Wednesday, February 3, 2010

R.I.P. Our Old Friend...............








Today, both Stephen and I are both physically and emotionally exhausted. We had no other choice than to have our old Fido dog sent to Heaven. Fido, and yes that was his name, was 16 years old. I brought him home as a puppy when Zoe was just 5 years old. Zoe is about to turn 21. Fido adopted Stephen way back in 2000, when Steve first came over and Fido has been Stephen's puppy ever since, so as you can imagine, today was an extremely hard day. He clearly had become very uncomfortable and not able to settle himself in recent weeks. Appetite decreased, what once had been a 70+ pound dog, now only 56 pounds. And although he did his best to forge forth and hide his pain, he clearly got to "the suffering in silence" period and it was time for Stephen to make this decision. Fido passed away in Stephen's arms on his blanket at the Vet this morning, my hand on the dog's head, very peacefully. Sixteen virtually healthy years is a long time for a large dog. He is missed sincerely...........Rest in Peace, ole boy, barking master, and save us all a place up there. I know you will..................



24 comments:

Katharine Swan said...

So sorry for your loss. Sixteen years is a good, long life for a dog, but it's also long enough that you forget how to live without them. My thoughts are with the both of you.

Mrs. Mom said...

my heart goes out to you both. prayers for you all. he'll be watching over you both!

Jean said...

Rest in Peace, Fido. You were well loved, and returned that love tenfold. No one can hope for more in a lifetime.

My sympathies to you and Stephen.

Jeni said...

I am very sorry for the loss of your beloved Fido. Tell your husband I'm sorry as well. I'm facing that decision myself all too soon and I fear I will not be able to do it.

lopinon4 said...

My heart hurts for your loss. I am sure Fido is eternally grateful that you were unselfish enough to let him go with grace and peace. What a long and wonderful life you helped him to lead. I tip my hat to you.

Tammy Vasa said...

Godspeed, Fido.

Peace to those whom he loved.

Grey Horse Matters said...

So sorry to hear about Fido. He sounds like a wonderful companion and a very loved friend. It's so hard to lose our best friends, but he had 16 wonderful years with his family who loved him. He is at peace now and pain free and he will be watching over you all. It will take time to heal but he will never be forgotten and there will be lots of wonderful stories and memories to keep close to your heart.

Unknown said...

I"m sorry to hear about the loss of Fido. It's wonderful that he was so loved, and so gently let go when the time came.

Our thoughts are will you both.

Twisted Oaks Quarter Horses said...

I'm so sorry Callie and Steve. Fido had the best life. As hard as it is to let them go, you know that you have to. You always make sure that your animals are healthy and not in pain. You let him go before he was to uncomfortable. He was a happy dog that enjoyed all your other animals. The goats kept him young. It won't be the same coming over and not getting greeted at the door with his big dog bark.

Jessie

BrownEyed Cowgirl said...

I am so sorry for your loss Steve and Callie.

Mikey said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. 16 years was a long time for a big dog, and I have no doubts he was loved and happiest with you guys. I love when owners are there and do what's right when it's time. *Big Hug*

cdncowgirl said...

I know I sent you a FB message but I just wanted to say again how sorry I am. It was good of you and Steve to let him go, even if it is hard for you.

Paint Girl said...

I am so sorry of the loss of your beloved Fido!! I know how difficult a decision that is, but you guys did what is right.
My thoughts are with you both!

Laughing Orca Ranch said...

Oh no. I'm so very sorry. How lucky he was to have such caring owners who gave him such a full, healthy life in a happy home.

Hugs for you guys,
~Lisa

John and Regina Zdravich said...

How sad....a good friend of mine just lost his companion dog after 15 years.
Take comfort in knowing that you gave Fido a good life -- he was well taken care of and loved....

Michelle said...

So sorry for your loss. It's so hard to lose a beloved animal, but at least you know you didn't let him suffer.

SunnySD said...

As others have said, it's never easy to lose one. Thoughts and prayers for all of you - I firmly believe that the ones that go first will be waiting for us someday. Too hard to lose them otherwise!

steve said...

Thank you all for the kind comments , it is hard each time I look at the post and my eyes tear up. He was a truly great companion and faithful friend to Callie and I. I know he would have walked across hot coals to protect us. It was the hardest decision I have ever made because for me I would have kept him for as long as I could but In the end I had to think about how he must feel and I could. But I could not bear to see him in pain any longer. I hope he understood

I Miss you terribly old friend

Steve

Denise- LessIsMore17 said...

I feel your pain. It's so hard to say good-bye:-( Hugs...

Vaquerogirl said...

So sorry about Fido! I lost my best companion last year and it still hurts. We did get a new puppy though- and that sure helps!

Donna said...

You are in my thoughts.

Marie Taulbee said...

My heart goes out to you. It is never easy to let a loved one go back to the energy we all came from. You will connect again one day. He gave you great joy!

Netherfieldmom said...

I'm so sorry--time helps. How lucky we are to have such loyalty in our lives. I know that's why dog is God spelled backwards. So we can experience true unconditional love, devotion and faithfulness, here on earth. Fido thanks you for a loving, terrific life.

Victoria Cummings said...

A big hug to you and Stephen and Zoe. I'm sure you'll feel Fido's spirit with you all. When our Pepper passed away, I'd wake up in the middle of the night because I heard her bark. Dogs are one of God's greatest gifts. We all know how much Fido loved you guys.