January 25, 2011

Saying Goodbye

I know some of you may have read the title to this and wondered where I'm going and why I'm leaving.  Relax...I'm not going anywhere.  This will be a little off topic from my norm, but I wanted to do it anyway.

Yesterday I lost my companion and sidekick of 12 years.  She brought a lot of joy and happiness to the world of my family and we will miss her deeply.  Yet, that is part of life, and we must move on.  It has been coming on for a while now, and her failing health finally caught up with her.  She is much better off now, and I'm glad to know she isn't suffering any longer. 

She was the best dog anyone could ever hope to have.  Very obedient, laid back, and wouldn't hurt anything or anyone.  Many of you who are pet owners know, they become a member of the family and like one of your children.  There's nothing quite like having a 120 lb housedog.  LOL!  Well, mostly housedog anyway.  She was rather spoiled and certainly didn't have a rough life.  What more could a dog ask for?!?!

There is a stigma attached to dogs like this.  I firmly believe a lot of it how they are raised and trained.  If you are to have a dog this size, and with this reputation, you must at least give them basic training to be able to control them.  I firmly believe that she understood my every word and would listen to me and do just as I told her without hesitation.  Well, ok another dog or the wandering squirrel did catch her attention, but she would stop on a dime if I asked her, and that is what is required with these dogs.

She was excellent with kids and everyone that met her, once they got beyond the scare factor, loved her to death.  Those that didn't know her, were scared of her, and that is exactly what I wanted.  She kept those unwanted people away.  There were times the pizza man wouldn't even come to the door if he saw her.  I'd have to go out to the driveway to get and pay for the pizza.  Better than having a gun or an alarm system in my book.  (yes I still do have guns)   She was as gentle and loving as you could ever ask for.  The neighborhood kids even loved her, and used to come to the house and knock on the door and ask if she could come out and play.  They would all chase each other and run around and have the best time.  My daughter, who is 3, has grown up with her, so this will be hard on her as well.

This is like losing a part of your family.  We will miss her greatly!  You will never be another like you!  Take care!



DV

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

My Deepest Sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your gorgeous girl. What is her name?

DV I have known many Rotties, never met a bad one.

I have had 4 dogs in the last 21 years. I loved them all dearly, and my heart broke at the loss of each. My heart is still broken over the loss of the first one but it is soothed with all the fond, happy memories I have.

Thank you for sharing your story.

-H

Storm said...

It is painful to lose our beloved companions.
Best to you and yours especially your daughter. I know how hard it is to tell your kid their four legged friend is not going to be around any more.

Hawk said...

All my sympathy to you and your family. I know that's got to be difficult.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for you and your family. They are family members and it is so hard to let them go.

reina(RT) said...

This was a hard post to read today. It made me remember the dog i had for 18 years and to hold him as the vet put him to sleep was the hardest thing I ever had to do. I now have 3 dogs. 2 that are over 100lbs and one that is about 15lbs. I think i got them to help fill the void of losing Peppie, the bday gift I got when I was 12...and they did fill that void. Now my dogs are reaching that age where I might have to make that choice again and it hurts to think about that.

I am so sorry for your loss.
Carrie

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

I'm very sorry for your loss. Only people who speak animal really, truly understand. Hugs.

lgg

Jen said...

<3
I'm so sorry.
<3

DauntlessVitality said...

Thank you all for your wonderful thoughts and condolences. I appreciate them very much. Hedone...her name was Sydney.

A funny side story to prove one of my points. Wife called today and said I have to tell you this, it's so funny. She watched the UPS man pull up this afternoon. She was going to go outside and meet him, and then she watched him. He peeked out the door of his truck and looked around. He stepped out and looked around. Took another step and looked around. She said she was laughing watching him trying to figure out what he was doing. She finally went outside to meet him and asked him what he was doing, and he said he was watching out for that big black Rotty he was used to seeing outside. LOL! Sometimes, that image is all it takes to keep your world safe and secure. :)

DV

William said...

My condolences. One of my co-workers just lost one of his dogs on Sunday. He was 14 years old and had a good life.

Hedone said...

UPS and dogs.

My first pup was a wonderful husky-shepherd. The US mail lady loved him and would give him treats. The UPS people were terrified of him and would fling my 'fragile' packages onto the porch. The dog was usually in the house or the fenced back yard, never running free. He did have a big deep bark, and you could see him going nuts from the glass door. I guess that intimidated UPS.

R.I.P. Sydney

blossom said...

awe sorry to hear about your loss, it will be a hard time for you and your family, im sure she will be sorely missed.

blossom x

anna said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my dog almost two years ago and I still miss her very much. Wishing you strength during the more difficult moments.

k!nkyNurse said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm both a dog and cat lover and have lost many family pets over the years. I still think of those I have lost from time to time. I was also a former Rott owner, and my Bubba was the most gentle animal I'd ever had. Seriously, he was really a big baby and it's sad how these beautiful animals get such a bad rep due to irresponsible owners.

Anonymous said...

It's always sad when a long standing family pet passes.

I lost my Alsatian just before xmas. She was one month away form her eleventh birthday. I'd had her since she was puppy and took her everywhere with me. The vet had found a cancer on her spleen. It was heart wrenching for me to comfort her whilst the vet administered the lethal injection. She'd looked quite sad for a few days previous. Afterwards I had a sense of relief that she sufferred no more. The followng morning I had to use a pick-axe to dig a grave in the frozen solid ground in the garden.

Your story about the UPS man made me smile. We had the same thing with a big burly builder who wouldn't get out of his van until we locked the dog away. She only wanted his sandwich!

Take care