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I lost Vesta this week-end...so sad.

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Posted 5/26/2009 5:27 PM (GMT 0)
Vesta is...was...our 18 year old Dalmation that we rescued after being found in a ditch with a litter of puppies.  She has been my comfort and joy through all my years of A/P and fibro.  We took her to the vet On Saturday after she hadn't eaten in four days and couldn't breathe.  She died in my husbands arms in the car, as the vet put her to sleep on her dog bed in our van, knowing how afraid she was of his office.

So many of us have lost our best friends.  They don't judge us, love us uncondtionally and never expect anything in return.  They kiss away our tears and never lecture us on how we bring so much of our own pain on ourselves.  I have slept with her since we got her and  the night which was once gave me comfort is a dark hole of emptiness.

Our pets are not 'just animals'.  They are extensions of ourselves.  I pray there is a place for them in heaven.

Owie, deep in my broken heart.

Donna

Posted 5/26/2009 5:34 PM (GMT 0)
Donna, I am so sorry about Vesta. I know how it feels to lose a furry best friend they are protectors, support systems, companions, and real family members. There is definetly a place for her in heaven. I'm sending hugs your way and I hope you feel better. Also I noticed that part of your screen name is her name , I think that's so sweet that's where "butter" came from in my screen name- my cat butter- I miss him too.

Nelle
Posted 5/26/2009 9:14 PM (GMT 0)
Gosh I'm so sorry for your loss. It is very hard to lose a companion, loved one.
I recently lost a kitten named Ninja. Who was born with a birth defect and could not survive with it.

To ease my pain when I lost Monty. A beautiful white poodle that would never leave my side. He would take showers with me and ride on the dashboard of my truck. My mom bought me a white poodle stuffed animal. He sits on my desk and watches me everyday. I can pick him up and hug him and wish him the best of days. Or hold him in my worst times. I might not be him. But it helps me with the loss knowing I have "him" closest to me forever.
Posted 5/26/2009 9:32 PM (GMT 0)
AAwwww. I had a dog as a child and cried like crazy when we had to put her down. Now we have a dog, Corey. If anything happened to her I don't know what I would do. I know what all of you mean. They're such good friends, a part of the family.
Posted 5/26/2009 11:26 PM (GMT 0)

I am so sorry for you loss and I understand as I have lost 2 of my sweet Dobermans, one last month.  You are so right, they give us unconditional love and comfort and they are always loyal.

You are in my prayers and lots of Hugs coming your way too.

Kitt

Posted 5/27/2009 2:43 AM (GMT 0)
I too know what you are going through.  I had to put my doberman down last July and held her in my arms as well while she fell asleep for the last time.  I cried on her and told her secrets I told no one else.  She would always look at me like she understood and I still miss her dearly.  I know she is in a better place where she is free from the cancer.  So is your Vesta...believe that.  Hugs!
Posted 5/27/2009 4:20 AM (GMT 0)
Donna,

I so feel your pain right now.  As you know my sweet Buster died 11 days ago, in my arms on the way to the vet.  I cannot put into words just how sorry I am that you are going through this.  You are right about animals being more than pets, Buster was so much more than that to me, and I know that Vesta was more to you as well, and the pain of losing them is unbelievable.  I understand just what you are going through my friend and will be here if you need a shoulder to cry on, just let me know if there is anything I can do.  Hugs to you!

Posted 5/27/2009 6:13 AM (GMT 0)
So sorry to hear about your loss.  I have three beau dogs...they're my "boys". ... they're always happy to see me....no matter how I look.....the two younger ones, 4 year-old and 2 year-old "invite" me to play with them on a daily basis.  Vesta will always be in your heart.  Again, I'm sorry for your loss.

