A couple of days ago, I had to take a trip that I knew was coming but I really didn’t want. Its only a few miles from our house to the Veterinarian’s place and its a trip we have taken many times. This time was different. My buddy of twelve and a half years had been very sick for a long time. It got worse over the past few weeks. When he couldn’t stand up anymore, we both knew the time had come.
Over twelve years ago, Debbie and I drove to the mountains of Western North Carolina to bring Angus and his brother Rufus home. We had raised other dogs that all passed and I think we both just missed the sound of little feet running around our house. So we were careful to find a reputable breeder and we found our guys. We had raised Shar Peis before and we wanted to stay with that breed. Save your lectures on adopting and rescue dogs. I support both. But they are all God’s creatures so we made our choice.
We had forgotten how much work puppies were. Plus, having two brothers in the same house brought with it all kinds of new excitement. When we brought them home, they got into all manner of trouble. Just as all brothers do, they sought adventure where they could find it and you had to keep an eye on them.
One Sunday we came home from church and let them out of their playpen. We opened the doggie door to the back yard and went to change our clothes. It was strangely quiet. Despite having the door closed, you could always hear them wrestling or chasing each other. But no sounds were heard.
When we came out of the bedroom, the first thing we saw was the toilet paper coming out of the guest bathroom. It was still intact and it was leading from the bathroom into the living room. From the living room, it went unbroken through the doggie door. When we went on the back porch, we looked at the still unbroken toilet paper stream going down the ramp to the yard. There in the yard sat our two boys. Rufus was eating the paper as it lay in a mound in front of him. Angus had his world famous smile on his face as if to say “Look what we did!!!”
Neither Debbie or I had the presence of mind to get a camera. It wouldn’t have mattered. We were both laughing so hard, I don’t think we could have taken a very decent picture.
Rufus developed very bad hip problems at the age of five and his condition got to a point where he had no quality of life. That was the toughest day of my life.
Until Wednesday. I saw the strength leaving Angus. Turns out he had a tumor that was slowly robbing him of his sight and probably much worse. I stayed in the room as he was cared for in his last moments. It was the first time he looked peaceful in a long time. The house has seemed etpy ever since.
I’m Glad you are together again boys. I hope someone remembered to shut the powder room door before you started playing.
The hardest goodbyes I have ever had to say were to my 4-legged friends. I am so sorry.
Sorry about your loss
After all they are family. Sorry for your loss.
This is one of the hardest things. I still get teary eyed when I think of putting our old dog down. Hang in there.
I’ve taken that trip five times in my life. Our thirteen-year-old Shiba-Inu will be our last. Dreading the day. Our condolences to you Shipmate!
So very sorry for your loss. They may be an animal but they are family. Hopefully you will give a good home again to another man’s best friend.
My heart goes out to you.
It’s always hard when that day comes. I had it happen this March. I’m in a temporary situation and don’t know when I’ll be able to get another dog and it’s the longest 6 months I’ve lived. My condolences on your loss. Do get another dog, it really is the best way to recover and honor those who’ve gone.
We’re dog-people, too and we understand. My heart goes out to you.
Best wishes,
Tim Oliver
Very sorry for your lose
So sorry for your loss. We have been there 5 times.
I am sorry for your loss and my family and I have made the same trip 3 times and it gets harder each time.