The Conservative Cave
The Bar => The Lounge => Topic started by: MrsSmith on January 28, 2012, 06:45:33 AM
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Our old Scottie dog, the dog I brought home after losing my parents, will have to be put to sleep either today or Monday. He's spent the last three days at the vet. They initially thought his kidneys were failing, and that a couple days on IV would flush them well enough that he could be OK on a controlled diet. He wasn't responding, so they did an ultrasound and found masses on his kidneys, bladder and liver. I couldn't have them take him out of that cold steel cage and put him right to sleep, so brought him home for at least a little while.
When we got here, he actually ran to be with the other dogs, ran outside to go potty, and then came in and laid down in his favorite spot, on the thickest rug in the house. There he still is, all covered up with a towel because he was shivering earlier. The pain meds obviously are helping a lot, but I know it won't help for long, not with his kidneys gone.
I'm trying to nerve myself up to take him back in this morning instead of waiting until Monday. It'll be best for him, I know. Just hate it
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Pet owners all go through this. It's not a good feeling at all.
I think it comes down to the decision of what the owner wants vs. what's best for the dog.
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Pet owners all go through this. It's not a good feeling at all.
I think it comes down to the decision of what the owner wants vs. what's best for the dog.
Yep. Just couldn't see leaving him there and having it done right away. It was best to let him come back home for at least a little while. We will see how the morning goes, whether we let him go today, or let him stay here all weekend.
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It's sad, but alas we pet owners must endure it, for all the good we got out of them for so many years before.
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I'm sorry. :grouphug:
That's the hardest part of pet ownership, but bringing him home for a while was wonderful.
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I'm truly sorry. We had to let our beloved Scotti go some years back. It still hurts.
Many hugs<<>>
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I'm sorry. :grouphug:
That's the hardest part of pet ownership, but bringing him home for a while was wonderful.
Absolutely. So sorry, Mrs S. It's very, very hard at a time like this.
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Our old Scottie dog, the dog I brought home after losing my parents, will have to be put to sleep either today or Monday. He's spent the last three days at the vet. They initially thought his kidneys were failing, and that a couple days on IV would flush them well enough that he could be OK on a controlled diet. He wasn't responding, so they did an ultrasound and found masses on his kidneys, bladder and liver. I couldn't have them take him out of that cold steel cage and put him right to sleep, so brought him home for at least a little while.
When we got here, he actually ran to be with the other dogs, ran outside to go potty, and then came in and laid down in his favorite spot, on the thickest rug in the house. There he still is, all covered up with a towel because he was shivering earlier. The pain meds obviously are helping a lot, but I know it won't help for long, not with his kidneys gone.
I'm trying to nerve myself up to take him back in this morning instead of waiting until Monday. It'll be best for him, I know. Just hate it
MrsSmith, Scotties are weird dogs, ultra smart and when we got our puppy were told stubborn to train. Not our little guy, he took 3rd. in place at Pebble Beach AKC show over others that had paid trainers and groomers. Just a house pet fancy that.
I sent my Scottie by plane to my parents as we were moving cross country with a Saint Bernard and 4 kids---Flew him out of Sanfrancisco to Boston, I wrapped a bath towel around my body and wore it for 2 days and each of the kids slept with the towel for another 2 days. This went into the crate he was to fly in, our scent.
Mom and Dad drove the 50 miles to Boston to meet the plane and were told there was a mix up, the dog had gone to Chicago. My parents sat for 6 hours in the airport waiting to get the dog and when finally the plane came in they watched as the cargo was unloaded and saw the kennel fall off the baggage cart to the tarmac. They both ran out and retrieved the dog, Kennel upside down-------Back then no one would stop anyone.
Dad a big animal lover got the dog out of the kennel and he told me the dog planted his body on his car tire and peed a quart or more. Dad was in love with the Scottie. I could not take him back, would have broken his heart.
Reading about your Scottie brings back such memories for me, Damn breed is like like a heart worm, they boar into ones heart and remain there for life.
God sent the dogs to be with us for a reason, when life gets bad and those people that make life difficult for you the dog is there to be loyal and true. I send my condolences and sympathy to you, You were blessed by God to have had the years of selfless devotion, and a friend to lean on.
BTW my Scottie could not swim for some reason, told Dad that and he ignored the idea, all dogs can swim he said. Then came the time he threw a stick into the lake and the poor dog sank chasing it, sank like a rock, dad with a heart condition had to dive in to rescue him.
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Tough decision that most of us have been through so we definitely feel your pain.
KC
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My heart hurts for you Mrs. S.
Sending prayers and hugs.
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I've never really been so attached to a pet that I've found it at all difficult or all that sad to have them put down. However, I will say this: I do understand and empathize with your situation, but don't let your personal attachment to your pets get in the way of relieving them of their pain and suffering. If you truly love your pets, you will say your goodbyes and let them go when it is their time to go. Prolonging their suffering because you can't let them go is not love -- it's selfishness. We, as humans, are capable of rising above that and making the hard decisions out of love. Be grateful for the time you've had with your pet, not sorrowful for the time you will be losing.
