What's 12 times seven?
When I walked into my parents’ house on Wednesday night, everyone got up from the couch to welcome me, except for him. And there he was, sitting in front of the television, watching with apparent disinterest a taped episode of “Dancing with the Stars.” Couldn’t care less about these so-called celebrities, couldn’t care less about what was going on, couldn’t care less that I was home. Jesus, I know you’re getting old, but feign a little enthusiasm, OK?
My mother walked me down the hall and, out of his earshot, told me he is, indeed, getting old. Really old. “I made him dinner tonight and he didn’t touch it,” she said, rather comfortably, as if she’s said it many times before, to my father, to my sister, to her girlfriends, to the doctor. I feel like I’m the last to know. He may not be with us for Christmas.
That night, I sat by his bed while he dozed, tucking a blanket around his body, which is now covered in lesions. He opened his eyes and stared at me. Well, if your plan was to get the sympathy vote, you’re making out like a bandit, pal.
I’m going to miss my dog.
Comments
When my parents kicked me out of the house for a period of 5 months, the failed to mention that in that time, they had to put our childhood dog to sleep. She had a mixture of severe diabetes and cancer that would have left her in pain for the rest of her life.
When I returned home, she was missing. Treasure these times you have with him, because you will never forget how he has touched you.
Posted by: Brandon | November 23, 2007 03:16 PM
Sorry about Pookie--I have a dog who's 14 1/2 X 7 old and nearing the end. Its the natural order of things I suppose, but still sad.
Posted by: Craig | November 23, 2007 03:53 PM
I took the sad decision to put my little dog out of its misery earlier this year at the age of 12 years and 11 months; I still miss her, but her life had become very difficult in her last few weeks:
http://www.billcameron.net/Tara.html
- it's very hard, but inevitable. In a way it's a pity that humans are forced to carry on until the sometimes very bitter end.
Posted by: Bill (Scotland) | November 23, 2007 05:44 PM
Hugs. My mom's 13 year old poodle passed last month from a terrible case of pneumonia. It was pretty rough on all of us, but mostly because she suffered so much (even though it happened so quickly).
Posted by: sam | November 23, 2007 06:50 PM
AUTHOR: d
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DATE: 11/23/2007 08:25:02 PM
Posted by: d | November 23, 2007 08:25 PM
I'm so sorry about your dog - I know exactly how you feel. I am super close to my dog, I feel like she is really part of my family, and that she is more of a person than an animal. I hope things improve, but if they don't, I am very sorry.
Posted by: Jake | November 23, 2007 11:42 PM
I'm so sorry, Toby. It's always tough to watch your dog get old and suffer and inch close to sleepy-time. But at least his pain will end soon. You have to remember that.
Posted by: Bourgeois Nerd | November 24, 2007 04:49 PM
I'm sorry to hear about your dog- losing a pet is never easy. Hugs.
Posted by: outofctrl | November 25, 2007 05:21 AM
One of the most heartbreaking things to go through ever. Am so sorry. Just remember allthe good times and memories.A poem called "rainbow heaven" about where beloved pets wait for their masters to meet them - I will send you a link if I can find it - is a tear jerker poem, albeit a consoling one.
Posted by: Ted Benna | November 25, 2007 09:12 AM
http://rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm
Hope you like this.
Posted by: Ted Benna | November 25, 2007 09:16 AM
I've lurked for years but I finally thought to leave a message to say, awesome entries, dude.
Sorry to hear about what you're going through, I'm sure he will have as many great memories of you in his life as you will have of him in yours.
Posted by: iggy | December 1, 2007 09:40 PM
Oh, I'm going to miss your dog, too, and I don't even know him! He reminds me of my little schnauzer, though.
Posted by: mini | December 5, 2007 02:47 AM
I'm so sorry Toby. I am going through the same thing with my childhood dog that lives with my parents back in PA. He might not make it to Christmas either. It sucks so bad, and doesn't get any easier. As a dog lover (I have my own dog here in DC, who is still youngish) I know how much it hurts. My thoughts go out to you, in a similar and parallel situation to mine.
Posted by: Stephen Gregory Smith | December 7, 2007 07:45 PM
I'm really sorry about your dog. (with such a tender look)
My little Samantha, is 14 years old, and I know pretty well that I'm going to cry like a baby when she's gone.
Hugz from the end of the world. (Chile)
Posted by: Beto | January 16, 2008 04:05 PM