(no subject)

[blue_lotus13]

I had banked up time from the weekend, so my boss gave me the rest of the day off. Thank god, because I can't talk about the dog or my parents without starting to tear up. The whole thing is sad but I feel really badly for my father. We have had three dogs now, and this was his favourite little buddy. They spent a lot of time together since Dad is now retired. Both our previous dogs, MacDuff and Angus, lived to be very old (12 and 17). It was sad for us to have to deal with their deaths, but they both had long healthy lives and we knew their deaths were coming long before the day actually came. McGregor's death has been a big shock to our family. I am sad thinking about how lonely my parents are going to be. My dad likes to go on trips, and the dogs have always kept my mom company while he goes away. Similarly, Dad was really enjoying McGregor's company at home.

My dad is very, very upset. When he got home from the vet, he spent all of yesterday holding McGregor, who was too sick to eat or play. When Mom got home from work, he told her the news. Mom said that he cried when he told her. My parents have been married 36 years and my mom has seen my father cry less than 10 times. (I can think of 3 times that I know of).

I know that at some point, I must have my own dog. I have only had 4 years in my life when we did not have a family dog. Our dogs have always been very loved and have loved us in return. The unconditional love that an animal can give you is unparallelled. All four of us have stories about the love and good times that we have had with each of our dogs. When I am writing at home, I find that having a dog keeps me sane. There is someone there who loves me unconditionally, who doesn't care if I write crap, and who makes me get outside myself and my house.

I don't know if my parents will get another dog for a long time. I know that my dad is going to be very upset for a while. But my mom and I both said that not having a dog would be really strange and would feel really lonely.

Comments

[kelly-yoyo.livejournal.com]

There is no better cure for pet grief than getting a new pet. That said, I cried a few tears last night for our old cat, who died almost five years ago. They're part of ourselves, there's no forgetting them.

[sadie6.livejournal.com]

I agree, putting off getting a new pet only makes it harder and harder. Our very beloved dog died in March and my parents have a new puppy on the way, arriving next month. The house was just too quiet and too empty, it felt so wrong (especially since there are no kids left at home either).

I feel so heartbroken for you and your parents, please know that I am thinking about all of you.

[lueread.livejournal.com]

I'm one of those people who have never really owned a pet. However, I do recognize that they become part of a family. We can never replace a family member, but, I'm sure there's another dog out there who would benefit from becoming a new addition to your family.

[zocalo.livejournal.com]

I'm very sorry to hear about the dog. Strangely, a friend's dog passed away on Friday after a lot of medical ailments (old age too). The dog basically waited until my friend got home from work then started labored breathing and died in about 30min. He was waiting for my friend to come home! So so sad! In our own home, we've also had a dog hit by a car and limped home to die within about 10min in our kitchen. Absolutely devastating and everyone was bawling. I hope your parents are well. Dogs are amazing friends and particularly for seniors!

[anmeikitty.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry to hear about McGregor's situation. My thoughts are with you and your family.

I totally agree with you on how important and life-enhancing having a dog can be. I really do hope that your parents feel comfortable getting another dog sometime in the near future. I used to think it was kind of insulting when people would suggest getting a new dog right after an old one had passed. Then my dog Bootie died in 2001. For the next few years the loss really affected me and I would cry about her sometimes. Lilou totally filled that hole in my heart. I still think of Bootie, but I'm done crying. Lilou just reminds me of how lucky I am to find another dog who is so completely loving and perfect for me, just like Bootie was.

[oyvavoy.livejournal.com]

i'm so sorry to hear about McGregor... hope you are feeling better today than when you wrote this post...