The End To A Long Story Options

[Earl A.]

Hi, Earl, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing. Please permit me to offer you my sincerest sympathies in the physical loss of your beloved Victor. I can truly relate as to how heartbroken you are about what happened with him, as during my lifetime I have had two companions murdered at the hands of neighborhood delinquents. This is a trauma that is never forgotten, particularly during a time when there was no legal compensation or retribution for animal cruelty.

One of the primary purposes of seeking professional counseling is to be able to talk to someone who can offer an independent insight into our circumstances and thus help us to begin the process of finding a new way to put our lives back into a better balance. Of course this service is not free - - it takes resources either through insurance coverage or personal finances - - or both when there are insurance deductibles involved - - and most insurance companies limit professional counseling services - - which limits the ability of the "trial and error" process of finding a counselor you feel comfortable with. There are no easy answers when it comes to navigating the grief adjustment journey, Earl. I have heard there are some good grief hotlines available for individuals who are finding themselves struggling with the grief adjustment journey of a beloved companion, and perhaps this might be an option for you to consider - - in addition to the support I, and SummerHolly, offer you through this forum. Please know that whatever you decide we are always here for you for as long and as often as you need us.

As always, I hope today is treating you kindly, Earl, and that you will have a peaceful evening blessed with your beloved Schatszie's, Steffie's, Victor's, and all of your beloved companions' sweet Living Spirits to comfort you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Earl, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Moon_Beam, I'm truly sorry you had to experience the loss of your two companions in such a barbaric way. Reminds me of my Father's boyhood friend. Bill always had a dog, and usually a black lab. About 15 years ago, Bill's neighbor poisoned his dog...antifreeze. His dog wasn't the issue, but the neighbor decided to target the dog. Bill and neighbor didn't get along with each other. Bill sold his house quickly because, as he said, "I had to sell and move before I wound up killing the $%&.

Thanks for your advice as to Professional help. Yes, its not cheap. Even though I've always worked the kinks out of personal situations(mainly via time), this one is much more complicated, and/or I'm making it as such. If Steffie would have lived to 10 or even 11, I wouldn't be in the shape I am right now.

I think whats best for me in the future, that IF I ever get another companion, it will be from a no-kill shelter/rescue. When you raise a puppy or colt, and something traumatic occurs, theres hell to pay, especially when you are older.

As I told SummerHolly, you were right on about the caregivers aspect of all of this. Actually, I really can't see any professional saying or doing anything different than what you and SummerHolly have done to cheer me up, etc..

Overall, you all have helped considerably, believe it or not. I'm hoping that day by day things will improve.

Thanks Moon_Beam. Hope you and Noah have had a peaceful day. Hope your weekend is a good one.

Earl

[SummerHolly]

There have been some brutal and murderous attacks on innocent animals where I once lived. A couple of friends have had their dogs murdered, just terrible.

Considering rescue is always a good option. There are some wonderful dogs in there waiting for somebody to love them. That is all dogs really ask from us. Too care for and love them and they will usually return in spades.

[Earl A.]

There have been some brutal and murderous attacks on innocent animals where I once lived. A couple of friends have had their dogs murdered, just terrible.

Considering rescue is always a good option. There are some wonderful dogs in there waiting for somebody to love them. That is all dogs really ask from us. Too care for and love them and they will usually return in spades.

Remember the educated guy just down the road that lets his dog ride on the flatbed of truck...INSTEAD OF INSIDE HIS BIG CREW CAB? I would bet, lurking in his past or present that he has done some bad, bad things to animals. Why I said 'HE' needs to be found in a ditch somewhere.

With me leading the way, my family decided to adopt a dog back when I was young. Got 'Duke' from the city pound, a German Shorthaired pointer. I've seen only one other dog in my life that loved to swim, AND STAYED in the water swimming for hours until called in. Where we would go water skiing, there was always mullet jumping here, jumping there out of the water, and Duke would swim toward each new mullet. My Grandfather had a ranch with multiple large lakes, and a dog wandered to his house one time,...'Lonesome'. Everytime you went fishing, Lonesome was there swimming. Never seen dogs that simply loved to stay in the water like those two.

I love the Weimaraner breed, but, I just do not think I could survive another bad experience in health issues with all 'The You' that goes into raising a puppy. Sure, theres a bond with all your pets, but it's the strongest one with a puppy. When you are single, THEY ARE your 'Human Child'.....They ARE your sanity.

The sad part about ALL of this, is STILL, the COST in having pets anymore. You throw in the economy, cost of just you living, and then have some major animal illness.......not to mention yourself,........not a pretty picture 'Now' or 'Ahead'.

Hate to sound doomsday, but 'IT IS' a fact. I know for a fact, now, a new Weim puppy is going to average $1,000 to 1,200. Weim rescues average ~$300.00+ Donation to adopt.

I will go to my grave desiring a puppy, instead of. Simply because, you can easily train them to become 'You'. There might lie my present problem of pain in loosing Steffie, so damn young. I had hell getting past Schatszie passing, and now with Steffie, my soul went with her. I just can't do this again. So, I think my heart is telling me to consider options in the future, if I ever get another.

[moon_beam]

Hi, Earl, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing. When my beloved Samson transitioned home to the angels, I honestly believed I would never have another canine companion. Samson helped me through the majority of my recovery and rehabilitation, through the darkness of the deepest depression, and the enjoyment of moving into the safety and serenity of this little house in the woods. He was also a wonderful companion to my mom during the day while I was at work, and gave her a purpose to endure through each day - - she was in every way Samson's "grandmother." Four months after my beloved Samson joined the angels, friends of mine at Guiding Eyes for the Blind in upState New York offered me the opportunity to adopt a retiring Service Partner. Because of their gracious gift of friendship, I accepted and Oslo came into my life. We enjoyed 11 years together, but I realized during our final year together that I no longer have the strength and endurance required to enjoy another canine companion. This decision is final, and I am comfortable with it.

ANY decision you make, Earl, will be the RIGHT ONE for you regarding if / when you are ready to embrace another companion.