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I'm so sorry. :bawl:
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I've never really been so attached to a pet that I've found it at all difficult or all that sad to have them put down. However, I will say this: I do understand and empathize with your situation, but don't let your personal attachment to your pets get in the way of relieving them of their pain and suffering. If you truly love your pets, you will say your goodbyes and let them go when it is their time to go. Prolonging their suffering because you can't let them go is not love -- it's selfishness. We, as humans, are capable of rising above that and making the hard decisions out of love. Be grateful for the time you've had with your pet, not sorrowful for the time you will be losing.
I read your introductory "thread" and I find this pontifical statement to be just as insufferable as your introductory thread was.
Bitchslap #2 administered.
Back to the expressions of support and empathy for MrsSmith. She has enough to contend with than to have to read your drivel too.
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I recently had to make that decision for my pet of 15 years. I'm still grieving but I often tell myself many of the same things our new poster, nun, has said. Sometimes it helps. :bawl:
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Thanks for all your kind wishes! Scottie was my Dad's dog, his companion after he was put into a wheelchair by a car wreck. He came home with us after Mom and Dad died, so of course, it's really hard to see him in such bad shape. I had thought I'd take him to the vet this morning, but he slept well all night, drank a little this morning, and wanted to go out when the other dogs did. When he came back in, he actually thought about eating a little, but don't think he managed it. He is now laying in one of his favorite spots, right in front of my chair, and seems quite comfortable with the pain and anti-nausea meds in him. I already told my boss that I'd probably be late for work Monday, and he is OK with that, so we'll let him have the weekend home and then let him go Monday morning.
I think he is really happy that we didn't just leave him there Friday. Imagine feeling terrible and having the person you trust take you somewhere where strangers lock you in a cage, run IV's in your arm, and stuff pills down your throat every few hours. Then when your person finally comes back, she doesn't even take you home!! It would be horrible for him, he would have felt so abandoned. He quite obviously was happy to be back here when we got through the front door. Of course, when I take him back Monday, I'll hold him while they give him the shot, and bring him back home before I go to work. (Suppose we'd better dig a hole this afternoon.)
Vesta, you are so right about Scotties. They are the toughest little critters on earth, (after all, they were bred to go down badger holes), and they definitely take your heart! This little guy of ours was chewed up by a pit bull a couple years ago, it took our vet almost 2 hours to staple the biggest holes shut. We were sure we would lose him then, but he pulled through. He even put some good size holes on the pit bull that attacked him.
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I'm so sorry Mrs. Smith.
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Two years ago I lost one of my Yorkies, also from kidney failure. The vet said she was not in any pain, just goingto be sleepy most of the time a she was slowly being poisoned. There was no chance of recovery. She was 15.
I didn't put her to sleep immediately. I waited four days. My wife and I spent most of that time laying next to her and caressing her. I wasn't ready to say goodby.
I was devastated.
I feel your pain and am truly sorry.
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I'm so sorry, Mrs. Smith. I never had pets as a child and never understood what it felt like to lose one until about ten years ago and it's such a helpless feeling.
(((((((hugs))))))))
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I've never really been so attached to a pet that I've found it at all difficult or all that sad to have them put down. However, I will say this: I do understand and empathize with your situation, but don't let your personal attachment to your pets get in the way of relieving them of their pain and suffering. If you truly love your pets, you will say your goodbyes and let them go when it is their time to go. Prolonging their suffering because you can't let them go is not love -- it's selfishness. We, as humans, are capable of rising above that and making the hard decisions out of love. Be grateful for the time you've had with your pet, not sorrowful for the time you will be losing.
Concur--this was kind of a dick statement. Compassion is obviously not your strong point.
I put down one of the family cats recently, Bear. The girl child found him one morning, weak, panting, and cold.
It turned out his heart was nearly 3X normal size due to a virus, a fairly common one I learned later that morning. That was causing him to not be able to get oxygen, and his lungs were filling up with fluid.
Nothing the vets could do. Scoobie and I said goodbye to him in the vet's operating area. I still remember him giving me a sad meow, as if to say, "Please don't leave me like this." It's the first time I've cried since my father died. And I rarely cry. Ever.
They ARE parts of our family, like it or not. They give us unconditional love, and all they ask in return is a small portion of the love they give us and gentle care. Letting one go, even when they're suffering, still hurts.
Mrs. Smith, you have our prayers and thoughts in your difficult time.
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Mrs Smith, I'm so sorry but glad that the little guy is doing ok so far through the weekend. We really feel your pain, as we lost 2 of our 3 greyhounds in 2011. It broke our hearts.
You were right to bring him home. Xena was euthanized the day after Thanksgiving. Our vet here in Florida didn't have time to see her, told us to bring her in on that Friday after Thanksgiving and leave her there all day til he had time to see her. We were supposed to bring her early in the morning. I refused and got a new vet.
The grim diagnosis is a real blow, but we know what we have to do to spare them more pain. It's just not as clinical as our new member said. I don't bitch slap much, but mine was #7 for that person.
We'll be thinking of you this weekend and you will be in our prayers. :grouphug:
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I don't bitch slap much, but mine was #7 for that person.
