Help - Search - Members - Calendar
Full Version: Lymphoma
Lightning-Strike Pet Loss Support Forum > Pet Loss Support > Death and Dying Pet Support
Chelsea's Dad
My dog was recently diagnosed with Lymphoma (November 14) and I've been watching her declined each day. She's 9 years old and has been the best dog I've ever had. Chemo was not an option due to how aggressive the cancer struck. Within a week she went blind. She's now on prednisone and some pain medication, but I fear the day is coming soon that I will have to make the terrible decision. Every one tells me that I will know when it is time, but I'm not sure. She is still eating, although not as much as the prior day - each day she eats less and less. She sleeps a lot now, and it's very difficult for her to get up on her feet for me to take her outside.

I'm not exactly sure why I decided to come on line - guess support is what I'm looking for. This hurts more than anything I can remember. Like some one has driven a knife into my heart. She's such a good dog - always stays by my side - never had a problem with her. She's a very quick learner - had her house broken with a week - took her to puppy day care when I got her, then obedience school -while other friends were chasing their dogs, she always stayed right by me - without a leash. She's my best friend - what will I do when she is gone? Who will greet me by the door when I come home from work? Who will listen to me when I need to talk? She does all that and is such a happy dog, until this disease began. Now she looks so sad, no energy - my heart is broken.

This disease is so terrible and is taking her so quickly. I'm afraid the next few days will be worse. I want to sleep all the time, I'm also not eating - just totally depressed over this - I feel sick to my stomach.
myhrtisbrkn
Chelsea's Dad,

I'm heartboken for you. I recently lost a beloved dog to cancer. Mack wasn't in pain, and was clearly pretty comfortable until the last day of his life, still it was agony for us.
I wouldn't presume to tell you when to let go.Just keep her routine as normal as possible while you can, don't let the way you feel about her condition come between you.
If the course of the disease forces you to make that terrible decision, your heart will be broken. But you will be justified in your own house, knowing you did all you could, exchanging, as someone else noted, your suffering for hers.

please keep us posted,

keeping you both,in our thoughts and prayers,
Dayna
ryancat
Hello.You came here looking for support and I hope that I can give you some.My heart goes out to you and I am so sorry you have to go thur this awful time.When people around you say you will know when it is time they are right.You will know when it is time.Try to think of what she would want and what would be best for her.I know that sounds hard to do but from what you write it's clear that you love her.Is she in pain? Does she have a good quality of life? Is she happy? Letting go is the hardest thing you will ever have to do but it's also the last act of unconditional love that you can show her.I speak from experience when I say this, I had to put my beloved kitty Sox to sleep on Oct. 13th of this year.He had feline diabetes and was suffering from kidney failure.My husband and I chose to have him put to sleep because we couldn't see him go thur anymore suffering.Enough was enough.He went thur so much in his last days and I don't regret for a minute what we did.I know it was the right decision.Your beautiful baby has had a wonderful life with you and she knows that you love her.I can't tell you when it will be the right time to say goodbye to her but if you listen to your heart it will tell you when the time is right.Trust me when I say that it will not be easy but try to think of what's best for her.Please keep me updated on what's going on and I will be putting you in my prayers tonight.I pray that you will find the answer you are looking for.My heart goes out to you as I know the following days are going to be painful but you will get thur it.All of us here on this site come here for the same reason that you did, to find support from other pet lovers who are dealing with the same pain that you are.I know how your feeling so please know that you are not alone.I'll be thinking of you.Sincerely,Renee
My Buddy
Oh Chelsea's Dad, I wish I had the words to give you, just know many of us have been down that terrible road, I just lost my boy on Christmas morning from cancer, its a terrible thing, I know you will do what's best for her, keep writing, these people on this forum have helped me immensely. I will keep your dog in my prayers, and you as well. Peace...Tory, Hrudey's momma
lynda
My heart goes out to you at this very sad time. I hope that we on this site can offer you comfort and support. Everyone here has been so kind to me and helped me so much, I have only been here since Christmas day and the site has been a lifeline to me.

