09:49 – I just returned from walking Colin. Talk about a wintry mix. It was about 95% cold rain, but with other stuff mixed in. There was snow, sleet (in the US/Canadian sense of tiny ice pellets), sleet (in the UK sense of mushy snow/rain), and I think maybe even some graupel. Fortunately, nothing is likely to stick. Barbara drove her car to work today.
I’m going to go make up some bottles of crystal iodine, which is the only thing I’m short of to make up more forensic kit chemical bags.
Sad day for me today, as my house has become emptier. Last night I made the decision to put my dog down as her health issues overwhelmed her happiness and my ability to overcome them. It was her hip dysplasia that convinced me, as she was having more and greater issues climbing stairs without having someone support her rear. Since I live upstairs in a two story home, every entrance required her climbing stairs. Over the weekend that turned into an inability to walk for for than 10 paces without collapsing. She was miserable. When I took her to the vet, he diagnosed a potential stomach tumor, as well. It was the right decision, but a difficult one.
She was quite simply the best dog I have ever had, and is also the last dog I will ever have. I have buried far too many of them, and each one has left a hole in my heart. The one that Amber leaves is almost as large as the hole left by my wife’s passing.
I am pet free, for the first time in my life. Now how will I get pet hair in my food and on my clothes? OMG. I can wear black again!
I’m so sorry, Bill.
Mr. bgrigg my condolences on the loss of Amber. Please get another dog. The love exceeds the loss. They have short lives, but bring much happiness in their time. I’ve already decided to get another when my three chihuahua’s pass.
Bill, my condolences. We lost a wonderful dog almost four years ago. She was my wife’s dog when we met. I still miss that dog. Especially since we replaced her.
Condolences, Bill; it’s hard to put a beloved pet companion down; we went through that not so long ago. I second MrAtoz.
I understand completely, Bill. I had to put my Irish Setter down after only 7 years with her (got her when she was already going on 7). Although the dog came to me through my first wife’s aunt, who raised (better word would be ‘rescued’) Irish, the dog and I understood we belonged to each other, even though she respected my wife admirably. The connection between the dog and me was different than with my human spouses, and putting her down was as hard as the death-forced separation with my wife.
There have been other dogs, but I know that one was special. Even if I tried, I will never have another dog that smart, and for that reason, there will not be any others.
Sorry to hear it, Bill. It sucks that dogs’ lifespans are so much shorter than ours…
Bill, I am saddened by your loss.
Thanks for all the condolences. I am adamant that I’m not getting another pet, though. It might mean I’m a bit lonelier, but they also kept me tied to the home. It was difficult to travel and the new GF likes to travel!
Quite a number of people have tried to convince me over the years, to get another dog. But I already had several before her. I know the average intelligence of dogs, and that one was way above average. Any new dog would be a constant reminder that I did not get one as smart as that Irish.
Agreed on the travel bit. We were hamstrung just by the 2 cats we had. You can leave cats for a couple days, but not a couple of weeks.