Thursday, April 30, 2009

In Memoriam

Our beloved Dormouse is gone.

Hearing the vet say that what he could do for her would only delay the inevitable was the second worst moment of my life. Stroking her fur as the vet put her to sleep was the worst.

I had really believed we could buy her more time than this.

Maybe we held onto her too long before easing her suffering. Maybe we gave up on her too soon. I just don't know.

I can only hope that we did what was best for her, and that we made her as happy as she could be in her final days.

For 13 years, she kept us company, made us laugh and brightened our days. For 13 years, we were a family. She stuck her nose, often literally, into just about everything we did. The house seems so empty now without the click-click-click of her nails on the wood floors as she follows us around.

Goodbye, Dormouse. We love you and miss you, and we'll never forget you.


28 comments:

post-doc said...

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Take care of yourself.

Comrade PhysioProf said...

I am sure you did what was best for her. Condolences.

Amanda@Lady Scientist said...

I'm so sorry. My thoughts are with you.

Cath@VWXYNot? said...

I'm so sorry. She sounds like an awesome dog and your fond memories will last forever.

Seeking Solace said...

I am so sorry. She is at the Bridge now.

http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm

ScienceGirl said...

I am so sorry... {Hugs}

Dr. A said...

Losing a member of the family is one of the hardest things, especially not knowing exactly what they are feeling. You were a caring mom and did everything you could to make her feel comfortable and loved as always. Sorry for your loss.

Candid Engineer said...

Oh Mad Hatter, I'm so sorry to hear this. Putting down my beloved 17-yr-old cat was the hardest/worst thing I've ever had to do, too. Of course you did the right thing for her. You are in my thoughts.

EcoGeoFemme said...

Oh, I'm so sorry. My thoughts are with you too.

drdrA said...

Oh Dear- I am so, SO sorry. I know that Dormouse was a beloved member of your family, and that you are very sad for losing her. You are in my thoughts...

Arlenna said...

I'm so sorry. It's so hard to make that decision. I am sure you did the right thing, too.

Thomas said...

As Seeking Solace said, she's at the bridge now. As a matter of fact, she's probably romping around with my own beloved Boomer.

I know what it's like to lose a loved pet. My heart still aches when I think of Boomer.

Arbitrista said...

Oh dear. I really do feel your loss. So sad.

ScientistMother said...

Its never easy having to decide whether to keep fighting for the life of a loved pet, or whether letting them go is the kinder decision. I am sure you made the best decision you could. I am so sorry

Prof-like Substance said...

Very sorry to here the news. Losing a loved pet is always a horrible experience, but as others have said, I'm sure you made your decision based on what was best for Dormouse.

Academic said...

You are in my thoughts. So sorry to see this :(

Albatross said...

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You'll be in my thoughts.

Massimo (fka Okham) said...

... and this is exactly why I am not getting another dog. Boy, do I know how hard it is... just let time heal this one, friend.

bean-mom said...

I am so very very sorry, Mad Hatter. It sounds like the Dormouse had a very happy life, and that you were all blessed.

Mad Hatter said...

Thank you all for your kind words and thoughts. March Hare and I have been looking through old pictures of Dormouse and exchanging "Do you remember that time when Dormouse did X?" stories. We are truly grateful to have had so many happy years with her.

Jennie said...

I'm so sorry for you. I saw this post in my reader and put off reading it because I knew it would be sad. But after reading the whole thing I'm happy that you had such a great dog to spend your time with and that you gave it a great life. I hope after your mourning you will bless another dog with your love. There are so many that don't have great homes.

JaneB said...

So sorry to hear about this - pets leave a huge hole when they go, don't they?

Mad Hatter said...

Jennie--We will definitely get another dog. Adopting Dormouse was one of the best things we ever did, and my only regret was that I couldn't take all of those dogs home. This, by the way, is why March Hare won't let me go to to shelters "just to look" anymore. :-)

JaneB--Yes, they really do. Thank you.

ruchi said...

sorry for your loss, mh. hugs.

Mad Hatter said...

Thanks, Ruchi.

microbiologist xx said...

Letting a pet go is so painful. My condolences.

Amelie said...

I'm so sorry, Mad Hatter.

Mad Hatter said...

MXX and Amelie--Thank you.

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