Run free Buffy - 1995 - 2011

((((Cathy))))

Run free sweet girl.

Cathy, it's such a hard time--what a gift you were able to give her--a peaceful passing to a place with no pain and no sickness. ((((hugs)))) Buffy, have fun with Jake at the Bridge--there are so many of our pups waiting there for you, too.

Cathy, I'm so very sorry to hear about Buffy's passing.  I understand how you're feeling, coming home without her and sensing the huge hole that's in your house tonight.  It feels like you're in a fog or a daze as you sit in the familiar space of your home, yet feeling like a completely different person.  We made our final trip to the e-vet during dinner, and I remember feeling like it was an out-of-body experience to clear the table when we got home.  I barely managed that before I collapsed into bed. 

In reading your posts recently, I know you and your husband have been dealing with that horrible roller-coaster of emotions -- one moment thinking it's time, the next seeing some sign that indicates "not yet."  The agony of trying to figure out what to do is incredibly difficult, and you don't realize what a toll it's really taking on you until it's over.  When I thought about how exhausting and upsetting things were, I tried to tell myself to be grateful that at least I had plenty of time to prepare for the loss and to cherish every minute I had with Tonka while I said goodbye to him a little bit each day. 

Buffy was blessed to have such a long life in such a loving home with you.  She will tell her friends (old and new) at the Bridge about her happy years in your household, and she'll be in very good company until you join her.

Run free, Buffy --- you are strong and agile again, enjoying all your favorite things.  Watch over your Mom and Dad while they adjust to life without your physical presence.  They'll always feel you with them in spirit!

Hugs to you and your husband, Cathy.  Sending you support from here.

 Your right Cathy.  No matter how logical the decision...it is still a horrible feeling.  Hugs to you all and Buffy........girly............run free and FAST ! 

I'm so sorry for your loss.  (((hugs)))  Run free Buffy!

Not terribly surprising but my husband took this much harder than I did. He has such a tender heart anyway and he'd had Buffy since she was a puppy. It broke my heart so much for him that I put aside my emotions until we had to leave. I didn't want to leave her there. It just seemed wrong to walk away and that broke my heart and I fell apart. I've also had those moments tonight when out of habit I looked for her in the usual place and.....

(((((Cathy & Mr. Cathy)))))

I'm so sorry for your loss.  Run fast, & free Buffy!

I'm so sorry Cathy. ((hugs))

Run free, Buffy sweetie.

(((((((((((Cathy))))))))))

It's never easy -- and when you respect an elderly animal enough to wait until they indicate to *you* that it's time -- it is much more difficult in total, but ULTIMATELY there is so much less guilt.  Ultimately you will know it was right, and hard as it is, it was what she wanted.  That truly enables a depth of peace in grief that a lot of folks never achieve. 

Sometimes it's easier than others -- if the dog has been relatively healthy and just becoming very elderly it's a whole different set of decisions than when a dog is really ill with something.  But it's all part of the package that was Buffy.

Some men seem to slide thru unscathed -- and others feel it deeply and I suspect part of what drew you two together originally is the sense and sensitivity that you've both displayed here (and your husband has just plain had a rough couple of months).

You are *both* in our thoughts and prayers -- I wish it didn't hurt so much - but on the other hand, it HAS to.  Because they mean SO much and anything truly worthwhile is going to be horribly missed on the other end.

If this helps your husband (and you) -- Buffy was WORTH grieving for.  She was a stellar friend.  And all the love and understanding she gave you -- now is when you honor her with your grief. We'll keep lifting you up -- and you're probably right -- Jake is up there showing her around and they're just pure enjoying being together again.

*hugs* to both of you!

(((((Cathy and Mr. Cathy)))) 

Run free, Buffy.