He has lost use of all legs and it's just too painful to watch him want to move and his body won't follow along. This has been such a hard decision and we have waited and waited to make this decision that it is time.
We are having the vet come out to the house along with a woman who has been doing massage on our Rocket for awhile for support.
Who has gone through this? How are we going to feel? How can I keep my spirits up for the dogs sake instead of crying at the moment the procedure is done? It sounds so overwhelming.
We wanted to do this at home so Rocket feels at home and the environment is not sterile......
I want some nice music playing to sooth us all....does anyone have any ideas for music?
:( We too have been through this many times.
whoprincess' words are beautiful and perfectly shared.
I don't have anything to add really except I'm sorry.
Its so hard to say goodbye....
If it were me I would play EV Into the Wild cd ....
beautiful songs on there and his voice soothes.
You are in my thoughts ....
Don't cry because it's over, Smile because it happened.
-Dr. Seuss
Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively
into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I
wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.
As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I
had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been
walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want
her to think poorly of them.
As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my
past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a
difference in someone's life.
She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my
shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle
fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.
A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all
would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that
I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I
would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I
could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate
that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't
walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.
He has lost use of all legs and it's just too painful to watch him want to move and his body won't follow along. This has been such a hard decision and we have waited and waited to make this decision that it is time.
We are having the vet come out to the house along with a woman who has been doing massage on our Rocket for awhile for support.
Who has gone through this? How are we going to feel? How can I keep my spirits up for the dogs sake instead of crying at the moment the procedure is done? It sounds so overwhelming.
We wanted to do this at home so Rocket feels at home and the environment is not sterile......
I want some nice music playing to sooth us all....does anyone have any ideas for music?
Losing a dog is hardest thing ever. Rocket knows he doesn't want to live this way, but he is only hang on because he feels he needs to be there for you, to protect you, to make you feel better. We went through this five years ago with our little Pinkerton...she wouldn't go on her own...she was miserable, but she hung in for us. When her meds stopped working, she came to us one day and told us it was time for her to go. So we called her vet and he came to our house right away. We put her on her pillow in front of our fireplace (lit), and I pleaded with her to just let go...the vet gave her the muscle relaxant and then she had a stroke and died before he could finish putting her to sleep. I held her the entire time and bawled my eyes out. Before she had her stoke, she was able to lick the tears from my face and that gave her some comfort. She was able to take care of me in her last minutes and I think that's what helped her to let go.
I think you need to let Rocket know how sad you are...it's virtually impossible to stay strong in this situation. Our vet was crying too. Allowing yourself the full sadness does let your dog do that one final selfless act of comforting you and letting you know that they think it's time to go.
I'm sure we had some music playing, but I can't remember what was on. I don't want to remember. I didn't want anything significant because then I would forever associate it with the intense and deep sadness I was feeling. Did avoid listening to Black for a long time because the depth of pain in that song really really connected with the pain I was feeling.
So, I really know how your're feeling and my thoughts are right there with you. This is not a time to be strong and you absolutely have to let yourself feel the sadness of the situation...
Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively
into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I
wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.
As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I
had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been
walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want
her to think poorly of them.
As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my
past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a
difference in someone's life.
She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my
shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle
fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.
A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all
would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that
I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I
would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I
could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate
that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't
walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.
I rescued a human today.
That was simply beautiful. I can see why you would cry at that one. Thank you I'm keeping this.
Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively
into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I
wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.
As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I
had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been
walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want
her to think poorly of them.
As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my
past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a
difference in someone's life.
She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my
shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle
fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.
A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all
would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that
I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I
would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I
could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate
that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't
walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.
I rescued a human today.
Like my Charlie...
loved it!
We save each other
Since we lost our Maggie Mae, a Brittany, 18 years ago from cancer at the age of 4
we have only adopted mixed breeds... all from rescue situations
figures vary but about 10,000 dogs in shelters are killed each day...
that figure is hard to grasp
Please help by adopting a mixed breed who will be gone by weeks end.
