• @gerilyn818 Hello Gerilyn. Is that Faith I see with you? Two beauties. I am sorry if you and Faith have parted and wonder how you are doing? Okay? Not so good? We are here for you, and understand. Thank you for becoming a part of our loving community, and let us know how you are, and how we can best be here for you. Sending HUGS…Toni

    • Hi Toni. Yes, that is Faith you see. Thanks for the compliment. Although I cannot take credit for Faith’s beauty .. she always received compliments. Her breeder held onto to her a little longer, hoping to show Faith but Faith was not interested in beauty pageants lol.
      It will be four weeks tomorrow that she passed and I have regrets and feel guilty about having her euthanized. She would have still been here hadn’t I made the call. It seems everything reminds me of her. I can still smell the top of her warm furry head. I fall asleep with tears looking at her picture. Faith was euthanized at home and so the place she took her last breath is a constant reminder. I quietly tear up at the supermarket when I see her favorite snacks .. both dog and human. She loved Honey Nut Cheerios .. our nightly shared snack and a shared English muffin in the morning.
      I have a Lab and I feel bad for him. I know he misses her too.
      I’ve had several dogs that I loved that passed and I cried and was very sad but nothing like I’m going through with Faith. She was my favorite .. we had a different bond.
      I’m thinking about getting a puppy (same breed) but I have mixed emotions. I feel like I don’t deserve to care for another because I failed Faith.
      Thanks for listening and for your concern .. Gerilyn
        • Dear Gerilyn, you must still be very sad, it hasn’t been very long, and who knows when those tricky triggers like seeing a favorite food or toy will bring you to your knees. Ah yes, the guilt and personal reprimands for “failing” our beloveds – that’s understandable, yet you know the angst and deliberation that went into making the decision to let Faith pass in peace was solely for her benefit, and for which I know she was grateful to you. That is truly a selfless, generous, caring and loving decision, and saying goodbye in the comfort of home with her loved ones was all with her best interest in your heart. Please, HOW did you ‘fail’ Faith? It seems you extended the ultimate gift – anything but a ‘fail’. I hope you will allow yourself the same kindness you showed her. We certainly do. We DO have special bonds with the pets, and people, in our lives. In her book, Griffin’s Heart, Reagan talks about her special bond with Griffin even while she had, and continues to have other loving pets she adores. I’ve had special bonds with different pets over my life, too. Bringing a new pet into your home won’t diminish what you had with Faith, nor will it replace your special bond. But, it does give you and the new pet a chance to form your own relationship. You’ll know if and when the time is right for that. It may be just the thing to cheer up your other pup, and can’t help but brighten your days, too. Gerilyn, you are a kind person and I hope you allow yourself to grieve, and enjoy the wonderful memories you and Faith created. We’re here for you and I hope we hear from you again soon. Sending you big HUGS…..
      • @jojo221 Hello Josephine. Welcome to our caring community of pet, and animal, lovers. Please share your stories of your life with your pets, and let us know how you are doing, Okay, I hope?

      • August 26th – tomorrow – is National Dog Day! Celebrate by sharing your photos with us 🙂

      • Toni Noel posted a new activity comment 4 years, 12 months ago

        Years ago, my 19 year old was failing and I took her to a hospital on a Friday night (this was before in-home euthanasia was available) and told them it was time. They said she just needed antibiotics. Well, I still resent that poor little Squirt had to live that last week – she was miserable, suffering, and it wasn’t in her best interest to keep going. Exactly one week later she was bleeding from every orifice, her heart was jumping out of her chest, and I took her to her own vet and gave her relief from her suffering. She probably knew, and I am certain she was grateful. We are the ones left behind to grieve the loss but I truly believe they think we’re being silly and want us to be happy for the lives we shared. Which we will be once we move through the pain and indeed, heartbreak of parting. She’s probably letting you know it’s okay and trying to comfort, and thank you. We’ll be here.
        • Toni Noel posted a new activity comment 4 years, 12 months ago

