Grab a tissue before you read this

[hheldorfer]

What our dogs would say if they could

[bradl]

 

[hheldorfer]

Thanks, Brad!

[Idaho Cairns]

Well, ya know, we all think about these things--having lost two great Cairns, one of which was simply magnificent for a dog, we try to steel ourselves against the inevitable and perhaps we can so long as we just enjoy every moment we spend with our companions.  Of course Fran and I are fortunate since we are here 24/7 and dogs are simply part of the daily routine, hour by hour, minute by minute--we are all in our roles that never seem to vary (a good, not a boring thing).  we are watching Sammi's gradual slippage into that final set of behaviors, she has slowed down considerably this year, I see "the look" in her beautiful eyes, that look that says, "I feel different now, it's confusing, and it scares me, but you are all still here with me so, I'm sure I'm fine."
She, of course, does not know what is coming, animals cannot and should not "know" what we humans know.
It makes us sad, we've been here before and do know--like it or not.
So we do talk more, hand out more treats, chuff behind those ears more, rub her snout which she loves, her belly at night in our bed, and try to enjoy whatever is left to us.  We worry, of course, for Bonnie who will never understand and who's quirky personality is most likely to take Sammi's going with no way to cope in a gentle easy way--Bonnie hides behind our couches now--seeming to love her safety and privacy--hours a day and we wonder, "what will it be like then?".  Sammi is all she has ever had.
All we know is that it will be and we need no new lessons in how dogs love and how we love dogs.  I also know and knew that when I took on this wealth of loving companionship that there was a high emotional price to pay and so I have been making regular psychic and emotional installments on that debt--it will, of course, never be completely satisfied but, hopefully, we can settle matter gracefully---all of us.

 

[Sam I Am]

So sad but so beautiful also. It's a journey we all take when we are responsible owners. Chuck you got me in tears. I feel about Sammie  like I felt about Packie, just one big family.

[Lynn in TN]

I could not comment last night after I read this and Chucks post. I was crying uncontrollably. The past 2 years has been filled with grief at our house. It seems the passing of humans and pets in our family and on this forum has been almost two much to bear.

I look at Prissy she's so much older than Kelly. She spends a lot of time sleeping, but is still energetic at times. It's hard to believe we have had her for 3 years. She is now 10 almost 11 years old. I can see a very tired look in her eyes. It's hard to explain.I don't won't to see it, but it is inevitable.

Kelly is 5, my my the time does fly. She has been through so many changes since the puppy years. The size of Bonnie, but with mannerisms like Sammi. She is the most amazing dog I have ever had. Very smart and in tune with me. I can't imagine my life without her. I love Prissy and have loved all of my dogs and cat's very much, but Kelly is different and I can't describe why. There is just something special about her. She's my girlie.

I've wept many times for the loss of so many Cairns on the forum. I can't believe how attached to them I am, but yet I have never petted, or hugged them physically, and have never met them in person. These little dogs know how to weave theirselves into our hearts.

It's so beautiful, but with each loss a hole of sadness is left in my heart that can be unbearable at times.