In Memory

The Bodacious Beau dog

Handsome Dude

I didn't do this right away because it takes a pet owner time to heal enough to even look at a picture of a beloved pet who has passed. This is Beau, the Bodacious standard poodle that belonged to my friend, Sandy in Green Bay, WI. Beau had titles, certificates, achievements that were numerous. Sandy loves to train and compete. This was a dog who loved to run, always bouncy, always happy.

Beau was 12 years old, which is a good age for a large dog. He developed an aggressive form of cancer and passed away in January. He had been sick for a short period, and did not suffer. I have known Sandy since we were 12 years old. We are of like minds on this: dogs should not and will not suffer. Not if they are in our care.

Years ago I had 2 Sheltie Sheepdog collies, litter mates, named Candy and Tobie. Tobie had to be put down at 8 years due to anorexia. The dog stopped eating, had lost over 12 pounds, and no matter what the vet and I tried, it didn't work. Candy lived to be 12, and within 2 weeks lost her sight, hearing, and control of her bladder. I stayed in the room for the final injection, something I had not done with her brother, and that image, that memory haunts me to this day. We put Candy down in 1994, and my husband stated that there would not be any more dogs. So I was without a pet until I got Gracie in January 2009.

The point of this little story is that the hardest part of pet ownership is losing the pet. That act so scarred my heart that I truly hesitated to get another dog. Now, of course, I'm glad I did. I can't imagine what life would be like without Gracie and Sarge. But when the day comes, and it will, that they become fatally ill and a decision has to be made, I will mourn deeply. But I will also rejoice in having known the utter joy of companionship, of unconditional love.

Enjoy yourselves.
Linda

Reflections

My house, Gracie. My toy.

But I'm a house guest, Max.

Max the Man

The first dog that Gracie learned to interact with was Max. He belonged to my granddaughter, Terra. We're not super sure what Max is. There is definitely Jack Russell, and I think either some type of terrier or one of those fou-fou dogs. You know what I mean.

Gracie met Max when she was about 5 months old. It was love at first sight. They played, ran, jumped, chased, barked, and created general havoc for the entire weekend. At the time, Max was living with Terra at my stepdaughter's house. From that point forward, whenever I visited Gracie would start to whine and quiver when we pulled up in front of the house. Both dogs slept for a full day after a weekend of play.

 Long story, but Max is now living with a friend's mom, not with Terra. The last time we were up to see everyone, Gracie walked around the house searching for her buddy. Sarge could have cared less, as he and Max were not close. Gracie cried a lot that day. I know, Gracie. I miss him, too.

So the point of this post is please be sure that you want an animal forever before you obtain one. I know that circumstances can change, that finances can play a huge role in whether or not you have a dog or cat. But please consider all of the good and bad points in ownership. Yes, it cost a lot to have a dog. Yes, you have to devote time and effort to have a well trained, content pet. And, oh yeah, furniture can be destroyed or damaged.

I don't care. I wouldn't trade my two babies for anything in this world. But that's me. If you are thinking about gifting someone with a pet for Christmas, please think about all of the consequences. That's all I ask. Have a great day.
Linda