          Sandra, Mandy is adorable. That face – those ears :-)……I hope you’ll share pictures with us as she grows, and ‘gets into things’!
          • Toni Noel posted a new activity comment 4 years, 12 months ago

            Dianne, How are you? How is your girl? Are you taking her this week, or will you say goodbye at home? We’re here, Dianne. Please know in your heart this is for HER, not you – a generous kindness and an act of love. HUGS HUGS HUGS
              • I am heartbroken for the decision I have to make,and I wonder if she knows because she keeps putting her face into mine,something she’s never done before.Her appointment is on the 7th of September.I have to do this.This is heartbreaking.Thank you for asking Toni.
                  • Years ago, my 19 year old was failing and I took her to a hospital on a Friday night (this was before in-home euthanasia was available) and told them it was time. They said she just needed antibiotics. Well, I still resent that poor little Squirt had to live that last week – she was miserable, suffering, and it wasn’t in her best interest to keep going. Exactly one week later she was bleeding from every orifice, her heart was jumping out of her chest, and I took her to her own vet and gave her relief from her suffering. She probably knew, and I am certain she was grateful. We are the ones left behind to grieve the loss but I truly believe they think we’re being silly and want us to be happy for the lives we shared. Which we will be once we move through the pain and indeed, heartbreak of parting. She’s probably letting you know it’s okay and trying to comfort, and thank you. We’ll be here.
                • Toni Noel posted a new activity comment 4 years, 12 months ago

                  Donna, it’s so nice to hear from you. How is your back? Hobbes, Tipper, Duffy – all your loves… do you have any others now?
                  • Toni Noel posted a new activity comment 4 years, 12 months ago

                    Four weeks?! Wow, that’s young. Will you tell us about how you met Mandy? Of course no one will ‘replace’ Mindy. Nor should they. But how generous and kind of you to open your home and heart to a new love – Mandy. That’s so wonderful for you both. Mindy will always be your love, and I hope you have smiles when you think of her. We’d love to see them both – Mindy, and Mandy, and hope you will share your growing up with Mandy with us 🙂
                    • Toni Noel posted a new activity comment 4 years, 12 months ago

                      Oh gawd, Lori – how powerful to have so much big loss in a short period, or any amount of time. I am so sorry to hear this. How are you holding up?
                      • @bpadgett Hi Beth. I am so sorry for your loss of Diesel. How are you doing? Will you tell us about Diesel and your lives together? Maybe share some pictures?

                      • Toni Noel posted a new activity comment 5 years ago

                        Susan, THANK YOU for this list of Pet Preparedness. It especially pleases me because we offer Pet Power of Attorney and Pet Trusts through our relationship with our friends at Gentreo, with a discount. We ALL need to prepare for our pets’ care, not just in times of imminent emergencies and storms, but if something happens to us and we can’t provide care for them. Thank you so much for your wonderful posts. Keep ’em coming 🙂
                        • Toni Noel posted a new activity comment 5 years ago

                          Dianne, I wouldn’t mention this but think it may help you: My mother had ALS and desperately wanted relief from it. Human euthanasia was not legal so my sister and I couldn’t help ease her way and grant her a peaceful exit, for which she would have been grateful. So no, if anything, your selflessness is a gift to your girl, for which she will be grateful, and will always love you.
                          • Toni Noel posted a new activity comment 5 years ago

