Saturday, May 23, 2009

Spin Cycle: Pets and the Universe

A friend of mine always sends out a mass email when Mercury is in retrograde. A warning that communications might go wrong, electronics might go wonky, everything might be more difficult.

Whenever possible, pull back, huddle down, take care of what's important, and wait to take chances.

So I thought it might be just our family. The email did not go out.

My beautiful not even one year old computer is on the fritz. I'm on my daughter's laptop right now. It, and she, are hardly home, so I have only a small window of opportunity.

Our truck, which has become the 3rd vehicle and our son's ticket to independence, almost died when the mechanic did not tighten something after last week's oil change, the oil almost all leaked out, and we almost fried the engine.

Then the check engine lights came on for regular maintenence in both my husband's and my cars.

The boy's energy is wonky and the hubs is making it worse instead of better.

And. At the center of all this pleasantness, the Old Man started going downhill.

Five days ago he did not want to walk around the block.

Two days ago he stopped walking more than five feet and I had to carry him outside to go to the bathroom.

Yesterday he stopped eating.

This morning he will not drink water.

He would be 17 next month.

If I am not around the internet too much, well, even if the computer was working, I have an Old Man to sit with until the end.

For more spins, head on over to Sprite's Keeper.

44 comments:

Smart Mouth Broad said...

Oh Pseudo. Send you big hugs with tears in my eyes. (((Pseudo)))

darsden said...

Oh bless your heart honey big {huuuugggsss} so sorry my friend!

Kathy said...

I am so sorry. I know how hard this is.

cheatymoon said...

Oh Pseudo, I am so sorry.
xxxxoooo
E

InventingLiz said...

So very sorry about Old Man, but I can tell that you gave him a good life...sending good thoughts your way this weekend...

Amy said...

This breaks my heart. It makes me think of my own baby I lost back in Sept.

MsTypo said...

So sorry to hear all this is going on Pseudo. ***hugs***

Jan said...

Oh, Pseudo - I'm so sorry about Old Man. Poor thing. Poor you.

Sending lots of hugs your way.

Hit 40 said...

Poor doggy :-(

I hope he can get out for a little sun today. Beautiful weekend. Maybe see one some birdies or a bunny.

My thoughts are with you as you say goodbye to a wonderful friend.

Michel said...

Oh shit! I'm sooo sorry! You must be distraught. I am almost in tears here and I don't even know your precious baby. I am so sorry you have to go through this.

You are both in my prayers.

Fragrant Liar said...

Oh, poor baby. I hope he's okay, but you know I'm betting he's had a great life, and you have been an integral part of that. I'm glad you'll be there for him. It's just the right thing to do.

Kristan said...

OH! :( Man... I'm sorry. But I'm glad he lived a long, happy life with you and your family.

Cristin said...

Oh no... so sorry Pseudo...

flurrious said...

Oh, I'm so sorry.

Christy said...

that sucks.

anymommy said...

May it be quick and peaceful when it comes. I'm really sorry. I'll be thinking of you and your old man.

Sprite's Keeper said...

Oh my gosh, Pseudo, I'm hoping he's not in pain. I'm tearing up at this! I also hope that when the time comes, you take solace in the memory of all the happy years he's had with you. Sending prayers and hugs as far as I can. Of course, you're linked, but I'm sending love too.

Unknown said...

blessed be sweet friend xx

Pseudo said...

A moment with daughter's laptop. He is resting comfortably and as long as it is so we are going to let him stay with us and hopefully that will be a comfort to him.

He's been lying on my lap most of the day.

Brigit said...

Warmest thoughts Pseudo

Unknown said...

A sad, sad time but at 17 years, wow! He had to have lived a great life with you guys and remember, he'll be waiting to welcome you again one day.

P.S. So THAT'S what happened to my damn computer; have new HP now, thank God!

Rikki said...

I am so sorry - but what a wonderful way to go: head on lap of the one who loves you the most.

Pseudo said...

The Old Man, properly known as Fitzroy, and affectionately known as "Fitzroy the love dog boy" died in his sleep between midnight and 4 AM.

