I still can’t believe it. Artie died today.
We don’t know why. All we know is that he went very quickly from his normal frisky self to a dog in a great deal of pain and suffering and all we could do was say good-bye and let him go. But honestly? I haven’t. I’m holding on to him as tightly as I can in my heart. Looking at his unfinished dog bones, sweeping up his hair from the kitchen floor, passing his empty food dish and listening for the skitter of his claws as he rounds the corner into the kitchen. I know we couldn’t keep him here any longer but oh how I long for just another day. Just one day to take a last walk together. I swear I’d throw him treats every other step. Just one day with him snoozing in front of the sofa, or sprawled under my feet. One last moment to bury myself in the scruff of his neck and tell him how much I love him and what a truely wonderful dog he was.
Because he was. Wonderful. The best. My constant companion for the last nine years. Oh Artie, I am not ready for this. I don’t think my heart can take losing you. I am so thankful for having you but I’m so greedy I wanted more. Much more. Instead, I’m left with this pooch sized whole in my heart that I’ll carry for a very long time.
Artie dog McLaughlin. Best dog ever.
Oh, Chrissie, I’m so sorry. =( What a terrible loss for you and your family. Ohhhh…how sad.
Oh, Chrissie, I am so very, very sorry. I remember the feeling of being lost when Tiska died during 3L. I know Cassius is getting older…my mom put her cat to sleep on Monday and that cat was the same age as Cassius. Artie was the best of dogs for you and your family. I wish I could give you a big hug and take you shopping at Target – that was Kat’s therapy for me when Tiska died. Be kind to yourself and let yourself grieve as you need to!