I hope today is treating you kindly, Earl, and that you will have a peaceful evening blessed with your beloved Schatszie's, Steffie's, Victor's, and all of your beloved companions' sweet Living Spirits to comfort you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Earl, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

[SummerHolly]

I love the Weimaraner breed, but, I just do not think I could survive another bad experience in health issues with all 'The You' that goes into raising a puppy. Sure, theres a bond with all your pets, but it's the strongest one with a puppy. When you are single, THEY ARE your 'Human Child'.....They ARE your sanity.

The sad part about ALL of this, is STILL, the COST in having pets anymore. You throw in the economy, cost of just you living, and then have some major animal illness.......not to mention yourself,........not a pretty picture 'Now' or 'Ahead'.

Hate to sound doomsday, but 'IT IS' a fact. I know for a fact, now, a new Weim puppy is going to average $1,000 to 1,200. Weim rescues average ~$300.00+ Donation to adopt.

I will go to my grave desiring a puppy, instead of. Simply because, you can easily train them to become 'You'. There might lie my present problem of pain in loosing Steffie, so damn young. I had hell getting past Schatszie passing, and now with Steffie, my soul went with her. I just can't do this again. So, I think my heart is telling me to consider options in the future, if I ever get another.

Yes bonds are very strong with puppies but having said that I rescued a young adult dog from the bullet and he is the most incredibly loving animal. Defintiely totally grateful to me for rescuing him. He follows my every move and has this huge need to be loved by me. He will do anything to make me happy and get my approval.

Actually a retired friend of mine has a cat, a Belgium blue and he sends photos of he and his cat going on camping holidays and fishing together and going on walks together! I dont know a great deal about cats so his relationship with this cat is intriguing.

I woke up this morning really missing my Holly. They sure do leave their mark on you! Still I am so glad she was in my life.

[Earl A.]

Yes bonds are very strong with puppies but having said that I rescued a young adult dog from the bullet and he is the most incredibly loving animal. Defintiely totally grateful to me for rescuing him. He follows my every move and has this huge need to be loved by me. He will do anything to make me happy and get my approval.

Actually a retired friend of mine has a cat, a Belgium blue and he sends photos of he and his cat going on camping holidays and fishing together and going on walks together! I dont know a great deal about cats so his relationship with this cat is intriguing.

I woke up this morning really missing my Holly. They sure do leave their mark on you! Still I am so glad she was in my life.

I'm really Happy for you with your Rescue Buddy showing such behavior. He 'KNOWS' he is safe with you. I'm sure you have seen the Walt Disney Movie, 'Old Yeller. I can remember when my Parents, Sister and I all went to see it.....Late 50's. I was the only one that cried at the end. One of the few movies where the dog dies. Seems as though, my entire life, dogs have always read me that they were 'Safe' with me, especially going to another person's home with even large dogs, even dogs that showed a short fuse. As the Beach Boys song, 'Good Vibrations'.

My days are up and down, but not as down as recently. But, I'm sure that your dogs will participate in something that you did with Holly, but they just do not react in the special way as Holly. There are so many activities I would do outside and while in the house I would tell Steffie,..."Lets Go Feed The Deer"....."Lets Go Back In The Back", etc, and she would dive off the couch ready to go. As you know, so many, many things that you did daily like clockwork with them.

I go to the Weimaraner Rescue site to look(somewhat of therapy for me, but, I have no desire to adopt),....look and read about their dogs up for adoption. I will never understand HOW anyone could get a puppy and raise it to a young adult, and/or, get a pet and have it for a good while, THEN turn it over to a rescue, etc., because they couldn't afford the Vet Bills, they are moving, etc., etc.. In other words, if I was offered a lucrative job, but the move/location wouldn't allow me to have my dog, well, so much for that job. When you read the bio's on dogs at these rescues, its horrible to see these owners put their personal lives ahead of their companion, as if their Pet is expendable. My monthly expenses for Steffie for 3.5 years was ~$300.00, and that was JUST for the special kidney food and supportive kidney supplements. Was it hard financially on me? You bet. Was it frustrating as heck when she started being real picky at eating? You bet. Some people would actually prematurely put them to sleep, just because they were interfering with their personal lives, or they couldn't handle the day-in/day-out pressure.

I've NEVER lost sight of the destinct fact that Steffie was, yes, blessed to have had me, and I had her. I just didn't win the war for her. In the end, I'm certain she knew that our luck had run it's course.

[Earl A.]

Hi, Earl, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing. When my beloved Samson transitioned home to the angels, I honestly believed I would never have another canine companion. Samson helped me through the majority of my recovery and rehabilitation, through the darkness of the deepest depression, and the enjoyment of moving into the safety and serenity of this little house in the woods. He was also a wonderful companion to my mom during the day while I was at work, and gave her a purpose to endure through each day - - she was in every way Samson's "grandmother." Four months after my beloved Samson joined the angels, friends of mine at Guiding Eyes for the Blind in upState New York offered me the opportunity to adopt a retiring Service Partner. Because of their gracious gift of friendship, I accepted and Oslo came into my life. We enjoyed 11 years together, but I realized during our final year together that I no longer have the strength and endurance required to enjoy another canine companion. This decision is final, and I am comfortable with it.

ANY decision you make, Earl, will be the RIGHT ONE for you regarding if / when you are ready to embrace another companion.

I hope today is treating you kindly, Earl, and that you will have a peaceful evening blessed with your beloved Schatszie's, Steffie's, Victor's, and all of your beloved companions' sweet Living Spirits to comfort you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Earl, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Moon_Beam, Isn't it Great, when our Parents were still there with a helping hand not only to give but to receive, as with Sampson and Oslo. My Father would give anything to have another dog right now, as with most of Seniors that have had pets all of their lives. My heart goes out to you for making that logical decision that you could no longer care for another canine companion. I know how hard that is for you, but, Thankfully you have Noah. The same decision was made by my Mother's Father, and then one day, ~3 years before he passed away, a stray cat wondered into their yard....'Kit'. My Grandmother was never into pets much(raised on a farm), but she accepted Kit. When I would go there for a meal, you could see the sparkle in my Grandfather's eyes when it came to feeding Kit, etc.. Kit rekindled that lost love that he had for animal companions. My Grandfather had a horse while young,....his name was 'Victor'.

