Author Topic: Well, A (4-legged) Friend Has Passed On! (Read 2513 times)

bill440cars · « **on:** May 11, 2009, 01:37:32 PM »

Yes, our oldest 4-legged Companion (Kandi) has passed on.

She was about 16yrs old and was in failing health (has been for some time) Her "Buddy" Kevin passed on several years ago (about 4 or 5yrs ago, I think). They were long time buddy's (got Kevin in 93' and Kandi in 94') and Kandi hasn't been the same since Kevin died. We got 2 other dogs (BTW, all of our animals were strays) because we knew that Kandi's time was limited AND we thought that Hershey & Cocoa would help Kandi feel better (and it DID seem to pep her up somewhat!). Kandi had quit moping around and was somewhat energetic. Then about a month ago, Kandi started going downhill and seeing as how old she was and the fact that she didn't seem to be in any pain, we just tried to keep her as comfortable as we could and give her space. She went outside about 5 days ago and would not attempt to come back inside. I tried to get her to eat some soft food, with no results. All she would do is drink some water now and then. I guess I'll go for now, I just got through laying her to rest and I need some time. (BTW, for those who remember the photo of the 400F with a dog guarding it, is Kevin.)

Later on, Bill

Blasbo · « **Reply #1 on:** May 11, 2009, 02:09:09 PM »

Sorry to hear it.
It's a sad fact that we outlive our pets. We have several dogs and cats; but lost a ferret a couple of weeks ago. He was always good to cheer me up if he wasn't sleeping!

Stormer · « **Reply #2 on:** May 11, 2009, 02:50:13 PM »

Sad.

I cried like a baby when my German shepherd died.
Funny how we act more passionated with our pets, but try to be "strong" when things are more "serious".

tramp · « **Reply #3 on:** May 11, 2009, 06:44:36 PM »

my malamute harley died last year
he looked like he was sleeping in his dog house
didn't know he had died till it was feeding time
miss the big guy

my78k · « **Reply #4 on:** May 11, 2009, 06:51:47 PM »

Hey Bill, I don't want to minimize it in anyway but 16 years is a good run. She was lucky to have you guys and you were likely even luckier to have her!!

I have lost a couple of dogs over the years but our current dog is 11 years old and the first one that was actually mine rather than the family pet. My wife and I got her shortly after we moved in together and I dread the day she decides to leave us.

Hang in there Bill!

Dennis

BobbyR · « **Reply #5 on:** May 11, 2009, 07:32:14 PM »

Bill, I went through that once 16 years ago and I never got over it. I will probably be facing it again in a year or two. All my best to you on your loss.

Bobby

Sam Green Racing · « **Reply #6 on:** May 11, 2009, 08:33:12 PM »

Sad Billy but don't let it get you down, you need to stay focused and concentrate on the bigger issues, you sure have had some crap over the last year or so. Stay strong in the knowledge we are behind you Billy.

Sam.

burmashave · « **Reply #7 on:** May 11, 2009, 08:40:20 PM »

Dogs never live long enough. Even if they lived to be a hundred, it still wouldn't be long enough. But I'm glad you had many good years with her. I know she must have been a blessing to you.

bill440cars · « **Reply #8 on:** May 11, 2009, 08:45:57 PM »

Yeah, there us a whole different feeling for our pets and, while SOME give an indication that the end is near, SOME just suddenly die, leaving us bewildered and at a loss! Then, you might have a number of pets, over time, that were good pets and are missed. But then, there are SOME that were more like FAMILY and are EXTREMELY missed, throwing us for a loop, when they depart!

My little "Pet Cemetary" out in the back yard, is the resting place for 3 dogs (Patches, Kevin & now Kandi) and 3 cats (Shadow, Sparkles & Matilda). While I like the others alot, the one that will really set me back, will be Joy. Joy is a solid Black cat that I found out on the road, one very rainy day and picked up because I was afraid that she would get run over (she was a very tiny little kitten and barely had her eyes open), so I picked her up and now (3yrs later) she has grown into a mighty large beautiful cat.

She is quite obviously MY cat TOO! My wife hoped that she would become HER "Lap Cat". But that just wasn't to be.

