Thursday, 17 February 2011

Letting Go

Readers of my other blog will know that last week I had to say goodbye to my Buddy. He was 15 years old and had a stroke. Unable to stand up and showing no signs of recovery we called the vet and he went to sleep peacefully at home. It is a responsibility that we have when we own dogs. When to think of their welfare before our own. We want them to stay with us just a few days more, we want them to get better, we want them to keep us company for just a bit longer...we want..we want..we want.
In fact, the whole act of having a dog live with us in our houses, to keep us company is selfish. A wonderful book I read on the subject is 'The Culture Clash' by Jean Donaldson. We expect dogs to come into our houses and live with us as humans live. We give them human names, even sometimes dress them up in clothing (oh how I hate that!).
So, letting go of a beloved pet is a real bereavement. A big hole in our lives, an empty space, no one to lick the plates clean! So in their best interest, when the time comes, we must let go. With dignity, at peace and just one day too soon, and never, ever... one day too late.
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14 comments:

  1. Kari in Alaska17 February 2011 at 17:23

    I am so sorry for your loss. My heart is hurting for you but it sounds like you made the right decision.

    Kari
    http://dogisgodinreverse.com

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  2. Wyatt18 February 2011 at 03:45

    Saying goodbye to a member of your pack is so hard. You are in our thoughts.

    Wyatt and Stanzie

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  3. Unknown18 February 2011 at 14:25

    Sorry for your loss. Your faithful friend will always remain in your heart.

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  4. ♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥19 February 2011 at 18:01

    We are so very sorry for your loss - it is never easy no matter how old or young they are. Wyatt sent us over - hugs to all of you at this time.

    Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

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  5. Oskar19 February 2011 at 19:29

    We are very sorry for your loss. We will be praying for you.

    Nubbin wiggles & hugs,
    Oskar & Pam

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  6. ♥I am Holly♥19 February 2011 at 20:01

    We are very sorry for your loss. It is never easy to let go but necessary when the time comes. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Lots of love, Debbie and Holly

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  7. Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom19 February 2011 at 22:30

    Our deepest sympathy on your loss. You have truly lost a family member, not "just a dog" as felt by those who don't understand what our pets really mean to us. Buddy will be forever safe in your heart.

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  8. Duke19 February 2011 at 22:42

    Wyatt and Stanzie told us about Buddy. We are so sorry for your loss.

    Love ya lots
    Maggie and Mitch

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  9. The Thuglets20 February 2011 at 11:14

    We came from Wyatt & Stanzies blog to say how sorry we are to hear of your sad loss of Buddy.

    Please know we are thinking of you.

    Runfree Buddy with the wind in your face!

    Big Nose Pokes
    The Thugletsx

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  10. Pippa20 February 2011 at 19:30

    I am sorry the first time I come to visit is to read about some sadness in your life. Thanks for visiting me, and just, well, all of us here know how it feels.

    Pippa and family

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  11. cherie20 February 2011 at 22:29

    Thank you for your message. I am sorry to hear of your loss of Buddy. Maybe Caleb and Buddy crossed the rainbow bridge together.:0)
    Your in my thoughts.

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  12. Raising Addie23 February 2011 at 00:52

    Wyatt told us about your Buddy on his blog. We are very sorry for your loss. He looked like a very sweet boy.

    Chasing my tale...
    Addie, Lucie and Hailey

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  13. Barbara Barth2 March 2011 at 16:02

    I just came over from Wyatt's blog. I have an old dog, 15, and am watching for when it is time to let go. Thank you for a lovely post that makes so much sense. I am sorry for your loss of Buddy. I have a dog blog, Wyatt just won my photo contest. If you would like to have a guest post I'd love to invite you to join me. http://writerwithdogs.blogspot.com/

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  14. Yolanda Elizabet Heuzen11 March 2011 at 07:38

    My sentiments exactly, dear heart. I know how you grieve over the loss of your beloved Buddy but be proud of yourself that you gave him the best gift anyone can give their beloved pet at a time like this: a gentle, painfree release of life.

    (((HUG))) Yolanda

    XXXXX doggy kisses from Tara

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