There is always room to love another.... be saved by a dog today!
Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively
into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I
wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.
As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I
had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been
walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want
her to think poorly of them.
As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my
past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a
difference in someone's life.
She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my
shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle
fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.
A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all
would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that
I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I
would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I
could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate
that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't
walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.
I'm sure we had some music playing, but I can't remember what was on. I don't want to remember. I didn't want anything significant because then I would forever associate it with the intense and deep sadness I was feeling. Did avoid listening to Black for a long time because the depth of pain in that song really really connected with the pain I was feeling.
This is a good point too. You dont want to have to give up some of your favorite music because it has been associated with bad feelings.
You and Rocket will be in my thoughts. I cant really add anymore to what has already been said. They've said it so wonderfully.
Mansfield, MA - Jul 02, 2003; Mansfield, MA - Jul 03, 2003; Mansfield, MA - Jul 11, 2003; Boston, MA - Sep 29, 2004; Reading, PA - Oct 01, 2004; Hartford, CT - May 13, 2006; Boston, MA - May 24, 2006; Boston, MA - May 25, 2006; Hartford, CT - Jun 27, 2008; Mansfield, MA - Jun 28, 2008; Mansfield, MA - June 30, 2008; Hartford, CT - May 15, 2010; Boston, MA - May 17, 2010; [EV - Providence, RI - June 15, 2011; EV - Hartford, CT - June 18, 2011]; Worcester, MA - Oct. 15, 2013; Worcester, MA - Oct. 16, 2013; Hartford, CT - Oct. 25, 2013; Boston, MA - August 5, 2016; Boston, MA - August 7, 2016...
He has lost use of all legs and it's just too painful to watch him want to move and his body won't follow along. This has been such a hard decision and we have waited and waited to make this decision that it is time.
We are having the vet come out to the house along with a woman who has been doing massage on our Rocket for awhile for support.
Who has gone through this? How are we going to feel? How can I keep my spirits up for the dogs sake instead of crying at the moment the procedure is done? It sounds so overwhelming.
We wanted to do this at home so Rocket feels at home and the environment is not sterile......
I want some nice music playing to sooth us all....does anyone have any ideas for music?
This is heartbreaking news. It sounds like you have a beautiful plan for a peaceful passing for dear sweet Rocket. I think keeping him home is the right thing to do. I know it's hard to finally make the decision as to when, I've had to be a part of letting too many dogs go, but It is the kindest most unselfish act of your life, so painful for you...but the most humane act for your best friend. No dog wants to live with out dignity. They only live for the moment, once the fun is over, they don't care to hold on like humans do. I wish for you strength. Know all of us here are thinking of you and Rocket. Play some Eddie Vedder from Into the Wild and also Just Breathe.
~*LIVE~LOVE~LAUGH*~
*May the Peace of the Wilderness be with YOU*
He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.
— Unknown
Thank you all for your never ending support. It means so much to us to know there are others who have been through this selfless act, thousands upon thousands, have had to have experienced watching someone or something pass on. It reminds us of our own impermanence.
I can't wait to meet Rocket again someday. I know we will. I just know it. We go for that walk again, like when he was young and use to pull me and instead of me leading him. It was often hysterical me at the beginning learning to be a dog owner.
Once....it was a good day...had my mp3 player and Given to Fly on...with dog on leash I started running...so did he...and as he crossed my path and tripped me up with the leash and I fell on my ass in front of a family and all I could do was laugh because you can't get mad at your dog. They give us so many memories.
I still love the one where Eddie called him handsome. Rocket has lived a life he could write a book about!
Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively
into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I
wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.
As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I
had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been
walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want
her to think poorly of them.
As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my
past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a
difference in someone's life.
She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my
shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle
fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.
A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all
would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that
I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I
would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I
could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate
that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't
walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.
I rescued a human today.
I copied this, and sent it to my twin's family. Thank you for posting.
There is no such thing as leftover pizza. There is now pizza and later pizza. - anonymous The risk I took was calculated, but man, am I bad at math - The Mincing Mockingbird
Run In Peace.... Goodbye Rocket. See you again soon.