Posted 5/27/2009 8:52 AM (GMT 0)
(((Donna))) Sending big hugs and prayers your way. I am so sorry for your loss. Pets are just amazing, and provide a special kind of love. I live alone and have a 14 year old cat. He's my best friend, and is always there when I'm not feeling well. They seem to "know" when you need them. I know it is probably too soon, but do you think you will get another animal? Not to "replace" Vesta, but to fill that void. Blessings, Julie
Posted 5/27/2009 1:39 PM (GMT 0)

Thank you so much for your kind responses. Julie...we have another dog Dylan, who is a lab mix and a rescue.  When we got Vesta she was living at a dog day care center where one of the workers had found her in a ditch with the puppies.  She was boarded with a big ole dog named Rusty for six months before we got her.  Anyway, when we took her home she got so sick we truly thought she was going to die...vomiting, diarrhea, not eating.  After five different vets, we took a chance and brought Rusty to our house and lo and behold, she perked up.  But Rusty had already been adopted so we went to the pound and got Dylan...who was given to us with Parvo and he too almost died within three days of adopting him.  Thankfully, he pulled through, and Vesta was never sick again.  She just needed another dog.  Well...Dylan is old now too, has had hip replacement and is very arthritic.  He is lost without Vesta....looks for her and stayed on the couch for almost 24 hours without even going to the bathroom when we came back from the vet without her.  He can see out the front door from the sofa and he is looking for her.

I hope the pain subsides enough so that we can save another animal.  I fear Dylan could be 'gone' soon also.  I think when my son visits in July, I might have him go to the Humane Society with me and get another dog.  I can hardly walk through those places because I want them all.

Thank you again for helping me through this.

Huggies

Donna

Posted 5/27/2009 1:46 PM (GMT 0)

Donna,

I am glad you are considering getting another dog, a new family member.  We have a  new Doberman pup, King. He is 4 1/2 months old and Wow, what a little devil .  He is full of himself and loves to play.  He is going to be a show dog.......lol.  He needs a lot of training.  Our first experience with having a male dog too. 

Again lots of warm hugs to you.

Kitt

Posted 5/27/2009 1:57 PM (GMT 0)
Vestabula, I am so so sorry to hear that you had to put Vesta down. Please remember that she will always live on in your heart with all her wonderful memories. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. I want a dog so much, but the time isn't quite right yet, but you can believe I will get one when that time comes. I too am glad to hear that you are thinking of getting another, I think that will help ease the pain.
Big Hugs
Gail *Nanners*
Posted 5/27/2009 3:49 PM (GMT 0)
I'm so glad your vet could come out to your car. She went peacefully instead of scared. She lived a great life and was one lucky dog to have you. I hope you find solace soon and maybe adopt a new family member!
Posted 5/27/2009 4:12 PM (GMT 0)
Donna,

Just wanted to check in with you and see how you're doing today, I thought about you all night and was hoping you were managing okay.  Let me know if there is anyting I can do for you.  Hugs!

Posted 5/27/2009 4:18 PM (GMT 0)

Thank you so much, Junebug...I thought of you and Buster too when I first read your post because I knew I'd be the next one in line to lose their best friend.  The emptiness is unbelievable, as you well know. it's amazing how many 'triggers' set me off...like I found a dog biscuit next to her bed and lost it.

We'll get through it, Junie...I am thinking of you too.  Buster and Vesta are together, pain free and enjoying the freedom that only doggie heaven can offer.

Hugs

Donna

Posted 5/27/2009 4:22 PM (GMT 0)
Donna,

I am so sorry for yuor pain at beautiful Vesta's death. I'll chime in with Fitzy and say how glad I am that when it was her time, Vesta went in peace and love, not fear and confusion. My vet came to the house when I put my beloved Percy down, and that extra measure of compassion by the vet was a real consolation.

You may already know this poem, but I'll include it as well. It makes me cry, yet gives me hope for someday seeing our dear creatures again.
***************************************************************************
Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...
**********************************************************
Hugs to you,
percycat
Posted 5/28/2009 3:43 AM (GMT 0)
Thats a beautiful poem. I hope you are feeling better Donna maybe eventually getting another pet will help you cope better. It helped me - although I have a dog now instead of a cat which Ive had my whole life but not a day goes by that I still dont miss my Butter.
Posted 5/28/2009 3:59 AM (GMT 0)
Beautiful poem, Percy.  Thank you...

hugs

Donna

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