LOL. The mystery is solved.
I BS her as well. We had to have hit the BS at the same time. When I hit it, the number jumped up by 2, not 1. I shrugged it off as I thought that her comment was worthy of a double.
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Sorry to hear this Mrs. Smith but you'll do what is right. :(
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Mrs Smith, I'm so sorry but glad that the little guy is doing ok so far through the weekend. We really feel your pain, as we lost 2 of our 3 greyhounds in 2011. It broke our hearts.
You were right to bring him home. Xena was euthanized the day after Thanksgiving. Our vet here in Florida didn't have time to see her, told us to bring her in on that Friday after Thanksgiving and leave her there all day til he had time to see her. We were supposed to bring her early in the morning. I refused and got a new vet.
The grim diagnosis is a real blow, but we know what we have to do to spare them more pain. It's just not as clinical as our new member said. I don't bitch slap much, but mine was #7 for that person.
We'll be thinking of you this weekend and you will be in our prayers. :grouphug:
I would never leave a dog (or any other animal) to be put to sleep without me, either. It's the least we can do for them after all they do for us. I was so sorry to hear about your greys, I know how much you went through to keep the darlings.
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I do appreciate all the kind comments! You guys are the best.
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I'm so sorry, Mrs.Smith, and I'm praying God eases your heart as He lights the way to the Rainbow Bridge for your little guy. How happy he will be to see your Dad again.
Monday I'm due to hear the verdict on my 14-year old mixed retriever/spitz/chow, Sandy. She's got lumps everywhere that are huge, and the vet thinks her spleen is involved. We ran the tests Friday and I'm expecting the vet to call if not Monday, then Tuesday. Just lost my Casey hound to splenic and liver cancer this past April, and Dominic my mini schnauzer in Oct 2010 to pancreatic cancer.
Don't pay attention to the one witch on this board. :censored:
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Chill out on this thread.
Condolences on your dog, ma'am. It is never easy.
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I thought I already posting to you but I guess I didn't. I'm sorry to eart about your Dog. :(
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I'm so sorry, Mrs.Smith, and I'm praying God eases your heart as He lights the way to the Rainbow Bridge for your little guy. How happy he will be to see your Dad again.
Monday I'm due to hear the verdict on my 14-year old mixed retriever/spitz/chow, Sandy. She's got lumps everywhere that are huge, and the vet thinks her spleen is involved. We ran the tests Friday and I'm expecting the vet to call if not Monday, then Tuesday. Just lost my Casey hound to splenic and liver cancer this past April, and Dominic my mini schnauzer in Oct 2010 to pancreatic cancer.
Don't pay attention to the one witch on this board. :censored:
It's so sad with cancer getting so many of our dogs. Here's hoping for the best news possible next week. I love Betty White, who is active with the Morris Animal Foundation, which is funding research on cancer in our pets. It's like an epidemic. Hugs to you, too.
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It's so sad with cancer getting so many of our dogs. Here's hoping for the best news possible next week. I love Betty White, who is active with the Morris Animal Foundation, which is funding research on cancer in our pets. It's like an epidemic. Hugs to you, too.
Thanks, SLW. I am very sad to read all these pet threads. :bawl:
There are so many good people out there who love animals and do the things, great and small, which make their lives better. I too love Betty White, and all the others like her.
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My condolences, MrsSmith. Losing them is the hardest thing.
We have a female pit bull and a male cat. Today the cat came home after being out much longer than usual. He was covered in mud and pine needles and obviously torn up pretty well. After a run through the bath he is at least clean now but limping. Something got a hold of him and I suspect the neighbor's dogs from two doors down, a Lab mutt and a Scottie. They have an invisible fence in the backyard but that doesn't stop them if they spot my cat over here in our yard. Twice now I have had him at the vet getting patched up after being jumped by them -in our own yard- and I fear losing him to them one of these days.
I hope it goes well and as best as can be hoped for.
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I am so sorry, MrsSmith. :bawl:
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I've never really been so attached to a pet that I've found it at all difficult or all that sad to have them put down. However, I will say this: I do understand and empathize with your situation, but don't let your personal attachment to your pets get in the way of relieving them of their pain and suffering. If you truly love your pets, you will say your goodbyes and let them go when it is their time to go. Prolonging their suffering because you can't let them go is not love -- it's selfishness. We, as humans, are capable of rising above that and making the hard decisions out of love. Be grateful for the time you've had with your pet, not sorrowful for the time you will be losing.
You know if she was NOT going to put him down, then I would agree with your post. However, she is doing that and is just looking for some cyber-support from some people she has come to know well here. So yeah, this was harsh and not necessary.
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Sorry Mrs. Smith. :(
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It's so sad with cancer getting so many of our dogs. Here's hoping for the best news possible next week. I love Betty White, who is active with the Morris Animal Foundation, which is funding research on cancer in our pets. It's like an epidemic. Hugs to you, too.