I am so sorry to hear about your loved one. I know the pain of not knowing when Goodbye should be, and I am so sorry that both of you are facing this dark last mile that you will have together. I hope that some of us can say a word or phrase that helps in any small way. Just know that we are all here, for the same reason, and that we are gathered around the two of you in spirit as you walk this path.

With lymphoma, it is difficult to really know what the pet is experiencing. I lost a dear, sweet cat to this form of cancer several years ago...almost suddenly, she had no appet*ite whatsoever. For some quite credible reasons, the vet thought that she had a liver obstruction that could be treated, so he did surgery to remove it, and placed a feeding tube so that she could be nourished as she recovered. But the biopsies he took showed heavy infiltration of the liver by lymphoma. We did not get these results back for two weeks, during which time I fed her by tube. She did not lose any weight and seemed to be doing so well! Around this same time, a friend of mine was losing her mother to the same disease. The lady who had lymphoma kept assuring her daughter that she felt no discomfort, she just had absolutely no desire to eat. So I really could not help but feel that my cat might have been still enjoying our time together in some ways, and it was terribly hard to take her for the last visit. As long as I kept the feeding going, she seemed to be all right, but then I knew that this was why she never returned to eating by herself.

I can't really say when I knew it was time. There was just the cytology report and the knowledge that Iris would never be well again, and there was a poor kittie who was not demonstrating any changes as long as I fed her. She purred, she enjoyed her fur being gently brushed, she looked at me with loving recognition. I can't really say when I knew, I just knew. And I believe that you will know, when it is time. It might be a lovely sunny day, like it was for us, and your loved one will seem to enjoy the warm sun. But it will be the last day. That feeling of having a knife driven into your heart...it is coming back to me as I write these words. If Chelsea will never be well again, there will have to be that time. I am so, so terribly sorry. But know that we here are all with you. And know that although this is the most painful thing you will ever have to do, but the most unselfish, the most kind and loving. Please know.
vizsla-angel
Chelsea's Dad,
You really did come to the right place. I found this place a few years ago when my special puppy Patton died after 2 surgeries for a bowel obstruction. It helped me so much then and I was so grateful to have found it again after losing my Copper on New Year's Eve.

Chelsea is such a beautiful girl and it's obvious how much you love her. She's smart and perfect and everything a good girl should be! Naturally it's going to be hard to let go. Usually, we do know when it's time. Just be careful because sometimes our fear of that final good-bye can prevent us from accepting that it is time. Just follow the suggestions that ryancat gave:

QUOTE
know that sounds hard to do but from what you write it's clear that you love her.Is she in pain? Does she have a good quality of life? Is she happy? Letting go is the hardest thing you will ever have to do but it's also the last act of unconditional love that you can show her.I speak from experience when I say this


My husband also had a beautiful yellow lab girl when we met. Her name was Pebbles. It's safe to say he felt the same way about her as you do about Chelsea. When Pebbles was 15, her spinal cord started deteriorating. He had a very hard time coming to terms with letting her go. And I understand that because all he wanted was one more day. But Pebbles couldn't use her hind legs very much anymore. She never complained because she loved him. She would just try really hard to walk because she was willing to the impossible for him. That kind of love deserves the most unselfish act of all.

I've been in your situation more times than I care to count. The feelings you decribed are about the same as mind right now. Except you left out the part about feeling like I've just been run over by an 18 wheeler.

I hope you can find some comfort here. You will be in our thoughts & prayers.
AlleysMama
I'm so sorry to hear about your dear dog and the pain you are going through. I recently lost my kitty Alley who was also nine years old and that seems such a short time to have them with us, when we love them so much.

All you can do is just love her and make her last days as happy as possible. She knows she is loved. Please give her a hug for me and keep us posted on her condition. There are some wonderful people on here and it helps knowing that there are others who are suffering as you are.
sheps mama
Chelsea's Dad - I have just made this decision recently for my Old English Sheepdog, Shep. I am being driven crazy by unanswered questions - what if it wasn't the right time - was it too soon - will he ever forgive me - will i ever forgive myself? All I can tell you is make sure you are 100% certain before you act as this is haunting me and I wouldn't want anyone else to feel like this. Everyone on this site undertands your anguish and I have found only kindness here from everyone.
Someone said something on this site that is really helping me come to terms with this horrific decision we are all too often faced with. It went along the lines of " animals in the wild will show no weakness even when ill - this would make them easy prey for their predators and our domestic animals never lose this instinct." To me this person was saying - look really closely and see if you are reading ALL of the signs - could Shep have been hiding this "weakness" because of this instinct and becasue of his love for me? It made me think that the signs that were clearly visible to me may not have been all of the signs he was giving.

