Lisa Q

Peggyo, My thoughts are with you at this very difficult time. I recently went through a similar experience with my dogs. My beloved, Gypsy, was fighting a neurological disease and she too was tired and weak. I adopted Gypsy five years ago - she was a 8 year old senior from the Humane Society with no history. One year later, we welcomed Gerite another senior dog into our home and created a family. While they were only together for four years, during that time they created a normal sibling relationship...loving each other while competing for attention and treats. Gertie was the playful little sister whose entire purpose in life was to "bother" Gypsy. When I dished out treats, Gertie would nearly bite my fingers off so that she could gobble up her treat and then move on to trying to steal Gypsy's. During meal time, Gertie would inhale her food and then run over to Gypsy's bowl for a second meal. It became so bad that I had to feed them in seperate rooms so that Gypsy actually got to eat. When I would pet Gypsy, Gertie would come over and walk under my arm so that I would move my arm from Gypsy to her. It was all part of the great dynamic of their relationship and I loved how their totally opposite personalities played off of each other. When the end was coming for Gypsy, I believe that Gertie knew. During her final days, Gypsy spent the majority of her time laying on her beds with me by her side. Gertie normally playful and alouf was now more quiet and gentle. Several times she joined Gypsy on her bed laying directly next to her or facing her with her paws on her bed. It broke my heart but also warmed it. I will never forget it. Gyspy was euthanized at home - my vet is amazing and offers a home service. For Gypsy, this was the right choice. She (like her mommy - me) was a very private, quiet being. Her favorite place to be was home with Gertie and I. I let Gertie be there for the procedure hoping that it would help her to understand. I think she knows that Gypsy was sick and tired. But I know that she misses her and I struggle with how to help her. The night of Gypsy's death, I fed Gertie as normal except that I did not close the door to keep her in the room as I normally would as Gypsy ate. She gobbled up her food as normal and then ran out directly to Gypsy's bowl (I had not put any of her belongings away yet) and started licking it for crumbs. It broke my heart and sent me into tears again. She has now gotten accustomed to eating in the kitchen and no longer looks for Gypsy's food. She does not look for Gypsy around the house. For that reason, I believe she understands that Gypsy is gone and why but I think she misses her tremendously. Treat time is not nearly as fun now. She does not have to work for extra attention or "fight" for the best spot under my desk while I work. Gypsy was her big sister...she no longer has anyone to imitate or compete with. Gertie is very social and I want to get her out to play with other dogs. We walk every morning and evening and she has taken to one of my elderly neighbors - it makes her day to see Gertie, but I think it also makes Gertie's day. It is difficult living in Arizona during the summer to provide a lot of socialization for her. I have thought about training her to become a dog that visits the elderly or sick in hospitals or nursing homes. I am not sure my post is very helpful, but I wanted you to know that there are others out there that are experiencing the same concerns. Hopefully, you and Sam can create new routines and memories while honoring Max.

Hi All, I am a new member. I lost my beloved Gypsy eight days ago. She was a beautiful Chow/Collie mix. I adopted her as a "senior" dog and only had her five short years but during that time we developed an incredible bond and life. I was only 25 years old when I adopted her...just bought my first condo, living in a city where I did not know anyone, etc. She made my house a home! She never complained, never asked for anything - she just wanted love (and treats!)...always looking at me with adoring eyes. She was my soulmate doggie...she understood my personality like no human person I have ever met. Together we welcomed another senior chow mix, Gertie, into our home and created a family. My favorite Friday night activity was hanging out at home with my girls watching a movie or reading. I am grateful that she did not suffer...I consider myself lucky to have had the ability to "plan" her death. It was the excrusiating decision I have ever had to make in my life but I absolutely believe that it was a decision that she needed to have made for her and wanted made for her. I believe that I did it on our terms and how she would have wanted...that it was the final gift I could have given her. But even with that peace, I am experiencing extreme longing for her. I miss her so much. I miss everything but mostly the simple things...I miss her sweet smell, I miss the sound of her taking a "bath" and licking her paws, I miss kissing her good night, I miss the content feeling that both of my girls are sleeping at my feet while I sleep or watch tv, I miss her following me all around the house (she was my shadow), I miss watching her and Gertie interact, I miss the sound of her collar jingling, I miss her little snout knudging my leg while I prepared her meals and medication. I just miss everything about her. She was my baby, my everything. She made me a better person. Its weird because some of the day to day tasks seem to be getting a little easier. Don't get me wrong...it still sucks! Coming home and not seeing her sucks, feeding only one dog sucks, etc. But I have tried to change some routines so that Gertie returns to happiness and that has helped a little. But it seems that I can not get my arms around the fact that is all final. That she will never be back, I'll never get to hug her again or feel her soft fur. My mind keeps playing stupid tricks on me...when the vet called today to tell me that her ashes were back, I had a glimmer of excitement thinking "my Gypsy is coming home today and everything is going to be back to normal". Kind of like she has been away for surgury and is being released from the hospital. Does anyone else have these feelings? She was my baby and wish she was coming home. P.S. Please excuse my spelling - its horrible and I do see a spell check on here.