I believe cancer is an epidemic in all creatures right now, at least all domestic ones. That may be because we've cured so many of the things that would otherwise take animals younger, like distemper. It is very sad, but compared to losing 1/2 of them as puppies, it's better to have them for several years. It's just really sad in the end, either way. The only way to avoid it, though, is to have no pets. Not going to happen...
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My condolences, MrsSmith. Losing them is the hardest thing.
We have a female pit bull and a male cat. Today the cat came home after being out much longer than usual. He was covered in mud and pine needles and obviously torn up pretty well. After a run through the bath he is at least clean now but limping. Something got a hold of him and I suspect the neighbor's dogs from two doors down, a Lab mutt and a Scottie. They have an invisible fence in the backyard but that doesn't stop them if they spot my cat over here in our yard. Twice now I have had him at the vet getting patched up after being jumped by them -in our own yard- and I fear losing him to them one of these days.
I hope it goes well and as best as can be hoped for.
Wow, your poor cat! We are currently working on teaching our newest cat to stay indoors, and it's an uphill battle. It must be done for a similar reason, we're moving outside town in a few weeks, and don't want him to be coyote bait. Have you considered doing that with your cat? It sucks because the dog owners should have better control of their dogs, but it seems that won't happen. :mad:
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I'll be thinking of you tomorrow.
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Wow, your poor cat! We are currently working on teaching our newest cat to stay indoors, and it's an uphill battle. It must be done for a similar reason, we're moving outside town in a few weeks, and don't want him to be coyote bait. Have you considered doing that with your cat? It sucks because the dog owners should have better control of their dogs, but it seems that won't happen. :mad:
Years ago I volunteered as an adoption counselor at the Humane Society. They made adopters of cats sign an agreement to keep their cats indoors. Of course, it wasn't enforced.
I don't like those invisible fences. My first greyhound, Jessie, whom I lost to cancer years ago was attacked by a dog behind an invisible fence. When dogs want to go through them, they can. Besides the stupid neighbors left an aggressive dog outside when they weren't home. My dog's tail was shredded and ran up almost a $5k bill trying to ease his pain.
The neighbors got really upset because a friend of mine was a writer for the St Louis Post-Dispatch and at the time was the editor of a section on pets that ran in the Saturday paper. She wrote a story about invisible fences and used my name and my Jessie's name in the article. All the neighbors knew who we were talking about. Poor people, they were embarassed. I got the bills for the vet. It took them 3 months to pay for just the initial $225 vet bill. I paid the other $4k plus. I had to ask them at least 5 or 6 times before they paid. They weren't poor people, had a newer BMW, sent their kids to fancy private schools, had a nice house. They were simply jerks who never apologized.
I'm usually more subtle, but hearing that dog moan every night and having to give him those phentonyl (sp) patches for the extreme pain (had to wear gloves before putting them on him) did something to me. At a neighborhood picnic I approached the guy. I'm hoping my voice didn't get too high, but I asked him if he wanted to know how Jessie was doing. He didn't respond, so I told him Jessie was dead. He said he didn't care. He was a big guy, the head of a construction company, but I made a few choice remarks to him.
Afterwards I thought that I did it for Jessie. I've never gotten that angry before nor since. Jessie was my heart dog and that guy was a putz. So was his wife. I was so angry because due to the infection he got from the dog attack, the vets at the U. of Mo Vet School told me there was basically nothing I could do for the osteosarcoma that appeared near the site of that attack. I've learned since not to go to such heroic efforts with osteosarcoma. You can't beat that damned cancer, no matter how you try. Mrs. Smith is indeed doing the right thing. I'm ashamed now that I prolonged Jessie's life for so long with about every supplement that I could find at Whole Foods.He got an extra year, but at what a price to both Jess and to me.
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My condolences to you and your family Mrs. Smith.
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Thank you all again. It's been a far better weekend than I first expected. Not only has Scottie been running out and in with the other dogs, he actually ate a little food today, and even part of a MilkBone tonight. He has spent most of the weekend sleeping comfortably, and has obviously been happy to be back home. Tomorrow, what needs done will be quick and painless. For him.
And for Nunya or Jinx or whoever our newest poster might be, rest assured that I did not bring Scottie back home to "suffer needlessly." I appreciate that those posts were diverted to Fight Club, so thanks to the mods that did that. You guys are the best!
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We lost our little 5 year old dog to a short illness, at home we still had a 14-16 year old dog at home, we adopted him when he was young and they weren't sure of his age, this dog loved to eat, he had an enlarged spleen, the prognosis wasn't good, but I told the vet as long as he had an appetite we weren't going to do anything. Right after we lost our little 1 he had trouble walking and eventually couldn't walk at all, but I still couldn't put him to sleep because even though he couldn't walk he wasn't in pain, and I'd put his bowl in front of him and damn he'd eat the whole thing. I literally carried him out 3 times a day to go to the bathroom, and then haul him down the basement to clean him off in the sink, people thought I was nuts, but because he still loved eating I just couldn't put him down. His spleen blew 1 night and he was howling in pain, and when I put food in front of him he wouldn't eat, that's when I knew. We took him in the next morning and made the decision.