She can be anywhere in the house and, if I call her, she comes running! Or if I've been gone for a little while and come in the door, she'll be right there to greet me.

Funny how a bunch of guys can get this way over pets, but it happens.

bill440cars · « **Reply #9 on:** May 11, 2009, 08:50:21 PM »

Quote from: my78k on May 11, 2009, 06:51:47 PM

Hey Bill, I don't want to minimize it in anyway but 16 years is a good run. She was lucky to have you guys and you were likely even luckier to have her!!

I have lost a couple of dogs over the years but our current dog is 11 years old and the first one that was actually mine rather than the family pet. My wife and I got her shortly after we moved in together and I dread the day she decides to leave us.

Hang in there Bill!

Dennis

Don't EVEN worry about it Dennis, 16yrs IS a good run alright and I'm mighty glad to have had her too!

I'm ahanging!

Magpie · « **Reply #10 on:** May 11, 2009, 08:57:07 PM »

Been there Bill and know how you feel - it still hurts years later. Our current little dog has just had a go round with something he ate. He's coming around but it's hard to watch him work through it.
Cliff.

bill440cars · « **Reply #11 on:** May 11, 2009, 09:00:14 PM »

Quote from: BobbyR on May 11, 2009, 07:32:14 PM

Bill, I went through that once 16 years ago and I never got over it. I will probably be facing it again in a year or two. All my best to you on your loss.

Bobby

Thanks Bobby, every time I used to go through this (been through it 14 times (as I recall) now, I used to say that that was it and I wasn't going to get any more! Yeah, Right!

Pets just can be So Cool!

bill440cars · « **Reply #12 on:** May 11, 2009, 09:07:21 PM »

Quote from: Samcr750 on May 11, 2009, 08:33:12 PM

Sad Billy but don't let it get you down, you need to stay focused and concentrate on the bigger issues, you sure have had some crap over the last year or so. Stay strong in the knowledge we are behind you Billy.

Sam.

Appreciate it Sam, I fully intend to stay after "THEM" until THEY are out of the picture COMPLETELY! And it IS a good feeling knowing that you all ARE behind me in my endeavor to get the S & S team completely out of the area AND away from my Dad forever! He has been doing so well and feeling better too!

Take care Sam, Bill

bill440cars · « **Reply #13 on:** May 11, 2009, 09:09:06 PM »

Quote from: burmashave on May 11, 2009, 08:40:20 PM

Dogs never live long enough. Even if they lived to be a hundred, it still wouldn't be long enough. But I'm glad you had many good years with her. I know she must have been a blessing to you.

Thanks Will, she definitely was!

bill440cars · « **Reply #14 on:** May 11, 2009, 09:11:25 PM »

Quote from: Magpie on May 11, 2009, 08:57:07 PM

Been there Bill and know how you feel - it still hurts years later. Our current little dog has just had a go round with something he ate. He's coming around but it's hard to watch him work through it.
Cliff.

Appreciate your input Cliff, hope your little dog gets back up to snuff!

Ecosse · « **Reply #15 on:** May 11, 2009, 11:25:30 PM »

RIP Kandi.

I feel like they give us more than what we give them.

A friend's cat (and my buddy) Rigo, disappeared recently due I believe to a Bob Cat. Anyway, it reminded me of a couple of prayers.

Oh heavenly Father, protect and bless all things that have breath; guard them from all evil, and let them sleep in peace.

Near this spot are deposited the remains of one who possessed beauty without vanity, strength without insolence, courage without ferocity, and all the virtues of Man, without his Vices.

The first I think may be attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, and I would say it nightly for the feral cats I cared for. The other is an excerpt from a poem by Lord Byron after his beloved dog passed. These are two of my favorites.

oldbiker · « **Reply #16 on:** May 11, 2009, 11:48:50 PM »

Bill, I've lost 11 dogs over the years and although this always makes me cry, it is still a comfort.

The Rainbow Bridge.
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigour; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.
The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together

Ecosse · « **Reply #17 on:** May 12, 2009, 02:10:25 PM »

ob, i've just recently discovered the rainbow bridge but never bothered to read, until now. glad you posted.