Moon_Beam, I don't know what I will do in the future. You and SummerHolly are a guiding light for me. Women have always seemed to 'see things' in a much more logical sense than most men. Sometimes though, under certain circumstances, both are tested like never before.

Thanks For All You Do Moon_Beam. Make no mistake,......EVERY AM & EVERY PM, I look forward to seeing a reply and communicating. I look at meeting you and SummerHolly as being a VERY RARE thing. There is SO MUCH in common.

I hope you and Noah have a peaceful evening and upcoming week.

Regards,

Earl

[SummerHolly]

I'm really Happy for you with your Rescue Buddy showing such behavior. He 'KNOWS' he is safe with you. I'm sure you have seen the Walt Disney Movie, 'Old Yeller. I can remember when my Parents, Sister and I all went to see it.....Late 50's. I was the only one that cried at the end. One of the few movies where the dog dies. Seems as though, my entire life, dogs have always read me that they were 'Safe' with me, especially going to another person's home with even large dogs, even dogs that showed a short fuse. As the Beach Boys song, 'Good Vibrations'.

My days are up and down, but not as down as recently. But, I'm sure that your dogs will participate in something that you did with Holly, but they just do not react in the special way as Holly. There are so many activities I would do outside and while in the house I would tell Steffie,..."Lets Go Feed The Deer"....."Lets Go Back In The Back", etc, and she would dive off the couch ready to go. As you know, so many, many things that you did daily like clockwork with them.

I go to the Weimaraner Rescue site to look(somewhat of therapy for me, but, I have no desire to adopt),....look and read about their dogs up for adoption. I will never understand HOW anyone could get a puppy and raise it to a young adult, and/or, get a pet and have it for a good while, THEN turn it over to a rescue, etc., because they couldn't afford the Vet Bills, they are moving, etc., etc.. In other words, if I was offered a lucrative job, but the move/location wouldn't allow me to have my dog, well, so much for that job. When you read the bio's on dogs at these rescues, its horrible to see these owners put their personal lives ahead of their companion, as if their Pet is expendable. My monthly expenses for Steffie for 3.5 years was ~$300.00, and that was JUST for the special kidney food and supportive kidney supplements. Was it hard financially on me? You bet. Was it frustrating as heck when she started being real picky at eating? You bet. Some people would actually prematurely put them to sleep, just because they were interfering with their personal lives, or they couldn't handle the day-in/day-out pressure.

I've NEVER lost sight of the destinct fact that Steffie was, yes, blessed to have had me, and I had her. I just didn't win the war for her. In the end, I'm certain she knew that our luck had run it's course.

I always cried in animal movies even when they eventually had happy endings! I never saw old yeller. I wasnt born when it was released but I did see Bambi and lassie and the incredible journey. The details are pretty fuzzy, but I probably cried thru all of them, and of course I read Black Beauty and other assorted animal tear jerkers.

Yes Holly was always ready for action, even when she grew deaf she could read my every intention and react accordingly. I miss that dog so.

It is difficult to imagine handing a pet over. There are probably occassions where there is a genuine change in fortune and if there are kids involved then they become the priority for resources, but it would seem that many are turned in for very poor reasons. The ones I hate most is when a dog has become older and the family wants a younger dog so they drop the senior dog off at the pound kidding themselves that it will all be lambs and rainbows for the old dog which is often very far from the truth. Poor old things finding themselves dumped, what terror and confusion. I think when I become a senior I might consider fostering or caring for old dogs as an option if I can.

Glad that your days are a little less down.

[Earl A.]

I always cried in animal movies even when they eventually had happy endings! I never saw old yeller. I wasnt born when it was released but I did see Bambi and lassie and the incredible journey. The details are pretty fuzzy, but I probably cried thru all of them, and of course I read Black Beauty and other assorted animal tear jerkers.

Yes Holly was always ready for action, even when she grew deaf she could read my every intention and react accordingly. I miss that dog so.

It is difficult to imagine handing a pet over. There are probably occassions where there is a genuine change in fortune and if there are kids involved then they become the priority for resources, but it would seem that many are turned in for very poor reasons. The ones I hate most is when a dog has become older and the family wants a younger dog so they drop the senior dog off at the pound kidding themselves that it will all be lambs and rainbows for the old dog which is often very far from the truth. Poor old things finding themselves dumped, what terror and confusion. I think when I become a senior I might consider fostering or caring for old dogs as an option if I can.

Glad that your days are a little less down.

Now is not the time, but, in the future you should get 'Old Yeller' and watch it.

Out of all the reasons people would turn their dogs over to adoption, the most unbelievable would be 'Seniors'. That action would tell you everything about the owners.....Nothing Good. Theres a Weim at the 'Weimaraner Rescue of North Texas site. 'Cassie'. She is just ~1 yr old and her owners turned her in to rescue because they couldn't afford her upcoming Vet Bills. 'Cassie' has cataracts in both eyes, and, she was born with a misplaced urethra(I think) connection to her bladder. I believe both surgeries would be ~$3,000/Ea. They have ~90 days of accepting donations at the rescue for saving her. Cassie looks absolutely beautiful and healthy BUT she isn't.

I've often wondered if there are any Vets/University Vets that ever do such surgery for Charity,....OR.....at a charitable rate. I never hear or see it. I guess its hard for me to think there is any 'positive' left in this society. Seems like everything is driven by greed any more, and this is just one of many examples. Someone I know, he and his wife have 3 dogs. One was getting up in age and needed hip replacements. Think their bill was ~$12,000. They have payment arrangements paying by the month, but they did not throw their dog away. Most would call them crazy for doing such.

Yes, technically its better here, but not by much. As you know, its all just a very sad, sad situation. As I once said, its like waking up and going to bed with a straight jacket on. You have to 'live with it'.

