Hi,

This is my second post. I was glad to find this site a couple of weeks back. It has helped to realize that I am not alone- I feel more connected, knowing others on this board share my feelings of loss and pain.

Greta was a beautiful Rottweiler, so full of energy and spunk. Still hard to believe I'm now writing this "past tense". She had lymphatic cancer, but she acted very normal, showing no signs of the disease until the lumps grew big enough. We knew her diagnosis over 2 months ago and didn't expect her to be around for Thanksgiving. But, thankfully, she made it through Christmas with us Just in the last 2 days, she was eating very little and I had a feeling last night that it would not be long.

I woke up at 6am and checked on her. She was laying on the floor of our bedroom. I grabbed my pillow and a blanket and stayed with her. She didn't want to get up to go outside with the other dogs and barely lifted her head, when I spoke to her, but she nuzzled close to me. I knew I was comforting her. She was always more attached to my husband, but with all the care I was giving her and more love, she started to cuddle with me a little more these past 2 months.

My husband and son took her to the vet, and when they were going to carry her to the car, I asked her is she "wanted to go in the car?". She perked up and tried to walk. I was glad that she could still enjoy that trip, even though we knew what the outcome would be.

It will still take some time to let this sink in. I'm glad to be on vacation from work and have my teenage boys here with me. She will be missed until we see her again at the Rainbow Bridge.

For those who still have their furry ones, give them a hug for me and enjoy every minute you have. For those who have lost their babies, have faith that they are in a better place and take comfort in the fact that you loved and cared for them and they did in return.

I'm sorry this is so long, and I don't have the talent to put my thoughts into words quite the way I would like, but thanks for being here and for your kind thoughts.

Sincerely,
Paula

Hi Paula
I'm glad Greta made it through xmas day for you and you got a little closer to her looking after her.

Its so hard losing our fur babies and some people just don’t understand that bond we have with them, everyone here got here because they were looking for somewhere to pour out there broken heart to someone who could understand that loss of the unconditional love that we have received for so many years.

I'm glad that you find some peace in knowing that Greta is at Rainbow Bridge, the most wonderful place to be while they wait for us to join them.

Take care,
Love Sue

Hi, Paula,

I am so sorry for your loss of Greta.

I've been pondering the difference of losing a sick animal or losing one suddenly.

One thing about losing a sick animal is that you do get a chance to be reminded not to take them for granted and to give them the love -- and to say goodbye. We had had Electra for 10 years when she was diagnosed with FIV. During those first ten years she was definitely my husband's cat -- only my husband's cat. But in the five years after her diagnosis, she and I bonded, and when she died a few days ago, she was OUR cat.

I am glad you got to nuzzle Greta and comfort her. I know that was good for both of you. Unfortunately, it makes the loss harder...

Love to you,
Jennifer