I hope I haven't upset you here but I have had such terrible problems getting through this first week since making the decision to euthanise Shep that i just wouldn't want you to go through the same. I think if you do watch and observe your baby, you will know when the time is right - be sure so you don't have to suffer more pain than you obviously will, when the time comes. I will be thinking about you and Chelsea and hope that she feels no pain. Take care.

Debbie
Sheps mama
myhrtisbrkn
Chelsea's Dad,

I can only add this to what Debbie said...based on your tender expression of devotion to your beautiful dog, I would trust you with my own precious dogs.Trust yourself, your heart and your judgement won't fail you.

Mack's mom,
Dayna
Moose Mom
Chelsea's Dad

Oh I am so sorry for you. Chelsea is so beautiful. I can't add much to what others have said, but do please try to take care of yourself, you can't fix anything by making yourself sick. This is such a hard time in your life, I hope you can come here and get some support.

Thinking of you and Chelsea
Lori
Chelsea's Dad
Thanks Everyone for your help and support. I will certainly keep everything in mind. I did leave out one more issue that I'm having at the moment and that is the fact that my mother has just been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer - the cancer went to her spine, which is how they found it. I lost my dad two years ago December 21st and now having to see my mother and my dog go through this terrible disease is just consuming me.

Thanks again and I will keep everyone updated.
myhrtisbrkn
Chelseas dad,

Once again, just heartbroken for you.

Macks Mom
Moose Mom
Chelsea's Dad

Oh dear, you do have just too much going on right now, I'm so sorry. It's so hard when you just keep losing the ones you love. My Mom died in 2005, then my cat in late 2006. My dad is 87 and spent the friday and saturday after Christmas in the hospital. It's hard to want to do anything. Please let us know what is going on and how you are doing.

Thinking of you
Lori
vizsla-angel
Chelsea's Dad,
I wish I had the perfect words of comfort for you in these terrible times. Cancer is a monster and to lose so many you love to it so close together is beyond the scope of my imagination.

I too have lost many dear friends and family members to this horrible disease and it is agonizing to watch. My mother is a breast cancer survivor and my father survived kidney cancer, although he passed from a massive heart attack 3 years ago. Cancer of the spleen took my beautiful dog Copper. Even so, I wouldn't dare say that I can even begin to imagine how you feel with all this at once.

However, I do know this from my experiences. There are groups out there for people whose family members are battling cancer. Hopefully there is one in your area. What you're going through is horrible. But you aren't alone. And you don't have to do it alone.

Be good to yourself. Please keep coming here and keep us up to date. We are all here for you too, as best as we can be. All our thoughts and prayers are with you

Peace&Love
V-Angel
bluest1
I know the pain you are going through. I lost my girl Shandy to cancer. It was the hardest decision I ever had to make. I also wondered how I would know it was time.. But after a few days I realised that the only reason I had for not making the decision, was for me..not her. She could no longer run.. or hunt birds or even eat.. In the end it was the most loving and easy decision I could make. That was over 16 months ago.. This site helped me get through the worst days and it will help you as well.. Be very gentle with yourself and realise that maybe your friend is already letting you know. Do what is best for your friend..no matter how hard it is for you. Iam so sorry sad.gif
sheps mama
Chelsea's Dad, I am so sorry to hear about what you are going through right now. Please remember to take care of yoursefl and come back here as often as you can as I have only found kindness and support here.
Thinking of you.

Debbie
Sheps mama
E.M
Chelsea's Dad

I am very sorry to hear of your pain that you are suffering right now, I know it truely is a very traumatic time for you.

Can I tell you one thing, just one thing that actually gives me some sort of comfort?

