I had to put down my basset hound/golden retriever when he was only 8 due to a massive tumor. Bubba was the best and funniest low rider you’ve ever met. He was a needy guy who sought constant petting and food, and lazy beyond measure. And boy, did he shed!
I had the privilege of meeting Marcus when Dash could hold him in one hand. He was truly the cutest puppy I had ever seen….may he have lots of liver treats always❣️
The long goodbye. Any of us who have experienced it know exactly what it feels like. It would be a good book title, with Kleenex thoughtfully inserted between pages. There’s an old expression “the only way to fill the hole in your heart from the loss of a dog is with another” so don’t be too fast to close that door. Doesn’t have to be a pup - could be a mature rescue as in the “who rescued whom?” widow decals. And all that can wait as Marcus ain’t dead yet! Time to cherish the 17 years! Wow what a blessing from a dog! Love his bow tie…makes him more distinguished than his sugar face!
Uncle Bob...when Louis, the PPGR (Practically Perfect Golden Retriever) was 15 and in decline, I googled "how long do golden Retrievers last?" It said 15. That was a tough conversation to have with him.
After Ron and I lost our two dogs and cat, all rescues, I thought we were done. Until Jo-Jo ran in the door. A drop-off (how can people do that anyway?). After working through some health issues for her, she’s rescued me after his death. But I do worry about who will take her if she outlasts me. She’s about five now.
Never, Bob, have you hit closer to home... and as you know, we share a hometown. But the potential of our dog(s) outliving us is a big topic for Andy and me. We tend to rescue "senior" dogs, which may offer some buffer, but still... criminey, it's hard. And our latest family member--a sweet rambunctious terrier named Maggie--is a younger dog who needed adoption by us. She requires us to take extra steps to stay healthy... even as she delights in tripping me. I have made a pact with some aging pals to look after one another's beloved pets come the day. That is some comfort, and by my lights, the highest standard of friendship. -- Peg O
Know how you’re feeling! Our times with our best friends goes to damn quick. We had to send our Baylor off to the Rainbow bridge several months ago and it never gets easier. A great tribute to your Buddy!
Sounds like out WYATT...cleaned up poo on the (his) sofa again this morning. We'll try the diapers again. Wyatt is a 14-year-old white lab, as you know. Read Billy Collins new book DOGS...poetry, you know.
I’ve been thinking of you and Marcus since you published this. I do love pets. They die before we are ready…I think you are going down a good pathway of letting go.
I had to put down my basset hound/golden retriever when he was only 8 due to a massive tumor. Bubba was the best and funniest low rider you’ve ever met. He was a needy guy who sought constant petting and food, and lazy beyond measure. And boy, did he shed!
Best dog ever!
Our sons are basset lovers and we’ve had three in our family. They are the goofiest dogs on the planet …
I had the privilege of meeting Marcus when Dash could hold him in one hand. He was truly the cutest puppy I had ever seen….may he have lots of liver treats always❣️
The long goodbye. Any of us who have experienced it know exactly what it feels like. It would be a good book title, with Kleenex thoughtfully inserted between pages. There’s an old expression “the only way to fill the hole in your heart from the loss of a dog is with another” so don’t be too fast to close that door. Doesn’t have to be a pup - could be a mature rescue as in the “who rescued whom?” widow decals. And all that can wait as Marcus ain’t dead yet! Time to cherish the 17 years! Wow what a blessing from a dog! Love his bow tie…makes him more distinguished than his sugar face!
Uncle Bob...when Louis, the PPGR (Practically Perfect Golden Retriever) was 15 and in decline, I googled "how long do golden Retrievers last?" It said 15. That was a tough conversation to have with him.
How did he respond? Other than dying …
Marcus is such a good boy!
It's so hard to see furry loved ones struggle, I'm sorry.
Lost our corgi last Wednesday, the 18th. The house is empty. Everything has changed. Enjoy your sweet boy every moment.
Corgis are so cool … our neighbors mentioned in the post have one.
After Ron and I lost our two dogs and cat, all rescues, I thought we were done. Until Jo-Jo ran in the door. A drop-off (how can people do that anyway?). After working through some health issues for her, she’s rescued me after his death. But I do worry about who will take her if she outlasts me. She’s about five now.
A drop-off? You mean someone left Jo-Jo outside your house?
Never, Bob, have you hit closer to home... and as you know, we share a hometown. But the potential of our dog(s) outliving us is a big topic for Andy and me. We tend to rescue "senior" dogs, which may offer some buffer, but still... criminey, it's hard. And our latest family member--a sweet rambunctious terrier named Maggie--is a younger dog who needed adoption by us. She requires us to take extra steps to stay healthy... even as she delights in tripping me. I have made a pact with some aging pals to look after one another's beloved pets come the day. That is some comfort, and by my lights, the highest standard of friendship. -- Peg O
That's a good pact to make, Peg. And good friends who will step in. Also, thanks fellow Leesburge,r for becoming a paid subscriber.
Going through a similar situation. I call my house a Kitty convalescent home. The time is near, but I’m not ready either.
This! Classic Morris: (stinks faster than I can smell) 🤣
Actually, I owe that stink line to a neighbor who was commenting on a former dog of ours. And I've used it ever since ...
Know how you’re feeling! Our times with our best friends goes to damn quick. We had to send our Baylor off to the Rainbow bridge several months ago and it never gets easier. A great tribute to your Buddy!
Oh no, didn't know about Baylor. What a beautiful dog. Y'all getting another?
Sounds like out WYATT...cleaned up poo on the (his) sofa again this morning. We'll try the diapers again. Wyatt is a 14-year-old white lab, as you know. Read Billy Collins new book DOGS...poetry, you know.
Hames
Yes, I have Billy's latest. I love his stuff. And he writes a lot about dogs in some of his other books, too.
A day without a dog is a day you will never get back.
Well said, Admiral...
We've dealt with the question and chose to adopt an older version
Well played, sir ...
Beautiful piece. We lost our Havanese Pepsi at 17 years, 6 months, so......
And are you getting another?
I’ve been thinking of you and Marcus since you published this. I do love pets. They die before we are ready…I think you are going down a good pathway of letting go.
Home-cooked liver treats -- now that's dedication. Beef liver is one of those foods I have trouble even thinking about. But I gather dogs love 'em.
I’ve tried them. Go well with a big Cab …
ewwwwwww
Dogs make life worth living.