Rockets passing was very beautiful for us and comfortable for him. He had a steak dinner and lots of love and flowers poured over him. Although, it was painful to let him go, i found it was surreal to be right there when something leaves this Earth. I have never experienced a last breath. It says so much about impermanence.
I hope my own passing was as beautiful as this was for our buddy.
Run In Peace.... Goodbye Rocket. See you again soon.
Rockets passing was very beautiful for us and comfortable for him. He had a steak dinner and lots of love and flowers poured over him. Although, it was painful to let him go, i found it was surreal to be right there when something leaves this Earth. I have never experienced a last breath. It says so much about impermanence.
I hope my own passing was as beautiful as this was for our buddy.
Now you can run boy, now you can run.
Goodbye, Rocket. In your passing you felt love and you showed love, making it easier for those who cared for you.
BhagavadGita, your farewell message reminds me of one of my favorite books, Dog Heaven. Here's how it starts out:
When dogs go to Heaven, they don't need wings because God knows that dogs love running best.
He gives them fields. Fields and fields and fields.
When a dog first arrives in Heaven, he just runs.
It's a lovely little book and I read it whenever I'm missing one of my fur-kids.
I'm sending hugs and good thoughts your way. I know this is a hard time but it sounds like even in his passing, Rocket kept giving to you.
Run In Peace.... Goodbye Rocket. See you again soon.
Rockets passing was very beautiful for us and comfortable for him. He had a steak dinner and lots of love and flowers poured over him. Although, it was painful to let him go, i found it was surreal to be right there when something leaves this Earth. I have never experienced a last breath. It says so much about impermanence.
I hope my own passing was as beautiful as this was for our buddy.
Now you can run boy, now you can run.
R.I.P. Rocket
1995 San Francisco San Jose
San Diego 2 shows
2003 Missoula
2005 Missoula
2006 Denver 2 shows with Tom Petty
Gorge 2 shows
2009 Utah
LA1
LA2
2012 Missoula : Meet and Greet : "Instant Classic show"
Run In Peace.... Goodbye Rocket. See you again soon.
Rockets passing was very beautiful for us and comfortable for him. He had a steak dinner and lots of love and flowers poured over him. Although, it was painful to let him go, i found it was surreal to be right there when something leaves this Earth. I have never experienced a last breath. It says so much about impermanence.
I hope my own passing was as beautiful as this was for our buddy.
Now you can run boy, now you can run.
So much wonderful advice shared in this thread. Rocket's last day sounds amazing. Surrounded by love and peace.
My deepest sympathies on the loss of Rocket. (((Hugs))) and {{{good vibes}}} being sent to you.
Run In Peace Rocket
"What the CANUCK happened?!? - Esquimalt Barber Shop
The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.
Run In Peace.... Goodbye Rocket. See you again soon.
Rockets passing was very beautiful for us and comfortable for him. He had a steak dinner and lots of love and flowers poured over him. Although, it was painful to let him go, i found it was surreal to be right there when something leaves this Earth. I have never experienced a last breath. It says so much about impermanence.
I hope my own passing was as beautiful as this was for our buddy.
Now you can run boy, now you can run.
Just BEAUTIFUL, what a amazing gift you gave to your beloved boy Rocket, a peaceful passing with grace and dignity. Much love going out to you. ox
~*LIVE~LOVE~LAUGH*~
*May the Peace of the Wilderness be with YOU*
He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.
— Unknown
Run In Peace.... Goodbye Rocket. See you again soon.
Rockets passing was very beautiful for us and comfortable for him. He had a steak dinner and lots of love and flowers poured over him. Although, it was painful to let him go, i found it was surreal to be right there when something leaves this Earth. I have never experienced a last breath. It says so much about impermanence.
I hope my own passing was as beautiful as this was for our buddy.
Now you can run boy, now you can run.
I just found out about this. Very sad news indeed. I always had a soft spot for rocket
I've been through this as well. Maybe you can take some solace from the following. It's very, very true.