If you feel the time is coming then forget everything else in the world and spend time with Chelsea.
I knew my Denis's time was coming, for the last six days I did nothing but hold him and cuddle him, I'd pick him up and sit on the chair with him on my chest and just cuddle him.
I sat in that chair for sometimes 4 or 5 hours at a time (only getting up for a wee, and then resume the cuddles). What I got back was truely wonderful for us both, Denis would always put his head down for his head to be kissed, and all he did during this time was to keep putting his head down and say kiss me, kiss me and when I stopped he would nuzzle my face again, sometimes quite furiously, over and over again for hours.

I fixed up a camp bed in the sitting room just to be with him, to let him know I was there for him any time of the day or night. I think he liked the thought that I wasn't leaving him on his own not for one moment, if he needed help in the night I would be there for him, if he needed a drink I would be there to hold the bowl for him, if he needed to go to the toilet, I would be there for him in case he fell over.

Even though this was heartbreaking and I know he was saying how much he loved me during the last six days, I'm glad we had that time together.

I decided that even though I had things to do during this time, calls to make, letters to write, I said to myself, everything in the world can wait, it will all still be there at a later date, I needed to spend the time with Denis and this was what I think he wanted before he went too.

I am so glad I gave him my time.

So if you can, forget everything else, take time off work, throw a sickie, whatever, just be there for them until the time is ready.

No, it doesn't really help you feel any less guilty if you have to make that intervention in an animals life, I prayed that Denis would pass on his own, so I didn't have to be the one to make that decision, but that didn't happen, and each and everyone of us will always feel a little bit of guilt for having to make that choice. We will always secong guess our decision, it is only natural, but having spent those 6 days with him makes the decision a little easier to live with.

If they could speak then things would be a whole lot easier, but they can't, so we have to make these decisions based on what we think is right. Right for them. And oh my god is it painfull.

My heart goes out to you, it is such a horrible situation that you face, but here on this site is support for you, everyone is here for you.

My thoughts are with you.

E.M
E.M
Oh, and sorry if you are already doing this, it was just that when my friends cat, Thor past away, she told me that she was so busy, what with work and the kids that she didn't have time 'to put the time in'. Obviously she was with him at the end but she didn't have the time to spend with him the days running up to 'it'.

This I thought was so sad for Thor. Nothing is that important, not in my eyes anyway.

The last few days, weeks are so important because we will never have this time again.

I hope you didn't think I was stating the obvious, I care, thats all.

Trust in yourself and stay strong

E.M
Chelsea's Dad
Thank you so much for all your support during this time. Chelsea passed Thursday night at 7:15pm. I had my Pet Minister, Cheryl, present. We had a nice room at the Vet's office - almost like being at home. The room had wicker furniture and plants and a small area rug under a coffee table. Chelsea was in her bed on the floor of the room and I was lying next to her cradling her head. We dimmed the lights and had a candle burning. Cheryl read some passages from the Bible, then said a prayer. We then had silent prayer and Cheryl annointed Chelsea and gave her last rites. Cheryl then read Psalms 23 followed by a prayer. We then had another silent prayer. The doctor then came in and explained everything that would happen. Chelsea seemed very comfortable - I held her head and talked to her and told her how much I love her - what a good and pretty girl. She looked up at me and didn't take her eyes off me. The vet assistants made a paw print from Chelsea's right paw into a round piece of clay that had her name stamped into it. The doctor administered the medication and Chelsea went to sleep. We then had another silent prayer.

I made the decision to take Chelsea home as the next morning I was driving her to the pet memorial park. I elected to be present during the cremation. I arrived at the pet memorial park and they were very nice - they took Chelsea out of my Jeep and told me she would be ready in a little while. I drove down the road and purchased some flowers. I arrived back at the pet memorial park and they walked me into the room - the room was a "double" room - in one room I had a private viewing - which they laid Chelsea out so nicely - half covered with a blanket in a casket. I was able to stay in the room with Chelsea as long as I needed. I petted her head and told her I would miss her so much - I had a prayer and then gave her a kiss on top her head. I went into the other adjoining room (where I had placed the flowers and a picture of Chelsea taken in my backyard a year or so ago) and they opened the blinds that looked out into the crematorium. They rolled Chelsea out into the room and the director, Chuck, told me everything that would happen. They put Chelsea into the crematory and the door shut. After a couple of hours - I had a nice marble box picked out (Rose Marble, since her middle name was Rose) - Chelsea's ashes were placed in the box and I was able to bring her home - the inscription I had etched on Metal had her name, date of birth, date of death and "Heaven has a new Angel".

