Monday, June 24, 2013

Saying Goodbye, and a New Arrival

Saying goodbye to a dog is always hard, but this month has been especially difficult. Two weeks ago my husband and I made the decision to euthanize Remi, our Great Dane. He was only 7 ½ years old, but due to health issues he was in a lot of pain and could no longer walk, and we could not bear for him to suffer anymore. We adopted Remi when he was a year and a half old – he was my first dog, other than the family dogs I had growing up. He taught me a lot about dog behavior, and I went from being afraid of dogs to reading about them and starting to understand them to loving dogs. He endured all of my mistakes as I learned to train dogs and to manage a multi-dog household. He was a clown who loved to drink directly from the sink faucet and loved to de-stuff teddy bears. He won the Tallest Dog contest in a local pet parade, and yet was afraid to step over a ledge that was just two inches above the floor. He wouldn’t go through a doorway unless the door was all the way open, and he once pulled me face-down across the front lawn in order to meet some very nervous neighbors out walking their dog. He sounded ferocious but was a big baby, and yet I always felt completely safe with him by my side. In spite of the fact that he was a purebred Great Dane and weighed 160 pounds, people - both adults and children - would often ask if he was a Dalmatian.  I was always tempted to say yes, yes he is.  

I miss you, my Giant Dalmatian.
 A week after losing Remi, I was back at the vet’s office with Lee, the smallest of the Chihuahua puppies. Lee was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, which is a buildup of fluid inside the skull. There are a variety of causes but in his case it was most likely a congenital defect. Lee did not survive, and walking out of the vet’s office without him was so hard. I am glad that both of his littermates do not have any issues and are doing well, but I really miss him. 
Lee


I also said goodbye to Stella the deaf Lab mix this week, but that was under much happier circumstances since she was adopted into a wonderful family. Saying goodbye is not so hard when I know the dog is going to a wonderful home and I will get to see pictures and hear updates on her in the future.

Stella and her new family

I have also had a new arrival this week. Brittany is a two-year-old dog who came into rescue after being picked up as a pregnant stray. She went to a neonate rescue until her babies were weaned and now she’s been spayed and is ready to find her forever home. Brittany is a sweet girl who loves attention and loves to play with other dogs. She went to her first adoption event on Saturday and many people were drawn to her, so I am hoping that she will find her forever home very soon.

Brittany


18 comments:

Dexter said...

I'm so sorry that Remi had to be let go, but it sounds like you did what was best for him. Seven years old is geriatric for a giant and we never want our friends to be in pain or suffering. He was lucky to have you there in the beginning and the end.

Mango Momma

Casey Jones' Mom said...

So sorry for the loss of Remi. You did what was right, we can't keep them around it would be selfish to let him suffer. He taught you well.

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

Our ♥s are HEAVY with the news of Remi's departure. He is so lucky to have been in a home that cared MORE for him than for themselves. THAT is the GREATEST LOVE of ALl.

Cyndi and Stumpy said...

My heart s breaking for you. So much loss in such a short time. And still you keep moving forward, always putting the dogs first. The world is a better place because of you.

Cyndi and Stumpy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

So sorry for the loss of your beloved pup. Rufus is my first dog as an adult and the bond we have is unlike any other, so I can't imagine how hard this must be. Dogs are pretty fantastic creatures and luckily you get to surround yourself with them daily :)

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness, I can't believe Remi has passed. /: I have been following your blog for a couple years now and I always loved all the Remi pictures/updates way back when. He was an amazing dog. I like how he protected the yard, lol! Big goof.

Also very sorry to hear about Lee, but it is clear that with both Remi and Lee you did what was in the best interest for the dogs.

Rescue, and owning dogs in generally can be so hard, but you just have to fall down and get back up the next day because the work is never done.

MayzieMom said...

Oh, Laurie, I'm heartbroken for you. I always loved seeing pics of Remi and hearing stories about him, although I didn't know he was responsible for you going on to save the lives of so many others. He was a very special soul. You were lucky to have him and he, you. Run free, Remi. I know you'll take good care of little Lee at the Bridge.

So happy for Stella and here's hoping that Brittany finds her forever home soon!

Hugs from me and brindle kisses from the Mayzie.

Barb's Cats and Quilts said...

I, too, am so sorry for you and your double loss. Remi was such a good dog. And, yes, we have to dig right in the next day and continue with the daily chores. I've begun to think of myself as a farm wife. We can't slow down. We just have to keep plugging along day by day.

Jans Funny Farm said...

We're very sorry for the loss of your Remi. It isn't easy to let them go, so we send soft purrs and pawtaps.

Kari in Alaska said...

Rest in peace sweet Remi

Stop on by for a visit
Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com/

Emily @ Our Waldo Bungie said...

Wow. Sounds like you have had a tough week. I can't imagine what I will do when Rufus passes away. He was also my first dog as an adult, and I don't even want to think about a life without him in it.

Big hugs to you, friend.

STELLA and RORY from Down Under said...

Howdy All. We've dropped in from Dexter's blog to offer our sincere condolences on the loss of your dear Remi. From reading your post, he sounds a lot like our big fella. We hope the happy memories bring you comfort.
No worries, and love, Carol (and Stella and Rory

Blueberry's human said...

Sorry to hear about sweet Remi and little Lee! Sending you hugs!

What wonderful memories you have of Remi - thank you for sharing some of them with us!

TimberLove said...

We came to paw our sympathy,

RA, Isis & NanĂ¼k

Cocos Mommy said...

You are a special kind of mommy!

Anonymous said...

awww Laurie. Kevin just brought this post to my attention and I am saddened that you had to put Remi down. Prayers to you and Dave!

Tucker said...

Oh I am so sorry you had to say goodbye to Remi, he will be missed. The bigger the dog the bigger the hole in our hearts. Run free my friend.

woof - Tucker