If you ever love an animal, there are three days in your life you will always remember. The first is a day, blessed with happiness, when you bring home your new friend. You may have spent weeks deciding on a breed. You may have asked opinions of many friends or done research finding a breeder. Or, in a fleeting moment, you may have chosen that silly looking mutt at the shelter, simply because something in its eyes reached your heart. But when you bring that chosen pet home, and watch it explore…when you feel it brush against you for the first time, it instills a feeling of pure love you will carry with you through many years to come.
The second day will occur years later. It will be a day like any other. Routine and unexceptional. But, for a surprising instant, you will look at your longtime friend and see age where you once saw youth. You will see slow deliberate steps where you saw energy. You will see sleep where you once saw activity. You will begin to adjust your friend’s diet and you may add a pill to her food. And, you may feel a growing uneasy feeling until the third day arrives.
On this day, if your friend or your higher being has not decided for you, then you will be faced with making a decision of your own on behalf of your lifelong friend. Whichever way your friend leaves you, you will feel as alone as a single star in the dark night.
If you are wise, you will let the tears flow freely as they must. If you are typical, you will find that not many family and friends will be able to understand your grief. But, if you are true to the love of the pet you cherished through many joy-filled years, you may find that a soul, smaller in size than your own, seems to walk with you at times, during the lonely days to come. At those moments when you least expect anything out of the ordinary, you may feel something brush against your leg. And, looking down at the place where your dear friend used to lie… you will remember those three significant days. The memory will be painful. As time passes, the ache will come and go. You will reject it and embrace it and it may confuse you. If you reject it, it will depress you. If you embrace it, it will deepen you. Either way, it will still be an ache.
But, there will be a forth day when, along with the memory of your pet, and piercing through the heaviness in your heart, there will come a realization that belongs only to you. It will be as unique and strong as our relationship with the pet we have loved and lost. This realization takes the form of a Living Love, like the heavenly scent of a rose. This Love will remain and grow, and will be there for us to remember. It is a love we have earned. It’s the legacy our pets leave us when they go… and it’s a gift we keep with us as long as we live. And until we leave, perhaps to join our beloved pets, it is a Love we will always possess.
I know that rocket's degeneration was a little more pronounced than some dog's . Still, you did all you could and you gave him a great life to the end. RIP Rocket and, you, take care of yourself.
If I had known then what I know now...
Vegas 93, Vegas 98, Vegas 00 (10 year show), Vegas 03, Vegas 06
VIC 07
EV LA1 08
Seattle1 09, Seattle2 09, Salt Lake 09, LA4 09
Columbus 10
EV LA 11
Vancouver 11
Missoula 12
Portland 13, Spokane 13
St. Paul 14, Denver 14
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of Rocket, but what a beautiful final gift you gave him. Surrounded by love, he was released... I hope for such a comforting transition when the time comes for any of my dogs, or my family...
Rocket, you've got a lot of furry friends where you are now. I'm sure my Seamus will run right over to greet you.
Hi everyone, so i have something on my mind. As many of you know, I have been looking for a puppy. Well i got an email a couple days ago that a dalmation puppy is ready for a new home (in late April). I have been asking myself, am i ready, is it too soon? I guess if it is meant to be, it will happen.
Hope all of you and your puppies are doing good!
Peace
1995 San Francisco San Jose
San Diego 2 shows
2003 Missoula
2005 Missoula
2006 Denver 2 shows with Tom Petty
Gorge 2 shows
2009 Utah
LA1
LA2
2012 Missoula : Meet and Greet : "Instant Classic show"
I love that you gave Rocket a steak dinner. And I agree about the surreal thing about being there for the last breath - surreal, but weirdly comforting too.
Hi everyone, so i have something on my mind. As many of you know, I have been looking for a puppy. Well i got an email a couple days ago that a dalmation puppy is ready for a new home (in late April). I have been asking myself, am i ready, is it too soon? I guess if it is meant to be, it will happen.
Hope all of you and your puppies are doing good!
