Friday, February 26, 2010

Goodbye My Beloved Friend



On Feb.25, I had to take my little buddy to the vet to be euthanized. It was probably the hardest thing I ever had to do.

Little Dolly was nearly 17 years old. She was pretty much ok but went downhill rapidly within several hours. So she didn't have a long period of pain or suffering, for which I am deeply grateful.

A toy poodle, she was 6.3 pounds of unconditional love. Dolly always seemed to be watching out for me as much as I watched out for her.

She has left a hole in this house and in my heart, but I realize such is the nature of life.

Ecclesiastes 3: 1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:

2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance.



26 comments:

  1. Dean, You will be in my prayers as you learn a life without this special friend! So sorry!

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  2. So sorry about the loss of your dear friend, Dean!

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  3. I'm so sorry to read this Dean. I know how precious our animals can be. I will hold your family in my prayers that your sorrow will be gentle. I am so grateful that she had such a sweet family to live out her life with.

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  4. My thoughts are w/ you. I know exactly how you feel. I went through the same thing a few years ago. I ached for several weeks when I came home to an empty house. I am sorry.

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  5. I am so very sorry, Dean. Dolly was a very lucky little pup to have found a warm home with you and your family, but it sounds as though you were the lucky one to have known Dolly.

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  6. My heart goes out to you, Dean. This is a lovely tribute to your fallen friend.

    -Don

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  7. So very sad for you...I help all these messages will help you through the worst patches!

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  8. I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your wonderful little friend. I know she had a very loving home with you, my friend. Take care.

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  9. HUGS!!! Little Dolly was able to live a long and quality life because of the love between her and your family. It is one of the toughest tasks in one's life to be there during our friend's last moments. Dolly knows it was an act of true love on your part. You're a good man Dean.

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  10. My heart goes out to you, Dean. Our little animal friends give us so much, and ask for so very little in return. I am so glad you were able to have her for such a long time, and that she brought you and your family such love and joy. May your fond memories of her give you comfort as you deal with her loss. My prayers are with you.

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  11. I am so sorry to hear of your loss Dean. Pets become your children and they don't live long enough. I know you feel blessed to have her in your life as she was to have you. <3

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  12. Dean, They are true friends... a loss for sure. Another sincere sorry and hug for you.

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  13. Dean, I am so sorry...My heart breaks for you...

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  14. Oh Dean. My heart just broke when I saw this post with that sweet little dog's photo. I know she was a big joyous part of your family and will missed so very much. I'll pray your heart heals soon, Dean. Sleep in peace, Dear Dolly.

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  15. Dear Dean,
    I am so happy that your Dolly had you for her person..and that you had her as your best buddy. I do know how difficult this time is--but I will share with you something a vet once said (that I overheard being said to someone else).. He said "They stay with you until they know that you're going to be all right". It was such a helpful thing for me to hear...and I have always remembered it. You know..it absolutely has to be true. Hugs to you, Dean. I'm sure after Dolly knows that you're all right my Ruggles will show your Dolly the ropes at the rainbow bridge.

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  16. My heart goes out to you, Dean. I know well the pain of this loss. I hope Dolly is running and frolicking on the other side of that Rainbow Bridge. Thank you for sharing your girl with us. You have my deepest sympathies.

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  17. Dean...so very sorry for your loss. A treasured pet is so hard to lose.

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  18. Thank you, my friends, for your heartfelt messages. I appreciated you all.

    Dean

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  19. "They stay with you until they know that you're going to be all right".

    Thanks for that, Celeste.

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  20. I am deeply sorry for your pain and loss. My heart goes out to you.

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  21. Oh Dean I'm so sorry - I know how hard it is when one of our pets leaves us - they are such a part of our family. I hope each day gets a little easier for you however I know she will always be in your heart and thoughts. God Bless.

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  22. Dear Dean - I'm so sorry for your loss. I know the pain of having to make that decision, and of losing a beloved companion. It is heartbreaking. Hugs to you friend. I'm so glad she didn't suffer long. Sending good thoughts and prayers your way.
    Liz

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  23. Thank you Violetta, Karen, and Liz.

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  24. Dean, my heart is with you. We just lost our 18 year cat, last of 3, he was my shadow and the greatest cat ever. It's been awhile now, I have a triage of photos of the 3 of them over my computer in my studio. They are missed, but I just bet there up there chasing butterflies. This really did help me with it. Hope it helps you. A quote from Dr. Suess. "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened". I hope you get to a place very soon where you can smile. God Bless!

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  25. Dean..How well I know how much a dog can mean to us...and how difficult to part. I'm reminded of that line in Mr. Bojangles.."His dog up and died...after 20 years, he still grieves" God granted us a multitude of blessings with His gift of companionship with our dog. And..in His infinite wisdom, He gave dogs the ability to communicate with us...without the curse of speech. I know you will miss Dolly, but I also know she was so very lucky to have had YOU as her Master.

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