[moon_beam]

Hi, Earl, as always it is a blessing logging in to share how you are doing. I know so well from first hand experience how this wonderful forum is a lifeline while enduring a grief adjustment journey as well as a health crisis situation. I am so glad you are finding the responses from me, and SummerHolly, helpful.

As I was reading through your post about Cassie, a thought came to mind that might be helpful for you to consider: In loving honor of your beloved Schatszie, Steffie, Victor, and all of your beloved companions - - how would you feel about making donations to these types of appeals? This way you could offer help as you feel is appropriate. The veterinary practice that takes care of my precious Noah has a "Good Samaritan Fund" which I can occasionally contribute to. There are people - - like senior citizens - - who can benefit from these types of funds which enable them to keep their precious companions with them instead of having to surrender them to a shelter because they can no longer afford the veterinary care. Of course you would make sure the request is legitimate so it would be appropriate to check out the information before you donate any funds. It's just a thought.

Two other correspondents - - LoveMyMickey and Tom's Dad - - have made a new mission of feeding homeless waifs where they live - - which is another option I am open to trying when my precious Noah is no longer physically with me. There are "alternatives" to opening your heart to another companion without assuming the financial responsibility that is beyond your ability - - and I use the word "your" in a purely generic form. As always, whatever decision you make, Earl, will be the RIGHT ONE for you.

I hope today is treating you kindly, Earl, and that you will have a peaceful evening blessed with your beloved Schatszie's, Steffie's, Victor's, and all of your beloved companions' sweet Living Spirits to comfort you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Earl, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

[Earl A.]

Hi, Earl, as always it is a blessing logging in to share how you are doing. I know so well from first hand experience how this wonderful forum is a lifeline while enduring a grief adjustment journey as well as a health crisis situation. I am so glad you are finding the responses from me, and SummerHolly, helpful.

As I was reading through your post about Cassie, a thought came to mind that might be helpful for you to consider: In loving honor of your beloved Schatszie, Steffie, Victor, and all of your beloved companions - - how would you feel about making donations to these types of appeals? This way you could offer help as you feel is appropriate. The veterinary practice that takes care of my precious Noah has a "Good Samaritan Fund" which I can occasionally contribute to. There are people - - like senior citizens - - who can benefit from these types of funds which enable them to keep their precious companions with them instead of having to surrender them to a shelter because they can no longer afford the veterinary care. Of course you would make sure the request is legitimate so it would be appropriate to check out the information before you donate any funds. It's just a thought.

Two other correspondents - - LoveMyMickey and Tom's Dad - - have made a new mission of feeding homeless waifs where they live - - which is another option I am open to trying when my precious Noah is no longer physically with me. There are "alternatives" to opening your heart to another companion without assuming the financial responsibility that is beyond your ability - - and I use the word "your" in a purely generic form. As always, whatever decision you make, Earl, will be the RIGHT ONE for you.

I hope today is treating you kindly, Earl, and that you will have a peaceful evening blessed with your beloved Schatszie's, Steffie's, Victor's, and all of your beloved companions' sweet Living Spirits to comfort you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Earl, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Moon_Beam, I'm sure both you and SummerHolly knew that I din't include certain exceptions when people turn their dogs(regardless of age) over to rescues. Such as you say, Seniors that can no longer take care of them, Owner's Death, etc. I, of course, was only targeting those that are able-bodied that have no conscience. I remember when my Parents adopted a Blue Tick from their local no-kill shelter. While my Father and I had gone there a number of times looking, there were two fox terrier twin sisters that belonged to an elderly man that passed away. It was a sad sight to look at those two in their cage. They looked lost.

Yes, I'm going to contribute to 'Cassie' just like EVERY Vet should do if they are aware of her. Don't know if that Rescue has broadened their advertisement outreach for more funds.

I used to team with an elderly woman in feeding 5 stray dogs that lived in the woods nearby. I finally had to quit because Steffie's medications($) were all I could handle. The 'Good Samaritan Fund' with your Vet is a wonderful thing. I mean, how much longer can these rediculous Vet Prices continue, until the Vets finally realize that there are exceptions. I was at my Vet one day waiting,.....this man and woman walk in with a young dog that had gotten a fishing lure hooked through the forehead just above the eye. These people had an outstanding bill with the Vet, and the Vet refused to remove the hook. This dog was no more than 6-7 months old. In a way,(considering the gut feeling I got about these two people) I considered the Vet, BUT, then, the poor puppy.....what about him??

I'm curious of how many Vet Charities are out there, somewhat like your Vet's Fund. Such as Texas A&M University Vet School. They can afford charitable offerings and it will be interesting to find out if they do.

The Good 'Ole days of having two or more pets are gone. You can ride that wave so long, but, sooner or later, its going to cost you, UNLESS, you 'throw away' your pets to adoption.

One thing for sure, I can go to my grave in peace KNOWING that I Loved every single animal that came into my life, that I took care of everyone that came into my life, and that I never 'cast them to the wind'. I just hope that if I live long enough, that my companion passes BEFORE I do.

[SummerHolly]

A family member and friend of mine is a specialist vet and after retiring has done quite a lot of specialist work for rescues. The local vets will ring up and she will go in and do what is required. One was a displaced uretha on a pup come into rescue. She doesnt charge. Not sure if anybody else does this much.

The problem here where I live with feeding stray dogs is that they team up in packs and kill and mutilate livestock, which is a terrible thing to witness the aftermath. Dead and dying sheep that have been ripped to shreds everywhere, one childs pony was mutilated some time ago and had to be put down and feral cats absolutely decimate the native wildlife and they generally breed in an uncontrolled way making the problems even worse.

Not the animals fault just the darn people who released them. My little forest area has been decimated of native birds, mammals and reptiles by breeding stray cats gone wild. The local rangers generally have to trap cats and shoot them and stray dogs are always caught or shot by local farmers or rangers. So it is a double edged sword.

Quite a few breed rescues will ask for donations to fix up certain animals that come through their doors before adoption.

