My daughter called late last night to tell me that their dog, Taylor (14-year old Lab) was very sick and she knew it was time to have her put to sleep. I could hear my little grandson crying. A few minutes later she called again to say that Taylor had died with all them around her. They all petted her as they told of their love for her and thanked her for being a constant and loyal friend her entire life. Many years ago, Taylor got her collar caught and almost chocked to death. My daughter gave her mouth-to-mouth and brought her back to life. She just loved that dog sooooooo much.
Today, they are so devasted, so sad and so emply.
Life is so precious even in the animals that we love. They hold such a special place in our lives. When my husband, Ron, got so bad and couldn't manage the many steps in our house of thirty years, I knew we had to move. After we sold the house, we lived in an apartment for three months while our new rambler was being built. Of course, our little 8-year old poodle, Jake, came with us. Jake and Ron were hooked-at-the-hip. But terrible sadness set upon us after only being in the aprtment for three weeks. Jake got very weak and sick. I spent over $1200.00 trying everything possible to save him, but within a week, he died of heart failure.
That was a year and half ago, and I felt at the time that I had caused Ron to sink further into the AD and now had caused our little Jake to pass away. At that moment, I felt deep dispare. We buried Jake in the little cage that he loved. We wrapped him in his favorite blanket and we all put a note in with him about all the joy he had brought us. Jake was the one living creature on this earth who loved Ron no matter what his conidtion was and that never faultered his entire life.
Our wonderful daughters and their families mourned with us and in about a week came over to the aprtment with a little, white, fluffy poodle puppy. When they put her on Ron's lap, Ron sobbed! After a few days, our grandson came up with the name Gracie and it just seemed to fit her so that is who she became. I didn't think I could love another dog as much as I did Jake......in fact, it took me several days to warm up to Gracie. Jake was such a terrible loss. But Gracie was so little and needed to be held and taken care of. It didn't take long to love her and I just know that our Jake knew we needed a companion with unconditional love to be with us and he sent Gracie.
In this world of AD that we live in, Gracie is our bright spot. She brings life and excitement and laughter and loyalty and love to a house that so desperately needs it. Ron's AD has progressed to fast in this past year that he no longer plays with Gracie but Gracie coninually is by his side and seems to just know she needs to watch over him.
Life is so precious in all it's forms...........Anita
Oh you are so right about the way we love our pets. We lost our two cats Fred, 15yrs last spring and BamBam 14 yrs, last summer. It was devastating. We missed them so much that I went out a few weeks after BamBam's passing and found two adorable, full of the dickens, 3 month old brothers! These two kittens have brought laughter back into our lives. They are full of mischief and have loads of love to give, demand it actually, lol. We need that in our lives. Peanut Butter and Jelly will nap with Jim and bring him toys and even "groom" him. They just seem to know that they are needed. It's amazing. Please express my sympathy to your daughter and her family on the loss of Taylor.
We've not had a pet for many years. But last September I had our son take me to the animal shelter. He and I picked out Noche`--a 3 month old pure black kitten. He and DH have become just the best of friends. Every time DH is in his chair napping, Noche` jumps up onto that lap just like he'd bought and paid for it. He naps and sleeps as long as DH does.
We are getting ready to leave tomorrow for our visit in Missouri. I have our suitcases all packed. When I first brought them out, Noche` jumped into the big one and played possum. Today, that case is all packed and DH's heavy jacket is folded and laying on top. Noche` has been hiding in that case most of the day. I think he knows we are going away.
They do seem to know. When DH gets upset and starts hollering around Noche` just sits and stares at him. I tell DH he's scaring the kitten. Then he quiets down and picks him up and talks to him. Very nice. DH really does love that little black kitten.
I'm so sorry for Taylor's passing. I don't know what I'd do without Noche`.
I'm sure all of you have noticed how many care facilities have house pets. They are such a comfort to the residents and I am amazed at how the dogs know they have a job there, checking on each and every resident several times a day. Even the most afflicted patients will often reach out and touch the head of the dog who has gently placed his head in their lap. It's so touching to watch them. I don't know what my DH would do without our little dog who rarely leaves his side. They are best friends.
One of the care facilities here has a big old long-haired cat that struts around like he owns the place. And, you are correct, he goes in and out of the rooms and rubs up against the residents. They reach out and stroke him and he thoroughly enjoys it. Love to watch that guuy crry his tail like some big plume.
Bill's care center has a formally trained therapy dog. She is huge but trained to be a lap dog. She keeps her weight on her hind paws and the rest of her is on the resident's lap. Who can resist her? Almost as good as a cat. Anyone see House last nigh with the death Kitty?
Yes, I saw that House Episode, strange........The VA Home that Jim will eventually go to has a big fat orange cat. He struts all ove the facility, getting attention wherever he can. We will also be able to bring in our twins (the kittens) and our dog Holly Berry. In fact they encourage the visiting of animals and children. We are so lucky to have this Home so close. No one ever mentioned allergies.
I have visited a number of facilities in Houston and Austin, and, without exception, they had at least two dogs and a few cats (plus birds in cages and fish tanks) - We don't have allergies so, of course, I didn't think about such a problem. The cats and dogs roam freely around the facility, are very gentle and socialize with all the patients. I recall reading about a beloved cat in one nursing home that seemed to sense when a resident was near death, and would go into their room and stay with the patient until the very end. (Must admit, I'd be inclined to shoo that cat out of my room every time it came near!!) I don't know what they would do if a patient had an allergy to cat dander.
The facility my mother was in had birds, in a huge, ceiling-to-floor cage, and they encouraged pet therapy. My mother didn't seem to notice the dogs and cats that were brought in, but she watched the birds by the hour.