If anyone is wondering why I decided to be present during the cremation - I decided Chelsea never left my side, not for a minute - she had a slight problem with separation anxiety and would get very upset if she didn't know where I was. I wanted to be with Chelsea every step of the way. I just couldn't trust anyone else with my girl. It's just something I felt I had to do and I'm very glad I did. She is back home with me and I didn't leave her side.

Thanks again - it's still very difficult for me, but writing down my experience above seems to help. I just wanted everyone to know how much this dog has meant to me. I've been through some rough times and Chelsea was always there for me. Always by my side - a true friend.
barnum's mom
Chelsea's Dad - i am so very sorry for the sad loss of your girl. i promised my boy that i would never unnecessarily leave him. he had been very ill several times in his life and was not a fan of the vet or being left anywhere but the comfort and familiarity of his home. we had a mobile vet recommended to us by our regular vet, and we let barnum go at home on december 18.

after a couple hours of mourning, we too proceeded to the local crematorium where we attended his cremation. i placed him in the tray wrapped in the blanket he and i had slept under his entire life, tucked in about 7 inches of my hair i had recently had cut off so that he could take me with him and a couple of cookies. it was important to me that he not be warehoused at any point in the process, and attended cremation was my only gaurantee. while it was very difficult - of everything we did that day, it is the one thing over which i have absolutely no regrets.

i got a lot of strange looks when i discussed these plans with even understanding friends. but i know that it was the right thing for barnum and for me.

we selected a lovely urn we had purchased months before. it appears as a set of library books that say "in loving memory, vol 1" and "barnum, 1993-2006, vol 2". they sit in a memorial that sort of created itself in our family room, with a candle that lights his way around the clock and a picture of him in perfect spirits.

know that you are not alone in your grief. while i did not know Chelsea, she was obviously an important part of your life, and i respect that you mourn her deeply and will for some time. feel free to do so in your own way and know that the bond that you two shared deserves such a tribute.

with empathy -
barnum's mom

Barnum's Tribute
JOANNE
Chelsea"s Dad
I am so sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful girl. I had my 16yr Bichon Raggs pts July5th and I cannot believe it has been 6mos. I did not think I could live a day without him but time has made it better. I am glad you could be with Chelsea though her whole process ,I was there when Raggs crossed over the other side and thankful for that. You have been through so much in the past 2yrs with your father and still your mother's sickness ahead of you. please come here for strength for the time ahead it is so true that just writing out your feelings seems to ease the pain and know others here have gone through losing their precious furbabies. No one could have ever loved me as much as Raggs and I guess that is one thing we miss so we were adored no matter our stature in life. I am not as good as others here writing inspiring things but do know this you are in my prayers and may God give you strength for the coming days.
"In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket
They rattle among the change
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go
They are stored in bits and pieces, part of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there
But of all the treasures I have, its the memories of you that are most precious"
(Author unknown)
Take Care
Joanne(Raggs MOm)
lynda
Dear Chelsea's Dad,

I am so very sorry for your loss. You have been in my daily thoughts and prayers since the moment you appeared here, and you will continue to be. Thank you for allowing us to walk with you on your journey. I am always deeply touched by the actions of people who love and cherish their fur-children as they should be loved and cherished, and yet I can't help feeling a terrible rage, too, at the unfairness of such deserving people having their loved ones taken. How could you have proved your worthiness to keep Chelsea's love and presence more? You couldn't have. There must be a grand plan in all of this, and it must be so huge that we cannot see the faintest details of a pattern from where we stand. Faith in that is what is keeping me sane right now.

I found this somewhere and it was not signed so I don't know who to give credit for it, but I hope that it helps you in some small way.

Sometimes it's hard to understand
Why some things have to be,
When in His wisdom,
He has planned
Beyond our power to see.

