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Chaplain Kent · 12-26-2005, 08:06 AM

My best friend of 12 years has bone cancer. Spot came to live with us on December 31, 1993 from the local dog shelter. He ran away from his previous family just to be with us. He soon became the ultimate Velcro dog permanently attached to my right leg. During the night he will pull back the covers just to make certain I am still there. Early in the morning he will wake me so he can curl up and sleep by my feet while I work at my desk at home. Spot is the perfect camper dog, being a Dalmatian he has always been a kid magnet and he loves children. When you scratch his ears one time he will remember you for ever.
Sadly, now his back leg is quite swollen and he has trouble walking. We give him pain pills and he still smiles when we come into the room. He lays his head on my lap when I sit on the floor with him as he lies on the comfy bed I made for him. He would rather sleep on our bed but he can not climb up there anymore. I know I am going to have to say good- bye very soon.

axleman · 12-26-2005, 08:31 AM

Chaplain Kent,

I am so sorry. Words cannot express the relationship between man and dog. I too have a friend who is diminishing in health. I can only pray for you and your friend!

That's what I will do. Perhaps you can say a small one for my buddy Scooter!

Sincerely,
Henry

Silvertwinkie · 12-26-2005, 08:35 AM

Ditto that. My pooch of 13 years is in a similar boat.

We'll pray for both your dogs as we pray for ours too.

tphan · 12-26-2005, 08:39 AM

Tears are in my eyes as I write this, we are co-incidentally going through the sudden kidney failure of our beloved cat. I'm so sorry for Spot being sick, the pain of losing a pet can be unbeleivably hard to bear. I'm sure you provided him with the best 12 years of his life, and will make the rest of it as comfortable as possible- that's all you can do. All life is precious! -tim

safari57 · 12-26-2005, 11:04 AM

They come in to our lives, touch our hearts in ways we never dreamed they could, teach us love, humility, how to laugh long and hard, and provide undivided attention when we need it. They are blind to our age, nationality, gender, financial status or religious beliefs. They are with us because at that moment in our lives we needed them. To see them age and pass on is so hard yet in the helping hand we provide them in their final times, it in some small way is payback for all their absolute love. My little kitty is nearing 20 and we can see her winding down. It will be a very sad day when she no longer is at the door to greet me, curl up on my lap as I read a book, and snuggle up on a cold night to help keep me warm - ah, she's been such a gift to us. Chaplain Kent, our thoughts and prayers are with you and Spot, and the rest of you who are also going through this. We are just blessed to have had them in our lives even for just a little while. Love 'em while you have them. Barry

**Stefrobrts** · 12-26-2005, 12:22 PM

Our hearts go out to you. We lost our cat of ten years a couple years ago after a long fight against arterial disease. Only time heals those wounds, and barely then. I still cannot think of it without tearing up.

juel · 12-26-2005, 01:02 PM

Please know how sorry I am for you and the loss you will be feeling all too soon. Everyone has "that special dog or cat" in their life. Mine was one of my show dogs. His name was Ch. Juel Destiny's Showoff. Although he was a multiple Best in Show winner, that wasn't what made him special. He was my friend. He died in my arms in 1981, but it seems like just yesterday. Time has not softened the loss of him. I wish I could tell you that time will help, but actually getting another friend to fill the void is the only thing that helped just a little.

Buttercup · 12-26-2005, 01:32 PM

Big... BIG hugs to Spot. We will keep him close in our thoughts.

hiker · 12-26-2005, 04:32 PM

Our thoughts are with you. We had a yellow lab for 13 years and know how difficult it is to lose a best friend. She too was a great camper who loved to hike with us.

eubank · 12-26-2005, 05:32 PM

Our deepest condolences.

We lost our Amanda about a year ago from degenerative bone disease. It was painful for us, but surely even more painful for her to continue on. It was very, very hard to have the vet put her down; we had it done here at home, with Amanda on her favorite pillow and her head in my lap. We creamated her remains so that we could spread her around on her most favorite mountainside.

Lynn

maxandgeorgia · 12-26-2005, 05:57 PM

Our thoughts and prayers for you and Spot come with this message, along with the understanding shared by others above. Our loved Wally is also slowing down and shows signs of pain when moving and has new "lumps" developing steadily. Our vet says to love him: he is in good shape for his age and the shape he is in. It's somehow comforting to see the shared responses. And thanks to you for caring and sharing with those of us on the forum. Please give gentle hugs from us to your Spot this evening. ~G

tin sista · 12-26-2005, 05:58 PM

Its very hard to say goodbye to our dear companion animals. Sorry you have to go through this. Feel supported in this time of loss.

overlander63 · 12-26-2005, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chaplain Kent

He would rather sleep on our bed but he can not climb up there anymore. I know I am going to have to say good- bye very soon.

Kent, you have our deepest sympathies.

Creampuff · 12-26-2005, 08:33 PM

Kent:
My deepest condolences as well. I know exactly what you're going through.
First -the GOOD news, Spot will be waiting for you in Heaven!

The BAD news is that your Airstream will not !

**Stefrobrts** · 12-26-2005, 08:34 PM

There have to be Airstreams in heaven! Where else would the dogs stay while they're waiting for us?

SafeHarbor · 12-26-2005, 08:47 PM

Kent, this may be too personal, but if you don't mind, do you think we'll be reunited with our pets in another life or after-life? I like to think so.

Lamar

wahoonc · 12-27-2005, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SafeHarbor

Kent, this may be too personal, but if you don't mind, do you think we'll be reunited with our pets in another life or after-life? I like to think so.

Lamar

Lamar,
No doubt in my mind! Kent our feelings and prayers are with you and Spot.

Aaron

joewinfield · 12-27-2005, 06:55 AM

My heart aches for you Chaplain Kent and all others facing the loss of a pet. The thought of losing our 4 rescued travelling companions is hardlly bearable. joe

Silvertwinkie · 12-27-2005, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SafeHarbor

Kent, this may be too personal, but if you don't mind, do you think we'll be reunited with our pets in another life or after-life? I like to think so.

Lamar

I sure hope so....and hopefully family and friends as well!

warbler5 · 12-27-2005, 11:36 AM

Our 13-year-old yellow lab, Lazer, is also not going to be with us much longer. He has no diagnosed illness, but he has slowed down a lot in the past year and his eyes have become cloudy, indicating cataracts. His nose and ears still work great where food is concerned, though

.

Just be sure to spoil him rotten while he is still here! You and the others here whose old friends are soon to pass will be in my thoughts.