Donzon · « **Reply #18 on:** May 12, 2009, 08:24:59 PM »

You certainly have my sincerest condolences.

My dog is getting up in years, and it chokes me up just to think about it. We've lost many pets over the years, and it never gets any easier.

Don

HondaMan · « **Reply #19 on:** May 12, 2009, 09:11:04 PM »

Now you've done it, all of you...

On December 17, 2007, I suddenly lost the best friend I ever had. He was a half-poodle, half Lakeland Terrier named 'Quigley" that we rescued from Dumb friends' League 7 years before. We were out walking by the park, and he he flipped over on his side, howled a long, eerie howl, and died. No warning, no health problems ever, nothing. He was only 9 years old too. This event actually impacted our lives, he was so special to us.

We had 2 dogs then, and his little she-friend of the time died 3 months later of poor health. We "replaced" Quigley with 4 dogs since then, I suppose just trying to equal that which he was: one of those, whom we were fostering for Small Paws Rescue, died from his lifelong poor health in January this year: he was the sweetest dog I ever met (Cody), a purebred Bichon of 14 years. His owners never knew he was sick, until he received him.

We still have 3 now, but I'd trade all of them for another year with Quigley...

I sure hope Rainbow Bridge is real...

burmashave · « **Reply #20 on:** May 13, 2009, 06:23:01 AM »

Gosh, this is a tough thread. I, too, have always imagined my Sasha running around with his older buddy Trueman up there with Old Claudia the Sheepdog herding the both of them by biting them on their butts. :-) Quigly was like my Sasha. My ex-sweetie calls them "heart dogs," that one dog who has a special place in your heart.

If it helps any, I'll relate a story from far afield. Several of my church members had gone to hear a talk about Christ's second coming. Afterwards, there was time for Q and A, mostly about deep issues. Well, this little girl stood up to ask the speaker, "Will there be animals in heaven?" "No," he replied. Well, the little girl spoke up, and said, "How can that be? Jesus is coming on a white horse." From the mouths of babes, no? And as for that matter, according to the Bible, heaven will not be an endless worship service guided by angels. We are promised perfect bodies (we will not be disembodied spirits), perfect homes, feasts, fellowship, etc. I believe that believers will spend eternity in the company of animals.

HondaMan · « **Reply #21 on:** May 13, 2009, 07:48:22 AM »

Quote from: burmashave on May 13, 2009, 06:23:01 AM

Gosh, this is a tough thread. I, too, have always imagined my Sasha running around with his older buddy Trueman up there with Old Claudia the Sheepdog herding the both of them by biting them on their butts. :-) Quigly was like my Sasha. My ex-sweetie calls them "heart dogs," that one dog who has a special place in your heart.

If it helps any, I'll relate a story from far afield. Several of my church members had gone to hear a talk about Christ's second coming. Afterwards, there was time for Q and A, mostly about deep issues. Well, this little girl stood up to ask the speaker, "Will there be animals in heaven?" "No," he replied. Well, the little girl spoke up, and said, "How can that be? Jesus is coming on a white horse." From the mouths of babes, no? And as for that matter, according to the Bible, heaven will not be an endless worship service guided by angels. We are promised perfect bodies (we will not be disembodied spirits), perfect homes, feasts, fellowship, etc. I believe that believers will spend eternity in the company of animals.

She's right about the animals! I had forgotten about Revelation.

bill440cars · « **Reply #22 on:** May 13, 2009, 08:40:04 PM »

Quote from: HondaMan on May 13, 2009, 07:48:22 AM

Quote from: burmashave on May 13, 2009, 06:23:01 AM
Gosh, this is a tough thread. I, too, have always imagined my Sasha running around with his older buddy Trueman up there with Old Claudia the Sheepdog herding the both of them by biting them on their butts. :-) Quigly was like my Sasha. My ex-sweetie calls them "heart dogs," that one dog who has a special place in your heart.

If it helps any, I'll relate a story from far afield. Several of my church members had gone to hear a talk about Christ's second coming. Afterwards, there was time for Q and A, mostly about deep issues. Well, this little girl stood up to ask the speaker, "Will there be animals in heaven?" "No," he replied. Well, the little girl spoke up, and said, "How can that be? Jesus is coming on a white horse." From the mouths of babes, no? And as for that matter, according to the Bible, heaven will not be an endless worship service guided by angels. We are promised perfect bodies (we will not be disembodied spirits), perfect homes, feasts, fellowship, etc. I believe that believers will spend eternity in the company of animals.

