Off Topic, but I need a kudo today... - ThinnerTimes

Vikkator · 07-23-2008, 08:23 AM

Yesterday I lost my best friend, my dog Chloe. She was an Australian Cattledog who was 12 1/2 years old. She was a diabetic and was diagnosed 4 1/2 years ago. We never thought she'd live to be this old. When we found out she had diabetes, we figured it was a death sentence. We had to give her insulin shots twice a day and there were a lot of ups and downs. She became blind and recently lost most of her hearing. We'd have to call her by pounding on the floor or screaming at her. She became confused and we feared she would hurt herself. We had been talking about letting her go, but just couldn't do it. We knew it was only a matter of time before we had to make this awful decision--to let her go peacefully.

She was a tough old dog and stubborn as well. She insisted on climbing the stairs and sleeping in our room at night. She fell down the stairs the past two mornings trying to come down, and had several times before. Yesterday she broke the nail right off one of her toes and was bleeding all over. She must have been in a great deal of pain, but didn't really show it, other than panting and licking her foot. We decided it was time. We couldn't stand to see her go through this anymore. Her quality of life wasn't good. It broke my heart watching her try to get around.

She was my dog, even though we originally got her for my son. He never took to her like I did. She was a real challenge as a puppy and we had to get her obedience training. We had to take turns walking her every day just to tire her out. She finally grew out of her puppy stage at about age 4. She was a cattledog. She wanted to herd and was always trying to herd us. I remember when my kids played soccer. We'd bring her to the games with us and she would herd the team after the games.

She was our protector. She wouldn't let anyone in the house unless we said it was ok. When she could see, she was one of the best frisbee dogs I ever knew. I was the one who taught her how to catch. Even when she first started to go blind, she would still play. Even recently she was out playing with a tennis ball, but it broke my heart watching her try to find it when she dropped it. My son put it appropriately yesterday when we made the decision: "she is just a shell of her former self."

She died in my arms yesterday. My eyes are red and puffed from crying. I will truly cherish the time I had with her until the day I can join her.

nextbigloser · 07-23-2008, 08:25 AM

I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you big hugs.

soon2bthin · 07-23-2008, 08:28 AM

Wow I am so sorry for your loss. I am typing this with tears in my eyes. My heart just goes out to you right now with the loss of your baby. They come into out lives as just an animal in the beginning but some become one of our children. My cat is 13 now and I know this is decision I will eventually have to make. I know I will be a basketcase and will miss my Wompus kitty tremendously but also know I have all the memories of our time together. You will be in my thoughts today. From one animal lover to another, hang in there.

Toony · 07-23-2008, 08:40 AM

I'm so sorry to hear about Chloe! Special hugs to you and your family today... I feel your saddness and pain!

Love,
Katie

Mia · 07-23-2008, 08:40 AM

I am sorry for your lost!

Our pet friends are part of the family!

Corrine · 07-23-2008, 08:44 AM

Oh sweetheart....I am so sorry to hear of your furbaby's passing.

It's hard to find the right words at times like this because with two ageing dogs myself, I understand what you've been going through.

Sending you a huge hug.

RebeccaNV · 07-23-2008, 09:02 AM

I too am sorry to hear of the loss of your dear Chloe. I once had an Australian Cattledog and I know what a loving, happy breed of dog they are. You were good to her.

Godsblessedme · 07-23-2008, 10:01 AM

aw sweetie i'm sorry my heart is breaking for you i know how close we have our pets and how they are really a part of the family. thank God you had 12 years with her and she sounds like she was a wonderful dog. i'm sorry

fisher1000 · 07-23-2008, 10:33 AM

Bless you little Chloe
As you’re climbing heaven-bound.
You’ve lived a great existence
Passing doggy love around.
Your Mama Vicki misses
Every memory that remains
But she knows that you are better off
And free of all your pain.

Rest assured that Chloe’s fine
And is in a better place,
Where she’s forever young
And filled with every grace.

So sorry for your loss...

-Mike

Toony · 07-23-2008, 10:39 AM

MIKE: Is your new job working for Hallmark?

Could be! I could be your able-bodied artistic assistant...

(Sorry for the hijack)