The loss of 2 dogs in a 6 month period was too much and I haven't had a dog since. :bawl:
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The loss of 2 dogs in a 6 month period was too much and I haven't had a dog since. :bawl:
I understand the desire to eliminate any grief, but in doing so, you're missing all the joy and pleasures that a Dog can bring.
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Thank you all again. It's been a far better weekend than I first expected. Not only has Scottie been running out and in with the other dogs, he actually ate a little food today, and even part of a MilkBone tonight. He has spent most of the weekend sleeping comfortably, and has obviously been happy to be back home. Tomorrow, what needs done will be quick and painless. For him.
And for Nunya or Jinx or whoever our newest poster might be, rest assured that I did not bring Scottie back home to "suffer needlessly." I appreciate that those posts were diverted to Fight Club, so thanks to the mods that did that. You guys are the best!
Thoughts and prayers with you this morning, Mrs. Smith. Your decision turned out to be the right one for Scottie and for yourself.
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I understand the desire to eliminate any grief, but in doing so, you're missing all the joy and pleasures that a Dog can bring.
That's the way I feel too.
It hurts, badly, in the end, but all that came before is immeasurably greater than that hurt.
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Years ago I volunteered as an adoption counselor at the Humane Society. They made adopters of cats sign an agreement to keep their cats indoors. Of course, it wasn't enforced.
I don't like those invisible fences. My first greyhound, Jessie, whom I lost to cancer years ago was attacked by a dog behind an invisible fence. When dogs want to go through them, they can. Besides the stupid neighbors left an aggressive dog outside when they weren't home. My dog's tail was shredded and ran up almost a $5k bill trying to ease his pain.
The neighbors got really upset because a friend of mine was a writer for the St Louis Post-Dispatch and at the time was the editor of a section on pets that ran in the Saturday paper. She wrote a story about invisible fences and used my name and my Jessie's name in the article. All the neighbors knew who we were talking about. Poor people, they were embarassed. I got the bills for the vet. It took them 3 months to pay for just the initial $225 vet bill. I paid the other $4k plus. I had to ask them at least 5 or 6 times before they paid. They weren't poor people, had a newer BMW, sent their kids to fancy private schools, had a nice house. They were simply jerks who never apologized.
I'm usually more subtle, but hearing that dog moan every night and having to give him those phentonyl (sp) patches for the extreme pain (had to wear gloves before putting them on him) did something to me. At a neighborhood picnic I approached the guy. I'm hoping my voice didn't get too high, but I asked him if he wanted to know how Jessie was doing. He didn't respond, so I told him Jessie was dead. He said he didn't care. He was a big guy, the head of a construction company, but I made a few choice remarks to him.
Afterwards I thought that I did it for Jessie. I've never gotten that angry before nor since. Jessie was my heart dog and that guy was a putz. So was his wife. I was so angry because due to the infection he got from the dog attack, the vets at the U. of Mo Vet School told me there was basically nothing I could do for the osteosarcoma that appeared near the site of that attack. I've learned since not to go to such heroic efforts with osteosarcoma. You can't beat that damned cancer, no matter how you try. Mrs. Smith is indeed doing the right thing. I'm ashamed now that I prolonged Jessie's life for so long with about every supplement that I could find at Whole Foods.He got an extra year, but at what a price to both Jess and to me.
Re: Sad weekend at our house
« Reply #36 on: January 29, 2012, 07:29:28 am » Quote
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Quote from: MrsSmith on January 29, 2012, 06:00:59 am
Wow, your poor cat! We are currently working on teaching our newest cat to stay indoors, and it's an uphill battle. It must be done for a similar reason, we're moving outside town in a few weeks, and don't want him to be coyote bait. Have you considered doing that with your cat? It sucks because the dog owners should have better control of their dogs, but it seems that won't happen.
Years ago I volunteered as an adoption counselor at the Humane Society. They made adopters of cats sign an agreement to keep their cats indoors. Of course, it wasn't enforced.
[Quote\]
I don't like those invisible fences. My first greyhound, Jessie, whom I lost to cancer years ago was attacked by a dog behind an invisible fence. When dogs want to go through them, they can. Besides the stupid neighbors left an aggressive dog outside when they weren't home. My dog's tail was shredded and ran up almost a $5k bill trying to ease his pain.
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What people do not understand is what if the cat or dog were not the target but a child.
So visiting a BBQ cook out with a 3 year old, and the child is not on a leash, they run after a butterfly and go onto property with the invisable fence for their dogs.
What then, the child is pray, same as cats and dogs that enter the property.
Horrible about our pets, but what about a little kid that even with parents at their side know nothing about the invisible fence or the dogs behind it, out of sight until pray comes into their territory.
These fences can be jumped dogs are not stupid, I watched this as I took my pooch for a run on the river bank on Mom's property. Neighbors dog well trained and within the owners fence saw us with the little guy, became excited and jumped the fence and barrelled ass towards us. Just to sniff the puppy but we all patted the dog and friendly as could be. no problem, good friendly dog, but I wonder if the puppy had wandered into and over the electric fence onto their property. How would the dog have reacted had the puppy wandered over the fence into this dogs domain ??
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Dogs In Heaven?