Peace
I don't think it's too soon. Go see the puppy. Then you will know.
Hi everyone, so i have something on my mind. As many of you know, I have been looking for a puppy. Well i got an email a couple days ago that a dalmation puppy is ready for a new home (in late April). I have been asking myself, am i ready, is it too soon? I guess if it is meant to be, it will happen.
Hope all of you and your puppies are doing good!
Peace
really only you'll know when you're ready...but yeah, once you see it, you'll probably fall in love
Hi everyone, so i have something on my mind. As many of you know, I have been looking for a puppy. Well i got an email a couple days ago that a dalmation puppy is ready for a new home (in late April). I have been asking myself, am i ready, is it too soon? I guess if it is meant to be, it will happen.
Hope all of you and your puppies are doing good!
Peace
Hmmm lets see.....will you be ready? YES! I know you need this puppy! Go see her! It will heal your heart and give you a new purpose. Trix is saying come on Daddy.....be happy again! She wouldn't want you to be this sad ever. There is nothing like puppy breath, puppy kisses, puppy fun! Be good to yourself....you deserve this!
~*LIVE~LOVE~LAUGH*~
*May the Peace of the Wilderness be with YOU*
He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.
— Unknown
Hi everyone, so i have something on my mind. As many of you know, I have been looking for a puppy. Well i got an email a couple days ago that a dalmation puppy is ready for a new home (in late April). I have been asking myself, am i ready, is it too soon? I guess if it is meant to be, it will happen.
Hope all of you and your puppies are doing good!
Peace
Go get that pup!!!!!
If I had known then what I know now...
Vegas 93, Vegas 98, Vegas 00 (10 year show), Vegas 03, Vegas 06
VIC 07
EV LA1 08
Seattle1 09, Seattle2 09, Salt Lake 09, LA4 09
Columbus 10
EV LA 11
Vancouver 11
Missoula 12
Portland 13, Spokane 13
St. Paul 14, Denver 14
what kind of car/truck is that norm? and does the pooch always ride in the back or just because he was wet?
i just got an suv with lots of room in the back. but i always let her ride in the middle seats because i feel she's just too far away back there. everyone says i should just put her back there and keep the rest of the car clean though.... :?
Comments
whoprincess' words are beautiful and perfectly shared.
I don't have anything to add really except I'm sorry.
Its so hard to say goodbye....
If it were me I would play EV Into the Wild cd ....
beautiful songs on there and his voice soothes.
You are in my thoughts ....
Don't cry because it's over, Smile because it happened.
-Dr. Seuss
Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively
into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I
wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.
As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I
had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been
walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want
her to think poorly of them.
As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my
past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a
difference in someone's life.
She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my
shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle
fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.
A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all
would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that
I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I
would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I
could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes. I was so fortunate
that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't
walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.
I rescued a human today.
Losing a dog is hardest thing ever. Rocket knows he doesn't want to live this way, but he is only hang on because he feels he needs to be there for you, to protect you, to make you feel better. We went through this five years ago with our little Pinkerton...she wouldn't go on her own...she was miserable, but she hung in for us. When her meds stopped working, she came to us one day and told us it was time for her to go. So we called her vet and he came to our house right away. We put her on her pillow in front of our fireplace (lit), and I pleaded with her to just let go...the vet gave her the muscle relaxant and then she had a stroke and died before he could finish putting her to sleep. I held her the entire time and bawled my eyes out. Before she had her stoke, she was able to lick the tears from my face and that gave her some comfort. She was able to take care of me in her last minutes and I think that's what helped her to let go.
I think you need to let Rocket know how sad you are...it's virtually impossible to stay strong in this situation. Our vet was crying too. Allowing yourself the full sadness does let your dog do that one final selfless act of comforting you and letting you know that they think it's time to go.
I'm sure we had some music playing, but I can't remember what was on. I don't want to remember. I didn't want anything significant because then I would forever associate it with the intense and deep sadness I was feeling. Did avoid listening to Black for a long time because the depth of pain in that song really really connected with the pain I was feeling.
