Sunday, February 1, 2009

Again

First Maximus, then Katharine Hepburn. Now Athena.

Athena was the oldest of my herd. At 11, she's been through it all with me. She helped me raise Maximus, Katharine Hepburn, Betty Boop, and these two goofy labs. Not to mention Silas.

She woke me this morning to tell me good bye. I was able to help her with her transition by holding and comforting her while she took her last breath and until she left her body.

And I'm not sad.

Not really.

Eleven years is a pretty good run. She was getting to the point where she was in pain more than she was comfortable. I could tell she was sad that she couldn't keep up with the pups when they run in the yard.

So now she's not hurting anymore and it's hard to be sad about that.




Beena, you were a good dog and we'll miss you.

23 comments:

CelticBuffy said...

My heart reaches out to you. Losing my cocker spaniel, Maggie, and my little dog, Daisy, were some of the hardest things I've gone through. But it's nice to hold on to the knowledge that the pain is over. Hugs.

Anonymous said...

http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm

Vanessa said...

I'm so sorry. Pets are an amazing bond in our lives and loosing one never gets easier. Sometimes the circumstances are easier, but the loss still hurts just as much. Sending you hugs.

Twisting Ivy said...

-Hugs-

I'm glad she had a long happy life and I'm sure she is sorely missed.

Sizzle said...

Pets passing on get me every time. I'm sorry for your loss but glad she is no longer in pain. What a gift to be with her when she went.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry. My heart is hurting for you and your loss. I am so glad you were there to help her go. She gave you one last gift.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear you've lost a dear friend. But you're right about her not being in pain any longer.

I'm glad she let you know and that you had time together.

Anonymous said...

So very sorry for your loss, my friend... What is so weird about this comment, is that 15 minutes ago, I was checked out at the grocery store counter a young cashier whose name was Athena...

Our beautiful white Persian female, Alyssa, just passed 18 years, and has been having some very serious things happening to her the past week or so, my wife and son advise me. I am afraid the end is finally near, and I hate it that I am stuck over a thousand miles away down here, and am not able to be there a hold her and pet her one more time. My daughter's beautiful Siamese female died last autumn and it completely tore me up. She used to sleep on my stomach all the time when she was home with us.

{{{{{HUGS}}}}} to you, my friend.

bernthis said...

My eyes are welling up. I had to put down a dog many years ago and it was one of the worst days of my life.

I"m so sorry but you are right, 11 years is a good amount of time. RIP sweet pooch

Braedy said...

She was beautiful, and probably an amazing friend.

Janine / Being Brazen said...

*big hugs*

Anonymous said...

my heart hurts with yours. our louie is 13 and starting to show it. i dread the day he leaves us. the owner/pet relationship is deep and sometimes inexplicable. blessings.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry! Losting a pet is like losing a member of the family (and depending on your family, maybe worse).

At least now she's running around without a pain in the world...

Sweetly Single said...

~hugs~ I know she must have had a great life with you

Kate said...

I don't know what I'd do if either of my cats died. But you knew that she needed to go and you sound at peace. Always a place in your heart. I am sure.

Candy said...

Oh gosh. I'm so sorry :(

I know what it was like to lose our old girl, Sable. It was just time, but she didn't go out gracefully. We had to take her to the vet, but that last day before her appointment, she couldn't even move. She just lay in one spot on the carpet and panted and looked at me, as if to say, "What is wrong with me, and why aren't you fixing it?" It was so hard, but in the end, the best thing for her.

Hugs to you...I'm sorry you had to lose her.

Fragrant Liar said...

Aw, that's just sad. My heart goes out to you and your family. Sounds like your baby led a great life and was a great companion. Can't ask for more than that. It really is a dog's life.

Unknown said...

She looks like a good dog and I'm glad you had 11 years of fun with her. Big hugs to you.

Slyde said...

im so sorry hon...

ive loved all of my pets, and it hurts like hell to see them go.

Jocelyn said...

I appreciate your equilibrium about this and ability to appreciate what you had.

Still, I'm sorry, honey.

Anonymous said...

It is never easy to lose a friend and a member of the family, even if they have a fur coat. I'm so sorry, and I think its terrific that you can see that its better that she isn't in any more pain.

Big Hugs.

Rima said...

Oh, I'm sorry. That is still so hard . . .

Anonymous said...

one of the things my mother taught me, growing up on a farm, dogs can sometimes live too long. she is 90 and i have heard her say, that dog has had its day. sad but as you say, a good run.