 April 1, 2008 - 7:43am | Not an April Fools post. This morning I just got home to find my dog has died only minutes ago (within 30 or so minutes prior to my arrival at home). I have just had the onerous task of figuring out what to do with her remains and trying to move her so my kids are not just sitting at the window staring at her (she died outside). She is a Great Dane (about as large as I am), so you can imagine the difficulty I am having trying to deal with her remains in a dignified way. Rest in Peace Maxine.  <insert witty comment here> |
 April 1, 2008 - 8:20am | Damn, RK, sorry to hear, man. And, your kids seeing that...geesh.... "You're everything that's base in humanity," Cochrane continued. "Drawing up strict, senseless rules for the sole reason of putting you at the top and excluding anyone you say doesn't belong or fit in, for no other reason than just because you say so." —Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stephens, Federation |
 April 1, 2008 - 12:33pm | This brings back painfull memories... I feel for you and your familly. «Language is a virus from outer space» William S. Burroughs |
 April 1, 2008 - 1:42pm | My sympathies. The death of a family pet is always a difficult time. I guess I never thought much about the additional complications of having to deal with such a large dog when they die. It seems that most pets are euthanized in a doctor's setting where thingas are more easily taken care of. By now I'm sure that you've contacted your vet or a local pet cemmetary to help you take the proper steps... I know people try to shield their children from the harsher realities of life, but I think pets provide a valuable lesson in understanding and acceptance given their relatively short life-spans and significant impact on the child's life. I believe that like all traumatic experiences in life, there is something to be learned so that life, in general, will ultimately hold less pain. And while it may seem too early to consider it now, if you choose to get another dog soon, it may help your children to be allowed to participate in the "cycle of pet stewardship." I suggest that, after an appropriate term of grieving, you consider taking your children with you to a local animal shelter or rescue where they can participate in picking out a new family pet. Maxine will never be replaced, but children have a boundless capacity to love. |
 April 3, 2008 - 9:12am | I am so sorry to hear this. We are here if there is anything you need. |
April 3, 2008 - 9:22am | It has been a couple of days, and although I feel grief still at random times, overall I am better about it now. It is strange around the house, because with a dog that large it feels like there is a missing person in our home... something I have not felt with the passing of other pets in the past (although there was still grief -- just different). thanks all <insert witty comment here> |
 April 3, 2008 - 8:40pm | It has been a couple of days, and although I feel grief still at random times, overall I am better about it now. It is strange around the house, because with a dog that large it feels like there is a missing person in our home... something I have not felt with the passing of other pets in the past (although there was still grief -- just different). thanks all Just remember: that mountain of dog-flesh was a major part of your home life (as most oversized dogs become), and the emptiness feeling shows just how much he was a part of the family, and not just "a dog". |