An old man and his dog were walking down this dirt road with fences on both sides, they came to a gate in the fence and looked in, it was nice grassy, woody areas, just what a 'huntin' dog and man would like, but, it had a sign saying 'no trespassing' so they walked on. They came to a beautiful gate with a person in white robes standing there. "Welcome to Heaven" he said. The old man was happy and started in with his dog following him. The gatekeeper stopped him. "Dogs aren't allowed, I'm sorry but he can't come with you."
"What kind of Heaven won't allow dogs? If he can't come in, then I will stay out with him. He's been my faithful companion all his life, I can't desert him now."
"Suit yourself, but I have to warn you, the Devil's on this road and he'll try to sweet talk you into his area, he'll promise you anything, but the dog can't go there either. If you won't leave the dog, you'll spend Eternity on this road."
So the old man and dog went on. They came to a rundown fence with a gap in it, no gate, just a hole. Another old man was inside. "S'cuse me Sir, my dog and I are getting mighty tired, mind if we come in and sit in the shade for awhile?"
"Of course, there's some cold water under that tree over there. Make yourselves comfortable"
"You're sure my dog can come in? The man down the road said dogs weren't allowed anywhere."
"Would you come in if you had to leave the dog?"
"No sir, that's why I didn't go to Heaven, he said the dog couldn't come in.
We'll be spending Eternity on this road, and a glass of cold water and some shade would be mighty fine right about now. But, I won't come in if my buddy here can't come too, and that's final."
The man smiled a big smile and said "Welcome to Heaven."
"You mean this is Heaven? Dogs ARE allowed? How come that fellow down the road said they weren't?"
"That was the Devil and he gets all the people who are willing to give up a life long companion for a comfortable place to stay. They soon find out their mistake, but then it's too late. The dogs come here, the fickle people stay there. GOD wouldn't allow dogs to be banned from Heaven. After all, HE created them to be man's companions in life, why would he separate them in death?"
Author Unknown
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I thought I already posting to you but I guess I didn't. I'm sorry to eart about your Dog. :(
Stupid auto correct....hear
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Thoughts and prayers for you today Mrs Smith. :grouphug:
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I understand the desire to eliminate any grief, but in doing so, you're missing all the joy and pleasures that a Dog can bring.
I know, I sometimes think I need to speak to an animal psychologist to get over my fear.
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I just saw this. I didn't cry at all when we had to put down our Siberian Husky that we had, when I was a lad. I don't know why. When my in-laws had to put down their Papillon, I actually did shed a couple of tears. When Oreo goes, it'll be tough, as that cat seems to love me.
Mrs. S, hugs for you. Hopefully, your Scottie defied the vet.
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I know it's not "standard Christian theology" that dogs or other animals go to Heaven, but I'm one that takes God at His literal word when He says that all things will be provided for our happiness. I am quite sure that Scotty had a joyous reunion with Mom and Dad this morning, and is now contentedly dozing on whatever kind of sofa they have.
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I know it's not "standard Christian theology" that dogs or other animals go to Heaven, but I'm one that takes God at His literal word when He says that all things will be provided for our happiness. I am quite sure that Scotty had a joyous reunion with Mom and Dad this morning, and is now contentedly dozing on whatever kind of sofa they have.
Good for you, MrsSmith.
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I posted this once before. Some took offense to it and I apologize for that (I got double digit BS. but who cares)
Anyway. it's needed and I, for one, believe it to be true.
http://www.emmitsburg.net/humor/archives/insperational/pets.htm
Do Pets Go to Heaven?
(Isaiah 11:6-9; 1 Corinthians 13:12)
Pastor Wade Martin
How many of you have pets?
Well way back when I was a little boy my parents surprised my brothers and I with a little puppy for Christmas. Marty was a peek-a-poo, half Pekinese and half poodle. We enjoyed him for many years. Then one day Marty ran away and we never saw him again. Now Marty was over 10 years old and ill when he left home. He wasn't known as a wanderer so my parents spent days looking for him. But we never did see him again.
My parents offered the explanation that perhaps Marty knew he was dying and didn't want to put us through any grief or trouble so he left home to die peacefully somewhere else. Quit frankly I couldn't think of a better explanation, so I accepted that explanation and still do to this day. Every now and then I think of Marty and I wonder if I will ever see him again, will I see Marty in heaven?
That brings us to our topic and question for today. Do pets go to heaven?
This question is one that I think many a pet owner has asked, if not aloud, quietly to themselves. I know some of you have asked this question of me in recent months.
Well sooner or later, for pet owners, any discussion of pet loss comes around to this question. Lengthy articles have been written on both sides of the argument. An ABC News poll showed that 47% of pet owners believed the answer was yes that pets do go to heaven, and 35% said "no".
Christians tend to find this question particularly difficult, because we want to base "answers" to any spiritual question on the authority of the Bible. Consequently, most discussions of this question turn into scripture-slinging contests, addressing the issue of whether animals have "souls," can they be "redeemed," so on and so forth.
