Farewell to an old friend
Sparkle's 14-year-old companion, the golden retriever Timber, has reached the last days of a long and happy life.
Farewell to an old friend
George Carter
It's been a quiet, somber week at our house as Timber, our beloved golden retriever, slips away. His health has been fading for some time, but in the last month, I've been carrying him up and down the stairs every night to his spot in the doorway to Betsy's bedroom, nearest the landing. When Josh was younger, he slept under his crib. He's always been a bit protective of us, even if he is a rather mild-mannered soul. I'd happily keep carrying Timber, who weighs 68 pounds, up and down the stairs if his arthritic legs and hips were his only problem. They aren't.
Last Friday, he suffered a major setback that triggered a fast trip to the vet clinic. The only option is a big operation, and with his respiratory trouble, I doubt he'd survive the anesthesia or recovery. The other week, as I was watching TV, he was having some trouble, came over, sat down in front of me, looked me in the eye and woofed: "Help me!" I sure wish I could. As of Wednesday night, he was still hanging in, but we're taking it day by day.
Timber's had a wonderful life. We adopted him as an adorable buff-gold pup from the animal shelter in November 1997. Betsy was 3 then. She'll be off to college next fall.
He's acknowledged as the senior dog among the three at our house. Sparkle the Seeing Eye pup has known from the start not to rough-house with him. She usually steers clear of him, but the other day, she snuggled down next to him on the rug. When I knelt to snap a picture, they jumped up so fast I couldn't get the shot. I'm sure they thought I was bringing a treat!
We've always known this day would come around, but it always seems so fast with dogs. Even the ones who reach a ripe old age get there before you realize it. Knowing that doesn't make it any easier.
A sympathetic coworker at philly.com found these links to share with you:
http://www.philly.com/philly/living/Book_aims_to_help_kids_cope_with_loss_of_a_pet.html
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/pets/Pet-owners-drop-average-500-on-vet-bills-a-year.html
I'm sorry for your loss. We lost our beloved friend well over a year ago and it still brings tears to my eyes. It seems like you have all this time and then the final hour is upon you and it breaks your heart. Nothing really beats the love of a dog.— lulu- In tears in my cubicle. Thanks alot!— TheDude
- In tears in my cubicle. Thanks alot!— TheDude
- "Help me!" I sure wish I could. As of Wednesday night, he was still hanging in, but we're taking it day by day.
You can help him. Take him to that final appt at the vets. Don't let him suffer. What is wrong with you?— moxie - I agree with moxie. Our saddest day as a family was when we realized our dog was too old and too ill at 13 1/2 to have a good quality of life. It was very hard to make the appointment, give him his favorite food for his last meal (pizza!) and bring him to the vet and hold him while he was put to sleep, but his suffering is over. Dogs are great to us, and we owe it to them to end their suffering when they are in pain.— mjc1
- (1) I will be sorry for your loss when it occurs. I've heard that bark before, and it's a bad feeling to know that there is little to do when you hear it. Cherish these last few days as best you can with your little guy.
(2) Please ignore (or delete) moxie's comment if you can. moxie may think Timber needs protecting from his owner but, judging from the post, I'd say Timber's owner will do just fine by Timber and by Timber's family.
Make sure you have good pictures of Timber to keep around the house. You and your kids will appreciate them.— rweiss005 - ...and when you and Timber must part ways, you will cry. That is the way love is, and what purer form of love is there than that between a dog and it's person. The older I get, the more I realize that it is not a coincidence that God is dog spelled backward. We were given dogs to help us understand how God loves us. Good Luck to you and Godspeed to Timber. Mike.— Bucks County Mike
- In tears as I sit and look at my 15 1/2 yrs old baby. I have had her since she was 10 months and changes have been occurring too quickly. God is blessing us day by day. My heart aches for you. Timber will always be with your family, that love never leaves.— phillygrlinfl
- thank you for this` My 15 year old ShihTzu went to the Rainbow Bridge yesterday. very very sad. I have to say however it was very peaceful— AllyJo
- My German Shepherd Augustus will be 13 on New Years Eve. I've been down that road to the Rainbow Bridge many times. He is my companion, he occupies a part of my soul the nothing else can.
Here's a good one:
http://www.getapup.com/a_dog's_plea.htm— jcpaul - Thanks to everyone for their concern, advice and sympathy. I've also gotten a number of touching personal e-mails as well. I'm happy to report that Timber has rallied, and is eating well, taking his meds, and making it out to the backyard when he has to. In fact, he just came in a little while ago muddy from head to tail. He must've been cavorting in the rain. I thought I'd have to take him to the vet one final time last week, but he obviously had other plans!— George Carter
- We had a similar circumstance with our big old lug of golden-sheppard mix when has about 12 1/2. It wasn't long after that rally, that the end came. It was like he gave us a few last weeks to enjoy his company. Treasure every remaining moment!— Fillygirl250
- Been there many times--never gets easier. I have 2---- 10 year olds now Doing every thing I can to keep them healthy. Hope they have long lives. Have to reflect--wouldn't it be lovely if people were as loyal as dogs?— crystalrainbowspirit1