So, I really know how your're feeling and my thoughts are right there with you. This is not a time to be strong and you absolutely have to let yourself feel the sadness of the situation...
With sympathy,
Kim (vf10)
That was simply beautiful. I can see why you would cry at that one. Thank you I'm keeping this.
Like my Charlie...
loved it!
We save each other
Since we lost our Maggie Mae, a Brittany, 18 years ago from cancer at the age of 4
we have only adopted mixed breeds... all from rescue situations
figures vary but about 10,000 dogs in shelters are killed each day...
that figure is hard to grasp
Please help by adopting a mixed breed who will be gone by weeks end.
There is always room to love another.... be saved by a dog today!
I love this!!!
This is a good point too. You dont want to have to give up some of your favorite music because it has been associated with bad feelings.
You and Rocket will be in my thoughts. I cant really add anymore to what has already been said. They've said it so wonderfully.
This is heartbreaking news. It sounds like you have a beautiful plan for a peaceful passing for dear sweet Rocket. I think keeping him home is the right thing to do. I know it's hard to finally make the decision as to when, I've had to be a part of letting too many dogs go, but It is the kindest most unselfish act of your life, so painful for you...but the most humane act for your best friend. No dog wants to live with out dignity. They only live for the moment, once the fun is over, they don't care to hold on like humans do. I wish for you strength. Know all of us here are thinking of you and Rocket. Play some Eddie Vedder from Into the Wild and also Just Breathe.
*May the Peace of the Wilderness be with YOU*
He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.
— Unknown
I can't wait to meet Rocket again someday. I know we will. I just know it.
Once....it was a good day...had my mp3 player and Given to Fly on...with dog on leash I started running...so did he...and as he crossed my path and tripped me up with the leash and I fell on my ass in front of a family and all I could do was laugh because you can't get mad at your dog. They give us so many memories.
I still love the one where Eddie called him handsome. Rocket has lived a life he could write a book about!
The risk I took was calculated, but man, am I bad at math - The Mincing Mockingbird
Rockets passing was very beautiful for us and comfortable for him. He had a steak dinner and lots of love and flowers poured over him. Although, it was painful to let him go, i found it was surreal to be right there when something leaves this Earth. I have never experienced a last breath. It says so much about impermanence.
I hope my own passing was as beautiful as this was for our buddy.
Now you can run boy, now you can run.
BhagavadGita, your farewell message reminds me of one of my favorite books, Dog Heaven. Here's how it starts out:
When dogs go to Heaven, they don't need wings because God knows that dogs love running best.
He gives them fields. Fields and fields and fields.
When a dog first arrives in Heaven, he just runs.
It's a lovely little book and I read it whenever I'm missing one of my fur-kids.
I'm sending hugs and good thoughts your way. I know this is a hard time but it sounds like even in his passing, Rocket kept giving to you.
R.I.P. Rocket
1995 San Francisco
San Jose
San Diego 2 shows
2003 Missoula
2005 Missoula
2006 Denver 2 shows with Tom Petty
Gorge 2 shows
2009 Utah
LA1
LA2
2012 Missoula : Meet and Greet : "Instant Classic show"
2013 Portland
Spokane
2018 Missoula
So much wonderful advice shared in this thread. Rocket's last day sounds amazing. Surrounded by love and peace.
My deepest sympathies on the loss of Rocket. (((Hugs))) and {{{good vibes}}} being sent to you.
Run In Peace Rocket
- Christopher McCandless
Just BEAUTIFUL, what a amazing gift you gave to your beloved boy Rocket, a peaceful passing with grace and dignity. Much love going out to you. ox
*May the Peace of the Wilderness be with YOU*
He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.
— Unknown
I just found out about this. Very sad news indeed. I always had a soft spot for rocket
I've been through this as well. Maybe you can take some solace from the following. It's very, very true.
