I'm sorry if this is perhaps against the rules...as this is about the loss of a dog than a cat.
My Jack Russell Terrier of 15 years passed a couple of days ago. I've had her since I was 10 years old, until now at the age of 25. It's very surreal and hard since she was by my side through everything, from elementary school, middle school, highschool, and university. She moved/travelled with me through four provinces, and been through many ups and downs, like times when I was bullied, times when I was successful at something, times when I went through milestones like driver's licenses. She comforted and made me smile. She was smart and naughty. We went to parks, events, beaches, Pet Expo's together and beyond. When I had my last surgery at the Children's hospital at 11, she was also having surgery at the animal hospital. We had our IV's in the same left hand/paw! She had eaten something that got stuck in her tummy. She has been with me for most of my life! Over half of it.
The night before she passed my two cats laid down beside her and cuddled for a couple hours, as if they knew she was unwell - despite their previous history together, as Pepi would occasionally chase them! I reckon it just goes to show the genuine animal spirit and companionship, and empathy/forgiveness no matter what. It was a touching moment. Even now they will try and go look to se where she is and has gone.
I'm am happy however, that my mom and I were both by her side when she died. She detoriated quickly in her last few days (If her discomfort had dragged on we would have put her down. No one likes to see their pet miserable, almost as bad as seeing them go) But alas, she passed on her own in her own bed, with us petting and holding her gently, and telling her thank you for everything and how much we loved her. She was an amazing companion.
Again, sorry that this is a canine on a catsite, it's just tricky at times to find an outlet for these things, towards those who can really comprehend or understand, including in cases where a pet has been with you long term. My family outside my parents have thankfully been very kind and supportive, and sad as well. But can't help but be concerned for the outside, since you know...I guess I get concerned/paranoid of "It's just a dog" "Just a pet" thoughts or statements. Altogether, It took me awhile to even post anywhere something since I was afraid of getting really emotional in the process (I ended up being emotional anyway, at this moment! Even after waiting a couple days)
Anyway, I'm babbling away now. I know it will take time to mourn, and I have braced myself ahead of time, And also appreciate the wonderful amount of time I did have with her (Feel lucky that I had 15 years!) and appreciate other aspects of life. There is still the future, even with this current haze, thoughts and deep sorrow, with the very random bouts of sadness/tears even if I get moments of feeling alright. I am thankful for my cats for being at my side at this moment, they are sweet and affectionate, and lively. Of course, I love them dearly.
Thanks in advance to anyone for any kind words or even just reading this through patiently.
Few months earlier in April our family lost our horse of 23 years, he was over 30. My dad used to compete with in him Grand Prix for many years. A year prior to that we had to put our German Sheperd down because he had a brain tumour. So, not an entirely easy year overall! But, again, at least there is always the future. Just need to go through the time.. I'll hold Pepi's memories dear to heart for the rest of my life, and when I am ready after a good long while, be able to love again, and appreciate/enjoy/take care of that special future canine.
My Jack Russell Terrier of 15 years passed a couple of days ago. I've had her since I was 10 years old, until now at the age of 25. It's very surreal and hard since she was by my side through everything, from elementary school, middle school, highschool, and university. She moved/travelled with me through four provinces, and been through many ups and downs, like times when I was bullied, times when I was successful at something, times when I went through milestones like driver's licenses. She comforted and made me smile. She was smart and naughty. We went to parks, events, beaches, Pet Expo's together and beyond. When I had my last surgery at the Children's hospital at 11, she was also having surgery at the animal hospital. We had our IV's in the same left hand/paw! She had eaten something that got stuck in her tummy. She has been with me for most of my life! Over half of it.
The night before she passed my two cats laid down beside her and cuddled for a couple hours, as if they knew she was unwell - despite their previous history together, as Pepi would occasionally chase them! I reckon it just goes to show the genuine animal spirit and companionship, and empathy/forgiveness no matter what. It was a touching moment. Even now they will try and go look to se where she is and has gone.
I'm am happy however, that my mom and I were both by her side when she died. She detoriated quickly in her last few days (If her discomfort had dragged on we would have put her down. No one likes to see their pet miserable, almost as bad as seeing them go) But alas, she passed on her own in her own bed, with us petting and holding her gently, and telling her thank you for everything and how much we loved her. She was an amazing companion.
Again, sorry that this is a canine on a catsite, it's just tricky at times to find an outlet for these things, towards those who can really comprehend or understand, including in cases where a pet has been with you long term. My family outside my parents have thankfully been very kind and supportive, and sad as well. But can't help but be concerned for the outside, since you know...I guess I get concerned/paranoid of "It's just a dog" "Just a pet" thoughts or statements. Altogether, It took me awhile to even post anywhere something since I was afraid of getting really emotional in the process (I ended up being emotional anyway, at this moment! Even after waiting a couple days)
Anyway, I'm babbling away now. I know it will take time to mourn, and I have braced myself ahead of time, And also appreciate the wonderful amount of time I did have with her (Feel lucky that I had 15 years!) and appreciate other aspects of life. There is still the future, even with this current haze, thoughts and deep sorrow, with the very random bouts of sadness/tears even if I get moments of feeling alright. I am thankful for my cats for being at my side at this moment, they are sweet and affectionate, and lively. Of course, I love them dearly.
Thanks in advance to anyone for any kind words or even just reading this through patiently.
Few months earlier in April our family lost our horse of 23 years, he was over 30. My dad used to compete with in him Grand Prix for many years. A year prior to that we had to put our German Sheperd down because he had a brain tumour. So, not an entirely easy year overall! But, again, at least there is always the future. Just need to go through the time.. I'll hold Pepi's memories dear to heart for the rest of my life, and when I am ready after a good long while, be able to love again, and appreciate/enjoy/take care of that special future canine.
