DOGS DON'T HAVE SOULS, DO THEY?

[rem55555]

While putting up a portrait of Dylan, my old dog Apollo, and myself, I happen to come across this article written by Chuck Wells called, "Dogs Don't have Souls, Do They?" i cut it out of the newspaper over 12 years ago, right when Dylan came into my life. It brought tears to my eyes the first time I read it and again tonight. It could have been written by anyone of us who lost their best friend.

DOGS DON'T HAVE SOULS, DO THEY?

I remember bringing you home. You were so small and cuddly with your s and soft fur.
You bounced around the room with eyes flapping and ears flopping. Once in a while, you'd let out a little yelp, just to let me know this was your territory.
Making a mess of the house and chewing on everything on sight became a passion, and when I scolded you, you just put your head down and looked at me with those innocent eyes, as if to say, "I'm sorry, but I'll do it again as soon as you're not watching."
As you got older, you protected me by looking out the window and barking at everyone who walked by.
When I had a tough day at work, you would be waiting for me with your tail wagging just to say, "Welcome home, I missed you." You never had a bad day and I could always count on you to be there for me.
When I sat down to read the paper and watch TV, you would hop on my lap, looking for attention. You never asked for anything more than to have me pat your head so you could go to sleep with your head over my leg.
As you got older, you moved around more slowly. Then, one day, old age finally took its toll, and you couldn't stand on those wobbly legs anymore. I knelt down and patted you lying there, trying to make you young again. You just looked up to me as if to say you were old and tired and that after all these years of not asking for anything, you had to ask me for one last favor.
With tears in my eyes, I drove you one last time to the vet. One last time, you were lying next to me.
For some strange reason, you were able to stand up in the animal hospital; perhaps it was your sense of pride.
As the vet led you away, you stopped for an instant, turned your head, and looked at me as if to say, "Thank you for taking care of me." I thought, no, thank you for taking care of me.

[mybaby]

Thats beautiful. I'd add one thought tho. Don't let anyone take your baby away from you to be put to sleep- stay with them, hold them, calm and love them one last time. I'd hate to think my baby's last sight was anyone other than me. I wanted him to know I was there and he was in my arms . paw

[hunter's mom]

I can't stop crying right now. That was beautiful. I agree mybaby.

[SoulCatcher]

Brings tears to my eyes too. The lady would not let me go back with my T'Chen when she was put down. T'Chen did look back at me. I'm sure she knew I was crying and hurting so bad inside..she was tired though and they said that as soon as the needle hit her arm she laid down and was fast asleep. I think she held on as long as she could. I honestly don't know if I could have been there when her soul rose up. Its still such a painful memory of her being gone. We all do whats best for them rather we are there when they pass or not. I know they have souls because her's touched mine.

[hunter's mom]

She certainly did know you were hurting and crying inside as I am sure she was, but as the poem says she was looking back and thanking you for all the love and care you gave her and knew she was the luckiest dog to have known you and been part of your life .When the time comes I hope that I can be as strong as you.

[Jo Ellen]

MyBaby, I'm the same as you. You couldn't keep me from her. My concern is that I won't be able to let her go afterwards. So hard to think about.

Is it okay, do you think, to cry? I don't think I will be able to hold back my tears but at the same time, I wouldn't want her to think that I was unhappy or that I wasn't going to be okay -- even though I won't be, it's just that she doesn't really need to feel that at the time, you know?

[hunter's mom]

I think dogs know every emotion you are feeling, I know mine does. I think as much as you don't want them to know how sad or hurt you are they know and you can't hide that from them. :) I think every Golden owner will agree that when you are sad who is the first one beside you ... your golden. :dogbark

[Karen and Katie]

I agree with you that I could never let them take my Katie from me. When the time comes, I would definitely insist on being with her. She loves and depends on me and I on her. Painful as it will be, I want to be with her and hold her at the end. Its so hard to think that we will all lose our Golden friends. Katie is only 10 months old, but I do think about this stuff from time to time. I guess you have to "seize the moment", live each day to the fullest, and most importantly, give your dog the very best life that you can.

Karen

[maine-girl]

I have had the pain of having a beloved cat and a 19 year old schnoodle euthanized. I felt from the beginning that my family needed to be there. They were a part of the family and as a family we all went to the vet when they were put to "sleep". It was a tough time, but it was something that we did. The thing that bothered me the most this summer with out beloved cat....... While we are holding the cat waiting for the vet to come in with the shot and sobbing, the office worker comes and asks how we want to pay for this. I find the insensitivity of some people during these moments unbelievable. I guess this is different depending on the vet you go to.... but there should be some compassion during the time you are there.

[rem55555]

The thing that bothered me the most this summer with out beloved cat....... While we are holding the cat waiting for the vet to come in with the shot and sobbing, the office worker comes and asks how we want to pay for this. I find the insensitivity of some people during these moments unbelievable. I guess this is different depending on the vet you go to.... but there should be some compassion during the time you are there.

Dylan was at the vet when he passed away. When I arrived at the vets office, the vet explained to me what happened and allowed me to spend as much time alone with Dylan as I wanted. Afterwards I told the vet I would like Dylan cremated and i wanted the ashes. Not once while I was at the vets office did the subject of Dylan's bill come up. When I went to pick up Dylan's ashes a week and a half later, I also wanted to discuss Dylan's bill which came to around $500 including the bill for cremation. Since the office manager was gone for the day so I made arrangements to see her when she was due back in her office. The veternarian staff was so kind. Not only did they tell me that they weren't worried about what i owed them, they let me take Dylan's ashes home with me without putting down any type of down payment. When I met with the office manager, she allowed me to make $100.00 per month payments, all I could afford. Because of their kindness and understanding, I will always be eternally grateful toward them.

[rem55555]

Thats beautiful. I'd add one thought tho. Don't let anyone take your baby away from you to be put to sleep- stay with them, hold them, calm and love them one last time. I'd hate to think my baby's last sight was anyone other than me. I wanted him to know I was there and he was in my arms . paw


mybaby!

You are so right. When I had to put my first dog Apollo to sleep, I held her paw to the very end. Since she hated going the vet's office and shook with fear everytime I brought her there, it was important to me that Apollo's last memory not being at the vet's office. So before I took Apollo to the vet, I gave her a sleeping pill I got from the veternarian. So Apollo's last memory was being at home, surrounded by the family she loved.

[elmac]

That story was truly beautiful but I agree that if possible you should be with your pet if at all possible. Some of you will know that my beloved Corrie passed away at the end of January and although it was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life I stayed with her just because I couldn't bear to think of her alone with strangers in her last moments. It broke my heart and I am still heartbroken about losing her but I am strangely comforted to know that at least I was able to comfort her in her last moments.
Linda

[spindog]

Tears & more tears! That is so touching.

I went in w/ our bassette. It was the most difficult thing I had ever done. I did hold Misty in my arms, crying & telling her I loved her and thanking her for being such a great girl for me & the children. The children intended on being in there as well but they both ran out to the car crying and saying sorry we cannot do it. I understood how they felt but I had to be strong and go in with her ....... someone had to be with her. I still find it hard to go to the vet w/ Spinner. I always seem to have flashbacks when I look toward the other room. I just have to remind myself that her pain was overwhelming & her illness had finally taken over and the medication could no longer help. We did all we could do.