But the problem is scripture doesn't offer a definitive answer to this question. And there's a reason for this; it's not simply God's perverse decision to leave thousands of pet owners in the dark. Perhaps the reason the Bible is silent on this issue is because the Bible is about human redemption; it's a book about the choices humans must make.
And if pets do go to heaven it isn't due to anything you or I do to "get" them there -- so perhaps it's no surprise that the Bible contains no specific answers for us on the matter.
Also, silence on the subject doesn't mean a negative answer either. The Bible is silent on many things, leaving us with a number of questions that we must explore and resolve using the hearts and minds that God gave us -- seeking an answer that's rooted, not in theology and doctrine, but in reason, love, and our personal experiences with God.
So what I hope to offer today is not a "hard answer" to the question because quit frankly I can't, but I do hope to provide a framework within which you can choose your own answer, based on your ability to reason and your understanding of God's love.
The Christian concept of heaven is linked with the concepts of salvation, redemption, and resurrection. Christians don't believe that "going to heaven" happens automatically; it's the result of conscious faith decisions made during one's life.
And while the Bible is very specific about the requirements for human salvation, it says nothing about salvation for animals. So this has led some folks to assume that, since animals can't be "saved," they can't possibly go to heaven.
However, another way to look at this question is to recall why the Bible states that redemption is "necessary" for humans. In scriptural terms, humans are "fallen" beings. Humans have free will, and therefore the ability to choose between good and evil. Humans can choose salvation and heaven, or choose to reject both.
Animals, however, have never "fallen" -- and if one has not fallen, it's not at all clear that the step of "redemption" is necessary. Animals can't "choose" between good and evil; when animals behave badly in our homes, it is generally because of a conflict between their God-given natures and our human requirements. Animals have no need to be saved because they aren't considered "sinners."
This doesn't mean that we can necessarily assume that because animals have no "sin," they're automatically received into heaven. What it does mean is that the whole issue of "redemption" simply doesn't apply.
Whether animals go to heaven or not, the question of "redemption" is not the basis for letting them in -- or keeping them out.
Another common argument against the notion that pets go to heaven is that "animals don't have souls." Again, the Bible isn't exactly clear on this, so the question is not answerable on a strictly scriptural basis.
Lets consider heaven for a moment. What do you believe heaven is like? If you ask this question of most people, you're likely to get a description of a glorious garden, filled with beautiful trees and radiant flowers, with sparkling waters and soft breezes. Very few people imagine heaven as some sort of giant, sterile concrete parking lot, devoid of life.
We base our image of heaven on the beauties of the creation we live in now. And just as I can't imagine a heaven without plants, neither can I imagine one without animals. Whether or not animals have souls, I'm convinced there are animals in heaven. After all, God created all the creatures of the earth on the fifth and sixth days of creation, right before the creation of humanity.
You know God has a purpose for every part of his creation and I believe God uses pets to help humans learn about God's love and faithfulness. When I enter my house after being gone all day, the one thing I can count on is being greeted by my dog Molly with her slobbery tongue of love.
From our pets, we also learn mercy, compassion, patience, and understanding -- and we also learn what it means to receive unconditional love. If pets are a means by which we are taught about love, must we assume that once we have learned the lesson, we're then forced to lose that love forever?
Are we to assume that God, the author of love, has so little compassion for us that He first gives us pets to love and pets to love us only later to say, "Oh well, I know that you really loved that little dog or precious cat I sent your way, but rules are rules so you won't see them again"? I don't believe that. God is a God of love and he wouldn't give us love one day, only to take it away permanently on another.
Now while I may wonder about whether I'll be reunited with my pets in heaven, I am certain of one thing: My pets aren't wondering the same thing. Theology is only of interest to those who wonder about choices.
Our pets live in the now, not in the next week; they deal with what is, not what might be, or could be, or should be. Pets don't ask, "What comes next?" This is a human question, based on human grief.
I firmly believe that God takes care of all his creation including the animals of this world. So when I ask whether I'm going to meet my dog again, I'm asking for my sake, out of my grief -- not because I feel I have to worry that God will forget to look after my dog if I don't remind Him. I ask, because I want to know if my loss is eternal or temporary.
Would heaven be a wonderful place -- would it truly be "paradise" -- if our pets weren't there? For many, the answer is "no" -- and obviously, God knows this! Placing restrictions on what can or can't be in heaven is a fruitless exercise, much like debating how a camel can go through the eye of a needle; no one has brought back a report of what's in heaven, and sooner or later we're all going to find out anyway. In the mean time, on the issue of whether pets go to heaven or not, we are free to believe what we choose, based on our understanding of God and God's love.
Now, there are some who feel that it's important to be "right" about everything all the time, especially everything spiritual -- that there's no room for spiritual "error" if you will.
These are the folks, I suspect, who argue most loudly and angrily against the concept of pets in heaven. And there are certainly many issues on which, for a Christian, there is no "wiggle room" for debate.
But I believe where the answer absolutely matters, where the answer has eternal significance for us, the answer is given. If the answer is not given, then it's quite possible the answer doesn't really matter at this point in our lives - there's no penalty for being "wrong."
