:( :( July 3 -Lost Our Dog Shadow To Tumor. Now Big MT Space In Our Home And Hearts.

[TheMastersNemesis]

After exploratory surgery we had to decide to let our dear dog Shadow go. She was 12 1/2 and we had hoped she would be around a couple of years more. She was one of the constant and joyous anchors in an otherwise crappy world and country these days. Her last months were difficult yet she never showed signs of pain and suffering even though this cancer was robbing her of the ability to get food through her system. A growing digestive blockage slowly denied complete sustenance of the food she ate. Her balkiness about food was not being difficult, it was the undetected disease that was growing.

It will take a long time to adjust but we will adjust even though we will feel the emptiness of losing such a loving and trusting companion who loved chasing squirrels and rabbits. Like Wile E Coyote chasing the road runner she was never successful. She only had one success in 11 years. Just say rabbit or squirrel and she was on the run even to the last when she was probably feeling crappy herself.

She was a lucky dog in that she had free run of the house and back years garden, never dug, never chewed and never created any messes unless accidental. Being retired someone was with her 90% of the time despite occasional trips out of town and errands. She could be left in the house under neighbor's care when we war out of town with not a single problem. She had a large vocabulary and if you said the word she understood immediately. We protected her in every way except for the disease that took her. No one on this earth could do that.

So we say a sad good by to a dear friend and close yet another chapter in our life and start a new one. It was difficult when I recently lost my left foot to a staph infection but somehow this loss seems worse. At least I can eventually move on and live my life with my "bionic leg". My loss is not the final chapter in my life but a different beginning. Shadows loss was not.

So farewell to our Shadow whose great joy to us over 11 years is much more than our sadness at this time.

ADDENDUM.

Shadow I see you on a lonely road looking back with a setting sun behind you. Then you turn and walk into that setting light and disappear to places unknown.

[xchrom]

1. May Peace be with you and your family at this difficult time.

you sound like me -- Shadow was family -- and the loss of family is difficult.

[femmocrat]

2. My deepest sympathy for your loss, MastersNemesis.

She sounds like a wonderful friend.

We have an elderly dog with cancer also.... everyday with him is a gift now.

[alsame]

3. RIP over the

Rainbow Bridge, Shadow. You were a very good girl

My deepest sympathy to you and all who loved her

[hlthe2b]

4. I try to read posts such as yours even though it opens back up a mighty big hole in my heart as well

I cried for my beloved Tallulah, throughout the 4 mile daily walks that somehow got me through. Like your dog, she was stoic beyond belief despite struggling with cancer.

Circumstances interrupted my 18 month period of mourning and a sweet little aussie/border collie came my way--totally by serendipity.... I'd like to think my lost girl had somehow sent the new one my way. That's the thing with love--it can truly expand to embrace a new focus for those feelings--even while you will never forget those you've lost.

May peace come your way and good memories fill the hole in your heart. Believe me, I understand.

[Frustratedlady]

5. I think their unwavering loyalty is what tears us up the most.

I swear, you could beat a dog, but they would still be loyal and forgiving. When we have to help them over the "bridge" we feel like we have broken that loyalty bond, yet we have done them a favor.

May your pain of loss ease over time. She truly isn't far away.

[liberalmuse]

6. I'm so very sorry.

It is very difficult losing a beloved pet. It's like losing part of your aura, because they're always there sharing it with you. It does take a long time to adjust, but if you have others around you who loved her, that you can remember her and share your sadness with, it helps so much!

[shenmue]

7. I am sorry

My little spaniel mix Keisha floated off to Dog Heaven last year. My first July 4th without her. I missed her running into the bedroom to get away from the sounds outside.

[Are_grits_groceries]

8. Aw jeez.

I am really sorry! I do know how that feels. I wish there was more I could do.

[Warren Stupidity]

9. Sorry for the loss of a beloved family member.

There are plenty of good dogs in shelters that would love the kind of home you could give them.

[KatyaR]

10. I'm so sorry.

Our furry ones are so dear to us, I know how hard it is to let one go. Just remember that you gave her a wonderful life, and she gave you one as well.

