Yesterday we lost our dear Old Dog, who had become weaker in recent days and then lost the use of his back legs on Monday night. A kind young vet and a vet nurse came to the house and Old Dog quietly slipped away, after a treat of banana ( his favourite), on a rug in our living room. He did not need a scary car journey or a visit to the Vet Surgery on his last day.
On Sunday, we took both dogs for a short walk up into the heather. They loved sniffing around and following familiar tracks, but old dog tripped over once or twice and had to be helped to his feet. On Monday, he managed just a five minute walk onto the flat green at the bottom of our hill, and that was his last walk.
He was fourteen years and eight months old. A good age for a collie and he was part of our family since puppyhood. There is a huge void here today. Everyone, human and animal, is missing him.
Here he is in the garden this spring.......
....and sharing his bed with Lucy on a cold morning.
24 comments:
So sorry you have lost such a wonderful member of the family...but the memories cannot be lost can they.
I'm so sorry to hear of Old Dog's passing, I'm glad that it was an easy, peaceful transition for him. It's awful losing a much loved member of the family and it takes a long time to get used to their absence. You'll be in my thoughts.
So sorry - such a hard decision to make, although it really is compassion in action. He had a lovely, loved life with you, and I'm sure gave you much love in return.
This has been the summer of saying goodbye to dear pets. I lost Miss Mouse in June (she was 17; quite old for a cat). And it seems so many of my blogger friends have lost their pets this summer, too. Rachel at Slow Lane Life, Jane at Small but Charming, Dan at Dan Routh Photography just to name a few.
So, so sorry for your loss. It is always so hard.
I am so sorry for your loss. What a regal boy and surely grateful for the way you helped him out of this world in the comfort of his own home with his banana snack. Take care - many good thoughts your way.
I feel for you ... its always a hard sad time. x
Vicky.
There is that familiar feeling here of tears at the shared passing of a loved animal. Our Border Collie had only 10 years with us. So good that Old Dog's death was gentle and quiet. It takes so very many days to realize that a dear cat or dog or horse is no longer with us. Somehow their long presence seems to leave an imprint on their favorite spots--as though if we turned quickly enough we might catch a glimpse. A fancy, of course, but the companionship of our beloved pets goes very deep.
I've always noticed that our other animals must make an adjustment, as well as the humans, when one of their number goes away.
Be kind to yourselves as you miss Old Dog.
Sadly it is the price we pay for loving our pets when their lives are so much shorter than ours. Glad you had the vet call. We always do that with our pets - we owe it to them after all the love they give us. Rest in peace Old Dog.
I'm so very, very sorry for you loss. When they go, they leave such a whole in our hearts. I can tell he had a wonderful life in the country with his favorite people.
Sleep well old chap xx
Ah, another dear one leaves - adding my sorrow at your loss, so horribly painful, even with the knowledge of a good life and a good end.
Your house will seem so quiet with just one dog left, after so many years with two of them. I know how devastated you must be. (((HUGS))) my dear.
So sorry to hear you had to say Goodbye to Old Dog, it's so sad that they have such short lives in comparsion to us. He must have such a good life and I feel for you with the empty place it has left behind.
Thinking of you.
Sarah x
Hugs from me.
Love from Mum
xx
I saw this post on someone else's sidebar and had to come here and comment. I am so sorry. I would like to be able to say something that could make all the pain go away because I know how difficult it is. unfortunately there is no magic formula. Be strong. Hugs.
Your post brought tears: we lost our Dudley (due to his fiery breath we called him Dudley the Dragon) a few years ago. Abused as a pup, he suffered seizures and was kept on 12 hours medication. There is not a day that he is not with us! We still miss him.
I would like to think all good faithful dogs are now across the Rainbow Bridge having the time of their lives, no longer feeling pain!
Sending thoughts and prayers your way! Thank you for sharing this heartfelt post and God bless,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. They are so much part of our everyday lives and we miss them at every turn don't we? Jane xx
I'm so sorry for you. Love and hugs to you all.xxx
I'm so sorry to learn of your sad loss - its so awful to lose such a well-loved member of the family. You will be in my thoughts.
Old Dog has just gone on ahead to scout the way. He'll wait for you to catch him up by and by.
sending much love & comfort xoxo Susan & les Gang
Sad news, losing animals is such a painful affair. Dear Old Dog had a peaceful ending though and will live on in your memories in happier times.
xx
What a fabulous person you are to ensure that on his last morning Old Dog did not have to endure a car journey or trip into the surgery. If only everyone was as caring, considerate and thoughtful as you.
The final act of kindness is one of the hardest things to do and as WoG says, the pain is the price we pay for loving our hairy friends. It is the ultimate unselfish act, to relinquish the Old Dog that you love and treasure in return for him being at peace.
You gave him a wonderful long life and a peaceful death with no fear or suffering. Blessings to you (and big hugs with Kleenex too). xx
I'm so, so sorry. I'm only just catching up with people's blogs and I had no idea. Animals leave such a hole in your life when they go. A big hug to you.
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