I’ve been meaning to get here for quite some time, but life, it is just so busy these days. The kid, she is mobile, sort of, and the dogs, they are many. There is so much to catch up on, but it’s late, and I’m tired, so for now – I’ll leave you with this comment I unearthed tonight from the dregs of my inbox and my reply. Thanks for reading, Keri!
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Awww. (
I’ve been reading your blog for a couple years. Never commented, because I suck at that.
I’m a crazy dog lover.
I also have major anxiety issues. General/social/agoraphobia etc.
I’ve been so inspired by you.
My Sweet Perfect Golden Retriever has been my therapist of choice for years. He IS my best friend. I got him when my twins were 1 and he is just as much my baby.
I also work in a long term care facility where my doggie volunteers, and he has truly positively altered the lives of many a resident (although he is a bit more reserved now with the cancer patients, he was very attached to one, and it hurt us both badly)
ANYWAY.
My SPGR (sweet perfect golden retriever) is eleven this December.
He is slowing down. He’s on glucosamine and lodine for his joints. His sweet face is fully grey.
I just can’t.
Even fathom life without him.
I can’t imagine putting him down although I would NEVER let him suffer.
I like to say “IF” the time comes:
I can’t imagine being in the room with him.
But I would never leave him alone in the room.
I just can’t deal.
I’m sobbing even typing this.
I just would love some advice/insight.
But maybe Redwood and Rowan (and Hazel) will bring him a bone and squeaky….. (
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Keri,
I’m so sorry, somehow your comment got lost in my mail…. as things sometimes do since I’m often reading them on the run! I will do my best to get back with a proper post, but I just wanted to tell you that losing them….. *sigh* it is the worst thing. But you survive, because you must, and it often makes room for another dog to come into your life that you need just as much. Without Redwood passing, I would never had have room for Dyson, and I’ve learned so much from him. I miss her every day, every day, but I wouldn’t be who or where I am without having known her. Having her, loving her, created much of who I am, and losing her shaped me just as much. But I survived. And I like to think she would have been proud of where I’ve gotten myself to.
The day will come when you have to take a deep breath and say goodbye to your “SPGR”, and you will do it. You will be strong because you owe it to him. And when your tears are fewer, another cold nose will poke at your hand, and you’ll look into another set of soft eyes, and love again.
Posted on November 3rd, 2009 by michelle
Filed under: Random run ins, The Naked Part
My heart really breaks whenever I hear stories like this…But Michelle is right Keri, the day will come that you have to say goodbye to your SPGR and when that day comes, you have to be strong because that is the best gift that you could him when he goes away.. *hugs*
Oh my… I am so surprised and flattered! I didn’t expect to find this when I came here! You are too sweet!
Your advice and Kate’s is SO appreciated.
No one but other dog lovers truly understand the impact they make on our lives.
I think my greatest worry is being strong for him and strong for my children. I know I will be, because I have to be and BOY do I owe it to him.
Thank you so much, really.
Keri