[billh58]

11. Sincere condolences from

our family to yours...

[stage left]

12. I'm so sorry.

Rest in peace, Shadow.

[MissDeeds]

13. I am so sorry

I had hoped the tumor would be treatable. There are no words...it's a terrible loss. I've been there a few times myself.
You and your family are in my thoughts.

RIP Shadow

[longship]

14. It sounds like she had a wonderful life.

Take comfort in that.

It is sad to lose a pet after so many years. I remember the passing of my cat a couple years ago. Being an inside/outside cat, she wandered off one day and I never saw her again. She hadn't been eating well for some weeks. She never complained or had any other outward signs but I could tell that she wasn't well. I was considering taking her to the vet (always traumatic for her -- she hated car rides) when she just up and disappeared. It's hard to get closure that way.

My best wishes.

[onecaliberal]

15. I'm so sorry for your loss.

[jtuck004]

16. I read that dogs live such short lives as an example to live it while we got it.

I think they have a much better handle on what is important.

From my experience there is nothing anyone can say right now to help, but in a while things will become more manageable, and what you will remember are those good time.

Fwiw, if it gets really hard, go find a shelter where they will let you take a dog that someone else has abandoned out on a leash, and just explain it to him or her, and in the process you give them a little respite from shelter life. Dogs have an unending capacity to take pain from you and make it go away, just by the act of you petting them. So it's a good trade. (It's hard to do, and even a little painful when you are first with them, but it will begin to get better).

I'm really glad Shadow got to be with y'all for those years.

[freshwest]

17. You're made of tough stuff, TMN, but it's been a very rough year for you. I know this hurts a lot.

The year my father died, there was not a soul to talk to about it; had to just 'carry on.' When his cat was killed months later, the dam broke and finally the tears flowed. 'It was the end of an era,' the family said.

Just a few thoughts here, don't know if any of this applies to your beliefs, but my heart wants to reach out, as you have a very caring one yourself.



I STOOD BY YOUR BED LAST NIGHT

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.


I could see that you were crying, You found it hard to sleep.


I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,


“It’s me, I haven’t left you, I’m well, I’m fine, I’m here.”


I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,


You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.


I was with you at the shops today, Your arms were getting sore.


I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.


I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care.


I want to re-assure you, that I’m not lying there.


I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.


I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said ” it’s me.”


You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.


I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.


It’s possible for me, to be so near you everyday.


To say to you with certainty, “I never went away.”


You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew…


In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.


The day is over… I smile and watch you yawning
 and say “good-night, God bless, I’ll see you in the morning.”


And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,


I’ll rush across to greet you and we’ll stand, side by side.


I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.


Be patient, live your journey out… then come home to be with me.

~ Author Unknown


http://romprescue.com/2014/01/poems-loss-pet/

That applies to more than a pet...

[MFM008]

23. beautiful

[mcar]

18. So sorry for your loss

Shadow sounds like she was a wonderful dog. You were lucky to have her and she was lucky to have you.

[KT2000]

19. I'm so sorry -

Beautifully written eulogy - she indeed was a lucky one to have you. Peace to you and RIP Shadow.

[etherealtruth]

20. So sorry

I still mourn the death of my beloved Moses (he enriched my life from the time I was 12 until I was 25) ... Your post reminded to (not that I really needed reminding) to nuzzle the head of my dear "little" Serenity (a pit bull rescue who entered my life a year ago).

[Tikki]

21. Oh, I am so sorry...it is an empty space for sure, but your heart is still full of the love

that sweet Shadow gave to you all unconditionally.

Hugs to TheMasterNemesis family...


Tikki

[Greybnk48]

22. I'm so sorry.

Thinking of you and your family.

[roguevalley]

24. am so sorry. i see my five dachshunds who passed at 18 sitting on a porch waiting for me to come

Home. Take care. Your baby is near, faithful as ever.

[roody]

25. So sorry. I know that pain.

[Triana]

26. I'm so sorry for your loss.

You did the right thing on her behalf and surely her spirit knows that. Take care of yourself.

[8 track mind]

27. i am so sorry for your loss

I just lost mine, i know the feeling