Pareidolia 2 » « Bananaman! (the song)

Good-Bye, Old Friend

I hope we did what’s best for you
I know, at least, we tried.
I took you to the doctor
And I stayed there at your side;
I talked with you for one last time
Then held you as you died.
I kissed your head, and said good-bye
And cried
And cried
And cried.

I’m still crying.  Dogs are fur-covered unconditional love; it should hurt when you say good-bye.
I was going to post a picture, but I can’t bring myself to do it.
Good-bye, old friend.

edit–regular readers may recall that I last wrote of her this past Thanksgiving.

Pareidolia 2 » « Bananaman! (the song)

Comments

  1. says

    The right thing to do.The last way to show your love.Hard to be humane.I’ve been there before with two different cats. One of them was still a kitten which was pretty difficult to get through.Keep crying. It will help.

  4. says

    I’m so sorry. I’ve been in exactly the same place. It’s been seven years and I still haven’t been able to bring myself to get another dog.

  7. says

    Really sorry, DC. I hope it helps knowing there are people who understand. I went through this with Vandal not quite two years ago. It’s hard to lose something that will hang with you no matter what for just some food, some exercise, and all the attention it can demand.Now I look at our other two dogs, who are both long past the time where we can pretend they aren’t going gray. Still healthy, still happy. Not quite as quick up the stairs, not quite the terror of any squirrels who wander into the yard any more.We just picked up a stray a couple of weeks ago, just days before a cold blast that he couldn’t have survived on his own. We’re suckers that way. He was a little underfed, and he has heartworms. But he is a good reminder that a lot of dogs have it bad. If a dog could pick how it would go, it would probably pick choking on the bones of that goddamn cat always hiding in our bushes. But second on the list would be to go warm, and fed, and dry, and surrounded by family.Good luck to you, DC.

  10. says

    Thank you, friend Ridger.My last was my cat… my cat. Yes, it hurts.In both cases, though, it was clearly the right time. I am very fortunate that my pets have lived long lives with me. Which, of course, means that they will necessarily rip my heart out when they go. In balance, it is a good thing.

  15. says

    I’m so sorry to hear this, Cuttlefish. We had to do the same thing on Wednesday. Your verse expresses what I wanted to say just about perfectly. I’d love to see a picture when you’re ready.It’s hard to do the right thing. It hurts.Our thoughts are with the Cuttlefamily.

  17. says

    I cried when I read this. If it helps to know, your friend certainly enjoyed your love as much as you did hers.(Looks over at aging cat, sweet friend, wonders how many days are left)

  21. says

    Oh, no no no. I knew who you were referring to as soon as I started reading. And now I have to reach over and scratch my dog, and maybe cry a little myself.We lost the oldest horse at my barn a few months ago. Wasn’t mine, but I rode him off and on for years. I was the first person they called. And then I wandered the house in such hysterics my family was afraid one of our animals must have died… I knew it was going to happen eventually, but… Doesn’t make it any easier, does it.

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