If we believe that pets go to heaven, and this turns out to be incorrect, there's no penalty. Such a belief will not doom anyone to hell; it's not a salvation issue. Nor are we at risk of leading someone else "astray" if we allow him or her to hold onto such a belief.
If, for example, you're concerned about allowing a child to believe something you think is an "error," ask yourself whether having such a belief is more damaging to that child's faith than believing that God doesn't share or respect that child's genuine love for his or her pet, or care about his or her grief.
So what if we choose to believe that our pets are in heaven and then, when we get there, we find out we're wrong? While this may be painful to imagine, it's equally hard to imagine being disappointed in any way shape or form when we do get to heaven -- whether we find our pets there or not.
As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13:12: "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know full, even as I am fully known." This text means what we don't know now, we will know in the future; and what we don't understand now, we will understand in the future. And in the end we will not be disappointed.
So what's the bottom line? Do pets go to heaven or not?
Well every argument I've offered in favor of pets going to heaven could easily be used to argue the opposite view. So the key is not to seek a "definitive answer," because there is none. The key is this: On this particular issue, where the Bible is silent, we have the right to choose the answer that seems true to us -- that comforts and consoles us - that's based on our best efforts to reason and understand God and God's love for all creation. In the future when we enter heavens gates, God will reveal all truth.
As for me, I believe pets do go to heaven, and I believe I will see my dog Marty again.
Thanks be to God for our pets, and for the joy and love they bring to our lives!
Amen.
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I know it's not "standard Christian theology" that dogs or other animals go to Heaven, but I'm one that takes God at His literal word when He says that all things will be provided for our happiness. I am quite sure that Scotty had a joyous reunion with Mom and Dad this morning, and is now contentedly dozing on whatever kind of sofa they have.
You're a good person, Mrs Smith. My condolences to you. I'm so glad that you have nice memories of Scotty over the weekend. Poor little guy, he's at that Rainbow Bridge. I know it probably sounds childish, but I cry every time I see that poem. Scotty is now running free of pain.
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I posted this once before. Some took offense to it and I apologize for that (I got double digit BS. but who cares)
Anyway. it's needed and I, for one, believe it to be true.
http://www.emmitsburg.net/humor/archives/insperational/pets.htm
Thank you for that. I firmly believe I will see all those I love including the animals who made my life richer. I cannot believe God would have made companion animals for us if he didn't want our bonds to hold.
Mrs Smith, I'm so very sorry for your loss. You know though, I can almost see your Scottie sniffing noses with our boy on the other side of the Bridge, then running off into the fields to investigate something rustling around. But, not too far in case they miss someone they love taking that first step into Heaven.
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You're a good person, Mrs Smith. My condolences to you. I'm so glad that you have nice memories of Scotty over the weekend. Poor little guy, he's at that Rainbow Bridge. I know it probably sounds childish, but I cry every time I see that poem. Scotty is now running free of pain.
Then we're both children. I'm sitting here puddling up right this minute. I know that my son is caring for and playing with our Scottie right now, just waiting for us.
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Mrs. S, you'll see Scottie at the Rainbow Bridge.
Could someone post that for us?
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Just one version of this lovely story:
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
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One more that I like:
The Rainbow Bridge
inspired by a Norse legend
By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,
Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.
Where the friends of man and woman do run,
When their time on earth is over and done.
For here, between this world and the next,
Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.
On this golden land, they wait and they play,
Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.
No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,
For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.
Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,
Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.
They romp through the grass, without even a care,
Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.
All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,
Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.
For just at that instant, their eyes have met;
Together again, both person and pet.
So they run to each other, these friends from long past,
The time of their parting is over at last.
The sadness they felt while they were apart,
Has turned into joy once more in each heart.
They embrace with a love that will last forever,
And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together.
© 1998 Steve and Diane Bodofsky. All Rights Reserved.
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now that I've teared up again reading The Rainbow Bridge... :bawl:
sending hugs your way, Mrs S.
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now that I've teared up again reading The Rainbow Bridge... :bawl:
sending hugs your way, Mrs S.
I was at a greyhound gathering in Kanab, Utah some time ago. My Jessie was with me. He had osteosarcoma, but loved to ride in the car. It was a 1600 mile drive each way. He looked like a skeletor from the darned cancer, but he was a spunky guy, never gave up. He enjoyed all the pats and lovies from the other greyhound owners there.
There were jewelry vendors from the West Coast. One of them had a sterling silver pendant with the rainbow bridge depicted. I felt like a fool, but started bawling like a baby. I couldn't face that darned piece of jewelry. Years later I gained enough composure to buy it, but rarely wear it, having lost too many greys in the interim.
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I got an itch in my left eye and it's causing all kinds 'a watering. Shit.
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I got an itch in my left eye and it's causing all kinds 'a watering. Shit.
You're a good man.
I've had the same itch.
On another, lighter note, it's nice to see that your H5's are greater that your BS again. :whistling:
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You're a good man.
I've had the same itch.
On another, lighter note, it's nice to see that your H5's are greater that your BS again. :whistling:
I swear, it's not my fault! :-)
If the truth be known, I pass out a helluva lot more h5's than bitchslaps.
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Thank you, everyone.