The understatement of the year, I guess. I know that your heart is broken just when you need strength the most, so I am sending you my heartfelt empathy, praying for that incomprehensible Plan to reveal at least enough of itself to you to help you through your days.

In shared sorrow,

Lynda
vizsla-angel
Dear Chelsea's Dad,

I'm so sorry for your loss. You certainly gave Chelsea all the love in the world in her final days and beyond.

Just yesterday I purchased a garden stone for where we buried our Copper that reads "If Love Could Have Saved You, You Would Have Lived Forever." I'm sure the same holds true for her.

Just in case you haven't read the following story, I'm reposting here for you. I found great comfort in it 6 years ago when my Patton died, and again now with Copper's passing.

Peace&Love
V

"ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN"
A hunter and his bird dog were walking down this dirt road with fences on bothsides, they came to a gate in the fence and looked in. There were nice grassy and woody areas, just what a dog would like, but it had a sign saying "no trespassing" so they walked on. They came to a beautiful gate with a person in white robes standing there .

"Welcome to Heaven," He said. The hunter was happy, and started in with his dog following him.

The Gatekeeper stopped him. "Dogs aren't allowed, I'm sorry but he can't come with you."

"What kind of Heaven won't allow dogs? If he can't come in, then I will stay out with him. He's been my faithful companion all his life, I can't desert him now."

"Suit yourself, but I have to warn you, the Devil's on this road, and he'll try to sweet talk you into his area, he'll promise you anything, but, the dog can't go there either. If you won't leave the dog, you'll spend Eternity on this road." said the Gatekeeper.

So the hunter and dog went on. They came to a rundown fence with a gap in it, no gate, just a hole.

An old man was inside. "Scuse me Sir, my dog and I are getting mighty tired, mind if we come in and sit in the shade for a while?" "Of course" said the old man. There's some cold water under that tree over there. Make yourselves comfortable."

"You're sure my dog can come in? The man down the road said dogs weren't allowed anywhere."

The old man behind the fence said, "Would you come in if you had to leave the dog?" "No sir, that's why I didn't go to Heaven, he said the dog couldn't come in. We'll be spending Eternity on this road, and a glass of cold water and some shade would be mighty fine right about now. But, I won't come in if my buddy here can't come too, and that's final"

The man smiled a big smile and said "Welcome to Heaven."

"You mean this is Heaven? Dogs ARE allowed? How come that fellow down the road said they weren't?"

The old man said, "That was the Devil and he gets all the people who are willing to give up a life long companion for a comfortable place to stay. They soon find out their mistake, but, then it's too late. The dogs come here, the fickle people stay there. GOD wouldn't allow dogs to be banned from Heaven. After all, HE created them to be man's companions in life. Why would he separate them in death?"

Without dogs in Heaven, it would be Hell.

Author Unknown
AlleysMama
Chelsea's Dad

I'm so sorry for your loss. I know you made sure Chelsea's last days were happy ones. She is at peace now and waiting somewhere over the rainbow bridge until the day you are together again.

I'm so glad you could be with her through it all. She knows how much she is loved.
Moose Mom
Chelsea's Dad

I'm so sorry Chelsea passed. It was very beautiful how you did it, thank you for sharing the whole thing with us. It gives us comfort to know there are people like you out there who love their pets so much. That we are not the only ones.

Thinking of you and Chelsea
Lori
Amarna
Dear Chelsea's Dad,

Your story, thanks for sharing it with us. So many of us need to know that we are not the only ones who so loved our pets, who were our children, indeed. My husband and I just lost our beloved son, Caesar, and it helps my grief, in some way, to know that others would also do anything for their pets out of love and loyalty. My husband and I used to think we were the only ones... then I found this site. The people here are amazing, and no wonder there is a special glow around each picture of every pet-child, on this site. I know our dear Bridge-kids must be proud, as we are of them.