She's right about the animals! I had forgotten about Revelation.

Amen Mark, Amen!

medic09 · « **Reply #23 on:** May 13, 2009, 08:56:11 PM »

Really sorry to hear it, Bill. I'm really glad you had those 16 years. This is the time we all dread. No matter how I've cried for my animals over the years, I can't do without 'em.

Oro, Pazzy, and Hoshanah send licks. Aryeh and Alfie purr for ya.

Hugs.

HondaMan · « **Reply #24 on:** May 14, 2009, 04:18:21 PM »

Bogie, Ace, Quigley, Missy, Penny, Cody, Princess... what a different (and less joyful!) place this would be without them!

bill440cars · « **Reply #25 on:** May 14, 2009, 05:00:52 PM »

Quote from: medic09 on May 13, 2009, 08:56:11 PM

Really sorry to hear it, Bill. I'm really glad you had those 16 years. This is the time we all dread. No matter how I've cried for my animals over the years, I can't do without 'em.

Oro, Pazzy, and Hoshanah send licks. Aryeh and Alfie purr for ya.

Hugs.

Appreciate it too!

Yeah, thing is, we never know just how long we will be blessed with them being there.

Actually kind of like people, huh? $:-\$ Just goes to show ya, that we need to make the best of our time with Our folks AND our Pets!

Each and every pet has given us some special memories! Presently, we have: Hershey and Cocoa (licks) along with Molly Belle and Joy (purrs).

Take care, Bill

bill440cars · « **Reply #26 on:** May 14, 2009, 05:06:23 PM »

Quote from: HondaMan on May 14, 2009, 04:18:21 PM

Bogie, Ace, Quigley, Missy, Penny, Cody, Princess... what a different (and less joyful!) place this would be without them!

Amen to that, Mark!

And, in our case, when we have lost one of our Pets, we just happen to come upon another one to fill that void (not to take their place mind you). And, sometimes, we come upon new ones just before we lose one.

Each and everyone is "Special".

fuzzybutt · « **Reply #27 on:** May 14, 2009, 10:06:24 PM »

damn Bill, sorry i didnt see this sooner. i was sad to see that one of the family has passed on. folks that dont have pets or dont care to have them just dont realize sometimes how much a part of our families these guys can be.

bill440cars · « **Reply #28 on:** May 17, 2009, 06:11:48 PM »

Quote from: fuzzybutt on May 14, 2009, 10:06:24 PM

damn Bill, sorry i didnt see this sooner. i was sad to see that one of the family has passed on. folks that dont have pets or dont care to have them just dont realize sometimes how much a part of our families these guys can be.

Don't you worry about it fuzzy, the old girl had a good life and in her last few days went outside and found herself a place with a few of my "Project Bikes" under a tarp in the backyard and that's where I found her. Now, I located her BEFORE she passed on and kept a check on her 2 - 3 times a day. Couldn't get her to eat, all she would do is to drink some water occasionally. She didn't seem to be in much (if any) pain either. Yeah, you are tight about pets and their relationship with us. We will ALWAYS remember things about her (and the others who've gone on before her).

Thanks Brother!

Charlie · « **Reply #29 on:** May 21, 2009, 07:36:23 AM »

Bill,
We always hear that dogs are man's best friend. Until you are faced with losing one of your own, you never really understand that.
I feel for you and comend you for taking in strays. My wife and I have done the same (we have 2 dogs). Both are around 10 years old and in fair health.
The thought of losing either one of them is tough. They are always there for us, they never judge us and they are ALWAYS happy when you come home. To them, you can do no wrong.
When that level of commitment and joy is taken away from you, no matter how old the dog was, no matter how many people say 16 years is a long run, it hurts.
Really sorry to hear about the lose of YOUR best friend.
Take care,
Charlie

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Author Topic: Well, A (4-legged) Friend Has Passed On! (Read 2513 times)

fuzzybutt