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Post by Observer2 on Aug 21, 2004 2:24:12 GMT -5
Song of Farewell to an Old Friend
Do you run in your dreams with the pack? Do you answer the call of their singing? Tell me, where do you run in your dreaming Child of wolves?
Are there others who run by your side? Do they answer your call in the moonlight? Do they run with you all through the wild night Child of wolves?
Now it's time to follow your dreams Time to follow the wolves of your dreaming Time to answer the call of their singing Child of wolves.
To Gwen, Friend and comforter, Playmate and teacher, I will miss you. I no longer believe all the harshest things Lord Byron said about humans, But everything he said about his dog Is true of you. (Except, of course, the bit about "Denied in Heaven the soul he held on Earth," But I don't think he believed that bit, either.) I know you stayed as long as you could. Go well, my friend. Blessings on your path Until we meet again.
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Post by Observer2 on Aug 21, 2004 2:28:57 GMT -5
My dog, a bright and beautiful Border Collie I’ve had for 16 1/2 years (since she was 7 weeks old) has been sick, and a few days ago took a serious turn for the worse.
I know it’s time for her to go. I’ve probably kept her here longer than I should have, already. But as the country song says, it’s never easy, letting go. I’m doing my best to just be with her and give her love and companionship while she makes the transition. If she’s still alive Saturday afternoon my sister and I will take her to the vet for euthanasia. I’m hoping, though, that she’ll just quietly slip away at home.
Metella, you’re probably the only one here who’s lived with a more wolf-like canine than my Gwen. I’ve had dogs all my life and worked as a dog trainer, and I’ve never met a dog with more wolf-like expressions, body language and behavior patterns. Her intelligence is more wolf-like, as well – she’s smarter than any other dog I’ve ever worked with. I always called her my little dog of the wolf clan.
A combination of a near-death experience and other personal experiences leave me feeling no concern over whether her spirit will survive after her body dies. But I am seriously going to miss this dog. She’s been important to me in so many ways throughout a very difficult period of my life. I hardly know how to imagine life without her now.
It’s been a great gift to have had her this long. That makes this easier, but not by much.
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Post by darmok on Aug 21, 2004 8:21:38 GMT -5
I feel for you Observer. Last year I had to euthanize both of my dogs, 5 months apart. Jerry was a German Shepherd that had mostly minor health problems all his life. He was 12 1/2. He was a good, not overly smart, odd dog. Shasta had just turned 14. She was part German Shepherd and very smart. She almost had a 6th sense; she would know what I was going to do or where I was going before I did (although, the scientific part of me realizes that it was really an acute ability for pattern recognition). She got so she could barely walk. My husband and I realized we weren't doing her any favors by not taking her to the vet. It was hard, but I think it was the best thing for her. I firmly believe that dogs can be as much a part of the family as kids. I was so glad that neither of the kids turned out to be allergic to the dogs; I mean, we had the dogs long before we had the kids. While my belief about animals in Heaven is not Biblically based, I don't believe it would be Heaven without them. They certainly have purer souls than many humans. It is only our hubris that let's us think we're above them. Observer, I know how hard this decision is, but time does help. Although, I admit that I'm crying while writing this.
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Post by domenicaflor on Aug 21, 2004 8:50:00 GMT -5
Observer:
Peace to you and Gwen.
Remember that folks here are remembering both of you in our prayers/positive thoughts and meditations.
D.
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Post by janetcatbird on Aug 21, 2004 9:51:23 GMT -5
Oh, Observer, I'm so sorry. I've always had cats, but I know how wonderful dogs are and how difficult it is to lose such a friend. One of my dear cats was hit by a car about 6 years ago and we still miss Tamet. Big grey fat Maine Coon cat with a door squeak of a meow, he was so sweet and cuddly...
Probably the hardest thing about college is having to leave my study-buddy Cleo at home. I swear those cats knew I was going away, in the days before I came back here Cleo and Emma were especially affectionate.
I know Gwen loves you and (on whatever level) appreciates all you've done for her. Just know that we're thinking of you, I'd give you a hug if I could. Take care,
Catbird
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Post by trisha on Aug 21, 2004 10:00:06 GMT -5
Ah, Darmok, I'm crying too.
