I bought Deej when I was 14 years old. She was a little black spaniel-poodle; they call them “cockapoos” now, although then they were usually called “spoodles.” My Mom drove me home with Deej cradled in my arms. She was a suck her whole life, and loved nothing better than to be cuddled.
Except maybe to chase squirrels. Deej loved chasing squirrels, and actually caught a few. She liked floating about in my parents’ pool on her own little raft. She also loved the car, and was probably the only dog I know who got more drives than walks. I used to sing songs to her; I probably have eight or ten songs I made up just for her. I even had a song I sang to her when I was giving her a bath.
She was probably the sweetest, cutest, smartest dog who ever lived. I’ve known a lot of dogs and none of them compared. The world isn’t as nice a place now as it used to be. She had a great life but I’m crying in my office anyway.
Dammit. Deej is in a wonderful place right now, where the yards are filled with trees and squirrels and scraps of food fall eternally from a gigantic kitchen table.
My condolences RickJay–17 years is a longer relationship than most people have with their spouses anymore, and losing someone after that long is bound to suck. I bet if she could, she’d be thanking you for all the songs.
{{{RickJay}}}, I am so sorry. I lost my old girl just a month ago so I can appreciate how you feel. Go ahead and cry, I know I did and am not ashamed to say that the tears are not dry on my face as I respond to your thread.
I loved Lou so much, and even though I knew she had lived a good long life, it was so hard to let her go. I still slip up and say her name too when I call the dogs to go out
Her former body now lies beneath the soil but she lives now and forever in my heart and memories.
RickJay I’m so sorry for your loss. I don’t think there is any love more unconditional than the love of a pet. They’re children, companions and best friends all rolled into one. Deej was one lucky dog to have known you and I know you feel you are one lucky person for having known Deej.
Rick, I am so, so sorry to hear about Deej. It sounds like you have a lifetime of wonderful memories from her.
Someone here at the SD once provided me with some wisdom that I think about all the time regarding pets: (roughly paraphrased) their short lifespan is the price we pay for the unconditional love they give us while they’re alive.
RickJay,
We had a cat that lived to be 20 years old. I’m 29. He wasn’t my cat…he was my brother.(Cameron stayed with my parents when I moved out. He was my dads cat most.) I know how you must feel since Cameron died a year ago and I still cry sometimes when I hug my teeny new cat Chelsea. You have my deepest sympathy. On a happier note tho, about three months after Cameron passed away, a new little stray simply walked into my moms house one day. She was obviously abused, she still has a very weak meow that comes out as little more than a breath sometimes. The vet says she was probably choked. She is now named Morag. I like to think that Cameron saw my parents were in pain and felt they needed to be looked after. My mom needed someone in her life to fuss over so she sent little Morag to fill the void. Morag moved right into that slot like she’d always been there. I’ve never seen anything like it from day one she acted like she’d always lived with them. She’s now healthy, fat and playful. She seems to know she was sent to a good home. Thanks Camby.
My point here is that Deej is in a good place now, and will always be a piece of your heart. My deepest sympathy for your loss. Something you may want to consider: Not right away, but when your ready, go to the pound or the ASPCA or a place like that and maybe give a stray a home. I’ve adopted one in my life, (chelsea was thrown from a car in a bag.) and Morag was another. Just a thought. For now tho, take care and think of Deej’s happiest moments. You laugh while you cry as I did when thinking about Cameron in those long hard first days.
RickJay, I don’t have the words to comfort you, but I know from your post you gave her the best life you could, with all the love you could find. She was lucky to have you as her person.
Bitz the Wonder Dog and I will dedicate tonight’s walk to Deej, sending another good quadraped to T-Bone heaven with honors.
Wow what a great age for a dog to live to! You must have cared for her very well.
All sympathy and condolences. I still miss my spaniel severely - more than two years after his death (from old age). I don’t think you ever get over it. I do think having a new animal - not necessarily a dog - in time helps the pain. It never ever replaces the first pet, but it allows you to love another animal and give it a good life, in memory of your first pet.
These threads always break my heart. I wish, I hope, that our pets understand that, when we’re petting them, we’re not just doing it to make them feel nice…we’re saying ‘Thank You’ for being such a good friend.
…and Belle, and Katisha, Jerome, E.D., Belker, Tamerlane, Perry, Hairball, Teiresius, and Sundance. Heaven is the place where we’ll be reunited with all the ones we’ve loved and they’ll all get along. I really hope so.
I’m sorry to hear about your loss, RickJay. Take comfort in the fact she had a wonderful, wonderful life with you, and is waiting at “the bridge”, as people in the dog world call it.