I love you, Caesar. I miss you desparately. Mommy loves you, baby!
ryancat
I have nothing to add that the others haven't already spoken so beautifully.I'll just say that I am so sorry for your loss.He was special and he will never be forgotten.I hope we can help you get thur this most difficult time in your life.I thought it was beautiful what you said about not wanting to leave his side even for a minute.It made me cry to think how much you loved him and the respectful way you honored him.You'll be in my thoughts and prayers tonight.May God be with you.Sincerely,Renee (Sox's mom)
My Buddy
Dear Chelsea's Dad, I am so very touched by your story and your honorable way you stayed with your beautiful girl. I only wish I could have been there like that for my buddy as well, Hrudey was also very attached and dependent upon me, always at my side, unfortunately, his passing was unexpected, and leaving him at that vet for the last time, just about the hardest thing I have ever had to do...I am still waiting for the ashes, I dread them but must have them at the same time....my heart goes out to you, I will say a prayer for Miss Chelsea tonight when I light my candle for Hrudey, remember how lucky and blessed you are to have her, I know not long enough, some people never get the chance to know such a special relationship, that is what helps me right now, I can't get enough of all the photos I can find of him, from young to old, to remember what a beautiful boy he was and is...... she's a lucky girl to have found you and you her....Peace my fellow pet friend and peace for all your hardache right now.

We are talking about getting another dog, (at some point) and probably will get a yellow lab, female.... and I want to rescue a golden to be her pal....

Best wishes and hoping your night is a better... I know they are the hardest times.

Tory, Hrudey's Momma
5catsmom
Chelsea's Dad,
I've been visiting this site for over a year now and every time I visit I find something to get teary over - well, that's my nature anyway - but your story about Chelsea's passing just made me cry, it was so beautiful. That's the way all pets should depart this world for the next one, and thank you for sharing the story so that we can get a sense of that. Every night I pray that one day all humans will treat God's creations the way that they should be treated, with respect and honor. Chelsea had all that, and more.

It's a beautiful story - I know it is heartbreaking for you - but it's just a beautiful thing that a devoted companion can depart this world with so much love, comfort, and peace. It's a lesson to all of us, in a way, but a real lesson to me.

I'm so very sorry for your loss. I've always sort of thought that "sorry" is an inadequate word for the agonizing and excruciating pain we go through when our beloved furry ones leave us. But truly, I am sorry. But I also thank you for your story, and the beautiful way you managed to deal with helping Chelsea cross that threshold.

Please come back and let us know how you're doing - take care - Barbara
sheps mama
Chelsea's Dad I am so very sorry for your loss. I am amazed that you have such places for pets where you are. Where I am from, we have 1 or 2 pet crematoriums in the country and they sound nothing like the place you took your beloved Chelsea to. It was a very beautiful thing you did staying with her to ease her anxiety - I'm sure she was with you every step of the way, and continues to be with you.

Thinking of you,

Debbie
Sheps mama
karenskitch
Dear Chelsea's Dad -
Bless you - for sharing your story - for caring so much about your special girl - for staying with her past the end in the most noble way possible.

We are so rural out here, we have to go to the next county to get to a vet, let alone a crematorium. Your way of honoring Chelsea's life sounded perfect, and I know that your best friend really appreciated your love so much.

I still have my kitty's ashes here in the house - 9 weeks since he passed away. I just cannot seem to find the heart to sprinkle them on the mountain with the rest of his family who passed before him. I still find comfort in kissing the container and resting my head on it, as I did when my Roentgen was still here and comforting me. Wierd, I know, but I believe you all know what I'm talking about.

I hope I am not too late in sending you all sincere sympathies for your loss. As Barbara says, please let us know how you are doing - cause the pain does seem to get worse before it gets better. At least our furry friends are not suffering any more.

And I am so sorry about your Mom. You must be very large of soul to be presented with such hard life's lessons all at once. I know you will stay strong for her - I lost mine 2 years ago next month, and the loss is still fresh. Want to call her every night when I come home - often I pick up the phone and then remember she's gone. But I can still feel her love, just as I know you can still feel Chelsea's love, and eventually your Mother's love will transmute as well.

Oh life! Why does death define our lives - and why can't we know just how sweet the living is before it is gone?

May your sweet baby rest in peace. And may you find some confort in your wonderful memories.

Karen
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.
Invision Power Board © 2001-2025 Invision Power Services, Inc.