Thank-you everyone for your hugs and love, and thoughtfulness.

skyewriter said...

Sending lots of light your way.

Those loyal, furry, family members deserve a peaceful repose after a life of unconditional love, unwavering friendship and total acceptance of us, their humans.

Big hug from me, too.

Skye

darsden said...

Oh I am so sorry honey.. big {hhhuuuuugggsssss} what a wonderful life he had with you and soooo long...but I really feel for you my friend! I know how it can be that is like a baby kid!

Sniffles and Smiles said...

I'm so sorry...my heart is with you and your family! Thanks for visiting me...I love making new friends...you will be in my thoughts especially during this difficult time. ~Janine XO

Michel said...

I am sooo sorry. I know how hard this must be for you. Words cannot express your sorrow!

Hugs!

Vodka Mom said...

i am sending you love.

Girl Tornado said...

You have as many hugs as you need from me... I read your Sept post about Old Man and saw his pic. What a handsome old devil he is! And 17, wow!!!

I know how hard this must be for you -- I held my dalmatian til the bitter end at the vet's office when he was 12. They let me leave through a side entrance instead of having to go thru the lobby -- I was a mess. I shouldn't have been allowed to drive that day. Such a sad day, he took a large piece of my heart with him.

That pic in my blog post is from The Villas at El Conquistador in Puerto Rico. You need to go there. It's gorgeous, an all-inclusive resort and words fail me at how wonderful it was. My mom, sis and I went there less than 2 mths after my father passed away (it was a bittersweet vacation). My mom and I had booked the trip for Dec in July '06, my father passed away suddenly in Oct '06 and my sis decided she wanted to be with us. But I highly recommend it to everyone and I would love to go back someday!

Hang in there Cid, my heart goes out to you~

Susan

Melissa B. said...

So sorry, Pseudo. RIP, Fitzroy. This is never easy. At least you had each other in the end.

david mcmahon said...

You're in our thoughts.

Casey said...

Oh Pseudo, I'm so sorry about Old Man. I'll be thinking about you guys..

Joanie said...

Aw, so sorry about Old Man.

Jack said...

It's difficult to watch an elderly pet start to decline. So sorry to hear he did not make it, but it is good to know his suffering wasn't long and he passed away in his sleep.

Thinking of you and your family at this time {{HUGS}}

Debbie said...

What a tough time. I'll be praying for you.

Beth said...

My heart is just breaking for you. Old Man was a lucky dog to have such great people. When all has settled, his spirit will live on.

Hilary said...

I'm sorry for the sadness of losing your old pooch. Always a heartache. Here from David's.

Unknown said...

Contrats on POTD!!!!

Jeni said...

Yes indeed, Old Man most certainly is a beautiful and regal dog! So difficult when a family member -i.e. a pet -reaches a point in life where they just exist, have all kinds of difficulties. We went through that a year ago this spring with our beloved cat, Gracie-baby, until my daughter finally decided the best thing to do for her was to end it and she took her to the vet for that final procedure. Although we have two other cats (plus four kittens) in residence now (want a kitten?) no cat will ever replace our Gracie-baby.
Congrats too on POTD from David! Great choice on his part!

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Congrats on POTD! I'm sorry for the circumstances of this post, but I am glad that out of sorrow can come some gladness and celebration! This was a post we can all relate to!!!! Congrats again...well-deserved!~Janine XO

Paige Vitulli said...

Now I'm crying at work. Peace be with you and Old Man...great post of the day!

Anonymous said...

Oh Psuedo- this is just what I meant. I wish I had read this sooner. The loss of a beloved pet is so meaningful for me and I send you hugs and tears and the blessings of wonderful memories of good times with your Old man!What a wonderful thing to be with him and so peaceful. What a lucky dog, so much love.

♥ Boomer ♥ said...

♥♥♥

Here from David's. Lovely post. Hugs to you.

creative kerfuffle said...

oh, i'm so very sorry. losing a pet is like losing a best friend. ((((hugs))))) my 17 yr old cat died in december and though it does get easier i still miss him.