Beyond Babedom

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Goodbye, Remington

Today is one of the saddest days of my life. In about an hour, Gary and I will be bringing our wonderful 12 year old chocolate Lab to the vet for the last time.

No matter how prepared you think you are, no matter how much easier your life will be once they are gone, losing a companion who has been such an important part of your life is about the most gut wrenching thing in the world.

I know; there are worse things. But not for us.

When we picked Remmy out at the SPCA, where we almost always find our pets, I fell in love at first sight. This guy has so much personality that seeing him fail breaks my heart. He was put up for adoption because of an obsessive lick problem, so bad that he had literally licked the skin off of his leg almost down to the bone. Using Dog Whisperer techniques, a lampshade collar, bandages, bitter apple, tons of love and even Prozac, we finally were able to completely heal his “boo boo” – just in time to put him to sleep.

What is it about a dog (or cat, for that matter) that makes us go through this end-of-life torture, again and again? After we lost our first dog, Boris (who everyone knows was the love of our life), Gary wanted to be pet free. But, after a week, I couldn’t stand the emptiness and we’ve since had four catsĀ  and six dogs, mostly labs. Our plans always take “the kids” into account. No vacations without a house sitter – no kennels for our kids!

So, this is my final farewell to Remington, who is now sedated so he can sleep peacefully at home for the last time. No more fetching and catching his stuffed heart or baby monkey (that stopped when he lost his eyesight on Christmas day). No more anxious, hyper interest in dinner (when he didn’t want to get up to eat yesterday, that said it all). No more re-bandaging his boo-boo while he patiently sat there as I applied bacitracin and bandages. No more hugging and soothing when he huffed and puffed through whatever was bothering him. No more leading him down the ramp Gary built on the deck, digging out the deep snow so we could walk him on his leash to relieve himself, no more watching him cuddle with Sweet Pea, our kitten.

No more Remmington.

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 16th, 2011 at 10:43 AM and is filed under Relationships. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

  1. rosemary says:

    I’m sorry to hear about your “buddie” He was a nice one and I generally am afraid of dogs but I took a liking to yours right away. And I think they liked me too! I remember his sore leg and I did feel bad for him. Hope he is happy in doggie heaven.
    Rosemary

    • Jim Kelly says:

      We made that trip in November with our dog Tootsie, also a chocolate lab. One we had for 15 years. She was as dear as they come, so I can empathize. Still hurts.

  2. Andrea Lyon says:

    I am so sorry Lucille. It’s just awful.
    love
    Andrea

  3. Terri says:

    You just made me cry! I know what you mean about an empty house. When my 5 year old pug Shelby suddenly died in the car on the way to visit my mother I swore I wouldn’t get another dog. But it was just too quiet. No click click of the nails on the floor. Something just wasn’t right. So now we have Romeo. He is a 6 year old Pug/Sharpei mix and he is nuts. But he is ours and we love him. I swear this time too when he goes, I will not get another dog. He sheds like crazy and so did Shelby (it’s a Pug thing–all year long)! But I know that when that happens Colin will probably be almost all grown up and the house will already seem pretty empty, because he will probably always be with his friends. I am sure that my no more dogs rule will go out the window and within weeks another dog will be part of the MIller family. I am so sorry for your loss! It is always so hard to lose a friend, whether they be human or animal. I am sure you still miss Boris every day–he was a great dog. RIP Remington! {{{HUGS}}}}

  4. John Trainor says:

    Lucille,
    Sorry to hear about Remington. He sounds like a great dog.
    John

  5. Nika says:

    I am so sorry, Lucille. My heart is aching for you and Gary. Sending you love…

  6. camille says:

    Lucille-my heart is breaking for you both. Now, more than ever i. Understand exactly how you must be feeling. Remmy was lucky to live out his last years with such loving “parents”.
    Love,

    Camille

  7. Mare says:

    He was a sweetie. My heart goes out to you.

  8. Patrice says:

    Lucille (& Gary)…my heart is aching for both of you. Losing a pet has to be nearly as awful as it gets. My dogs are my “babies”, as Remmie was yours and Garys.

    Hurting with you,
    I love you

  9. Sharon winslow says:

    Bummer! So sorry

  10. Jade Greene says:

    I’m so sorry, Lucille. I’ve been there and my heart goes out to you.

  11. chris & christine says:

    Hey guys, we are so sorry for your loss. “Remy” will always be in your hearts, you know that. He loved you back. This is never easy always heart breaking. Our prayers are with you.

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