                            Maria, I am glad you got your pictures up. (It’s the camera icon on the bottom left of the “What’s New” box). I don’t know what ‘double paws’ are – will you tell us, please? What handsome boys. They look very happy in the photos. I am sorry for your parting from Moulin. . How is Maxwell dealing with this? Let us know how you are doing.
                              • Moulin had ‘thumbs’ … Maxwell is doing ok but I’m sure he misses his big brother. When it first happened, Max looked for Mou for a week or do after, but seems to have gotten on with life. I miss Mou every single day he’s gone. Thank you for the care and concern you show us all.
                                  • I’m glad to hear Maxwell is adapting. I think animals understand and accept the naturalness of the end of life better than we do – but how can we know? Our pets are our babies, dependent on us for support in many ways, and we upon them for their love and friendship and overall cuteness, so when we part, it really leaves a hole not only in our hearts, but our everyday lives – do you think? Maria, are you finding smiles more often now when you think of Moulin? May I ask how he got his name? It’s very cool. And Thank You for being a caring part of our community. If you read some posts that move you to share your support, I hope you will – it’s why we are here 🙂
                                • Toni Noel posted a new activity comment 5 years ago

                                  Reagan says it beautifully. The decision to do what’s best for her is the ultimate act of kindness and generosity, even while it breaks your own heart. It sounds as if she is choosing not to eat – a sign that her system is shutting down, just as in humans. If that was not the case, I’d send you to our friends at http://www.waggle.org to seek financial support. They help pay vet bills when needed. But it seems like your baby is ready to go. What a loving, long life you shared – we can’t ask for, or offer more. You are loving and caring, Dianne. We’re here for you to let us know how you are. HUGS, HUGS, HUGS
                                    • She actually looks anorexic.Her food dish is full.I have had her since she was a 7 week ball of fluff.She isn’t wanting to eat.I have tried my best to adjust her foods.Still no interest.So yes,I have to do what’s best.I just worry that she won’t hate me for what I am going to do.
                                        • Dianne, I wouldn’t mention this but think it may help you: My mother had ALS and desperately wanted relief from it. Human euthanasia was not legal so my sister and I couldn’t help ease her way and grant her a peaceful exit, for which she would have been grateful. So no, if anything, your selflessness is a gift to your girl, for which she will be grateful, and will always love you.
                                      • Toni Noel posted a new activity comment 5 years ago

                                        Thank you for this inspiring and uplifting message, Susan 🙂
                                        • Toni Noel posted an update 5 years ago

                                          @mariac Hello Maria. Welcome to our caring community. Please tell us about your pets, and share some photos if you like.

                                          • Maria replied 5 years ago
                                            Moulin is my angel kitty. He’s a fluffy orange kitty with double paws in front…he headed over the rainbow bridge January 8 of this year…😭…Maxwell is the little brother he left behind…Max is a brown tabby, I think, with gray and black tiger striping. I will post pics as soon as I can figure out how.
                                          • Toni Noel posted a new activity comment 5 years ago

                                            Hi Cheryl. It is so good to hear from you, and with such good news :-). You were right to allow yourself as much time as you needed to grieve, and do you find you are smiling with Maddie’s memories now?
                                            How wonderful of you to welcome darling Luna into your home and heart. Is that her little tongue I see? So cute. I think others will benefit from your story and I hope feel encouraged that they too will eventually emerge from the darkness of grief, and be able to love again, all in their own time. Please share some stories of your adventures with Luna, and thank you for keeping us posted. Hugs to you both!
                                            • Toni Noel posted a new activity comment 5 years ago

                                              Reagan, thank you for sharing your story with Terrilynn and all of us, and for writing your healing book with a “journaling” component that really helps express and get out the underlying feelings that can help us heal. Your kind words are always welcome.
                                              • Toni Noel posted an update 5 years ago

                                                @lmiller1060 Hello Linda, and welcome to our caring community of pet lovers. I am sorry for your parting from Ginger. Are you doing okay? Would you like to tell us about Ginger, share your stories and photos with us? We would like to hear from you and are here to support you, and share in your joys.

                                              • Toni Noel posted a new activity comment 5 years ago

                                                Okay Cindy, Ace is one of the cutest little guys ever. 🙂 How happy! Thank you for sharing such a delightful picture. You must let us share his growing up adventures, will you please? He’s tooooo adorable!
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