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| Today's cartoon is doing double-duty in both of my blogs. |
Okay, everyone here already knows I have an unusual sense of humor with some cartoons more or less being black holes from which no light can escape. This would be one of those.
On Saturday, I had to make the call for in-home euthanasia of our dear old dog, Ladybug. The sweet girl (about 14?) had bone cancer, failing kidneys, arthritis, and more. I wouldn't have let her be in pain and she wasn't. I walked her with a tote device and maintained her med schedules more closely than my own. But her strength and interest in life were ebbing and on Saturday, I could see it in her eyes.
So we had a service come to our home rather than scare her one last time with a trip to the vet, and things went very smoothly. Bug wasn't scared or stressed and I was with her every step of the way. Of course, the pain I was feeling was off the charts (and truthfully still is). But it was the gentlest death anyone could hope for.
That being said, when Bug's heart stopped, the sweet young vet (Dr. Katie) said "she's crossed the rainbow bridge." And it was a kind thing to say, but it sure didn't FEEL like any rainbows had been involved. And afterwards, the words nettled me and I created the cartoon above. Not to make light of the situation, not to belittle the wonderful vet or anyone else who uses that expression, but just...to vent, I guess.
Most people here are aware (I think) that Johnny Optimism came into being when my mother died suddenly and circumstances wouldn't let me fly out for any kind of closure. And so I started creating dozens of Johnny Optimism cartoons as a way to let out my pain...attempting to laugh, however bitterly, to keep from crying. And here, many years later, we still are. And the world still sucks too often and I still try to fight back with humor.
All of which is probably more than you need to know, so let me be perfectly honest: I could sure use a hug or two right now.
And in return, I'll try to make a more lighthearted post on StiltonsPlace.com either later this week or on Monday of next week. It will be funny, holiday-oriented, and introduce you to my exciting new role as a professional public Santa Claus. If I can't milk an anecdote or six out of that, I'm not the man I think myself to be.
Hug your dogs and spouses if you've got 'em, and your kids if they get jealous. -Stilt
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| She was a Good Girl. |
13 comments:
HUGGGGGGGGGGGS
I cry, no . . . WEEP . . . with you, Stilt.
She loves you still.
Words don’t matter much at times like this. Went through the same scenario in February. My prayer was that I would live on day longer than my precious Buckwheat. That prayer was answered and I had mad up my mind that being 82 another dog would not be in my life. By April, that had changed because I couldn’t stand being alone. I have a six year old rescue named Duke. I jokingly say that I’m going to change his name to Velcro. So, once again I’m praying that I live one day longer than Duke. The tears we shed at loosing our beloved animals are worth it for the love they gave to us. In a couple of months I hope to see that you will have a new dog that you rescued. They give so much more than we deserve to receive. Hugs to you from Oregon❣️
Yep, it sucks. But, that is part of being human in that we outlive many of our pets. All we can hope for is that we give them a good life when they are here and when the time comes a peaceful way out.
everyone has contributed wise words! we've all been there with our pets. some have done this numerous times...and it's a bitch! and the best resolution, as Sue said, is giving your heart to another pet. mourn for a bit, but adopt another dog. it won't be Ladybug.....but it'll be great.
Deepest condolences, Stilt. I know your pain from too many "last trips to the Vet". The only thing I know that eases the grief is another dog.
So sorry for your loss, Stilton. Nothing I can say will help, but I'm sure Ladybug lived the best life with you. We lost our sweet girl, Little Girl, about a month ago. She was about 17, blind, and deaf; but was spunky and full of life until her last day.
Here's a funny/sad anecdote for you about the rainbow bridge. For decades I had to get "fit tested" annually for air purifying respirators (think "gas masks") for work. Part of the test was reciting a prescribed text passage to see if there were leaks while talking. The text passage was always the Rainbow Bridge Poem. Some years I got funny looks/concern because I would tear up while reading it out loud in front of the test administrator(s). No idea why that poem was selected - but the test is an OSHA requirement so probably some government employee came up with it.
Hugs to you. Our furry companions are a blessing. Ladybug was lucky to have you.
My heartfelt sympathy for your loss, Stilt. I'm an almost 80 yr old lifetime animal lover and owner and have experienced dozens of heart wrenching losses. I know exactly how you feel.
Each time I tell myself I'll not replace any animals lost and each time I seem to replace one with two or more. I had dogs in my life for 55 years. I currently have 11 cats; each being a creature that some cruel human abandoned or dumped. They will never know the love they missed.
All of the cats were untrusting, some from physical abuse, some gone wild from being long term strays and some from never having anyone to trust. All are now wonderful, trusting, happy and loving fur babies .
You and I have loss in common. In 2023 I lost my wife mate of 27 years. And, in the past 3 weeks three of my high school classmates/friends died, 2 other friends died, and two weeks ago a very special nephew died. I've also lost 5 cats in the past 3 years.
Stilt, you'll never forget or be able to replace 'Bug'. But don't let that stop you from bringing another fur child into your home and heart. Do it now and let them help you accept your loss.
Best wishes, take care, may God bless you,
JRMD
When Angels sing
And I’m sure they must
They shed upon us Angel Dust
It lets us see, what Angels see
A glimpse into Eternity
It lights the sky
Along the way
Leading dogs to Heaven
Where they’re welcome to stay.
And doze upon a blanket warm
Waiting for their Master’s arm
To reach across a span of years
And once again
Scratch their ears.
By Carol Tanko
Hi Stilt. I'm sorry for your loss. BTDT more times than I would have asked for, but each pet or working dog brought joy and fond memories. The pain passes, but the good memories will last a lifetime. Enjoy the memories of Ladybug. You both are better for her having been in your life.
She will have some great company. Rocky, Tank, Baby, Duke, Willy, all will be there to greet her, and ready to play. It hurts, I know. But we get to see them again. Just imagine the slobbering kisses we get when the time comes! And I will pray for you, my friend.
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