Thursday, April 7, 2011

'Til we meet again

We had to have our dear and very beloved dog Lou put down last night.  It was totally unexpected as he'd been mostly his usual self, albeit the 12 year old slightly arthritic and diminished version, until around 6 p.m. last evening when he began evidencing some serious symptoms.  My son Stephen and I got him to the vet and after several hours it was determined that Lou would not recover.  We were with him at his blessedly peaceful departure from this world around 1:10 a.m.

Our house feels emptier than when hubby and I saw it, unoccupied, for the first time.  Lou completed our family when we got him in May of 2000.  It is with immense sadness mixed with love and gratitude that we bid him fond farewell until we meet again.  Hubby wrote this last night in his motel room somewhere in Kentucky after Lou's passing:

Doggerel, 7 April 2011

For faithful friends,
Whose hearts outpour,
For those we love,
We thank Thee, Lord.

But most of all
In this day's log
We list our thanks
For Lou our dog.

For us, his wags,
For flies, his snaps,
His trusting soul,
And peaceful naps.

And now he starts
His final sleeping,
At least until
Our final greeting.

Finally, a few pictures:



Rest in peace, good a faithful friend.  We will love you forever.

19 comments:

  1. I just got a text from Tammy and came right here to say how sorry I am. I have a older dog myself and it's something I've been thinking about a lot. Hang in there babe. Be good to yourself. It's okay to be sad!

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  2. My heart has been ripped out. I'm crying with you my sweet friend. Just so sorry. Talk to me on text if you need me...I'm always here for you.

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  3. So sorry for your loss. I can't imagine losing my pets, although I know it will happen someday. I try not to think about it:(

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  4. So sorry for your loss. He sounds like the dog of a lifetime.

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  5. Each time we've lost a pet, we declare, "No more!" It breaks our hearts to lose them. But oh, the joy they give, the unconditional love, the cheer and gratitude and peace they offer. I've learned so from my dogs. I'm very sorry for your loss.

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  6. awwww i am sorry for your loss

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  7. So sorry to hear of your dog's passing. :( I'm glad your son was there with you though.

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  8. Oh nooooooo...I'm so very very sorry! You can see in those photos, looking at his face, what a sweetheart he was. My heart breaks for you.

    And what a wonderful husbear you have.

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  9. I'm so sorry for your loss. Big hugs - I know your house is too quiet today...

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  10. I'm so sorry for your loss. Beautiful poem.

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  11. Oh, Leslie, I'm so sorry. When our dog died, we grieved her passing as if she were a member of the family. After 10 years, w
    We still talk about her--and miss her.

    Hugs.

    Deb

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  12. Hugs Leslie. I am so sorry for your loss. It is like losing a family member.

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  13. :( awww I am so sorry for your loss. I miss our last doggie so much! HUGS!

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  14. I'm so sorry, Leslie. They are not "like" a member of our families... they ARE members of our families. I'm sure you treasure those photos of Lou.

    Hugs,
    Loretta

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  15. Sorry for your loss. What a wonderful companion. ((hugs))

    ~Margene

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  16. So sorry about your puppers Leslie. Hugs!!

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  17. I'm sorry that you have lost your wonderful pet. Lou looks like a wonderful friend, companion and family member. I know that he had a very wonderful home with you and your family.

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