Today we had to put our dog down. He wasn't eating and his legs kept going out. We had him for nine, wonderful years and he actually lived about as long as a Golden Retriever usually does (10-12 years). But it didn't make it any easier. The last month or so we could tell he wasn't feeling well, but thought it was arthritis. So, it was a bit shocking to get the news that he was full of cancerous tumors. Golden Retrievers are great at hiding pain. He never whimpered, never cried.
When we lived in Michigan, Jack showed up one day, tail wagging, all smiles. No one ever claimed him and so we were fortunate enough to get to adopt him. I know most people think this, but he really was the best dog. So kind and loving. All he wanted to do was be with the family. He adored hiking and swimming in lakes. When my son was a toddler, he would crawl all over Jack, pull his ears and tail, but Jack wouldn't even flinch. I've never much considered myself a dog person, but Jack wasn't like most dogs. Jack was more human than pet. You could see the soul in his eyes, his intelligence, his kindness. There wasn't a person alive who didn't love Jack.
When we lived in Michigan, Jack showed up one day, tail wagging, all smiles. No one ever claimed him and so we were fortunate enough to get to adopt him. I know most people think this, but he really was the best dog. So kind and loving. All he wanted to do was be with the family. He adored hiking and swimming in lakes. When my son was a toddler, he would crawl all over Jack, pull his ears and tail, but Jack wouldn't even flinch. I've never much considered myself a dog person, but Jack wasn't like most dogs. Jack was more human than pet. You could see the soul in his eyes, his intelligence, his kindness. There wasn't a person alive who didn't love Jack.
Most days it was just me and Jack when my husband went to work and my son to school. I'd be in my office and Jack would come in as if to say hi and see what I was up to.
I really can't believe he's gone. No matter how many pets you lose, it never gets easier. I guess all you can do is enjoy the time you have together. So Goodbye Jack, you will be greatly missed.
I really can't believe he's gone. No matter how many pets you lose, it never gets easier. I guess all you can do is enjoy the time you have together. So Goodbye Jack, you will be greatly missed.
I'm so sorry Lori. What a beautiful dog.
ReplyDeleteI know I don't comment (almost ever), but I read religiously. Having been in this boat before, I'm sending you and yours good thoughts right now.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry. I'm so sorry.
Lori, so sorry about Jack. I have two old dogs. My setter was just at the vet today, having stitches out. (She had a lump at an inconvenient spot.) They both seem all right now, though they've slowed down. The setter is 13 and we think the beagle is 19.
ReplyDeleteI'm sending you hugs!
Sorry to hear about Jack, Lori.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry :( *hugs*
ReplyDeleteI'm so very sorry about Jack. I'm glad that I got to know him and see him one last time. He was awesome.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much everyone. You don't know how much I appreciate your kind words. Today was pretty hard, hopefully tomorrow will be a tiny bit better.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry Lori- about a week before this we lost our loving cat, Max. It was sudden and very sad. I still catch myself talking to him when I come home from work in the evening. :( HUGS!
ReplyDeleteIt's sad losing a pet. I lost my four year old dog in July of last year. It's hard but he will always be in your heart so you never will really lose him.
ReplyDeleteOhhhh, sorry about your fur baby! My son lost his 13 year old lab Dru-P last year and I lost both my girls (Min-Pin - Charlotte & Toy Fox Terrier - Swoop) the year before! I know how hard it is to say good-bye! Hope your family heals soon!
ReplyDelete