If you ever love an animal, there are three days in your life you will always remember. The first is a day, blessed with happiness, when you bring home your new friend. You may have spent weeks deciding on a breed. You may have asked opinions of many friends or done research finding a breeder. Or, in a fleeting moment, you may have chosen that silly looking mutt at the shelter, simply because something in its eyes reached your heart. But when you bring that chosen pet home, and watch it explore…when you feel it brush against you for the first time, it instills a feeling of pure love you will carry with you through many years to come.
The second day will occur years later. It will be a day like any other. Routine and unexceptional. But, for a surprising instant, you will look at your longtime friend and see age where you once saw youth. You will see slow deliberate steps where you saw energy. You will see sleep where you once saw activity. You will begin to adjust your friend’s diet and you may add a pill to her food. And, you may feel a growing uneasy feeling until the third day arrives.
On this day, if your friend or your higher being has not decided for you, then you will be faced with making a decision of your own on behalf of your lifelong friend. Whichever way your friend leaves you, you will feel as alone as a single star in the dark night.
If you are wise, you will let the tears flow freely as they must. If you are typical, you will find that not many family and friends will be able to understand your grief. But, if you are true to the love of the pet you cherished through many joy-filled years, you may find that a soul, smaller in size than your own, seems to walk with you at times, during the lonely days to come. At those moments when you least expect anything out of the ordinary, you may feel something brush against your leg. And, looking down at the place where your dear friend used to lie… you will remember those three significant days. The memory will be painful. As time passes, the ache will come and go. You will reject it and embrace it and it may confuse you. If you reject it, it will depress you. If you embrace it, it will deepen you. Either way, it will still be an ache.
But, there will be a forth day when, along with the memory of your pet, and piercing through the heaviness in your heart, there will come a realization that belongs only to you. It will be as unique and strong as our relationship with the pet we have loved and lost. This realization takes the form of a Living Love, like the heavenly scent of a rose. This Love will remain and grow, and will be there for us to remember. It is a love we have earned. It’s the legacy our pets leave us when they go… and it’s a gift we keep with us as long as we live. And until we leave, perhaps to join our beloved pets, it is a Love we will always possess.
I know that rocket's degeneration was a little more pronounced than some dog's
Vegas 93, Vegas 98, Vegas 00 (10 year show), Vegas 03, Vegas 06
VIC 07
EV LA1 08
Seattle1 09, Seattle2 09, Salt Lake 09, LA4 09
Columbus 10
EV LA 11
Vancouver 11
Missoula 12
Portland 13, Spokane 13
St. Paul 14, Denver 14
Rocket, you've got a lot of furry friends where you are now. I'm sure my Seamus will run right over to greet you.
RIP, Rocket.
Hope all of you and your puppies are doing good!
Peace
1995 San Francisco
San Jose
San Diego 2 shows
2003 Missoula
2005 Missoula
2006 Denver 2 shows with Tom Petty
Gorge 2 shows
2009 Utah
LA1
LA2
2012 Missoula : Meet and Greet : "Instant Classic show"
2013 Portland
Spokane
2018 Missoula
I predict you will fall in love.
really only you'll know when you're ready...but yeah, once you see it, you'll probably fall in love
Hmmm lets see.....will you be ready? YES! I know you need this puppy! Go see her! It will heal your heart and give you a new purpose. Trix is saying come on Daddy.....be happy again! She wouldn't want you to be this sad ever. There is nothing like puppy breath, puppy kisses, puppy fun! Be good to yourself....you deserve this!
*May the Peace of the Wilderness be with YOU*
He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.
— Unknown
Vegas 93, Vegas 98, Vegas 00 (10 year show), Vegas 03, Vegas 06
VIC 07
EV LA1 08
Seattle1 09, Seattle2 09, Salt Lake 09, LA4 09
Columbus 10
EV LA 11
Vancouver 11
Missoula 12
Portland 13, Spokane 13
St. Paul 14, Denver 14
some time ago:
and now lazy one devil:
04.07.2012 ~ Berlin
31.07.2012 ~ London
what kind of car/truck is that norm? and does the pooch always ride in the back or just because he was wet?
i just got an suv with lots of room in the back. but i always let her ride in the middle seats because i feel she's just too far away back there.