Let's not forget what really counts

[dog_lover]

I have just come from taking my aging infirmed shepard-mix to the vet.  I wasn't sure it was her time yet but it was. When I got home, eyes almost closed from balling I took a final walk on our favorite walk. While walking I gave a lot of thought to the last couple of years of my life, encompassing my wife's leaving, losing my job, losing my house, filing bankruptcy, depression, anxiety, motorcycle accident and yes, of course my new friend, Hep-C. Of course the one constant through this was my dog, Coco.  She was always there to greet me at the door with a sock in her mouth, squealing like a puppy when she saw "daddy." Life was simple for her.  A dry and warm place to sleep, an occasional outing, legalized begging, a regular meal and permission to use any piece of furniture she could wiggle up to.  Pretty simple. She was never concerned over viral loads, or side-effects of interferon, or genotypes or any of the other concerns we are so obsessed with. Naive? Yes. But I thank God for the lessons that wonderful friend taught to me. I hope when it's my turn I can be as classy as she was and I want to tell everyone how much I loved her. So my friends I hope you will take a moment and if you have a pet give it some lovin' and if you don't consider getting one and try to remember what counts in this world cause it's all condensed into some brown eyes I'll never gaze into again. Love you all.

[Kalio1]

So sorry to hear your Aunt is ailing. Is she on any new medications? I hope you get some answers soon. It is possible to pick up some illnesses through ticks or fleas. Maybe you could consult with another doctor, possibly a Hemotologist or a Geriatric specialist who could offer your family some help? It sounds like her doctor isn't very willing to find a solution. 83 isn't that old,  my father in law is 91 and still drives the car and plays golf every week and is as feisty as ever. I hope you are not feeling too bad from your Hep C, Scuba. Keep us posted on what you find out about your dear Aunt.
Good luck.

[dog_lover]

Thanks for letting me use this forum for a technically non-hep-c issue.  Sharing my grief has helped me put into perspective just how important Coco was to me and what a critical element she was to my life. My VA psychiatrist just called and talked with me for an hour, my sister must have told her what happened. Perhaps Coco dropped her a line.  Well, I guess I had better get out of bed and start to let this first day alone pass. It's useless to try but I just want to thank each of you for taking the time to pass along your support. I continue to wish the best to all of you and if you would each take just thirty seconds today and wish Coco a happy after-life it would mean the world to me.
Dog_Lover

[Forseegood]

Having lost my wonderful pit bull of 11 years, Sweetie, (about 8 months ago I guess) I know what you're going though...but like Chev said, the initial greiving will finally be replaced by smiles whenever you think of her, those memories will be a comfort to you if you have to withstand something unpleasant, or pleasant...

I finally went out to an adoption outfit and fell in love with my present doggie, Petunia! A little runt pit bull who is all white with little brown spots, with personality plus!...It was love at first sight...as corny as it sounds, I like to think that Sweetie brought her to me...grace to you in your period of loss...remember, one day, you'll be looking back on these problems as just another part of your life...

[Oreos]

I'm so sorry to hear about Coco!  As a fellow dog lover, they're not just dogs but members of the family.  We treat them like children and love them for the joy they bring.  When I get home from work each day, there's my silly Ridgeback there to greet me with a huge smile and a coffee table clearing tail wag. It's very important for her to select a toy from the toy box and prance around the house with it, finally depositing it in the dining room.  She only has about 12 toys in her basket (she's NOT spoiled, LOL).  This routine goes on about 20 mins.        

SIGH....Dogs are such wonderful family members and it hurts so much when they go.  I had a Queensland Heeler for 15 years and it was a crushing blow when he passed.  He was my buddy and never left my side.  Someday, when the time feels right, there's a buddy out there who is waiting for you.  None can replace Coco, but you will always have a piece of her with you in your heart.  Dogs love you no matter what.  

Gail

[Mister beagle bailey]

I already did wish Coco a happy after - life and a prayer for you to get through this.

Beagle

[worrywartwife]

I am so sorry. We lost 2 of our beloved dogs in 2004. We now have 4-we did not mean to have so many, they just all needed homes and we ended up with them. They are our little friends. When it is time, I am sure you will remember dear coco,  and how many dogs are destroyed daily merely because there is no one to take them home, and find the courage to care for another dog. This may seem silly, but we have always felt our dearly loved dogs who died sent new "needy" dogs to us from doggy heaven to comfort us in our loss. Best wishes, JoAnn