My oldest dog Simon died today. I put him in the kennel with the other dogs when I left today and when I just got home he was gone. I knew his health was failing, but it’s still hard. But I gave him 10 years he wouldn’t’ve had otherwise, and I’m grateful that I didn’t have to make the decision to have him put down, although maybe I should’ve done it earlier. But every night he enjoyed every bite of his food and would wait for the other dogs to finish so he could check their dishes.
I got Simon because the dogpound wasn’t even going to put him up for adoption. They thought no one would want a half-starved middle-aged doberman. Since they gave up on him, I had to take him home. That was ten years ago. He’s been sweet, calm, loving dog and a good friend. he’ll be missed.
Now I have to figure out how to dispose of his body. Simon weighs about 110 lbs and in the rocky Tennessee ground is hard to bury even a cat. It seems like providence sent another Doberman, Grace, just a month ago, when I found her dumped a half mile from my farm.
I feel for ya, StGermain. It’s been 2½ years since I had to put my yaller Lab down and I still miss him. He was five when we adopted him, and 15 when it was finally time to say goodbye. He managed to enjoy life despite cataracts and diabetes, but when arthritis in his hips made it too hard for him to walk more than a few yards before laying down, we knew it was the end.
So, you gave a middle-aged Dobie an extra ten years, huh? Good on ya. Dobermans aren’t renowned for being the longest-lived dogs on the porch so you must have been doing something right. I got a big kick out of your earlier thread when the new girl showed up - hope you have many years with her, too.
I’m sorry for your loss, StGermain. It sounds like Simon had a good last 10 years, thanks to your care and love. Animals can really find a special little place in your heart if you are willing to let them. Thinking of you.
Thanks, everyone for the sympathy. I’ve lost many pets, and it’s never easy. I’m going to ask one of my neighbors if he has a backhoe and can help me bury him, or at least help me get him in the back of my truck so I can take him to my vet. I worry because another dog, my german shepherd Mike, has lost a lot of weight recently and is having trouble walking. The vet says it’s arthritis and I’ve been giving him rimadyl, but it doesn’t seem doing much. It seems to me the walking problem looks more neurological, but the vet didn’t say that. I guess there’s not much I can do even if it is neuro, Mike being as old as Simon. I’m making dog stew with chicken, rice, potatoes and oatmeal to supplement his food to help him gain weight. I just hope I have more time with him.
Simon was such a great dog. I’ve been gifted with wonderful animals. I always say dogs are the only love money can buy.
StG, trust when I say I know how you feel. If needed I’ll tell you about my first Pug and how her demise came about. But you’re sufferring the loss, so it would seem self-serving.
I applaude you giving years of companionship to the Dobie. It’s too easy to leave the dog to euthanasia (sp?) and you gave years of love.
Damn, I hate sounding like a bleeding-heart, but dogs are just a soft-spot for me.
I’m so sorry. My thoughts are with you. It’s so hard to lose a pet. Geez, I’m getting teary just thinking about it. I will keep Mike’s health in my prayers. Maybe you will have some more time with him.
so sad to hear about your doggie’s passing…I still think about the last one we lost, and that was 18 years ago. Current pooch is 9 years old and he’s doing ok. Your other pets will help you get through this with their love and licks.
I’m 52 years old and have had a dog since I was 5. I’m only on my fourth dog now - my previous dogs having lived to be 15, 11, and 13, so I’ve had some experience with losing a good friend of over a decade.
For some consolation, please read Where to Bury a Dog by Ben Hur Lampman. This editorial appeared in the Portland Oregonian in 1925, and is as timely today as it was then.
StGermain, I’m sorry about your poor puppy!
You are a truly wonderful person to have taken that poor pooch in.
And the new one too.
Take care of yourself and those puppies!
So, sorry, St. G. I hope you can take some comfort in the fact that he had many good years with you and passed on while in the comfort and safety of his home. I rescued a dobe myself years ago but sadly didn’t get to see him live to old age as he was hit by a car and killed while in my ex’s care. He was a great dog, too, and a wonderful friend I still miss.
