My little friend, the Shetland Sheepdog you see in my avatar is gone. Last night he had another siezure, and the vet said this morning he was blind and deaf, and could no longer walk, and in his words, "Living in Helen Keller's world". He hadn't been eating right for a week or so, and we knew his time was coming. But mom is inconsolate and I am trying to stay strong for her, as Jasper was her constant companion for the last 16 years. We had some great times with him, and enjoyed his quirky personality. He could be hilarious and he also knew how to come to me at the computer and bump my leg with his snout, and then sit and give me "that look" which meant he wanted to go out and take care of his business. He also liked to flirt with all the lady dogs on the street, and strutted his stuff by them and would also have some cute barks for them, and they all wanted so badly his attention. I swear he knew what he was doing So thanks buddy for all the laughs, playful barks and good times, RIP Jasper ! I loved you kiddo.
I'm so sorry to hear that bro. I lost my little girl a few years back from cancer (she was a sheltie, but looked a lot like your dog). It's hard but the memories will always be there, and that's something you should cherish. If you need anything, let me know bro.
Kevin, I'm so sorry. Somehow I think that in terms of support from friends and family, losing a furry friend is worse than losing a person; it's hard for some people to "get" the special relationship we enjoy with these most pure of God's creatures. Jasper is in a better place; know that.
Thanks dude, it'll be a few days til I feel like posting too much. Its only been 3½ hours but I'm already missing him. He always asked me to take him out right at noon on the button.....it was wierd but I swear he could tell time.
Kevin, horrible news. Sorry to hear that. In many ways, these dogs are closer to children than pets and it hurts even more when they go. Sorry again. R.I.P. Jasper
Thanks Nabo (Travis ?) yes we all have a special relationship with our pets, sometimes even better than with other humans, simply because they always love you back no matter, if you lost your job, or got dumped on by your girlfriend/boyfriend, had a fight with someone else, they are always there for us, and have that sparkle in their eyes, that makes your heart burst with pride and love for them. If doggies go to heaven, Jasper I am sure made it
My condolences Kev. I know how special pets are. And to have had him for so many yrs, its tough. Atleast he lived a good life, take comfort in knowiing you probably spoiled the **** out of him and made him a very happy dog.
Thanks bro, I really appreciate that. You are a cool dude and I have really enjoyed getting to listen to you and hear your fun sense of humor on Sick's show.
Thanks Eric, he was a special one for sure. And about spoiling....how many dogs you know that got sirloin tip steak for them every day ? (about 2 years ago he started refusing to eat canned dog food) He was brushed 4 times a week and got a bath once every two weeks, to keep that mane of his white as we could. He got sirloin tip steak and many times we end up eating On-Cor Salisbury Steaks for dinner......talk about having us trained
Sorry to hear the news Kevin. It's never easy losing a pet, sometimes they can be more caring and understanding than some people and it's easy to grow a special bond with them. Just remember the good times and know that you gave him a wonderful and happy life. That's all the little guy wanted and you should hold your head high knowing that you gave him that and so much more. Peace brother Mike
Aqua, thanks my man. When you come back down to Miami, you need to look me up. We can talk some shop about our writing.
I'm truly sorry bro. I volunteer at a farm animal sanctuary on the weekends, and we deal with death on a constant basis. I've learned that even if an animal was there for a day before it died, it at least had one amazing day where it was loved and cared for. Your Jasper had 16 years of that and know he was thankful for every minute of it.
Thanks Mike, I will try my best to remember those times, and the couple of video clips I have of him I will cherish too. I'll miss him during the Summertime when we have those huge afternoon thunderboomers and his rushing to my side, shaking and scared of the thunder and lightening. He would always relax but never leave my side during those storms. Funny the things you remember......
sounds like that dog had a great life. i'm sure you'll all miss him, but you can have peace in the fact that you made his life a great one. sorry he passed.
Thanks Finacious, I commend you for working there. I have seen the show Animal Cops on Animal Planet, and there are some really nasty and bizzare people, just sick, that have to have their animals rescued. I can't believe how some people treat their animals whether they are pets or farm animals, they should all have at the least ethical treatment by our moral standards.
Kevin - I'm so sorry for your loss. I don't what I'd do if I lost my little doggy, Bean. She's my constant companion in these hard times and is there for me all the time. Just loves to sit on my lap and get her rubs (she's a chihuahua). I'm sure you're devastated - I know I would be. You take care and let me know if you need anything at all.
Thanks Seth, as other said he's in no pain now and that is the most important thing. Even though the vet didn't think he was in pain, we'll never know and if he was that pain is over now.
Thanks Miss Mary, its all just hitting me right now....thanks m'Lady you are a true DolFan Sister. We are all praying for you and your situation too. The Lord will provide a way I know.
RIP Jasper, you are chasing rabbits and having a ball in doggie heaven! My heart goes out to you Kevin, I am the proud father (owner) of two dachshunds and those boys are my kids. Sounds like he had a great life with you guys, and I'm sure he passed on as a happy pup.
Opie, thanks bro, you are another really cool dude. They will be your children until you become a father, and dealing with them is great training. Hopefully you will call in this Friday night on Sick's show and we can BS for a few minutes.
Thank you - if you're feeling up to it, check out my latest update in the Religion/Spirituality forum. Like Opie said, truly makes you feel good and restores your faith in humanity.
So sorry to hear this man, awful news. Seems Shetlands are very susceptible to seizures, the last one we had suffered from them for quite some time before finally passing away.
A DOG'S PRAYER By Beth Norman Harris Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me. Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do. Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps falls upon my waiting ear. When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper. Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger. And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of my health, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest--and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.
Very sorry to hear about your loss Kevin, it truly does hurt, just like losing any other member of your family. If you need or want to talk know that I'm here and have been through the same thing myself several times unfortunately, like many others here as well.
Sorry to hear that. Always remember the good times you had, I'm sure your dog is in a better place now.
I am really sorry to hear about Jasper. I am at my sister-in-law's house this week and watching a shetland sheepdog named Kitty. Kitty has Addison's disease and shakes and wobbles a lot. She also drinks about four cereal sized bowls of water every day. She throws up once in a while. She is only five years old and I just hope she will live a lot longer. My dog gets along really well with her.
I am so truly sorry at the loss of your family member. Your story and Opie's post actually brought tears to my eyes. In essence, you and your family gave Jasper a fine life. I have always believed that the way in which people treat and feel for domesticated dogs and cats is a mirror to their caring souls. I know that you are in pain, yet I believe it will temper eventually with the memories and the parts of you that chose to love Jasper.
TRAVIS? I couldn't fit in skinny jeans if I wanted to. And I wouldn't want to. How you holding up? edit: HOLY ****, a Roman sighting!
Sorry Q thats awful. I hate being around a once lively pet go in a downward spiral right in front of your eyes. Ive seen it and its quite depressing seeing a what I consider a family member deteriorate right in front of you. It sounds like he lived a very happy life I'm sure he thanked you for being such a great owner.
