Our dog, Chase: RIP

April 21, 2006 | vanity

[ChocChipCookie]

We are leaving in a few minutes to comfort our female Basenji, Chase, who has developed peritonitis following intestinal surgery. She isn't going to make it past today, and we want to be there with her as her life ends. My two children, ages 4 and almost-7, don't know this yet, and I'm unsure how and what to tell them. They deeply love all our dogs, and Chase was always the, "Mommy Dog."

Chase was a gentle soul and a wonderful mother. She will be deeply missed by the other four Basenjis in her pack, including her mate, Chamuit, and her three daughters. I know some people raised their eyebrows at the number of dogs in our home, but from the beginning these were a pack. Chase and Tano, from her first litter, were especially close. I know it will be a long time before this little group of dogs will be back to normal.

Please keep us in your prayers. My husband and I owned her and Chamuit from the early years of our marriage, long before we had kids. She is our, "little girl." I so hoped the surgery would be successful and that she would recover.

Thanks for indulging me in my very first vanity post.

[kanawa]

My heart goes out to you. It has to be tough.
May the Lord bring you peace in your sadness.

[Andy'smom]

So sorry for your loss, Cookie.

[No Truce With Kings]

“The Power of the Dog”

Rudyard Kipling

THERE is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.

Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie—
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet’s unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find—it’s your own affair—
But . . . you’ve given your heart to a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!).
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone—wherever it goes—for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.

We’ve sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we’ve kept ’em, the more do we grieve.
For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-time loan is as bad as a long—
So why in—Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

[MineralMan]

One of the only drawbacks to owning pets is that they generally die before we do. I have had and lost many pet animals. It's always a sad occasion, but there is no getting past the shorter lifespans of our pet animals.

A very sad day, but you will surely recover from your grief.

[Die_Hard Conservative Lady]

Sorry for your loss, I know how hard it is to say good-bye...

[YaYa123]

I've lost many beloved pets, and you got it just right with:

"She has obviously been well-loved and has had a wonderful life. Take comfort in that. All life ends at some point, and it's her time."

[RMDupree]

I'm so very sorry. (((Cookie)))

[JustaDumbBlonde]

My sympathy to you and your family (dogs included, of course). There is nothing so unconditional as the love from a good dog. Chase will be missed, but be comforted that you gave her a very good life.

[Theresawithanh]

Prayers up for you and your family.

When I was about 10, our 4-legged family member died during surgery. We all had a good cry, even my dad, whom I had rarely seen cry, and then we sat down and shared our favorite stories about her and went over all the pictures we had taken over her life with us.

[Max Monroe]

Please accept my very sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved little one. Whenever I lose one, I always replace him/her with another one needing a home and a family. Your little group surely seems large enough right now without having to be added to. Your sadness will pass and will be replaced by every lovely memory of your fur baby.

[BlueAngel]

I am so very sorry for what you are going through. I have been there many times and we do come to think of our pets as our children. I am sad for you and just want you to know that my thoughts are with you guys.

[baseballmom]

So sorry to hear about Chase.

It's very hard, I know.

[BluH2o]

It is always a sad day when you lose a dear and loyal friend such as a family dog. I've had terriers for many years and have lost a couple to old age. It's important to be with them at the end and hold them closely.
Time will help heal the loss ... the memories are yours to keep.

[Skooz]

You are one of the good people on FR and it is people like you who keep me coming back here.

May God give you and yours comfort in this difficult time.

[HairOfTheDog]

So sorry for your loss, RIP indeed, Chase.

MISSING OUR DOGS

Old Men miss many dogs.
They only live a dozen years,if that,
And by the time you are sixty, there are several
The names of which evoke remembering smiles.
You see them in your mind,heads cocked and seated.
You see them by your bed, or in the rain,
Or sleeping by the fire by nights
And always dying.

They are remembered like departed children
Though they gave vastly more than ever they took,
And finally you're seeing dogs that look like them.
They pass you in the street but never turn
Although it seems they should,their faces so familiar.
Old men miss many dogs.

Ping!

Other articles with keyword "DOGGIEPING" since 12/29/04

[rageaholic]

Sorry 'bout your dog, they're the greatest. I love mine too.

[just deserts]

A Dog and Cat Loaned

"I'll lend you for a little time a dog and cat of mine" He said.
"For you to love while they live and mourn for when they're dead."
It maybe six or seven years or maybe more than these,
but will you, till I call them back, take care of them for me?
They'll bring their charm to gladden you, and should their stay be brief,
you'll have their memories, as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise they will stay, since all from earth return,
but there are lessons taught down there, I want this dog and cat to learn.
I've looked this wide world over, in my search for teachers true,
and from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, I have selected you.
Now will you give them all your love, nor think the labour vain,
nor hate me when I come to call, and take them back again?

I fancied that I heard them say "Dear Lord, thy will be done,"
for all the joy thy dog and cat shall bring, for the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter them with tenderness, we'll love them while we may,
and for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay. But should the angels call for them,
we'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.
~Author Unknown

[MileHi]

We had to put down our 14 YO Lab last Thursday. He was my buddy and I liked him better than most people I have met. He was my sons companion since my son was 1 YO.

I feel for you. I am still hurting over this. God Bless.

[brytlea]

Oh gosh, I've been thru this too many times. I'm so sorry.
susie

[Shimmer128]

Hugs Cookie, I'm sorry for your dear 4 legged baby.