Observer, you have my deepest sympathy.
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Post by romulanavatra3 on Aug 21, 2004 11:15:35 GMT -5
Observer i know what its like to lose a dog who is very close to you, my ifrst dog diead some time ago when i was away so it was even more upsetting than it would otherwise have been she had lived to a good age something like 15 and finally just could not go on.
as for my new dog a blue healer bess she is wonderful iam glad to have a new dog, she is now five and is just so human iam amzed she often sleeps indoors on my bed at and is really more human like than a canine.
i really will say that i hope she is around for a long time yet her health is fine apart form her bac klegs which she has strained at quiet a young age. she is biralliant and very carring and commuicates almsot on a simlar level to human speech and might even have a sixth or maybe even a seventh sense.
i really feel for you and send you my deepsest reagrds. never forget you dog but get a new one when the time is right to replace her. dont hide from it always remember the good times you had together but dont let that get in the way of the memorable times that lie the future.
reagrds rom.
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Post by Techguy on Aug 21, 2004 13:36:19 GMT -5
Observer, I know exactly what you are going through right now. Peace to you and Gwen, and to the other members who have lost special family members.
I have always believed that companion animals have a special place in heaven because they inspire us to be the best humans we can be--more loving and giving, more forgiving and much less judgmental. Who else loves and accepts us exactly the way we are and asks for so little in return?
I am also reminded of something I read or heard somewhere, about how we should live our lives to validate and honor our pets' perceptions of us. I can't think of better guide for living, to honor those creatures whom we have been blessed with as part of our lives.
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Post by Patcat on Aug 21, 2004 18:42:32 GMT -5
Observer;
You have my sympathy and empathy. I've lost cats in my life, and know their loss hurts very much. Pets give us unconditional, unwavering love, and I think they remain with us in this life and the next.
Patcat
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Post by Sirenna on Aug 21, 2004 18:46:54 GMT -5
That is rough, Observer and I'm sorry you and Gwen are facing this moment but at least she has you to see her to the end. You are her truest friend and you were lucky to find each other.
Best wishes.
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Post by Metella on Aug 23, 2004 7:31:22 GMT -5
ah, thank you Observer for sharing & all others who shared stories of companion animals. It is Monday now, so I was not able to communicate earlier.
Jimmy Stewart, on a Tonight show with CARSON, made me absolute weep when he spoke (read a poem?) about a companion dog - I think it is in a best of carson collection.
As TechGuy said, live up to what they show they think of us & we would all be heros.
I'll now go back and relive some highlights with my Irish Setter - dittsy, but so steadfast.
My Wolves will be strange to let go - they have a different spirit than the dogs I have had ..... Wish you peace now Observer
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Post by NikkiGreen on Aug 23, 2004 13:34:18 GMT -5
I'm sorry to read about your beloved Gwen, Observer. You have my deepest sympathies. Metella, I think this is the poem from Jimmy Stewart. I remember watching that episode. It's too long to paste here in its entirety. www.animaladvocacy.net/writing/stewart.html
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Post by Metella on Aug 23, 2004 14:07:03 GMT -5
Thank you Nikki - you always find what I tottle about for,
that was the poem exactly & I am sniffling now as I write this. Mr. Stewart was shedding a few tears as he recited this on Carson and who knows how long that had been after his companion was gone. I can still hear his strong manly voice cracking as he spoke.
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Post by Techguy on Aug 24, 2004 13:12:22 GMT -5
Thank you from me too, Nikki, for sharing the poem "Beau" by Jimmy Stewart. Companion animals do have the power to enrich our lives so much that when they are gone we miss them terribly, but we cam be comforted by our memories of times well spent with them.
I am also reminded of a song from a way back called "Mr. Bojangles." I don't remember anything about it except the line that goes something like this:
"The dog up and died, he up and died, After 20 years he still grieved."
I understand completely the sentiment expressed in that simple line. And I also want to thank the other members for sharing their companion animals stories.
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Post by NikkiGreen on Aug 24, 2004 15:10:05 GMT -5
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