pulled into the drive-thru lane.
The last few years were tough on him. He lost his hearing and the jingle of keys would not elicit the familiar expectation of the ride. I continued to talk to him just like always even though I knew I was just talking to myself. He lost his vision but would do pretty well getting around the house. He knew where his food and water bowls were, how to find the couch, and he always knew exactly where I was. He did get lost behind the dryer on occasion, but that was more humorous that dangerous. It seems that Dachshunds do not backup very well, those short legs I guess.
So, today we took our last ride together. I rubbed his head but I didn't say anything. I couldn't. The Vet did some tests, and informed me that he had probably had a stroke. She said that I could take him home and he may, or may not, get better. As I was holding Willie he began to have seizures. The Vet looked at me and said that maybe God was telling us what was best, and I knew it was time.
I nodded my head, and she took Willie back to insert a catheter and give him a mild sedative for the pain. When she came back he was aware that I was there. His head picked up and I thought he could once again see me, but I know that he could smell his man. I held him tight and let the Vet know that I was ready, it was time. I rubbed his nose so that the last thing he smelled was me, told him how much I loved him, and I cried like a baby. I held him close until he was gone.
I am sitting her writing this, still crying like a little boy, and I still feel that I can hear and feel him with me. His bed is empty, his collar is on my desk, and my heart is drained.
I have been here many times before, and it is always the same. An emptiness that I know will pass, and the memories that I know will always be here.
God's rest to you good friend. Be at peace and know that my love for you will never end.
A day of joy and heartache.
I went through the same type of thing 11/2/16 with my Lynn-Dah (Lab mix).
My deepest condolences from one who has been there.
Meanwhile, the shelters are full and there is someone waiting for you.
(((I only lasted 3 days)))
My new BFF is a Lab/PB mix named Penny.
I have been where you are, as you have before.
It always breaks our hearts, but these wonderful creatures, created by God, give us their unconditional love. They allow us to give it back without conditions.
The relationship between a man (or woman) and his/her dog, is a special relationship not achievable with another human.
Thank you Lord for these very special friends.
Lovely post.
Thanks for loving that furbaby as you do.
Be prepared...you’ll carry that love the rest of your life-as we humans are privileged (and burdened) to do.
Know that God has His arms around you in your grief.
So sorry for your loss. Losing our furbabies is always heart wrenching. I believe The Good Lord will hold them until we are reunited in our real home...
My deepest, sincerest condolences. This happened to me six years ago, so I know your pain. Once it wears off, I urge you to do what I did and get another dog. My new one is a Great Dane and he’s a God send.
That is so sad. Loss of a loved one is so unbearable.
My wife got me a dachshund for her birthday last year. She brought him home and he ran to me like he had known me all his life. It’s the weirdest thing I have ever seen. It was like he must have thought I was his owner before he went to the rescue place and finally ended up at my house. He follows me everywhere, kitchen and bathroom, loves to go bye-bye, has beds in every room in the house. It’s pretty satisfying and awe-inspiring. Dogs are a gift from God.
So very, very sorry for you. When your time comes, he will be waiting for you, tail wagging in anticipation.
So, so sorry for your loss! It’s always tough to lose a pet that you love dearly...
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Mine for some reason thought it was appropriate to sit between my feet while I was on the can. Going to miss even that.
Your pain is real. It’s love making itself known.
You have my sympathy.
I am so very sorry for your loss, I know first hand how much it hurts. I always say there could never be another to take his or her place, but always there is a pet needing love who comes along and steals my heart once again. Prayers that you will be able to enjoy the memories without so much pain, and that will happen a bit at a time.
Wish I had the faith of my parents. Maybe my dad will take care of my pets for me. Probably why I feel so alone right now. I know that I can find it again, just need to keep looking and asking for His mercy.
My heart is breaking for you and Willie. I hope writing about him has brought you some comfort. Willie became a lucky dog the day you found each other.
Boy does this make the election seem trivial. Losing a beloved companion is the worst form of agony. I know all too well what you are going through, and am truly sorry for your loss.
ditto. Teared me up a bit too.
That's what I'm talking about! It must be a breed-specific behavior. Mine doesn't think I should have to go to the bathroom by myself. Conversely, he doesn't like to go outside to go to the bathroom unless someone goes with him.
ping to the doggie list
A family of friends who make these days so much easier and loving. May the love of my dog and this great nation never die.
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