Penny
Yesterday turned out to a right bastard of a day.
I mention in the course of my last scribbles how it started at five. That is never a good time to start,
So by the time I was finished with all that MRI crap I had been away from home for quite a while. When I got home I was met with a very sorry mess. There is no other way to describe it.
Penny arrived in our little world some twelve years ago. For the first few days she was terrified by everything but as time progressed she became a very happy contented dog. She attached herself to me from the outset and we became inseparable, Wherever I went, she went. She was one of the most loyal and trusting dogs I have ever known.
At the start of last month things started to take a downturn. Herself went into hospital and naturally I started my regular visits. This meant that Penny had to be left on her own. This had never happened before. If I was going anywhere I would bring Penny with me. If I was going somewhere I couldn’t bring a dog, well Penny had Herself for company. But now suddenly, for the first time she was being abandoned in an empty house which she didn’t understand and it made her miserable.
As the month wore on I of course got hooked up in the cancer business. Now I was leaving Penny alone all the more often, usually for a couple of hours or more. As the month progressed Penny descended into what can only be described as canine depression. She started picking at her food and was losing weight at an alarming pace. The dementia got a lot worse and her leg muscles all but failed.
On my arrival yesterday I could hear her howling from the front garden. I rushed into her and found her lying in her bed. She had wet herself [and the bed] and wasn’t able to get up. I lited her up onto a standing position and she took a couple of steps and collapsed again. It was heart wrenching to watch. As the afternoon wore on things didn’t improve one iota. I kept picking her up and she kept falling over.
So mid afternoon I made the decision that I had known would eventually arise and had dreaded. It was time for the vet.
To make things more complicated, there were a couple of Russians[?] in the garage plastering the newly erected wall which I didn’t want done but my wants mean nothing around here. They weren’t finished yet but I had to visit the vet. Daughter came up trumps and dispatched Granddaughter the Elder and Grandson up to the Manor. Grandson could guard the hose while GDtE could accompany me. on the fateful trip.
Penny went to sleep at around half five. She no longer has dementia, arthritis or any other worries.
Good night, my loyal and faithful companion.
God but I’ll miss you, Penny.
Sorry to hear this. Grieve well.
Having had to do the same last year for my cat, I understand how you feel and you have my sympathy. I hope you soon reach the place where you can remember the good times and accept the end. All my very best wishes to you.
Our four legged friends really do have a very special corner of our heart and soul.
Thinking about you – it’s been a terrible few months for you, Grandad, and though we have never met, I feel your loss as well.
As Mark said, grieve well, and find yourself another good boy/girl when you are ready. They never replace, but they add to the stock of memories- and somehow seem to delay the good night for all of us.
I am so very sorry. Putting down our beloved furry member of the family is one of the hardest things we do. My deepest sympathies.
So sorry
Sorry to hear this. We knew it was coming but it still comes as a shock.
Looking forward to the next chapter and your new companion.
A brave and correct decision Grandad. I understand all too well how you feel. Only you can have known the right time, to do the right thing for her. You don’t lose her; she will always be with you, not that such platitudes make this any easier.
Look after yourselves.
Your heart and soul will always hold on tightly to the love and companionship that Penny was/is. So sorry for your loss, carry Penny with you always, she gave you her all. Penny is still walking beside you.
I am so sorry but you had to help her
I’m so so sorry. Bless sweet Penny.
So sad
Poor old thing. You looked after her so lovingly. Sorry for your loss.
Condolences x
Very sorry to hear this. You did your absolute best and Penny had a very good life. My deepest condolences.
There’s never a good time to face that and, given the rest of your issues, this is certainly not a good time, but it was probably the right time.
Savour all the positive memories while you focus on resolving both of your current health issues. There’s usually light at the end of the tunnel.
My deepest condolences. It sounds to me like you made the right decision at the right time. It’s so hard to do but know that it’s the right decision.
Your whole family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Thanks to your posts, our memories of Penny live on along with your own. You have spoken for all of us who mourn four-legged companions of old; in my case a cat, my gentle-hearted, sweet-tempered, good-natured Boris who died in January 2023 at nearly twenty years old. Rest in peace, old friends.
I know too well how you feel since I’ve gone through it myself. More than once.
You have my deepest sympathy, I had my beloved Labrador put down for the very same reason, that was in 1982, it still brings tears to my eyes when I think of her. If you look after a dog with kindness they respond by being so faithful and undemanding, they bring happiness and companionship which so many who haven’t owned such a pet can never understand. Please don’t give up your blog site, not only should it be therapeutic but it means such a lot to your fans.
Hard news indeed, my sympathies to you and yours.
I will raise a small glass to a life well lived.
Hard times.
Our 13-year-old Collie is showing signs of decrepitude now, pissing on the floor etc. I hope we can nurture him for a long time yet, but eventually that difficult decision awaits.
There are so many fine days to remember and cherish – my heart overflows with love for the good times.
Really sorry to hear about Penny. I could tell she was a well-loved dog. Take care.
Sue
So sad…
She’s going to be fine now. She knew you’d show your love for her this way.
So sorry to hear that you had to take this decision . But it was the right one for Penny.
I am very sorry to hear about Penny. It’s a horrible decision but I think you know when it’s time. I always did but it doesn’t make it any easier. I had to make the same decision for my much loved cat a year ago. I have other cats but he was special a lovely sweet natured cat, I miss him very much. You have lots of lovely memories of Penny and, through you, we have too. Look after yourself.
Have a look at the poem ‘If it Should Be’ if you haven’t already goggled it. I found it very comforting.
My condolences. My 12 year old lab is showing signs of ageing and I know I will have to make the decision at some point. With luck another couple of years like his predecessor who wenbt at 14. We discovered Kipling’s Power of the Dog at that time. Guaranteed to bring tears to your eyes.
Condolences to you grandad. Our Charlie boy (a Norwich terrier) had to be put down a couple of months ago due to congestive heart failure.