Monday, July 5, 2010

Gratitude Journal #47

Today, I am grateful for our neighbors' kindness. They brought over a peace offering of a lovely bottle of Merlot and frozen dog treats because they planned to set off fireworks last night and know how the loud noises scare Hoover. We had already decided that George would be taking Hoover to the vet today as the cancer has drained the joy from his life. He didn't even move or bark when our neighbor rang the bell, or come to greet her as he normally would. He did perk up for a frozen dog treat right after she left, though.

Our neighbors allowed us to crash their fireworks party as a wonderful distraction from our very sad Fourth of July. They had popcorn, juice boxes, blankets, and some really fun pyrotechnics. Nick and Jack thoroughly enjoyed the diversion, and George and I took turns staying with Hoover. It was a wonderful way for the boys to end a very sad day.

I am also grateful for the neighbor's loan of Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief...something fun to distract the boys after George takes Hoover away.

We have the best neighbors EVER.

Today, I am grateful for our time with Hoover. Thirteen years ago today, God sent him to this world just for our family, a puppy the breeder named Waggy because his tail never stopped moving. He has been an amazing dog, a free spirit with springs in his legs and joy in his heart. When the cancer was diagnosed in early March, we never expected him to see his thirteenth birthday, but our Miracle Dog did it.

I'll post a memorial with photos of him later today.

Today, I am grateful for all your kind comments and for your sharing your own pet stories in the comments over the past few months. They have meant a lot to me and George. Thank you.

"Dogs' lives are too short. Their only fault, really."
Agnes Sligh Turnbull

15 comments:

  1. Oh, Susan... my thoughts and prayers and hugs are with you today. You always know when you get a pet that someday it will come to this, but we give our hearts anyway because we know the love is returned 100-fold. Peace for you today...

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  2. Not sure what words help get through this, as I sit here with tears flowing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

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  3. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today. We had to put our 13 year old German Shepherd down almost a year ago after she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. I know how hard it must be on you as these dogs are not just pets, but members of the family.

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  4. Susan...just wanted you to know I am thinking of you. Sending you prayers, hugs, and love. Judi

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  5. Oh dear I'm so sorry Susan, nothing can make it better, just know that you have done everything to make his life great. I am so sad for you all. Sending lots of love.

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  6. Damn cancer. Damn it!

    I'm so sorry for your family; it came through loud and clear what a wonderful friend Hoover has been. He deserves his time in doggie heaven.

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  7. I’m so very sorry for you and your family.
    The first cat my hubby and I had was aptly named Happy. He was so friendly – he’d come to the door to greet us when we’d come home and he slept with us every night. He gave new meaning to the term lap cat, even going so far and to curl up on my calves as I was kneeling in front of our filing cabinet organizing papers. He was diagnosed with renal insufficiency (polite words for kidney failure). Our vet was able to treat him for some time and we enjoyed his company and love for several more months. Knowing we were running out of time, we spoiled him. One of our favourite non-food treats for him was to make up a hot water bottle and snuggle it under the towel in his basket. Putting him down was the hardest decision that my husband and I have ever made. We fed him little bits of ham – his favourite – and stayed with him to the end. Writing this makes my cry, even now after 8 years!
    A pet is a special member of the family, and the loss of a beloved furry friend is so difficult. My heart aches for you. Sending BIG hugs!
    Sharon D. from Canada

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  8. Aww I'm so sorry. I can't even imagine how difficult this must be. My thoughts are with you. xx

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  9. Susan,

    It may seem like the most irrelevant moment to say this to you.... but I am gonna do it anyway: I am gratefull for YOU!!!! I read your blogs everyday and I am gratefull for you sharing your live the way you do. Me and my hubby allways take in dogs and cats from the shelter. (4 dogs and 4 cats) So most of them are older when they come to live with us. That means that we have lost a lot of dogs and cats that we all loved dearly. It never gets any easier, but we still feel it is worth it very much!!!

    Hugs for you, your family AND your neighbours

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  10. Susan and family,
    My prayers are with you that God will continually fill your hearts with all the beautiful memories that Hoover gave you. A human who has been loved so devotedly by a dog is never the same again.

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  11. Oh Susan, I'm so very sorry for you and George and your boys. My heart hurts for you.

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  12. I'm so sorry to read of your family's loss. I have a 9 year old Dobie of my own who also has the big C. and the big lump and we are also waiting... I'm so glad that you all got to love Hoover for 13 wonderful years - he was a lucky and obviously well-loved dog!

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  13. I just found your blog recently Susan but had also come to hate "The Lump". I'm so sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you. We had to say goodbye to our 16 year old cat a couple of years ago so I can imagine how you are feeling but I know you also have some very happy memories of your miracle dog. Sending you hugs, Janice

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  14. I'm so sorry to hear your sad news Susan. Hoover sounds like a wonderful pet and I'm sure you have a whole heap of wonderful memories.

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  15. God bless you and your family during this very very difficult time. Losing your fur baby is one of the most difficult times in your life.
    We had a golden; she was our son's 8 birthday present and all of us loved this beautiful, gentle, dog so much. You never forget the love that you are given so freely.

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Thanks so much for taking time to comment!