Good luck with your furkid. So hard to see them get old...
I remember dogs...people not so much.
That‘s a very sweet remembrance.
As expats, we have met most of our friends through our dogs. And even acquaintances get addressed as "Lily's Mom or Dad" as we are the same; we remember the dogs... people not so much!
You may want to call them and ask them what they use.
It is a lovely gesture, we have 2.
Here‘s my girl in 2018...run free, Lily.
A YOUNG DOG ONCE AGAIN... Anonymous
You’re giving me a special gift, so sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.
But real love is knowing when your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts will only be in vain.
So looking deep into your eyes, beyond into your soul,
I see in you the magic that will once more make me whole.
The strength that you possess is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done, for it’s the only way.
That strength is why I followed you, and chose you as my friend,
And why I’ve loved you all these years
...my partner ‘til the end
Please understand just what this gift you’re giving means to me,
It gives me back the strength I’ve lost and all my dignity.
You take a stand on my behalf, for that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right, for I believe it too.
So one last time I breathe your scent and through your hand I feel,
The courage that’s within you to grant me this appeal.
Cut the leash that holds me here dear friend, so that I can run,
Once more a strong and steady dog, my pain and struggle done
And don’t despair my passing, I won’t be far away,
Forever here within your heart, and memory I will stay.
I’ll be there watching over you, your forever faithful friend,
And in your memories I will run,
...a young dog once again.
There is nothing so sweet as the love our pets give us. Their time with us is always far too short, but their great gift is that they live on forever in our hearts.
May you be at peace, as Lily is now.
Never easy when a furry family member goes, take care!
We’ll start to look for another pup in a few months....our house is definitely missing something. Thanks for all your supportive comments.
I love Lily's portrait.
(And your sister is very talented!)
My current dog is my fifth in my life....so gone through the same pain and sorrows a few times before, so I know exactly what you are going through.
Next month I am going back to Japan for a few weeks to see my family. My parents' dog is 15 years and 9 months. Completely blind and deaf, manages to eat but cannot drink by herself so they give her water through syringes. Last year I thought I would not see her again but she is hanging in there. She wakes up 4-5 times a night so caring for her is taking a physical toll on my elderly parents, so my sister goes and helps out every month for a few weeks. Having a full time job and total lack of sleep for almost a year, my sister is physically exhausted as well, so my visit back home is fully dedicated to take over caring for our family dog - and give my parents and sister a bit of a relief.
Mixed emotions going home. My sister is so attached having cared for her like a new-born baby for the past year, she is afraid she won't be able to handle it when she goes....and hopes she will peacefully go in her sleep while I am there, that my parents' dog feels she can finally let go as we are all there for her.
Sigh... Sorry, didn't mean to make this post about my situtation. Ennui, sending you hugs and comfort!! x
Thirty years ago, I took care of my mother at the end of her life and the sleep deprivation and difficulty giving her meds were familiar. No, taking care of a dying human and dying dog are not the same thing, but there are parallels. I hope your family and their pup will find peace soon. But man, it’s hard.... I cooked a chicken earlier this week to make soup and burst into tears when I realized I had no Lily to give some of the meat to.
I have started to look for a new dog. I’m going to Italy in November to visit a shiba inu breeder. We had Lily almost 16 years....it leaves a big hole.
Sounds like your visit home will be very appreciated by your family. Hard work, but worth it.
I wish you well in November, I hope you will find the puppy that feels right for you and your family. My grandparents had a Shiba, I love them.
People will never understand how much you love your dog.
That's OK.
Your dog knows.
Suddenly, for the last year I've had dog nightmares. They are about mostly her, but others also, like the fabulous circus-talented black poodle, India Ink; Rafiki and Winkie the Schipperkes; and idiotic Dotted Spangled Swiss Miss the Dalmatian (aka Dot-Brain). I dream I am at work and have forgotten to leave them water or food. It's been days...they are dying. I wake up very upset. Why?? Anyone have the same? Ugh.