Requiem for our cat George

6 Comments

Comment by Amy Stark on November 2, 2008 at 1:36pm

I'm sorry for your loss, Doug. Pets are such an important part of our lives.

I got a kitten several years ago from the humane shelter and was told it was a boy. After a couple of days, and long conversations with the kitten, we agreed on the name Ralph, only to discover at the next vet visit that Ralph was a she. We didn't change the name either. George and Sam translated easily into Georgette and Samantha... not much you can do with Ralph.

Comment by Cissi Sherlock on November 2, 2008 at 1:43pm

My heart is with you. I know how you feed as I euthanized my best friend of 16 years, my dog Donnie, this past Monday. My heart was so broken that I could not find the words to blog about it. I've just been mourning silently. He is buried in my backyard and I got up this morning and worked on making the spot "pretty" in preparation for some type of memorial to mark where my best friend is buried. I jokingly tell my fiance, Will, that I only have one "dog" now.

You have helped me to open myself to the prospect that he is gone. Let me re-phrase that. You have helped me to open myself to the reality that Donnie (Donnatello - after the ninja turtle, my son named him) is gone

Thank you.

I hear little sounds that remind me of him. I miss not having the responsibility of of him. I still think I have to let him out. I still think I have to feed him every morning. What I miss the most is not having someone to following me around the house every where I go. And, I miss him peeking in the bathroom door to find me when he needed me. Of course, anyone walking down the hallway might get a full frontal...! (smiles)

After reading your blog, I can smile now when thinking of him. But -- I still cry.

Donnie, I will miss you too!

This is dedicated to all the pets who have given us so much joy during their lives.

Please read the following email that I received as I join you in remembering our blessed friends George and Donnie:

A Dog's Purpose (from a 6-year-old).

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 's family surrounded him.. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, 'I know why.'

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, 'People are born so that they can learn how to live a good Life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?' The Six-year-old continued, 'Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.'

Live simply.

Love generously.

Care deepl

Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!




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Comment by Doug Theis on November 2, 2008 at 7:50pm

Thanks for sharing your story and your pain, Cissi. I hope your grief is soon replaced by all the good memories of Donnie and the companionship that he provided you and your family.

Comment by Kristie Bradford on November 2, 2008 at 8:22pm

Thank you for sharing Doug. It brings tears to my eyes reading your story and remembering my cat, Morgan, that I had to put down a year ago. It is still very hard! I had Morgan before my husband and kids! He traveled everywhere with me when it was just the two of us.

Once my husband and children came along he accepted them into the family one at a time . . always let them know that he was STILL the king of the house!

When we have visitors come to our house now, they will immediately see Morgan on our couch as we had a woven blanket made with his pictures (it includes two pictures one of him as a kitten and one as an adult). It is a great reminder of our beloved family member! When I am having a bad day, I just wrap him(my blanket) around me!

Comment by Doug Theis on November 3, 2008 at 6:44am

Thanks for your stories, Amy and Kristie. As aloof as cats can be at times, they find a way to occupy our hearts and minds.

Comment by Cissi Sherlock on November 3, 2008 at 11:56am

Thanks, again, Doug. My heart is now open and I can now blog about those things I told you about in my friend request and other great stuff!

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