# About Pixel, or, the life of a dog \[pet loss\] **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [December 29, 2021, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-pixel-or-the-life-of-a-dog-pet-loss/956821 "2021-12-29T00:40:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2021, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-pixel-or-the-life-of-a-dog-pet-loss/956821/1 "2021-12-29T00:40:07Z")
CW: pet death My dog Pixel passed today. He had acute kidney failure and there was nothing else to do. I’d like to tell you a bit about Pixel, if you’ll bear with me. Pixel was a street dog. He was captured on the streets of Pittsburg, CA, and had obviously been on his own for awhile. He was a middle-aged Chihuahua at the time, and about the most macho little dude you had ever met. Terrible coat, terrible teeth, and defensive and mean as the day is long. Following his capture he got neutered, and shipped off to the Pixie rescue organization in Portland, OR. We went to visit one day to look at a pug mix. The pug mix scared my 95 llb Swiss Mountain dog, so that wasn’t going to work. The rescue organization asked us what sorts of qualities we were looking for in a dog, and my son announced “Cuddling! The dog must love cuddling!” Shortly thereafter, Pixel was produced. Pixel was named before we left the parking lot. We had Kona, the aforementioned Swiss Mountain dog, and Pooka, who was a Newfoundland. Chihuahuas seemed VERY small. Despite his size, Pixel was never intimidated by anything, even when he should have been. When the neighbor’s dog came under the fence, Pixel stood his ground despite getting bites on his face and head. The dog was a good-sized lab, so Pixel was thoroughly outmatched. Pixel demonstrated his cuddling abilities as soon as we brought him home. We put him on my son’s bed, and Pixel started digging under the covers. He also promptly demonstrated his nest guarding tendencies by trying to rip my face off when I kissed my son good night. Fortunately for all of us, Pixel had very few teeth. It took years, but Pixel eventually gave up nest guarding against people. Against dogs and cats, he kept his belligerent ways until the end. Pixel spent everyday with me while my son was at school. He wrestled with the big dogs, yelled at the neighbor’s dog through the fence, and cuddled like a champ. At night, he slept with my son. I have a hard time imagining my life without him, and I feel so blessed that we had him. Skritch your pets for me tonight. ---
**Author:** ![SmartAleq](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smartaleq/32/163_2.png) [@SmartAleq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmartAleq)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2021, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-pixel-or-the-life-of-a-dog-pet-loss/956821/2 "2021-12-29T01:07:11Z")
Aww, I’m so sorry for your loss, Pixel sounds like a dog and a half for only being about 1/8 of a regular doggo. I will 10/12 scritch my critters in his honor and wish him a safe journey to the Rainbow Bridge, where he will suddenly become the Big Dog he always knew he really was. Sending you a hug, a big one, since cuddling is your jam. ---
**Author:** ![nelliebly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nelliebly/32/5422_2.png) [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2021, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-pixel-or-the-life-of-a-dog-pet-loss/956821/3 "2021-12-29T01:16:00Z")
Damn. I’m going to miss a dog I never met. It was the luckiest day in Pixel’s life when you found him. I hope it comforts you to know that you made his life happier, healthier, and more secure. I have no pets to skritch, but I’ll dedicate the pats I give to the next pup I meet in Pixel’s name. Thanks for introducing us to Pixel. He added color to our lives. ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2021, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-pixel-or-the-life-of-a-dog-pet-loss/956821/4 "2021-12-29T01:16:38Z")
It’s never easy to lose a pet. Sorry for your loss. I always say **The smaller the dog, the bigger the attitude**. Grieve for a bit, then consider adopting another – God knows there are plenty cast-off dogs out there. Sounds like you have more than enough love to pass around to the K9s. ---
**Author:** ![JaneDoe42](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/janedoe42/32/14104_2.png) [@JaneDoe42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JaneDoe42)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2021, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-pixel-or-the-life-of-a-dog-pet-loss/956821/5 "2021-12-29T03:39:01Z")
I’m so sorry, I know you loved him to death. What a lovely tribute, tears are running down my face. ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2021, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-pixel-or-the-life-of-a-dog-pet-loss/956821/6 "2021-12-29T03:50:32Z")
