Farewell, my friend.

[farrandy]

I just took Underfoot to the vet today -- for the last time. He was about 11 years old (from what I gather, 10-14 is normal for Corgis). He had reached the point where he couldn't walk very well, and was in a lot of pain. We tried some pain killers but they just made him kind of stoned (I could have lived with that if I thought he could appreciate a continuous loop of Pink Floyd, but....) We were afraid he might go outside while we were at work (the dogs stay in the garage with a dog door to the outside) and not be able to make it back inside and get caught in the cold weather that is looming or the sub-freezing temps at night or a cold rain. He would see the other dogs getting excited about SOMETHING REALLY IMPORTANT that they would have to go running outside and he would whimper because he couldn't follow them. It sounds weird to say this, but while I will never forget him, and already miss him terribly, a great burden of worry has been lifted from me. I will probably sleep better tonight than have for the last couple of weeks.

Good points:

1) The other dogs AREN'T going crazy looking for him, like I thought they might. Maybe it's because he's been so inactive of late that he sort of slipped into the background for them (This was another concern for us; Argus, as sweet as she is, is an attention whore and a clumsy cow, and kept pushing him out of the way. We were afraid she might accidentally hurt him even more) Maybe they can't count and haven't figured out someone is missing (sadly, I can and do).

2) He didn't suffer long. Two weeks ago, he was chasing Puck around and chasing him and boxing with him like a pup. No long sad decline (I've been there before and it hurts).

3) Our vet is so cool. He sat down on the floor with me and Underfoot and told me that he has had several corgis himself and he always had a soft spot for Underfoot. When He gave Underfoot the final shot, he put a bandage around where he'd stuck in the needle. I almost laughed. I mean, what, are we afraid he's going to bleed to death? I know, It's for the owner, and not the animal, but it's cool anyway.

"Many nights, lost in confusion,
Caught between right and wrong
Though our love we've formed this union,
Through our love this friendship will stay strong"

---Larry Long "Farewell My Friend"

Comments

[apocalypticbob.livejournal.com]

I'm going to miss him, too. I'm glad I had the chance to get to know him and roll around on the floor with him. My life is richer for it. He was quite a special dog, and there will never be another just like him.

You and Barb will remain in my thoughts today.

[ebonypearl.livejournal.com]

My sincerest condolences to the both of you, and yay for cool, understanding vets.

I only saw Puck the once, and what a sweet little dog he was!

[naamah-darling.livejournal.com]

He was a funny guy but also a well-dressed gentleman. I will miss him terribly. Not as terribly as you two, who lived with him and loved him so much and so well, but I will miss him. He was my favorite dog. What more can I really say?

We've been thinking about you, yesterday and today.

*hugs*

[kd-wentworth.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry. I remember when he came into your life and what a joy he always was. We're never ready to say good-bye, even when the moment has finally come. {hugs} from me too.

[tapestry01.livejournal.com]

I'm very sorry for your loss.

[farrandy.livejournal.com]

It's been a year, and I still miss you little buddy.

[farrandy.livejournal.com]

Has it really been five years? I was looking for some other old pictures the other day and found some of you and realized this anniversary was approaching. I almost started crying. I am now as I write this.

Five years. so much has changed. Our convention died. As did Kathy, (who posted above). And Dad. I've lost contact with so many friends. i need to make new ones but it's not easy , having no regular group to hang out with

But it's not all bad. Argus is still around--for how long I don't know, but she's still the sweet dog she was. Puck is the alpha dog; the brains of the outfit, and Esme bounces between being sweet and cuddly and totally rambunctuous. She keeps Puck occupied. Too bad you never met her, but we brought her home so Puck would have someone to play with and I guess if you hadn't gone, we never would have rescued her from the pound and i don't like to think about what would have happened to her if we hadn't.

So, life is full of change, one thing leading to another.

But i still miss you buddy.

[farrandy]

And now it's been ten years.

That is so hard to believe.

Argus has of course gone to join you, wherever you are. And so has Puck. Now (along with Eris) all the members of "your" pack have gone. So if you are anywhere, I know you're happy. I wish you could have met Esme, and Gytha and the new guy Opus (who has similar markings to your's).

You were a great friend, and I just wanted you to know that I still think of you often and miss you.