It's hard to say goodbye to such old, dear friends [touching story]

AJC ^ | 11/14/04 | JINGLE DAVIS

[freedom44]

Both Jethro (left) and Dover, have health problems that require daily medications hidden in peanut butter and other treats.

[peyton randolph]

I know how hard this must be for you. I lost one dog unexpectantly to cardiac arrhythmia in August. My other dog, 11 1/2, was diagnosed with a collapsing trachea. I'm awake right now so that I can keep an eye on him. I doubt he will make to through the holidays.

[Nowhere Man]

I admit I'm more of a cat lover, I have 8 cats myself although I had 9 earlier this year. We lost Muffin in July, she was a Burmese cat, would have been 17 in August. She had kidney problems for 2 and a half years prior to her death but we kept her healthy on a special diet until the last few weeks of her life. She did have a good run, we took Muffin in back in 1995 when my aunt willed her to us when she passed away from cancer. Muffin was found as a stray kitten in Round Rock, Texas so she was my "little yellow rose." B-)



Feline or Canine or whatever, our pets enrich our lives and for a lot of love, some food and care, they love us back no matter who we are or what we look like.

[Slings and Arrows]

You said it.

---
Kitty Ping List alert!

[Freepmail me to get on or off the Kitty Ping List.]

[elizabetty]

This is so hard to live through. I wonder why we do it, why do we put ourselves through the pain over and over. There is something courageous about pet lovers, we are willing to take the pain and sorrow because we appreciate the companionship our pets give us.

[IAMNO1]

Tough decisions. I had to put my Mother's dog down a year ago, 3 years after my Mother died. It was very difficult for me, but I got through it. One word of advice, if you eventually end up at the vet's office to do what is necessary, don't allow the vet to use a combined injection that has the sedative and heart stopper all in one dose. As in my dog's case, every now and then, there is a problem with the injection, and your dog goes into limbo, with considerable pain and crying. I'll never allow them to do that again. With my previous dog, the sedative was followed up by an individual shot to stop the heart. The poor animal died in peace.

Best wishes.

[freedom44]

My friend has a pet parrot that lives up to 90 years old. I don't understand why dogs can't live longer. It's not fair, dogs should get together - riot and call for equal rights. :)

[freedom44]

Dogs are family members. I'm sorry to hear about your situation. I've been through it before... best wishes!

[janetgreen]

Your post brought tears to my eyes. We love all animals, and over the years have had two dogs and many cats in our lives. Several have had to be put to sleep because of illness and old age. Heartbreaking, but my only consolation is that they're not suffering anymore. We provided good care and lots of love for them, and that love was returned tenfold. I still miss all of them.

One of our sons would always "find" a cat who needed a home soon after one of ours departed, and this actually helped to ease the pain. There are SO many animals who need homes.

[elizabetty]

It's not fair, dogs should get together - riot and call for equal rights. :)

The Canine Caucus!

[woofie]

My family has gone to the dogs...
Woof

[Danette]

Hello, Jethro and Dover! Your owners must be doing something right for you two to live so long. They must love you very much. I'm sure you appreciate them caring for you in your old age. Trust them. They know what is best for you.

Love, Yoshi (8 yrs old)

[quantim]

OMG, spoken like a parent. Although no children in this household, the collective cat ownership by years must accumulate a century and a half by now.

[freedom44]

My son pictured above [a Samoyed] is related to wolves, are you saying you as a wolf are related to him and hence you and I are related? ;)

[freedom44]

Pretty Daschund

[woofie]

My Freep name comes from a dog my cousin had when I was young..A really smart dog....We have 2 dogs now:a Golden and a mutt....they are the best

[used2BDem]

Okay, bawling now. Have had to put two down in my lifetime. Hoping for the courage (or God's good grace to take her first) to do the right thing again.

(Where's the damned tissue. . .?)

[ladyinred]

This is so hard for me to read. I fear the day I have to make this kind of decision. I have a 9 year old Maltese who is my child, and I see him slowing down. He still looks like a pup, but as much as I like to pretend he is, I know better. He is the sweetest dog in the world, loves everyone and has given me unconditional love. I can't stand to think about him not being here.

[freedom44]

Beautiful friends. I've had several friends with Maltese.