h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Those of you who know me know how much I adore my (or as she's come to be known - Her Royal Dogness), Goldie. This afternoon, I had to have her put to sleep.

She lived 16 years (almost 17 years), which is a lot for a breed that generally only lives 10-12 years – a golden retriever whose heart was solid gold. In her lifetime she accomplished more than many people even dream to.

She was a therapy dog, who took great joy in making people happy. I took her with me to senior homes, children’s hospitals and the like, where she would sit with people and in her loving, gentle way make them happy as they petted her and talked to her, all the while her kindly eyes looking deep into their own and saying “Yes. I know what you mean.” She did so many people so much good just by being her loving, gentle self. Even in her older years when retired from therapy, when I would take her to PetsMart on an outing, if she saw a person in a wheelchair she would haul me over to them, sit down and lay her head and one paw in their lap. On occasion bringing tears to people’s eyes as they watched.

She once brought home a dog who had been badly abused. I adopted her, and if you know me you’ve probably heard me refer to my coyote . The coyote followed home, no doubt after being told what a wonderful home she’d have. She lived a few more years before dying from kidney failure, from damage inflicted before she followed a friendly home one night and got to find a real family.

I had originally scheduled for a veterinarian to visit tomorrow afternoon and put her to sleep at home, in her favorite place. But she had a hemangioma and it burst today, causing her pain. She had been at her grandparents’ home spending time with them when it happened. I drove over then agreed we couldn’t wait for her appointment.

Even in her last moments she was still her adorable self. When they came outside to give her a sedative in the car she was very gentle with the vet. And when they brought the stretcher out (she was still awake) she showed one last time what a good and wonderful girl she was. When I told her to get into the stretcher she did so without delay (she’s a big dog) and gently put her paw on the vet tech’s hand, as if to reassure him, when he was making sure she was safely in.

I held her through the whole thing. Wrapped her head in my arms, stroking her muzzle and whispering in her ear. They say when you stroke their muzzle a certain way it’s very comforting because it mimics the way their mother gently washed their face.

Now my is gone and I’m trying my best not to be heartbroken. But it’s hard. When I lost my brother, my sister and my dad she was there. When I battled cancer she was there. When they wouldn’t allow me near people because I was radioactive after treatment she slept by my side, with her muzzle against my face so I could sleep. Now she is with my brother, sister and dad. Now she plays forever with her coyote . But my world has suffered a huge loss. As has the world of people who she brought joy to, visiting childrens hospitals, senior centers and hospices.

Goodbye beloved

She has a permanent home in your heart, so she will never be truly gone. For the present emptiness, I can only offer heart-felt comfort and care across the miles, friend.

My deepest condolances, .

It´s always dreadful to lose a friend, especially a furry one that has been with you for a long time.

Batty, I'm so sorry for your loss.

She had such a long and happy life, but that doesn't make it any easier on you. If you need anything, I'm sure you know where to find us.

all I can say is get another one and quick

Thank you all so much. This has been a very hard day for me. I comfort myself knowing all the good that she did.

If anyone wants to see what she did 'for a living' you can see photos here... http://www.tdi-dog.org/picture.html

Though this dog isn't her, this is the one that looks most like her http://www.tdi-dog.org/Dog%20kissing%20woman%20in%20wheelchair.jpg

Batty, I've known and loved a number of golden retrievers and part-retrievers. One was the mother of my sister's dog's puppies. A nicer kind of dog doesn't exist. You've lost someone special. I suspect that you have a real knack for finding good dogs and nurturing what is best about them. Somewhere out there is a great dog looking for someone like you, but not until you're ready.

My sister put down her last dog a few years ago, and decided not to try having any more dogs. It's hard to lose them.

I'm so very sorry, Batty.

She was a very special .

Thanks Paulie and Lil.

I don't think I'll be getting another dog.

I understand. I couldn't either

I'm so sorry Batty, I can tell she was very special to you.

Ooooh Batty .. what a terrible loss ..

oh no, what a shame

i will drink to her memory tonight. i know many people will say 'she was just a dog', but anything that has been a pleasure to you is worth commemorating

I'll hug the beagle for adoption I'll be holding on Saturday.

Incidentally, if anyone knows anyone in Central Pennsylvania who wants a dog:

http://search.petfinder.com/shelterSearch/shelterSearch.cgi?animal=&breed=&age=&size=&specialNeeds=&declawedPets=&children=&status=&id=&internal=&contact=&name=&shelterid=PA462&sort=&preview=#

I can vouch for Ompah and Bandy.

to read about your loss Batty, I remember losing my dog the same way, years ago when I was kid. I had him since he was a pup, so we sort of grew up together.
He was put down at the age of 16, which was a good age for a dog which sounds like was the same as your one
I have never owned a dog since.
Smudger,

Thanks to everyone. Capn if you're so inclined diva couldn't get enough . The other wines and beverages didn't interest her but if you were foolish enough to put your at nose level there would be a muzzle in it when you looked again.

Scan I think cuddling a homeless critter is an ideal way as well. Diva was a rescue and knew exactly how important finding the right home was.

Thank you all for your kind words. It has meant a lot. I'm still pretty heartbroken about it but having done therapy with her gives me lots of memories of all the good she did.

All of her dishes, toys, meds, food and treats were donated to animal rescue.

Oh Batty - I am so sorry

She was an amazing dog and I know she will always be in your heart

and !

Never known a that enjoyed .

Anyhow, when the hatchlings were young they had a thing for rescuing crows and magpies with broken wings, broken bones etc. One of those rescues, a young crow, liked to sit at shoulder of the hatchlings´ dad and drink from his glass. DJ didn´t like that at all - he feared the crow would turn into an alcoholic.