Not in the mood

... to post today.  We had to have one of our dogs (Lola) put down yesterday because of ailments caused by her 16 years.  Maybe tomorrow.  pl

Comments

[Peter VE]

I'm sorry to hear it, Col. It's a shame that many people can't be as loyal as our animals.

[catherine]

My sympathies. So hard to lose them.

[Jack]

My condolences Sir.

[Nancy K]

So sorry about your dog, it is amazing how much we love them, even more how devoted to us they are.

[Taras 77]

Tough, tough day.

Have a German Shepherd who almost human in his understanding of his family-getting up in age, had spleen removed this spring because of possible malignency, suffered much pain, not a whimper. Month later had to go in to fix some issues related to earlier operation, much pain, not a whimper.
Fearful of day coming, which you just experienced.

[Hal90505]

Very sorry to hear this. Much sympathy on this hard day.

[ann]

So much joy -- Then an empty spot. Wishing you past the sadness.

[ex-PFC Chuck]

My condolences. Our 14 year old dachshund won't be too far behind.

[The Twisted Genius]

SWMBO and I offer our humble condolences for your loss of Lola. We both know it will take far more a day to return to a semblance of normality, especially after 16 years of joyous companionship.

[ISL]

My first puppy, a border collie who lived 14 years, remains in my thoughts many years later, even as I play with my 1 year old border collie, Perla.

[Bill H]

Our cat, now 17 years old, was diagnosed with intestinal cancer five years ago. She's had to have a lot of medication, but has been a happy and lively cat for all this time. She had what appears to have been a stroke two days ago and was in the emergency vet overnight. She does not seem to be in pain, but is sleeping, not eating and not very aware.

I'm keeping her comfortable until my wife returns home Monday night. Keeping the poor cat going seems awful, but letting her go without her Mom being able to say goodby seems worse. Nothing feels right.

I am sorry for your Lola, for you and for your wife. I wish somebody could make me sure of the best course.

[Ray R]

Pat, Sorry about your loss. They really do become part of the family.

[turcopolier]

She followed me about the house as long as she could, but in the last week it became impossible to deceive ourselves about the growing level of her pain. when she started to moan and have seizures that had to be the end. As Alan Farell wrote to me today," I have buried men with less regret."

[The Twisted Genius]

Bill, only your heart can tell you what you should do. It's an agonizing decision and it will never feel quite right. I've been there as I'm sure many of us have. My thoughts are with you.

[walrus]

Condolences Col. Lang. May you have only happy memories of Lola. I had a Sixteen year old Golden retriever and a fourteen year old chocolate Lab that I can never forget.

[Fred]

My condolences on the loss of Lola.

[optimax]

My condolences for the loss of your Lola. A dog's stoicism is a remarkable trait--in fact, they are just remarkable creatures. We are lucky they chose to share their lives with us those thousands of years ago.

[akaPatience]

Col. Lang, I'm so very sorry for your loss of Lola after sixteen years of loving companionship. I had to stop keeping pets a couple of years ago -- I've buried 6 and a part of me has died along with each one. I just don't have the courage anymore to endure the heartache their illnesses and deaths can cause. Maybe I'll get over it someday.

There's an old episode of National Geographic called Those Wonderful Dogs that documented various roles they've played in war, work, disasters, sport and daily lives. I've never forgotten the last line of narration: "We give them our spare love, our spare time, our spare room, and in return dogs have given us their absolute all".

[akaPatience]

If you're keeping her comfortable, I think you're doing the right thing Bill. In the past, I've done the same as you: thankfully Bustopher was able to hold on an extra day, and his dad raced home from the airport. The poor little guy got a few final rubs, and then quickly passed away in peace.

You're probably in agony. Good luck.

[Error404]

Tough day. Condolences.

[English Outsider]

Been there. Road accident. Operations, didn't work, had to call the vet in. Buried him under an oak and a lot of memories come back as I walk past. But it was the only thing you could do.

[Kerim]

My condolences ces for your loss Col. Lang

[Bill Hatch]

Col. - My condolences on your loss of Lola. As painful as your decision was, it was the right thing for Lola. In time the memories of the joy that she brought you for 16 years will replace the sadness that you now feel. She was a lucky dog & you were a lucky man to share her life's journey.

[Bobo]

My condolences on the loss of Lola. We lost Jasper (Black Lab) five years ago after 14 years of great joy as he was family. Not a week goes by without a rememberance, though it used to be daily and will most likely become monthly, it is hard thus I wish you and your SWMBO easier days ahead.
It was good to hear words of Farrell as they shudder with a gravity not heard often but welcoming.

[Bill H]

Alan Farell provided you with a very nice thought; one that touched me, as it must have touched you. Thanks for passing it on.