Tyler

[slvrwhispr]

Well... we've been going back and forth for the last two years on how we would know when it was Tyler's time. Yesterday, my dad patted him on the rump (not even hard) to get him to go in the house, and Tyler spun around and chomped on my dad's hand... and when my dad tried to calm him down, he bit again. This dog has NEVER bit before, he WORSHIPS my dad, and seemed disoriented after the incident. And he's been incontinent for a while, with increasing frequency (he messes in the house at least once every other day now). Plus, he can barely lift his hind end on his own anymore; I frequently have to help him stand up. He's 16 years old... we, and the vet, all agree it's time. So, we're spending the rest of the week pampering the daylights out of our good pooch (and keeping him away from the baby...) and on Saturday, we'll all go together to the vet for the last time.

Just keep us in your thoughts/prayers for Saturday. I'm ready, but my mom is going to fall apart. It's going to be a hard day. And... I'm going to miss my puppy. I'll write about his life when I'm ready.

[momPaws]

am so sorry sw, I know what it's like :'(

[Traci]

Slvr, I'm so very very sorry. As small comfort as it is, you and mom and dad have given Tyler so much, a long, wonderful, loving life, he couldn't have asked for better.

I suspect the reason he bit dad was due to pain or uncertainty, not necessarily cognitive reasons. Whether in the hip area or internally, only the vet can say. But, hopefully dad understands and knows Tyler didn't do so intentionally.

You know that Tyler is in my thoughts and prayers, I can feel your pain as if it is my own, if it helps, love him, let him know you're there, let him know how much you love him, he KNOWS, Slvr. I so wish I could ease your heartache!

((((((HUGS))))))) for you, Tyler, mom and dad...

[slvrwhispr]

Oh, Dad knows. He's worked with dogs his whole life, so... he knows what's going on. Didn't even get mad at him or anything. Those two are best buds.

I just remember him getting so happy he'd almost jump the fence when I'd come home from college. He knew the sound of my car and would come barreling at me. He still smiles when he sees me come home, but he lost his hearing long ago, and hasn't been jumping for a while.

He is one incredibly loved and spoiled-rotten dog. No dog has ever lived a better life (though I'm sure many have lived equally). All of his people will be there 'til the end. It's the least we can do for the 16 wonderful years he gave us.

[E's]

Thank you, Silverwhisper, for your sensitive yet positive statement regarding this closing chapter in a beloved pet's life. You and your family are in my thoughts, and will be. Like MomPaws, I know what it's like...
Dot B
Austin, Texas

[Cleo]

My prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time.

[slvrwhispr]

Okay, dreamed last night that Emmy had come to get Tyler. NOW I'm a mess.

[Cleo]

OMG I know what that feels like! Shortly after my Simon passed, I dreamt he was here, hopped ontop of me while I was sleeping (in the dream) and when I told him I missed him so much, he literally said back "I'm okay Mom, you can stop crying".

And damn, now I'm crying again.

[Traci]

I know how painful this is, Slvr, I hope you can find some measure of comfort in that maybe Emmy was trying to give you peace. Doesn't it always seem that those we love the most, those closest to us, always make their way to us in our dreams? I don't care if it sounds silly. To me, it's like a delivery of a very important message, and it's comforting.

[k9Karen]

I'm so sorry slvr. This is without a doubt the hardest part of loving a furry one. We all know how you feel. Personally, I believe Emmy was actually there for you. I know one of mine was there for me after I had my brain surgery - I guess I'll never know which one, but I felt the warmth and the fur between my fingers. I absolutely believe Emmy was there to give you peace and to welcome Tyler to a better place for you and everyone who loved him.