I was in the vet the other day and an older woman came in with her dog, she was obviously on a payment plan with the vet. My local vet practice tends to have very reasonable rates because the town is in a lower socio economic category. They dont however offer an emergency service, or dedicated overnight care, so there are some compromises.

[Earl A.]

A family member and friend of mine is a specialist vet and after retiring has done quite a lot of specialist work for rescues. The local vets will ring up and she will go in and do what is required. One was a displaced uretha on a pup come into rescue. She doesnt charge. Not sure if anybody else does this much.

The problem here where I live with feeding stray dogs is that they team up in packs and kill and mutilate livestock, which is a terrible thing to witness the aftermath. Dead and dying sheep that have been ripped to shreds everywhere, one childs pony was mutilated some time ago and had to be put down and feral cats absolutely decimate the native wildlife and they generally breed in an uncontrolled way making the problems even worse.

Not the animals fault just the darn people who released them. My little forest area has been decimated of native birds, mammals and reptiles by breeding stray cats gone wild. The local rangers generally have to trap cats and shoot them and stray dogs are always caught or shot by local farmers or rangers. So it is a double edged sword.

Quite a few breed rescues will ask for donations to fix up certain animals that come through their doors before adoption.

I was in the vet the other day and an older woman came in with her dog, she was obviously on a payment plan with the vet. My local vet practice tends to have very reasonable rates because the town is in a lower socio economic category. They dont however offer an emergency service, or dedicated overnight care, so there are some compromises.

Your retired Vet friend is a wonderful person no doubt. The older Vets will always go into the record books as being the better ones in many ways. These new Vets have a much bigger debt to pay off or their cost of start-up plus their Vet School debts.

The problem with all these dogs & cats being abandoned or not contained, they go back to being wild. Those dogs that I helped the lady feed,....you couldn't catch or touch any of them. Even if you could, and took them in, they would try and escape from your place. Just a terrible problem with usually no happy ending. Especially when they start attacking livestock.

Yesterday wasn't a good day toward the afternoon. I started backtracking on Steffie's condition, as to when she started going downhill or signs of stage 4, as if I should have done something different. In others words, a revisit of false guilt.

I guess I'll know I have made good progress when as I keep wanting her back so badly, that I don't feel like I'm in a straight jacket, standing there unable to do one single thing to save her.

There is NOTHING worse than when you have to put your pet on the special kidney food, etc., then as days go by, then, they start turning their nose up to it. Then you scramble to prepare optional accepted diets, they start to eat again for maybe 2-3 days, then they turn their nose up to it. It totally drains you of any optimism.

[SummerHolly]

Your retired Vet friend is a wonderful person no doubt. The older Vets will always go into the record books as being the better ones in many ways. These new Vets have a much bigger debt to pay off or their cost of start-up plus their Vet School debts.

The problem with all these dogs & cats being abandoned or not contained, they go back to being wild. Those dogs that I helped the lady feed,....you couldn't catch or touch any of them. Even if you could, and took them in, they would try and escape from your place. Just a terrible problem with usually no happy ending. Especially when they start attacking livestock.

Yesterday wasn't a good day toward the afternoon. I started backtracking on Steffie's condition, as to when she started going downhill or signs of stage 4, as if I should have done something different. In others words, a revisit of false guilt.

I guess I'll know I have made good progress when as I keep wanting her back so badly, that I don't feel like I'm in a straight jacket, standing there unable to do one single thing to save her.

There is NOTHING worse than when you have to put your pet on the special kidney food, etc., then as days go by, then, they start turning their nose up to it. Then you scramble to prepare optional accepted diets, they start to eat again for maybe 2-3 days, then they turn their nose up to it. It totally drains you of any optimism.

Yes sadly there is a never a happy ending for animals gone wild around here, they are dealt with swiftly. I have been up on occassion when I have heard barking in a distant paddock in the early hours of the morning and fearing for my sheep and their lambs have gone ready to protect them. Fortunately we havent had a problem for awhile. To protect some rare mammals from complete destruction the rangers have actually put electric netting and fencing around several large areas of natural habitat.

My own personal belief is that feeding strays only perpetuates an already bad situation. One has to look to what the effects will be. Females are more likely to continually breed, there will be health issues and suffering, and there is all the other not so nice stuff that goes on that the feeders will probably never observe or even realise happens. You would be better off donating food to rescues or providing emergency accomodation for fosters, or volunteering at a local shelter. Most are terribly understaffed and there is much be done for animals in there especially the long termers. Lots of love required.

Yes going back over certain scenarios is a hiding to nowhere, I was doing that all the time and still do occassionally with Holly. I try not to do that. I still cant believe that I didnt see it earlier and that there was absolutely nothing I could do to save her.

My mothers dog had pancreatitis and diabetes and knows well the anguish of trying to get her dog to eat special diets. Her dog had to eat before she could get her insulin shot which she had to have twice daily. The pancreatitis often made her feel unwell and she would turn her head away at the food, which made my mum desperate because if she didnt eat she couldnt have her insulin shot and would then have to be rushed to the specialist hospital. My mother would try tempting her with other things she would cook up. The whole thing eventually became too much for both the dog and my mother and the vet told her it was best to let her dog go.

She was only a little dog and 13 1/2 seemed young and my mum got caught in that similar age trap that we all get caught in. Why didnt they live longer.

So I can empathise with that situation. I watched it unfold all to often when visiting my mother.

Yes I do sometimes backtrack with Holly and I keep talking to her and wishing she was back with me. Hopefully time will help bit by bit.

[Earl A.]

Yes sadly there is a never a happy ending for animals gone wild around here, they are dealt with swiftly. I have been up on occassion when I have heard barking in a distant paddock in the early hours of the morning and fearing for my sheep and their lambs have gone ready to protect them. Fortunately we havent had a problem for awhile. To protect some rare mammals from complete destruction the rangers have actually put electric netting and fencing around several large areas of natural habitat.

