Yes.

The affection shown by dogs and some cats (including mine) is a wonderful value for value exchange on their part.

I wish our pets had a longer life span. I am so sorry for all of your losses.

That is a beautiful poem. Please share your poem about your dog. I think a lot of us dog lovers would enjoy a kindred verse. I am working on a painting of Molly.

I buried five Abyssinian cats. In fact they have been cremated and all I have left of them is the small cedar box containing their ashes.

I love Abyssinians and had them for companion for the past 30 years.

The first and oldest was Ammon, a Ruddy, died in my arms when he reached 14 years. He had cancer and I was hoping till the last moment that it'll will relapse and he'll live a few more years. The last three days will always haunt me as he was desperately fighting to live.

His brother Rameses, a Red, died the year after. Hermes, a Blue the following year.

Then we brought it two baby siblings, Zeus and Orpheus, gorgeous little Abys. Orpheus had a heart attack and I found him dead when I returned home one day. He was only 8 years of age. Zeus is still alive.

When Orpheus died I desperately tried to fill the void which may not be the best thing to do but I thought Zeus needed a brother, so I brought in a kitten from a cattery. He was 6 mo old and came down with IFP (Infectious Feline Peritonitis), an incurable viral disease that took him in a month.

I know what you are going through: I never recovered from the loss of either of them. They were each an integral part of the family and the pain of losing them never goes away.

I lost the most wonderful dog in the world 15 months ago and I miss him every day. He was the joy of my heart. You are lucky to have had such a fine dog for 11 years - and she was fortunate to have you.

Here is a poem I wrote about a friend's dog that died (it is shorter than the ones I wrote about Lucifer, so I will not unduly burden you with poetry).

That bright spark
Has fallen from the sky:
The universe has lost some of its glow.
And we who walk this world, we all know,
This damned, unplanned, good-bye
Leaves us dark.


Jan

Yes...I have experienced that grateful loving look.

Yes, I agree. Molly's last second of life was when she raised her head gulping for air, she paused for a split second and she looked straight into my eyes with her beautiful soulful eyes and then she died. I will never forget it. I knew that she knew how much I loved her. It was one of those life events that I would not trade for all the money in the world.

Sorry to hear that...in your arms is the best way to go...there is no guilt either. The last four Maltese, 16-18 years old...died in my arms...they went peacefully and content.

I knew among my Gulchers there would be dog lovers. It is comforting to share. Kind of theraputic.

She did have a wonderful life and was so loved by me and my husband. I am so sorry for your losses also. It is hard.

Thank you

We live on an acre and I buried Molly in a special place among the pines and aspen. She was wearing her little sweatshirt and I wrapped her in her blanket when I buried her. I have since put a little white picket fence around her burial spot and put some lilies and butterfly solar lights on her grave so I can see it at night. I visit it often. It is therapy for me. I have 3 more older dogs too so I guess I have started my own private Pet Cemetery too. I dread going through this again, but I can see no other way.

Very sad for you. Molly was given a wonderful life.
My wife and I have grieved Kirby 13 yrs , Maxwell Smart 13yrs, Callaway 9 yrs, Mulligan 12yrs .
Never again , it is too hard to lose them certainly part of our family.

Who else can you talk to and know they care? My deepest sympathy. You don't get 'over it". You get 'through it'. nb

I did. My Sam (Pug) was 17 years old. He was so thoughtful. I awoke, went to fix his food, he was at the foot of my bed. Came back. He was cold. Called my yard guy, took him to our Pet Cemetery (Private one) and buried him in his little warm jacket with his friends, Lady, Sarah, and Princess. They are 4 legged family members. My BFF said he wanted to my dog if he was reincarnated.

Yes. We have rescued 3 other adult dogs within the last 6 years and they are all getting up there in years. I am not looking forward to losing them either because we love them all so much.

You have my deepest sympathy. I've been through this 7 times and will be facing it again within a couple of years. It is heart breaking.

Thank you. She will never be forgotten.

I still carry all three of them with me. None of them lasted as long as Molly, but they are all dear.

I'm sad for you.