Losing Cleo

American Spectator ^ | June 21, 2012 | Ben Stein

[libstripper]

Sad, sad day. Cleo, our ancient German short-haired pointer, is barely able to walk. When she does walk, she tends to fall down in her own mess. For this majestically beautiful girl, it must be deeply upsetting. She cannot go up or down the steps in Beverly Hills, and she is extremely hard to carry.

[libstripper]

This is Ben's heart rending account of the end of his beloved German short-haired pointer, Cleo. My heart and prayers go out to him because I lost an equally loved dog person, Brother, a little one a year ago and it still hurts when I think of him and his death. I adopted a new dog, a Great Dane named Canute after the only Danish king of England. Canute, a wonderful dog, is now a year and four months old, but even he and my other dog, Ulysses, can't fill the hole in my heart Brother's passing left.

[brivette]

funny how dogs can fill an empty space in our lives...

[Hulka]

Waiting for you just across the Rainbow Bridge.

[Kimmers]

I think we all have similar stories of having to say goodbye to our much loved pets.....I have had to say goodbye to 2 dogs within 18 months this past year.....we hold their memories in our hearts......

[DNME]

I’ve got three doggie funerals expected in the next 2 years, and the pain is already being felt.

My sympathies to Ben and to all dog lovers. They are ephemeral and we must seem like immortals to them. Their loss comes too soon and too often.

[Biggirl]

Losing a pet is never easy. At least Cleo knew the love and support she had receved.

[Biggirl]

Please ping this one over to Joe-6Pack.

[Joe 6-pack]

WOOOF!

The Doggie Ping list is for FReepers who would like to be notified of threads relating to all things canid. If you would like to join the Doggie Ping Pack (or be unleashed from it), FReemail me.

[Sans-Culotte]

As a dog lover, I know the pain well. Best wishes to Ben as Cleo journeys across the bridge.

[Freestate316]

My heart goes out to him, and to you as well libstripper. Our little pembroke welsh corgi is only 20 months old, but I know that one day my heart will be broken when we say goodbye. Still, the love and joy that they bring into our lives makes it all worth it.

[Retired Chemist]

I lost an equally loved dog person, Brother, a little one a year ago and it still hurts when I think of him and his death.

Lost my beloved Sheltie 2 years ago and thoughts of her still bring tears.

[cport]

So you lost someone who loves dogs? is that what I read when you said you lost a dog person? I like dogs as much as the next guy, but assigning personhood to dogs and other animals helps in the devaluation of human life, IMHO. Sorry for your loss though.

[freekitty]

I too know the pain now. I am loosing my sweet Keeley to bone cancer. She is only 6 and 1/2 years old. I am doing every thing I can to keep her longer and without pain.

[Not A Snowbird]

For some of us, especially those of us unable to have children, pets become very important.

Our pomeranian isn’t just a pet. He’s a member of the family.

[dainbramaged]

Our pit bull Brandy and husky/golden mix Koko both lived to the age of sixteen - having them put down was difficult but necessary. The vet mailed us a card with this poem which I thought was very kind.

If it should be that I grow weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.

You will be sad, I understand.
Don’t let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day, more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.

We’ve had so many happy years.
What is to come can hold no fears.
You’d not want me to suffer so;
The time has come -- please let me go.

Take me where my need they’ll tend,
And please stay with me til the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I’ve been saved.

Please do not grieve--it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We’ve been so close, we two, these years;
Don’t let your heart hold back its tears.

Anonymous

[osagebowman]

We are so sorry. Cancer is such a scourge; we lost our Golden/Brittany to lymphoma and she was such a happy, loving dog. Every pet we have had, or now own, have such unique personalities, each loss hurts.

LSAggie (posting on hubby’s account)

[freeangel]

“...but assigning personhood to dogs and other animals helps in the devaluation of human life,”

I’d take my dog over obama or holder any day of the week. I’m not quite sure about calling them human OR valuing them in any way.

[libstripper]

I feel sorry for you. It seems you have never known the love, compassion, and true nobility of a wonderful dog. After all, “dog” is God spelled backwards.

[KGeorge]

God Bless him. There is no “less painful” way to lose one of our fuzzy babies & no such thing as “prepared”.

And God Bless you, libstripper. It takes a few years, but even then, it’s still sometimes pain management.

Both Y’All are in my prayers.

[TexasRepublic]

The only way to partially fill the vacuum of a departed dog is to get another, but even that is only a inexact substitute and not a true replacement due to their unique personalities. Enjoy each day fully with your friend while you can.