My own personal belief is that feeding strays only perpetuates an already bad situation. One has to look to what the effects will be. Females are more likely to continually breed, there will be health issues and suffering, and there is all the other not so nice stuff that goes on that the feeders will probably never observe or even realise happens.

Yes going back over certain scenarios is a hiding to nowhere, I was doing that all the time and still do occassionally with Holly. I try not to do that. I still cant believe that I didnt see it earlier and that there was absolutely nothing I could do to save her.

My mothers dog had pancreatitis and diabetes and knows well the anguish of trying to get her dog to eat special diets. Her dog had to eat before she could get her insulin shot which she had to have twice daily. The pancreatitis often made her feel unwell and she would turn her head away at the food, which made my mum desperate because if she didnt eat she couldnt have her insulin shot and would then have to be rushed to the specialist hospital. My mother would try tempting her with other things she would cook up. The whole thing eventually became too much for both the dog and my mother and the vet told her it was best to let her dog go.

She was only a little dog and 13 1/2 seemed young and my mum got caught in that similar age trap that we all get caught in. Why didnt they live longer.

So I can empathise with that situation. I watched it unfold all to often when visiting my mother.

Yes I do sometimes backtrack with Holly and I keep talking to her and wishing she was back with me. Hopefully time will help bit by bit.

Yes, I can directly feel your Mother's frustrations with her dog. 'WHENEVER' your Dog gobbles down their food with pure excitement, never take it for granted. Those are the best of the best days their entire lives.

I'm still totally drained with both loosing Steffie and thinking of all the problems she and I tackled. The problems are one thing, but Steffie not being here is in a category by itself.

There is no way I could survive loosing another dog at a young age like Steffie. It really just makes me mad thinking about it. Guess most would accuse me of being selfish. It still kills me to look at her pics. One minute you're up, next minute you're down.

For the life of me, I just don't think, even with time, that I could ever get another w/o being bombarded with betrayal thoughts. Just like you and Holly, Steffie and I were literally 'fused' together.

[moon_beam]

Hi, Earl, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing. I truly empathize with you when you share with us: "I'm still totally drained with both loosing Steffie and thinking of all the problems she and I tackled. There is no way I could survive loosing another dog at a young age like Steffie. Guess most would accuse me of being selfish." Please let me try to reassure you, Earl, that you are NOT selfish in feeling unable to embrace another companion. It is vitally important that you give yourself the opportunity to get both your physical and emotional strength back - - for YOU. And yes - - this grief journey is BOTH a physical and emotional journey, and there comes a time when EACH of us reach a point in specific circumstances and say "I can't handle this anymore - - no more." You have experienced a LOT of deep sorrow in your lifetime with various situations concerning your beloved companions, Earl. You are now at a point where you need to focus on YOU - - for both your physical and emotional health. There is NOTHING selfish about that. Indeed, your beloved Victor, Schatszie, and Steffie want you to do what is best for YOU - - as do I and everyone else on this wonderful forum.

I hope today is treating you kindly, Earl, and that you will have a peaceful evening blessed with your beloved Schatszie's, Steffie's, Victor's, and all of your beloved companions' sweet Living Spirits to comfort you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Earl, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

[Earl A.]

Hi, Earl, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing. I truly empathize with you when you share with us: "I'm still totally drained with both loosing Steffie and thinking of all the problems she and I tackled. There is no way I could survive loosing another dog at a young age like Steffie. Guess most would accuse me of being selfish." Please let me try to reassure you, Earl, that you are NOT selfish in feeling unable to embrace another companion. It is vitally important that you give yourself the opportunity to get both your physical and emotional strength back - - for YOU. And yes - - this grief journey is BOTH a physical and emotional journey, and there comes a time when EACH of us reach a point in specific circumstances and say "I can't handle this anymore - - no more." You have experienced a LOT of deep sorrow in your lifetime with various situations concerning your beloved companions, Earl. You are now at a point where you need to focus on YOU - - for both your physical and emotional health. There is NOTHING selfish about that. Indeed, your beloved Victor, Schatszie, and Steffie want you to do what is best for YOU - - as do I and everyone else on this wonderful forum.

I hope today is treating you kindly, Earl, and that you will have a peaceful evening blessed with your beloved Schatszie's, Steffie's, Victor's, and all of your beloved companions' sweet Living Spirits to comfort you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Earl, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Moon_Beam, Yes, you are correct. I have reached a point, surrounded with 'specific circumstances'. Yesterday, when I was reading SummerHolly speak of her Mother's dog's health issue and her dog not wanting to eat at a critical certain time,....I was cringing in my chair. I refer to that as 'living in a straight jacket'.

I remember my retired Vet once told me, concerning Chronic Kidney Failure and the use of the special Prescribed Kidney Foods: " I don't know how any dog can eat that stuff, just feed them what they like." Well, that might seem totally ignorant to most, but, he knew something. He was from the 'old school', but, it has been previously debated as to whether or not the special kidney foods REALLY further extends your pet's life as compared to staying with their normal diets. He had made this statement when I had Schatszie, but, I went ahead with the kidney food diet, just like with Steffie.

When your Pet is issued a death sentence, especially at an early age, and that their life could be shortened by months or years, that is not a good way to live, but, thankfully your pet is unaware.. The initial shock of such is one thing, but the most cruel part of it is as the clock ticks, and days, months, years go by, and your pet is hanging in there, you start thinking via 'false hope'. The inevitable is silently awaiting you around any given corner.

Moon_Beam, I know you completely understand my particular situation, and I also totally know my situation. As with most after loosing a pet, they hear, "Get another". People should NEVER suggest such if you do not know 'all the facts'. In my particular situation, that would be fighting fire with fire.

AS HARD as it is to ADMIT, yes, I need to do something for me. I receive joke emails quite frequently, but, I find nothing funny about them. This might sound TOTALLY outlandish, but I do not consider myself to be in a depressed state of mind. I find it more accurate to say I'm in a suspended state of anger. Angry at the apparent bad luck that has followed me, and I wasn't at fault. I mean, how many times can an owner sustain CKF with their pets, let alone watching your horse rare his head and body up through the roof of a trailer.

