Nice cheery post for around the holidays, right? Sadly we just lost our beloved golden retriever a few days ago. It was completely unexpected. He developed a rare and fatal cancer. He was diagnosed and three hours later he was gone. We were shocked. The day before we had taken him for a walk, and he had seemed fine.
While we were relieved that at least it was quick, we are still devastated. And Thanksgiving is this week. Which brings me to the topic of my post. I'm writing this on behalf of other pet owners who have lost pets. I think that it can feel funny to admit how upset you are over pet loss much less how scared you are about the upcoming holidays. It's just a dog, right? Except it's not. It's a loved member of your family. It's someone that you see every single day. It's someone who loves you just for being you and is always happy to see you. You can't pick your relatives, but you can pick your pets.
As we were planning our Thanksgiving menu today, I realized how truly empty it's going to seem without Merlin. It's already too quiet here. There isn't going to be a special bowl fixed with turkey and stuffing this year. He won't be there to beg while we cook or just plain be underfoot. When the kids inevitably spill something on the floor we will have to clean it up instead of letting our furry friend feast on it.
Then there is Christmas. What do we do with his stocking? It's sad to get the catalogs of dog toys and realize that this year we won't be buying any for him. I found the Orvis Dog Catalog on the counter when I got home from the animal hospital. It was open to the senior dog bed I had planned on ordering for him. I don't have any advice to give except to say that I'm going through it too. We're trying to come up with some special way to honor Merlin this holiday season.
oh, I'm so sorry for your loss. A dog is NOT just a pet, they are part of our families.
The same thing happened to my parents' golden. Suddenly diagnosed with cancer and the next morning he was gone. Very sad.
Posted by: LifeAsIKnowIt | November 23, 2009 at 10:23 AM
Oh no! Not Merlin!
I am so sorry for your loss. All the things you described as being different without Merlin, the food on the floor, the dog bed, got me right in the heart. As the owner of two dogs who are heading into their golden years, this really hit home for me.
Please feel free to email me if you want someone to talk to! I'll be thinking of you and your family.
Posted by: Tania - Chicky Chicky Baby | November 23, 2009 at 11:09 AM
"You can't pick your relatives, but you can pick your pets."
So true. We picked our pet from a rescue, and we will be devastated when she is gone. I'm sorry for your loss.
Posted by: Binky | November 23, 2009 at 02:22 PM
I just found your blog from one of my other blogs. I have to say I know how hard it is. We put our dog down one year ago this october and I am still not really over it. I honestly wonder if I will ever be. I cried tons last christmas when his stocking and tree ornaments came out of the box. They are currently with is collar and favorite squeaky toy and his ashes that sit on my dresser (I just can't bear to bury him yet) I feel your pain, there are a lot of great books out there that I found helpful with my loss.
Posted by: Momma Hunt | November 24, 2009 at 01:38 PM
I'm so sorry for your loss. Pets are family. I well up thinking about losing my dog.
Posted by: Secret Mom Thoughts | November 24, 2009 at 08:42 PM
I am so sorry for your loss of Merlin. I too just lost my Emma, who just turned 14 Dec 13th. She died of a massive seisure on December 23. It's difficult to lose a furry child any time of the year, but especially hard at the holidays and I feel for you. My Emma was so happy go lucky and was always there for me. You are not alone in your grieving and I send my thoughts and prayers to you as well. Merlin and Emma are at peace and they I am positive they know we will always love them very much.
Posted by: EmmasMom | December 25, 2009 at 09:20 PM