Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Goodbye My Furry Friend and Companion.....


Babs closeup

The sun was shining, birds singing, and a light breeze was in the air as we headed out to the car with Babs in Pat's arms. This was the last car ride for her. As many of you who have read this blog already know, this trip had been coming for a long time. She had cataracts, was hard of hearing, a bit confused, and had started to be incontinent. She also would fall over if you touched her hips the wrong way and had trouble walking. I think she may have started to go into kidney failure as well. The only time she perked up was for food. Babs would tip her head sideways so she could sort of see the food near her mouth. Her spacial judgement was way off as far as distance as well.

Babs was 17 1/2 years old. She lived with her almost 12 year old daughter Hannah, a puppy, Pooh, and several cat companions as well as my husband and me. She was a very intelligent dog who was extremely friendly. The only time I saw her snap at anyone was to steal food. It was funny to see her antics while walking with her. If we came to a yard with a big dog, she would act ferocious and fierce, snapping and barking. Little tough girl attitude happening here. lol She was an excellent mommy dog as well as a great cat baby sitter. The only animal in the house she wasn't that happy about was the puppy, Pooh. I think that Babs thought he was her sister, his grandmother. Babs and Kissy hated each other.

As we rode along, she perked up and seemed to really enjoy the fresh air and warm sun on her head. Babs managed to walk on the grass better than she had been able to in a long time.

Babs in the grass

We did some videos and took some pictures of her before leaving the house as well as in the front lawn of the vet's office.

Babs Hanging Out in the Kitchen

The house is so quiet without her barking at air or growling in her "postal" attack mode. Hanna and Pooh know something is different, too. Hanna cries near the door every now and then for her momma. It will take her some time to adjust. I'm playing with them extra, especially with Hanna to keep them distracted.

Goodbye my old furry buddy. I'll miss you with all my heart, but, I know you are running around with the cats, Dee, Sammy, and Tiffany, and having a wonderful time. There's no more pain or confusion for you to suffer through. I love you dearly.......

13 comments:

Anna M said...

So sorry for your loss. It's always heart wrenching the decisions we have to make when we have animal companions. No other words suffice other than I can relate.

Anonymous said...

Lots of love and hugs from Molly and Me:) Babs isn't in pain anymore, and that is good. Hug the babies for us♥

Kristen said...

How sad; I'm sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

The last time I had to do that, it was my 8 yo bichon Clochette with immune mediated hemolytic anemia. I held her in my arms while she got her shot, and told her it was okay to go where it didn't hurt anymore, and all the while I had the sense from her that she was worried about whether I would be okay without her. Then she sighed and relaxed, and the dear vet let me cry on him for about half an hour. As you did, I knew it was the right thing to do, but that doesn't make it easier. Dogs must go to heaven, or it will be no place for me. (((Hugs))) for your loss.

Iris said...

What adorable pictures. Glad you could spend a little more time with her and get the videos and all. She's hanging out with my Rupert right now and the two are commiserating about how hard it used to be getting around our respective houses what with all the spinning wheels and stash all over the place!

Donna said...

Oh I'm sooo sorry Debbie! She had such a great long life. It's really hard to let them go sometimes, but to see them in pain is even harder.

She looks so good in those photos. That was great that you got some last shots of her.

Big hugs to you and Pat - and hugs to the furry brothers and sisters who are missing Babs as well.

Wendy said...

Sending hugs and shedding some tears for Babs. Babs looks like real sweetie and you gave her a wonderful life. I had to make this most difficult decision for my cat, Samantha last month. Take care

Carol said...

I'm sorry Debbie...I know how hard it is to let a dear friend go. What a sweet gentle ending...

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear of Babs departing. No matter how long we know it's going to happen we're never ready to let go of our beloved companions. My heart is with you.

Caroline said...

Those little dogs are so full of heart, they can leave a big hole behind. I am sorry for your loss.

calicokitty6 said...

Thanks everyone for your comments. They are truly appreciated.

cindy said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Babs. It's so hard to lose our pets.

Anonymous said...

Debbie, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. It's never easy losing a beloved furry family member. Thank you for sharing the cute pictures.