In the summer I will fuck up a car window if there’s a dog inside and it’s hot out and the car is off. Any time I left my dog in the car I put the air condition on full blast and crack the windows. It’s only ever for a few minutes. I don’t know what people are thinking.
The very last word in your statement is where the problem is...they're NOT thinking (same goes with leaving kids in the car).
I have the duty to report the sad news that my dog Phenix died peacefully while sleeping Sunday night. Although, I'm obviously heartbroken, I got my most important wish that she would die in this way. She really was (literally) on her last legs, and I knew this was coming. Her back legs were totally dead and her normally strong front legs, were starting to stumble from time to time. I thought it strange when I woke up and realized that she did not wake me up in the night for a drink of water and a walk. And, when I didn't see the usual subtle rise and fall of the stack of blankets, I knew. This is a picture of her on Sunday morning. She is waking me up and saying (in dog speak), "get up daddy and feed me!". Fifteen and a half years is a good life for a dog, but still too short for her human friend. Her last day was happy and normal. We sat outside together. We ate and she napped from time to time. I smoked a cigar and played guitar for her. What more can I ask for? That's as good as in gets in this rough and tumble world.
You love her and she loved you. she lived a good life and you were both richer for it. I'm so sorry for your loss, but I understand being relieved that they're no longer in pain. (((HUGS)))
Sadly - it's always too short. They give unconditional love (and we hopefully live up to it) but, they are here for a very finite time...
@Steven P Bastien Oh my God. I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I know how much you loved her and how much you had been through together. You truly gave her the most amazing life. All of the love you shared with her was transcendent. I felt it even through how you spoke of her. I’m so sorry, Steven. We are here for you right now. Anything you need, let us know. I know how absolutely difficult this can be. Losing a best friend is so painful. Sending love your way. {{{{{hugs}}}}}
@Steven P Bastien so sorry --- {{{{{{hugs}}}}}} the peaceful passing is important for both of you --- it will be alright .. just set to autopilot and let the grief -- and grieving happen naturally it is time that heals things... === we are here to console you --- as much as you would like. wow that is hard to get thru.. -- you can do this.. --- {{{{{{hugs}}}}}} ====
I thank you all for your kind words. I appreciate it very much and it helps for sure. It takes time to get over these losses in our lives, but we sign up for this pain the moment we adopt a pet. I'm lucky in every sense possible given the age and manner of my dog's death. So, I may be hurting, but also happy at the same time because there were so many worse ways this could have ended. I've lost pets in much worse ways, and I know many other people here have too. Something interesting happened the night Phenix died. According to my ex-wife, her dog (I call him Phenix's brother from a different mother), who spent his first 7 years with Phenix (and many pet visits) started barking like crazy in the nighttime, which has never happened before to that degree. It wasn't the normal bark, but a crazy spinning barking in the middle of a deep sleep. Whether you enjoy coincidences or believe in doggie spirits, that should give you pause for thought.
So sorry for your loss, Steven. The time we get with our furry family members may be finite, but it definitely sounds like both of your lives were richer for having each other in them. I hope in these difficult times you can find comfort in the fact that you filled her life with happiness and love. Best wishes.
I’m sorry for your loss. I had lost my 14 year old beagle last January, so I’ve been there. Take care