The FACTS, you gotta know the FACTS, and this is exactly why I do not discuss anything, with anybody, more than once, EXCEPT with this site and you and SummerHolly. ALL these years, I NEVER told a soul about Victor.

I Thank You Moon_Beam, and I know you know I do not take your words for granted.

I hope You and Noah are having a peaceful day and week. I think about you all the time, that you have reached a point in your life, knowing that you realistically can no longer have a larger companion, etc.. We will all be there one day. We will somehow all try to make the best of the situation.

Regards,

Earl

[SummerHolly]

Hi Earl, I am not a big fan of prescription diets as I wonder if it is simply marketing by big companies to sell their brand. I have recently been in and out of the vet with a young dog and after discussion with my vet friend it is likely she has pancreatitis which leads to diabetes if not dealt with diet wise early on. The key element is to reduce fat intake. There are prescrition diets available but they they dont look very appetising so I will make my own mix up. I think it is probably important to understand the key element to those diets and then you can maybe make it yourself if you choose. I dont know anything about CKF but certainly with the condition my dog has been diagnosed with a low fat diet is essential to reducing her chances of reaching the diabetic stage, which would be a disaster.

You did what you thought was best for Steffie with her diet that is all that matters at this point. I doubt if it would have made things worse and it may have improved things. We have to make choices and we make those choices with our animals best outcomes at heart.

I think people can often suggest things like getting another pet based on their own personalities. I lost a horse to collic while I was away and the set of circumstances that surrounded his death leads me to suspect that it was partly my fault and I wasnt there for him. The loss of my young dog was also very traumatic. I lost another young dog earlier on when he was just playing and impaled himself on a wooden branch, I took him to the vet with the branch sticking out of his chest. That was the worst thing and the young locum vet left him untattended at night because she had a party to go to and he died.

A 6 month puppy "Georgie girl" Mum and I once had unknown to us followed us into a horse paddock when we were feeding and was kicked to death by a horse. She died in my arms while mum was driving us to the vet. It was horrible and we loved that feisty little dog.

These incidents definitely haunt me and I dont often speak of them, however it has never influenced my decision to surround myself with the animal companions because I need them in my life. So I think these experiences are reacted to differently by people.

My sister and I basically forced another dog on my mother after her diabetic dog died because she was in a depressed state and moping around all doom and gloom and she herself has lost animals traumatically and nursed 3 dogs through cancer and didnt think she could go through another. Seriously though it is the best thing we could have done for her,. She would not have got another companion otherwise and was in a deep depression. Sure the dog is not her beloved dog and we took a risk but I can see the depression gradually lifting as she gets to know her new dog. She tells me she wouldnt not have this new dog in her life although she would not have initiated it herself.

People just mean well and although they dont know your individual circumstances some of them like myself have suffered some very traumatic losses that although they affect you deeply you just deal with them in a different way. I would be a much different person if I didnt have my dogs with me. Theyare the light of life regardless of what has gone before, it is just the way I work.

I think if I am ever in a position not to be able to have a dog or cat I will have a budgie. I had one when I was young and he was the best companion. Just the other day someone posted about the loss of their bird and the close relationship they had with him. I think when you live on your own these interactions with a companion animal is very healthy.

Because I have been in an out of the vet recently with my young dog I have been missing Holly more acutely and just wishing I had her back and going through some of the details surrounding her death. I think we go through these stages and will do for awhile. This is never an easy journey. However I would never not have had any of my dogs in my life. I have in part accepted that life is not all lambs and rainbows with regards to anything we love. I think the loss of my father was also a key factor in all this. If I could move on from his loss I could move on from anything. I still think about him I might add so the pain never completely dissapears but I cant let tragedy rule my life or I would probably end it.

I know you and I probably approach things differently but the love of our animals runs deep and people just deal with stuff differently.
I can understand a lot of how you feel, I see it very much in my mother. I feel also very deeply for my lost animals, it just doesnt stop me wanting to love another animal and never will regardless of the circumstances. I know my dog is going to have to be managed carefully to try and stave off diabetes which is doable, and my other dog is staring down a progression of her elbow dysplasia but I will deal with what ever comes next and it wont stop me always wanting some sort of companion in my life.

[Earl A.]

Hi Earl, I am not a big fan of prescription diets as I wonder if it is simply marketing by big companies to sell their brand. I have recently been in and out of the vet with a young dog and after discussion with my vet friend it is likely she has pancreatitis which leads to diabetes if not dealt with diet wise early on. The key element is to reduce fat intake. There are prescrition diets available but they they dont look very appetising so I will make my own mix up. I think it is probably important to understand the key element to those diets and then you can maybe make it yourself if you choose. I dont know anything about CKF but certainly with the condition my dog has been diagnosed with a low fat diet is essential to reducing her chances of reaching the diabetic stage, which would be a disaster.

You did what you thought was best for Steffie with her diet that is all that matters at this point. I doubt if it would have made things worse and it may have improved things. We have to make choices and we make those choices with our animals best outcomes at heart.

I think people can often suggest things like getting another pet based on their own personalities. I lost a horse to collic while I was away and the set of circumstances that surrounded his death leads me to suspect that it was partly my fault and I wasnt there for him. The loss of my young dog was also very traumatic. I lost another young dog earlier on when he was just playing and impaled himself on a wooden branch, I took him to the vet with the branch sticking out of his chest. That was the worst thing and the young locum vet left him untattended at night because she had a party to go to and he died.

A 6 month puppy "Georgie girl" Mum and I once had unknown to us followed us into a horse paddock when we were feeding and was kicked to death by a horse. She died in my arms while mum was driving us to the vet. It was horrible and we loved that feisty little dog.

These incidents definitely haunt me and I dont often speak of them, however it has never influenced my decision to surround myself with the animal companions because I need them in my life. So I think these experiences are reacted to differently by people.

