Our Non-human Companions

This is a good thread idea, and a sad one too.

Being a dog guy I have loved all of my dogs and some I had longer than a spouse. First spouse was actually verbally jealous of my companionship between me and my black lab/rottweiler mix.
The pain of the death of my pals are so quite overwhelming as you guys surely know. I am always reminded of a thread I read from a car guy on a car forum. It stuck with me so I will repeat it here from memory.

(story below)
I have just come home from putting my (name of dog) down. I am lost and feel so alone. He was with me for 15 yrs so he was up there in age so I shouldn't be surprised. But this is just so painful. I don't know what I am going to do for the next few days but it won't be fun. I must be a glutton for punishment because as debilitating as this is, I do it every 13-15 yrs. I get a pal. We spend many great yrs together, then I have to bury them. Then I do it all over again. Why? I don't know. So now, I have to sit and console his sister, who is looking for him, and I have to tell her why he isn't coming home.
(story above)

After having to bury some of my best friends, and then reading this, I could empathize with this guys pain. And I do the same damn thing. I don't know why either. I will post pics of my current pups. But I enjoyed this thread and my heart goes out to the guys that have lost their pals.

Why is easy. Because we get so much out of it. Is it painful? Absolutely.

I've had far too many of my 4 legged friends die in my arms. But yup, I do it all again because I think I get more from the relationship than they do.

One way I've found to help remove the pain is to get a pup.

With the heaviest of hearts, we said goodbye to our dear, sweet friend Jill yesterday.  She came to us in 2013, with her brother Jack.  Jill is on the right.




She brought us more joy than we could have imagined, fighting a long fight with cancer since 2019, and wagging her tail until almost the very end.  




The last few days made it clear that it was time to let her sleep - not the sleep of exhaustion, but the sleep of peace.  




Jill came to us in 2013.  She turned 14 and 1/2 a week ago.    I'd wager most, if not all of you understand the sentiment that no one could have asked for a better dog.

My condolences as well. Even knowing it's coming doesn't make it hurt less. I'll be thinking of you, brother.

Thanks Eric ( MaineYooper).  That means a lot.

We lost our other boy, Gus, in October. He and Carson were quite the pair. Gus had been with my wife longer than I had! We are now ready to start looking for new cats to shower our love on (or is it to be owned by?!) I have not been through this cycle before. But my wife has, and we waited longer than she wanted to due to all sorts of reasons. After Carson, I wasn't sure if I could do it again. But if I am honest with myself, I was ready months ago. Having a new companion doesn't mean I love Carson any less.

Thanks for letting me put these thoughts down while I am thinking of them. And thanks to all the folks who who share stories, pics, and thoughts!

We lost our other boy, Gus, in October. He and Carson were quite the pair. Gus had been with my wife longer than I had! We are now ready to start looking for new cats to shower our love on (or is it to be owned by?!) I have not been through this cycle before. But my wife has, and we waited longer than she wanted to due to all sorts of reasons. After Carson, I wasn't sure if I could do it again. But if I am honest with myself, I was ready months ago. Having a new companion doesn't mean I love Carson any less.

Thanks for letting me put these thoughts down while I am thinking of them. And thanks to all the folks who who share stories, pics, and thoughts!

Fast, slow, or in between, we all have to sort these things out in our own time.  There is no getting around that.  Anyway, it's good to hear that you have arrived at the brink.  Just remember:  Dogs have owners; cats have staff. 

^^^^^Ain't that the truth!

We just made the appointment for our pretty girl. Her final vet trip will be Wednesday afternoon. We found out on Monday that she has Thyroid cancer. She's 13.5 years old, and it's starting to affect her breathing, so we wanted to make the call before she starts having any significant discomfort.

Garrett gwsmallwood I am so sorry. You are doing the right thing, helping her not suffer. But that doesn't make it easier, does it? My condolances and my heart go out to you and the family.

Garrett gwsmallwood I am so sorry. You are doing the right thing, helping her not suffer. But that doesn't make it easier, does it? My condolances and my heart go out to you and the family.

Yes, exactly what Eric said.  Deepest sympathy to you and yours.