> [@Sunny\_Daze](#): > > I’d like to tell you a bit about Pixel, if you’ll bear with me. It was an honor. Thank you. You chose each other well. My 3 kitties are duly skritched. ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2021, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-pixel-or-the-life-of-a-dog-pet-loss/956821/7 "2021-12-29T04:02:37Z")
I am so sorry. And that was a lovely tribute. ---
**Author:** ![janis\_and\_c0](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/janis_and_c0/32/21_2.png) [@janis\_and\_c0](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/janis_and_c0)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2021, 12:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-pixel-or-the-life-of-a-dog-pet-loss/956821/8 "2021-12-29T12:07:09Z")
_Sniff_ Dusty in here. RIP Pixel, I skritches the kitty for you. ---
**Author:** ![Taters](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/taters/32/2845_2.png) [@Taters](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Taters)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2021, 12:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-pixel-or-the-life-of-a-dog-pet-loss/956821/9 "2021-12-29T12:44:39Z")
I’m so sorry, **Sunny**. Pixel had quite the personality! ---
**Author:** ![StGermain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stgermain/32/2868_2.png) [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2021, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-pixel-or-the-life-of-a-dog-pet-loss/956821/10 "2021-12-29T14:44:10Z")
My condolences. I’ll admit, I’m not usually a chihuahua fan, but it sounds like Pixel was very special. My 4 dogs will get extra kisses today. StG ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2021, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-pixel-or-the-life-of-a-dog-pet-loss/956821/11 "2021-12-29T14:49:08Z")
I’m so sorry, **Sunny**. Skritches pending. ---
**Author:** ![TRC4941](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trc4941/32/6792_2.png) [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2021, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-pixel-or-the-life-of-a-dog-pet-loss/956821/12 "2021-12-29T15:03:27Z")
I’m so sorry - there’s nothing like the love of a dog. Once they’re gone you realize how big their presence in your life was - how much your days revolved around them. You were lucky to have each other. I will scritch and love on my 3 boys in his memory. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2021, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-pixel-or-the-life-of-a-dog-pet-loss/956821/13 "2021-12-29T23:44:14Z")
So sorry for your loss of a remarkable dog. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2021, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-pixel-or-the-life-of-a-dog-pet-loss/956821/14 "2021-12-30T00:01:31Z")
That was a wonderful tribute. All dogs deserve such a send off. They do burrow themselves well and truly into our hearts, don’t they? ---
**Author:** ![Infovore](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/infovore/32/420_2.png) [@Infovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Infovore)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2021, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-pixel-or-the-life-of-a-dog-pet-loss/956821/15 "2021-12-30T00:14:41Z")
Aww, I’m sorry for your loss. Pixel sounds like he was quite a dog! ---
**Author:** ![dogbutler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dogbutler/32/428_2.png) [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2021, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-pixel-or-the-life-of-a-dog-pet-loss/956821/16 "2021-12-30T00:17:15Z")
I’m sorry about Pixel. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2021, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-pixel-or-the-life-of-a-dog-pet-loss/956821/17 "2021-12-30T00:18:51Z")
> [@Sunny\_Daze](#): > > Skritch your pets for me tonight. Extra skritches on line, and my condolences. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2021, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-pixel-or-the-life-of-a-dog-pet-loss/956821/18 "2021-12-30T00:22:45Z")
A great eulogy for a lovely friend. My deepest condolences. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2021, 7:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-pixel-or-the-life-of-a-dog-pet-loss/956821/19 "2021-12-30T07:32:38Z")
Beautiful send off. Grieve well, my friend. I’ll skritch the lil’shits(Mid-dau’s 2 Chihuahuas) and all my pets in Pixels honor.