The Heartbreak of a Pet Owner

Posted Friday, September 7, 2007, at 11:48 AM

Whenever we add a new animal to the family, we often don't think of the heartbreak that we'll eventually have to face in the end. As the parent of many older pets, I am well aware of the many heartbreaks headed my way. I experienced one, this past weekend, when my little chihuahua passed away from heart failure. His condition was due to old age. I rescued Slate nearly 10 years ago. He was nearly 3, when we first met. At the time, my husband was working as a police/fire dispatcher in a nearby town and was on nights and a lot of overtime. Slate became my buddy and constant companion. We were like peas and carrots. We just went together.

When Chloe, my elderly Shih Tzu passed away, it was just the two of us for quite a few years. Slowly over time, we added several new members of the family. Slate always took everything in stride and was always willing to share. He had such a sunny little attitude. He was quite even tempered for a chihuahua. We went on like this for many years. Then, last March, I had to carry him to the vet for what I thought was a little digestive problem. The digestive problem was easily taken care of with meds. As it turned out, there was a MUCH bigger problem that I was unaware existed. Slate was diagnosed with heart disease. He had a pretty pronounced murmur. He was placed on several heart medications, which eventually multiplyed into 6 by the end. Bless his heart, he fought a good battle, which ended just this past Sunday.

My house has been empty and lonely this past week. Even though it has plenty of other occupants, Slate's little spirit leaves a huge gap. I don't think a day will go by that I won't miss him. These pets, friends, and companions become such a HUGE part of our lives, and their abscence is always felt.

To read my tribute to Slate, go HERE.

Comments
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Aww, so sorry to hear about your furbaby's passing. It is so hard not to get attached to the 4-footed adoptees, and they do become true members of the family. It is hard to let them go, but one should always remember how much joy, and sometimes sanity, the furbabies bring to our lives.

-- Posted by craftin_mom on Fri, Sep 7, 2007, at 12:42 PM

Oh, I am sorry to hear about your loss. I know I would be heartbroken if anything happen to my Shih Tzu. She is my best friend, I can tell her anything and she never repeats it :>)

-- Posted by Dianatn on Fri, Sep 7, 2007, at 12:55 PM

I had my dog just up and leave the house this week on Labor day night while I was out with my son and his family at a local restaurant. When I returned he had vanished. I have been miserable and crying ever since.....I put a poster at the local store and an ad in the TG and visited all the neighbors to let them know of my loss. I even woke up this morning thinking I heard his little bark outside my window. I got up with the flashlight and went outside but he was no where around. Then I went back to sleep and had a dream that he had returned and then I woke up and realized it was a dream afterall. But this morning I went out onto my deck and lo and behold he was all of a sudden right there. I picked him up and hugged him and told him how much I loved him and missed him. I know your pain! I was devastated over him being gone and I will take extra precaution so he won't run off again. I know one day I will have to let him go again but he's only 5 and I hope I will have many years to prepare myself for that day. I'll say a prayer for you and send you my deepest sympathy. But remember....all dogs go to heaven!

-- Posted by jkelley on Fri, Sep 7, 2007, at 5:16 PM

Thanks to all for your kind words, prayers, and thoughts. I appreciate them very much!

-- Posted by cherylrichardson on Sat, Sep 8, 2007, at 8:30 AM

I can feel your pain..We had to have our little dog put out of her misey just last week also.Missy was 13 and various heart and liver problems...My prayers are with you and your family...

-- Posted by missysmom on Sat, Sep 8, 2007, at 6:36 PM

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Cheryl Richardson

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