Posted on 11/09/2016 12:28:48 PM PST by 11Bush
Last night I went to bed without knowing how the most important election of my lifetime would end. I had my hopes that the people of this country would do the right thing and elect Donald Trump but like most here I had my hopes crushed more often than I care to remember.
This morning I woke to Willie, my dog, my best friend, my companion, in distress. He was gagging and unable to stand. As he lay on the floor he lost control of his bowels and bladder and I knew that this was maybe the end. I quickly dressed and wrapped him in a towel, jumped in the car and headed to the Vet's office.
The radio in the car was on and I vaguely heard that my greatest hope had been realized. Trump would be the next President of this great county and maybe, just maybe, we had a chance to correct course. What a great feeling!
The feeling was short lived as I looked at Willie, laying on his bed riding shotgun next to me. Only his head was sticking out of the blanket and I reached over to offer a comforting rub.
Willie had been with me for over 15 years. He was a Dachshund (more hound for the pound) and came from a rescue society. His early life must have been rather rough since he was just skin and bones, missing a lot of fur, and forlorn as a lost soul. But you could see in his eyes that he was a good dog, he only needed someone to love him and bring that quality out.
It wasn't long before that good dog emerged. He started putting on weight (maybe a little too much), his fur filled in, and he started to show a playful side. He would run endlessly around the house until I picked him up and put him on the couch next to me. We were a pair of couch potatoes.
We had many adventures together. He accompanied me on camping trips, track days, and his personal favorite, road trips. Just picking up my keys sent him heading for the door in anticipation of a long ride. He always rode shotgun curled up on his bed and I would rub his head and tell him he was the 'worst dog ever, except for all the others'. There were a couple of times that I had to stop short and he would slide onto the floor, look up at me as if to say 'WTH was that', and hop back onto the seat. We visited twelve states together. Eating fast food was his favorite part and he always knew it was coming when I pulled into the drive-thru lane.
The last few years were tough on him. He lost his hearing and the jingle of keys would not elicit the familiar expectation of the ride. I continued to talk to him just like always even though I knew I was just talking to myself. He lost his vision but would do pretty well getting around the house. He knew where his food and water bowls were, how to find the couch, and he always knew exactly where I was. He did get lost behind the dryer on occasion, but that was more humorous that dangerous. It seems that Dachshunds do not backup very well, those short legs I guess.
So, today we took our last ride together. I rubbed his head but I didn't say anything. I couldn't. The Vet did some tests, and informed me that he had probably had a stroke. She said that I could take him home and he may, or may not, get better. As I was holding Willie he began to have seizures. The Vet looked at me and said that maybe God was telling us what was best, and I knew it was time.
I nodded my head, and she took Willie back to insert a catheter and give him a mild sedative for the pain. When she came back he was aware that I was there. His head picked up and I thought he could once again see me, but I know that he could smell his man. I held him tight and let the Vet know that I was ready, it was time. I rubbed his nose so that the last thing he smelled was me, told him how much I loved him, and I cried like a baby. I held him close until he was gone.
I am sitting her writing this, still crying like a little boy, and I still feel that I can hear and feel him with me. His bed is empty, his collar is on my desk, and my heart is drained.
I have been here many times before, and it is always the same. An emptiness that I know will pass, and the memories that I know will always be here.
God's rest to you good friend. Be at peace and know that my love for you will never end.
A day of joy and heartache.
I am so sorry for your loss. Dogs are God’s gift to humans; there is no doubt.
Who is happy that we can look at Melania for four years instead of Mooch.
So sorry. Beautifully written.
Sorry, wrong thread. Egads. Sorry about the dog.
The perfect example of Schrodinger’s Cat.
Thanks for sharing. It reminded me of all the stuff more important than politics. Having lost a few precious dogs over the years, I know exactly how you feel. Sorry you have to deal with this. Prayers for your broken heart and losing your best friend.
I am so sorry. Furry kids break our hearts. May you find comfort.
We lost four over the last six years.
Crying for you. You’ll see your buddy again.
Thank you for your post. I’ve been there more times than I want to admit. It always hurts but time passes and the good memories never leave you.
You will work through the loss, in your own way and in your own time. My heart goes out to you.
I am so sorry for your loss.
I lost my Golden Retriever, Amber, two years ago and still miss her terribly.
Hang in there - better days will come. I got another one a couple months later and life is better - although breaking in a puppy adds new dimensions to the word "frustrating". I wish you well...
Kind Regards
I’m so sorry. What an emotionally draining day this must’ve been. Sounds like Willie was a lucky pup to have you.
So sorry for your loss. Prayers up.
Prayers and sympathy for you. God knows our companions are dear to us. God bless!
When Willie came into my life I feel he rescued me more than the other way around.
I just went through an identical situation in July. Still miss my girl so your story brought tears to my eyes. I told my daughter if you want to understand men you need to realize we do not fall in love with the exception of our first car and our dog. She thought I was joking, but it is true. I think because dogs give us pure love no strings attached. They do not care how we look, how we smell or how big or small we are, they just love us for who we are. That is what we miss when they leave us. You did the right thing, no matter how hard it was, it was an act of love. God bless.
I know your pain. Look forward to the Rainbow Bridge!
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