14 years ago, I went to pick out a Shi tzu. There were 2 left and I picked the black and white one. At the very last minute, I changed my mind and decided on the little booger that was obviously the runt. I named him Mugsy. For the next 7 years, he brought me great joy. I was single, and Mugsy and me were very close. He was always by my side. Seeing him light up when I came home meant the world to me. Mugsy was never good with kids after the neighbors boy kicked him with his boot one day. Then 7 years ago, I met my wonderful wife, daughter, and Poodle Buddy. We added 2 more children to the clan. We were always afraid of how Mugsy might react. It took him a while, but he fully adapted and let the kids handle him any way they wanted. Mugsy still spent most of his time shadowing me around though.

This past December, Mugsy became very ill. We found out that his kidneys were failing. After a few days at the vet, he spent the last month at home. We gave him fluid injections and he seemed to be making progress. But the last week, he seemed to take a turn for the worse. Yesterday, we knew it was time and took him to the vet for the last time. We decided to get Mugsy cremated. That had never even crossed my mind as an option until right before he left me.

I am so thankful that I got to be with him and kiss him goodbye. I have shed so many tears for Mugsy, but I know it will get better. He was my very best friend.

Mugsy is a beautiful boy and I am so glad you had him for the time given to you. Sounds like a perfect match.

Here are some things I have read that helped me in my grief...either by making me think of how to think or just beautiful words that could apply to all these sweet Angels who made our lives joyful for the time they were allowed to be with us.

One "Mom" here said: The pain of losing him will never ever be greater than the joy of knowing him. (I remember this one a lot).

Here is a link to another Section here in Tributes called Heaven's Littlest Shepherd. The picture painted and the words said I believe we all can relate to....so very much.

http://lightning-strike.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=4244

Hopefully, reading these simple yet powerful messages will help your healing. Yes, you are right..it will get better...as far as we start to control the grief instead of being overwhelmed by it.

You did everything you could for your sweet boy and he knew you loved him and will love him forever. The pictures we have remind us of the good memories..when they were with us and healthy and everything felt right. We know they will always be in our hearts as the permanent home for their spirits/souls and being there...they can never leave us.

We always wish for more time, no matter how short or long their visit with us, but we are grateful for each day given to us to be with them. It never was and will never be long enough but we are thankful they were a part of our lives and by having their memories in our minds and hearts, they will always remain a permanent part of our lives..forever.

This is a place where we all know and share the same pain so the understanding of what you are feeling is here. It is a good place to share stories, pictures, and tears, venting, whatever is needed at a particular time.

Come back and tell us more about your boy anytime and how you are doing.

Hugs and peace and healing wishes,
Judy

What a precious picture! I am glad your Mugsy brought you so much happiness and joy. In 7 years you must have many great memories. Maybe when you fell like it you will share some with us. You sound like a very strong person. Yes, as you said we will all get better with time. They hold a special place in our hearts that we will never forget.

Hugs to you and your new Angel Mugsy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How cute!..I'm so sorry for your loss of Mugsy. You picked out the right one. Sounds like he gave you loads of happy memories. I'm glad you had that special bond for 7 years..and Mugsy too. I think his love for you got him thru his uncertainty of the other family members. The other night I was listening to a talk radio show. They had a woman on who "comunicates" I guess with loved ones that have past. A woman called up about her cat, and she told her that unlike humans that have past, the pets are the ones that always stay with us.. I believe that..So Mugsy is right beside you forever, hears your words and tears..I opted for cremation too. I just couldn't let go. I love the idea that they are within reach, always home..Heaven got another beauty..many hugs..Ann

Not easy letting go of 14 beautiful years of love, know that the love stays, only the body goes. Take care.

I agree with Toonie..... it is not easy to let go of all those years of love. They are such a big part of our everyday life and then they are gone.Our kids grow up & begin their own lives, our pets depend on us 100% for their entire lives.

It does get better and we have such wonderful memories to carry us through some difficult days. I try to remember how happy Flossie was to see me come in from work each day and all our bedtime & morning rituals. They bring a smile & warm a feeling in my heart that helps to heal the hole as big as the Grand Canyon she has left behind.

Mugsy is such a handsome dog and I know you have lots of memories of him after 14 years.

Our loss is Heaven's gain.

Thanks so much to all for the wonderful words. It means so much to me. Yes, 14 years is a long time, but now it seems like 14 days. The tears keep flowing, but I believe that some of them are now happy tears. This picture of Mugsy was taken when he was about 7, I believe. He used to have that little tooth that stuck out on the side all the time and that was one of my favorite things about him. I can't remember how long he quit sticking it out like that but I hadn't seen that look for a number of years. Honestly, we had been really bad about taking care of our dogs teeth, and Mugsy had lost a few, and I just thought he had lost that particular tooth. The other day right before it was time for him to go, this tooth was sticking out just like it used to. I told my wife and she said that it was his way of giving me his smile one last time and telling me that everything was going to be okay.

Thank you for sharing your story, and photo of Mugsy. I am so sorry that you had to say goodbye to your fur baby. I know it's hard for you right now, but I know your happy memories will comfort you. I am also glad that you found this wonderful board. We have all been in your place, and understand what you are going through.

Mugsy sounds like he had a great life with you, and your family. I am glad that he brought you all, so much happiness. There is nothing more special, then a close bond with an animal. For their love is truly unconditional.

You guys are all wonderful. I have read lots of your stories and it helps to share my feelings with those of you that have been there. I have been keeping myself busy and that helps a lot. But he is never out of my mind. I have been better at not thinking about the last day, but the days and years prior. One thing that I try to focus on is the day that I brought him home. There were thousands of other scenarios that could have played out. I could have chosen another dog. Mugsy could have been chosen by another owner. But the stars lined up on that one day and I truly believe that Mugsy's life took the best turn possible on that one day. He really had a great life. Not being able to love on him anymore is the hardest part.

Reading your last sentence of: Not being able to love on him anymore is the hardest part.
is such a big part of grieving...we all know that feeling very well....it is the part that always brings the tears again...I know when I think of that...I find my eyes get blurry with tears..like now.

Yes, your boy had a great life. That is what you must concentrate on..the goodness will out-weigh the sadness. And we all seem to have that one thought from time to time....we wish we could hold and hug them again.

We are so very grateful they were in our lives. Having them in our hearts lets us know they are now somewhere they will never leave.

Bless all these Angels. Their love is the closest to perfection we humans will ever find.

Hugs and healing and peace....I wish for you.

Judy

Happy Birthday little buddy! Miss you now and will miss you always.