Lost a dear friend

skipdup · 10-04-2007, 10:16 AM

Over the years I've read all the posts from people that had pets die. I always sympathized deeply with them. But, I never really understood how deep their pain was, until now.

On Saturday (9/29/2007) afternoon, our beloved Hannah, a beautiful blue brindle, American Staffordshire Terrier, died of either pneumonia, a bacterial or fungal infection of the lungs or cancer. She was just six years old. She showed no signs of discomfort until two days before she passed. Her ailments were treated aggressively and we had no idea they were serious. Up until Saturday morning we expected her to come home.

Neither my wife nor I were in any way prepared for this. I knew I loved Hannah very, very much. I knew she was truly part of the family. I never knew I would cry so much. I never knew it would hurt this much. I never dreamed it would feel like part of me would die with her.

Hannah was the happiest creature I have ever seen. Her body was constantly wiggling from wagging her tail so hard. She never met a person or dog, cat, etc that she didn't like. I never, not once, saw any signs of aggression. When she ran she would get so excited she would leap repeatedly, almost as if she was singing “wheeeeee”. She was the most strong willed animal anyone (the breeder, vets, etc) had ever seen – when I would give her a command, she would often look my direction, lock eyes with me (as if to say, “yes, I hear you”) and then slowly look away and ignore me – then with a stronger command (or two, or three…), she would comply and start wagging, as if to say “I was just playin’”. She was clumsy. I'd catch her not watching where she was going, then run into a wall (or something similar), she'd look around to see if anyone had seen it, and if so, she's put her head down and wag - as if she were embarrassed. She had the mannerisms of a line-backer – and she was weird strong. She felt like a dog four times her size. But, she was also incredibly gentle at the same time. She would go "crazy" (with my help) playing tug. But, if my finger ever got in her mouth with the tug toy as she readjusted her grip/bite (which happened regularly), somehow she always felt it and stopped. I once caught her prancing around the backyard and I noticed she had something hanging out of her mouth. Thinking it was a dead animal, I told her to drop it. When she did, the baby bird that was in her mouth (what I had seen had been wings) flew away, seemingly unscathed! But, more than anything, she was affectionate. More so than any dog I have ever seen. She was always curled up next to my wife or me (she periodically alternated), usually with her head comfortably resting on our arm, thigh, etc. She was special.

She will be missed.

KFC911 · 10-04-2007, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skipdup

Over the years I've read all the posts from people that had pets die. I always sympathized deeply with them. But, I never really understood how deep their pain was, until now....

I feel for ya man...it must have been extremely hard since it caught you by surprise. Words won't help, but I/we understand completely...

Rikao4 · 10-04-2007, 10:27 AM

Sorry to hear this Skip, fine looking friend.
Your Vet. has the contact info for Paws in Heaven..they are out by Canyon Lake.

Your house will not be the same.
Rika

Mo_Gearhead · 10-04-2007, 10:37 AM

My sympathies for the loss of your companion.

We never had children ...have had several great dogs. They certainly do fill a special place in our lives and losing one is indeed like losing a family member.

Every time I have to bury one of our 'companions' I think about the excellent life they had ...by having loving, caring owners (such as you were). Many animals are not nearly so fortunate, so your pet was indeed lucky to have been owned by you.

Reflect on all those good times together.

rammstein · 10-04-2007, 10:44 AM

Thats really sad. She sounded like a great dog. You can even see how her tail was wagging in the picture of her on the floor. She was happy with you guys, and you gave her a GREAT life.

livi · 10-04-2007, 10:47 AM

Sorry for your loss. I was seven when my first tank fish died. I cried my eyes out, so sad for days. This is on another scale of course but I can understand your feelings.

syncroid · 10-04-2007, 10:55 AM

I'm sorry for your loss. Its hard to lose your pets. Hang in there. I'm not looking forward to losing my dog some day. Mine looks alot like yours.

widgeon13 · 10-04-2007, 11:20 AM

She obviously had a very loving master. I think the reason pets die before us or have a shorter life span is that if they lived with us for many years it would truly break our hearts to see them go. It's hard to convey the sorrow we feel when they die.

Sorry to hear this sad news.

Superman · 10-04-2007, 02:01 PM

Sorry, Skip.

craigster59 · craigster59's Garage

Sorry to hear this Skip. My last dog that passed away (Tag, because she tagged along by me wherever I went) was really rough for my Wife and I. I figured I wouldn't get another dog for awhile because it was so hard on us. But the next weekend came along, and there we were, at the Animal Shelter picking up a new member of the family...

skipdup · 10-04-2007, 02:41 PM

Thanks guys.

Somehow, writing this down and the subsequent kind words, seems to help a little.

- Skip

rfuerst911sc · 10-04-2007, 03:58 PM

No words really help but knowing others have gone thru the same thing helped me. I have buried my share of dogs and it's never easy but with each day it gets a little better. Everyone is different but you'll find some day in the future that you will be ready for another. The joy they bring over shadows the pain of the loss. You might not believe that now but give it time. Hang in there.

fxeditor · fxeditor's Garage

Sorry to hear of your loss Skip. Three years ago I lost a cat who was extremely special to my wife & I. Even today although we now have 3 cats & 2 dogs I still think about him. It's amazing how deeply these little guys can bury their way into your heart.

With deepest condolences,

Michael