I had to say goodbye to my Abby

[Therese]

It's been a tough few days. Yesterday my brother and I had to say goodbye to our Mom's dog, Abby. She was 15 1/2 and has been with me since Mom passed away in Sept, 2005. I lived with Mom when we brought her home so she was definitely part of the family and I loved her dearly. Losing her is doubly hard because she was Mom's dog...it's a bit like having to say goodbye to Mom again too.

There's a picture of her on my blog at PetsitUSA.com if you're interested.

[karatemom2]

So sorry about your loss.  It is indeed very hard.  I said goodbye to Amber in April (she was 19 and I had her since she was about 5 months old).  Near the end, it was almost a daily goodbye as we approached the actual day.  I could slowly see her advancing age and decline in health steal her away from me bit by bit.  Yes, this part of owning a pet sucks.  But it doesn't seem to stop me.  I'm like a moth to the light and I keep going back for more.  It's what we pet lovers do.

My condolences for the loss of your mom too.  Having Abby was like keeping a part of your mom with you, I am sure.  So yes, you are saying good bye to your mom again.  Twice the sorrow.  Hugs.

[jenny]

So sorry for your losses!

Jenny

[Davis]

Oh Therese, I'm so very sorry to hear about your loss of Abby, and of your mother.  These things are such a difficult part of life.  My thoughts are with you.  I honored Abby as "pet of the day" in the Miscellaneous Pet Topics forum, and now she is gone .  How terribly sad.   

[Therese]

Thanks to all of you for your kind words. Only other pet lovers are able to fully understand the pain of losing a pet. Like most of you, cats and dogs aren't just pets to me...they're family members. My brother and I lost a very dear family member when Abby left us. But, she's with our Mom now - she never really stopped grieving for her so knowing they're together is comforting.

Thank you!

[Mary K]

I can not say that I know exactly what Therese and Karatemom2 are going through, because when the pain of losing a pet hits, it is always worse when it happens to us. It just is! But I can remember when I lost my 18 year old Binky Cat. She was all I had left and we spent every minute together when I was home. The most terrible ache I ever felt came when I saw her slipping away. Then there was this gaping hole in my life, mind and heart for several days; you just sort of go numb. When I came out of it I was still missing her, but knew I had done all I could to make her life happy. A friend said "You were her best friend and there for her throughout her whole life" and that helped. Knowing you did your best helps! Therese, let us know how you are doing each day.   

[Therese]

Hi Mary,

Your description is pretty right on! I definitely feel an emptiness, but a dream I had last night seemed to help. In it, I saw Abby...younger, healthier, and more energetic than she has been in a long time. She had the spark in her eyes and happy face that she lost when we lost Mom.  After Mom passed, Abby went downhill more than I'd realized until I saw her in my dream. It was amazing the difference between how she was 2 weeks ago and in my dream. She has to be happier now. I know she and Mom are together, and after all, that's really where Abby wanted to be...by Mom's side.

[Davis]

Therese, that is really inspiring.  I've had similar dreams, so I know exactly what you are talking about.  I'm glad it brought you some comfort.  It's just horrible to watch our pets deteriorate from the happy, healthy animals they once were.   

[Geff]

I've lost 2 long term kitties. Moocher was 18, the other, P.P. was with me 11 years; her age was unknown. It was as bad as when I lost my mother. Sylvester just turned 11, & has been with me for just under 10 of those 11 years. I can't imagine losing him. I so wish cats had longer life spans, like Parrots.

[mgt818]

Therese
I am so sorry to hear about your loss.  I have been out for about 2 weeks now and am just now trying to catch up on the posts.  I am sorry you lost your little Abby!  I know the pain of loosing a pet, I like all of us here, I consider my pets as  family members too, I don't have human children so my fur babies are my children.  I know that no words can quite console you I wish that our little babies could live longer, I would give my own life for my dogs...  I know that little Abby is watching down upon you right beside your Mom's side! 

[Therese]

Thank you, mgt. I'm doing better, although it's still tough. Honestly, that dream I mentioned in an earlier post has eased the pain quite a bit.

I don't have human children so my fur babies are my children

I've said the same thing many times...they truly are my kids!