My sister and I basically forced another dog on my mother after her diabetic dog died because she was in a depressed state and moping around all doom and gloom and she herself has lost animals traumatically and nursed 3 dogs through cancer and didnt think she could go through another. Seriously though it is the best thing we could have done for her,. She would not have got another companion otherwise and was in a deep depression. Sure the dog is not her beloved dog and we took a risk but I can see the depression gradually lifting as she gets to know her new dog. She tells me she wouldnt not have this new dog in her life although she would not have initiated it herself.

People just mean well and although they dont know your individual circumstances some of them like myself have suffered some very traumatic losses that although they affect you deeply you just deal with them in a different way. I would be a much different person if I didnt have my dogs with me. Theyare the light of life regardless of what has gone before, it is just the way I work.

I think if I am ever in a position not to be able to have a dog or cat I will have a budgie. I had one when I was young and he was the best companion. Just the other day someone posted about the loss of their bird and the close relationship they had with him. I think when you live on your own these interactions with a companion animal is very healthy.

Because I have been in an out of the vet recently with my young dog I have been missing Holly more acutely and just wishing I had her back and going through some of the details surrounding her death. I think we go through these stages and will do for awhile. This is never an easy journey. However I would never not have had any of my dogs in my life. I have in part accepted that life is not all lambs and rainbows with regards to anything we love. I think the loss of my father was also a key factor in all this. If I could move on from his loss I could move on from anything. I still think about him I might add so the pain never completely dissapears but I cant let tragedy rule my life or I would probably end it.

I know you and I probably approach things differently but the love of our animals runs deep and people just deal with stuff differently.
I can understand a lot of how you feel, I see it very much in my mother. I feel also very deeply for my lost animals, it just doesnt stop me wanting to love another animal and never will regardless of the circumstances. I know my dog is going to have to be managed carefully to try and stave off diabetes which is doable, and my other dog is staring down a progression of her elbow dysplasia but I will deal with what ever comes next and it wont stop me always wanting some sort of companion in my life.

Sorry to hear about the pancreatitis situation,......of all times, why now? Believe me, I realize there are much worse stories out there than mine. Just from what you have told me here, yes, you also have had a string of bad luck. Going back to the Vet right now is the last thing you needed.

Yes, marketing of foods, etc., by vets is always a factor. I didn't have a problem with feeding the prescribed kidney food to Steffie or Schatszie, as well as the other supplements. I simply follow the Vets instructions while keeping an open mind, whereby, when and if something goes wrong, you won't have a guilty conscience. If you try to play GOD and ignore the Vet, its going to be a bad ending for you.

Actually, you remind me of my Sister. Both of you have developed a system that works well through the good and bad. As you said, most people vary in how they handle things. I personally could have no more than two companions at one time, but I prefer just one. That might probably be my biggest enemy in the end. As I said before, 'I dumped all my eggs in one basket'.

It is obvious that both you and Moon_Beam have been through more hardships than I. You all are obviously much stronger than I when things get bad, and/or, you've learned how to 'cope'.

As with hearing the story of your Mother and her dog that had pancreatitis,.......when hearing your latest Vet visits, I was cringing in my chair again, BECAUSE, I know what you are thinking,..."When Will This End!...I Need A Break!" All I can say to you is 'Hang-In There', and I hope against hope that you won't be dealing with diabetes.

When I drive by my Vet's office, I try not to even look that way......everything about that building says 'Steffie'. I was there countless times for food, blood exams, treatment, etc, etc..

I'll be thinking about you and your companion. Keep us updated. At least you have forewarning of the pancreatitis. That IS a good thing.

Regards,

Earl

[SummerHolly]

Sorry to hear about the pancreatitis situation,......of all times, why now? Believe me, I realize there are much worse stories out there than mine. Just from what you have told me here, yes, you also have had a string of bad luck. Going back to the Vet right now is the last thing you needed.

Yes, marketing of foods, etc., by vets is always a factor. I didn't have a problem with feeding the prescribed kidney food to Steffie or Schatszie, as well as the other supplements. I simply follow the Vets instructions while keeping an open mind, whereby, when and if something goes wrong, you won't have a guilty conscience. If you try to play GOD and ignore the Vet, its going to be a bad ending for you.

Actually, you remind me of my Sister. Both of you have developed a system that works well through the good and bad. As you said, most people vary in how they handle things. I personally could have no more than two companions at one time, but I prefer just one. That might probably be my biggest enemy in the end. As I said before, 'I dumped all my eggs in one basket'.

It is obvious that both you and Moon_Beam have been through more hardships than I. You all are obviously much stronger than I when things get bad, and/or, you've learned how to 'cope'.

As with hearing the story of your Mother and her dog that had pancreatitis,.......when hearing your latest Vet visits, I was cringing in my chair again, BECAUSE, I know what you are thinking,..."When Will This End!...I Need A Break!" All I can say to you is 'Hang-In There', and I hope against hope that you won't be dealing with diabetes.

When I drive by my Vet's office, I try not to even look that way......everything about that building says 'Steffie'. I was there countless times for food, blood exams, treatment, etc, etc..

I'll be thinking about you and your companion. Keep us updated. At least you have forewarning of the pancreatitis. That IS a good thing.

Regards,

Earl

Yeah I probably like 2 dogs. I have more because I have livestock to run so I needed a purpose bred sheepdog as well as the pets I moved to the farm with and then I rescued another sheepdog from the bullet. My sheepdogs do good work but in reality they are also my pets. I just have to spread the love LOL. It doesnt stop me forming stronger bonds with some of them, but they all know I will keep them safe and I do have fun with them. I sort of like the mild chaos although I will slowly downsize as the years go by. Having my other dogs certainly helps but I miss Holly a great deal as she was such a special girl, but I am very glad to have my little doggy family around me.

I tend not to think too negatively about the pancreatitis diagnosis, it is what it is. I just think that if I get the diet right we should be good. I tend only to worry about these things if they become a problem. I think in reality this is how I cope with stuff. I assume everything is good and dont worry too much about the future. I guess it will unfold as it will and I will deal with it if I have to.

Yes the vets office does have Holly's name on it but the nurses and vets are cheerful souls when I go in there, practical down to earth country women really.