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Showing posts with label pet love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pet love. Show all posts
April 22, 2010
A Man And His Dog
I meant to post this yesterday for “Wordless Wednesday”, but never got around to downloading the picture from my camera. What can I say, procrastination is my middle name! When I told my hubby about posting the pic, his immediate response was “you mean the one where I look like a beached whale?”. I totally predicted he’d say something like that too. Right before I checked the calendar to see if it was time for his period again.
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March 22, 2010
The Great Wiener Hunt of 2010
So, we’ve decided to add another member to our little family – and no, it’s not of the human variety..at least not yet (she says with a wavering smile). After the death of my dear, sweet little kitty Skye last September, I really haven’t been too open to the idea of another pet. And I always assumed that whenever I was ready, we’d simply get another furry feline. However, once we stopped by a few cat adoption centers, I just realized another cat would dig up way too many memories. That may sound weird & quirky, but it’ the simple truth. Soooo, long story short – a doggy it is.
After my anal-retentive, OCD self did a TON of online research, we decided that a dachshund, or preferably a dachshund-mix, would probably fit us well. They’re small (which we need since we live in a townhouse), don’t require a big yard for exercise as some other high-energy breeds do, are good with kids, and seem to overall be a great, loyal family dog. So, one thing I said from the beginning, was that I wanted to adopt again. I love the idea of rescuing an animal, of giving it that “forever home” (which is exactly what I did with Skye). And so we thought, easy as pie, we’d find a little weenie pup and off we went on our new adventure as a family of 4. Unfortunately, it’s not been quite that easy and we’re realizing this process will require a lot of patience on our part. Seems that there simply aren’t many doxie pups available locally at the moment - but boy, there sure a lot of pit bulls out there! We did find one last week, but by the time we were able to make it out to the shelter it had been adopted. Another little cutie pie I found, who is a bit older, is at a foster home that is part of an all-volunteer network of homes, meaning there’s no physical shelter you can visit. And darn it, I just simply can not get these freakin people to contact me back (there is no phone number, just email). I’ve even left a note on their Facebook page….and nothing! Guess it just wasn’t meant to be.
Anywho, we’ve grown a little frustrated. And it just so happens that in the mean time, my sister-in-law’s family also decided to add another pup (they already have a yellow lab). Within only several days, they had purchased a black lab puppy online, via a broker, from a breeder somewhere on the other side of the country and picked him up at the airport. $1300, bada-bing bada-boom. Naturally, this has really caused us to think about our own plight. But honestly, I just don’t know if it would be the right thing for US.
First of all, I in now way shape or form want to endorse or further help along the awful, monstrous business that is a puppy mill. This is why a pet store will NEVER be a viable option. And I’ve done enough reading to realize that buying a dog online from a breeder is just not a guarantee of anything. There’s no way to know for sure if those animals are kept in humane conditions or treated with any sort of love & kindness. According to some rescue websites, even seemingly legitimate papers might not mean diddly squat. In fact, most of those sites do not recommend buying any type of pet online, ever. The only possibility is to find a breeder within driving distance and check out their digs in person. Then there’s also the cost factor. A purebred dog can cost anywhere from $600 to $3000 (depending on breed), and probably even more! We know it will cost money to take care of a dog throughout it’s lifetime, but that’s a whole lotta moola right upfront. We could do it, I guess, but I just don't know if I want to.
So there it is, dear internet, my current all-consuming dilemma. I’ve spent HOURS scouring the web for adoptable dogs, browsing through countless shelter sites (need I remind you of that whole OCD thing?!). You can blame it for my slight neglect of this blog over the last couple of weeks.
I suppose when the time is right, a doggy will find it’s way into our lives one way or another.
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After my anal-retentive, OCD self did a TON of online research, we decided that a dachshund, or preferably a dachshund-mix, would probably fit us well. They’re small (which we need since we live in a townhouse), don’t require a big yard for exercise as some other high-energy breeds do, are good with kids, and seem to overall be a great, loyal family dog. So, one thing I said from the beginning, was that I wanted to adopt again. I love the idea of rescuing an animal, of giving it that “forever home” (which is exactly what I did with Skye). And so we thought, easy as pie, we’d find a little weenie pup and off we went on our new adventure as a family of 4. Unfortunately, it’s not been quite that easy and we’re realizing this process will require a lot of patience on our part. Seems that there simply aren’t many doxie pups available locally at the moment - but boy, there sure a lot of pit bulls out there! We did find one last week, but by the time we were able to make it out to the shelter it had been adopted. Another little cutie pie I found, who is a bit older, is at a foster home that is part of an all-volunteer network of homes, meaning there’s no physical shelter you can visit. And darn it, I just simply can not get these freakin people to contact me back (there is no phone number, just email). I’ve even left a note on their Facebook page….and nothing! Guess it just wasn’t meant to be.
Anywho, we’ve grown a little frustrated. And it just so happens that in the mean time, my sister-in-law’s family also decided to add another pup (they already have a yellow lab). Within only several days, they had purchased a black lab puppy online, via a broker, from a breeder somewhere on the other side of the country and picked him up at the airport. $1300, bada-bing bada-boom. Naturally, this has really caused us to think about our own plight. But honestly, I just don’t know if it would be the right thing for US.
First of all, I in now way shape or form want to endorse or further help along the awful, monstrous business that is a puppy mill. This is why a pet store will NEVER be a viable option. And I’ve done enough reading to realize that buying a dog online from a breeder is just not a guarantee of anything. There’s no way to know for sure if those animals are kept in humane conditions or treated with any sort of love & kindness. According to some rescue websites, even seemingly legitimate papers might not mean diddly squat. In fact, most of those sites do not recommend buying any type of pet online, ever. The only possibility is to find a breeder within driving distance and check out their digs in person. Then there’s also the cost factor. A purebred dog can cost anywhere from $600 to $3000 (depending on breed), and probably even more! We know it will cost money to take care of a dog throughout it’s lifetime, but that’s a whole lotta moola right upfront. We could do it, I guess, but I just don't know if I want to.
So there it is, dear internet, my current all-consuming dilemma. I’ve spent HOURS scouring the web for adoptable dogs, browsing through countless shelter sites (need I remind you of that whole OCD thing?!). You can blame it for my slight neglect of this blog over the last couple of weeks.
I suppose when the time is right, a doggy will find it’s way into our lives one way or another.
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September 5, 2009
This Sucks!
Wow, I knew the aftermath of Skye’s passing would be difficult…..but this is freakin’ HARD! I miss her so much it hurts. As I look around my house I am constantly reminded of her. I couldn’t even go in to our laundry room this morning (which is where she had her litter box and food & water dishes) without feeling like I couldn’t breathe. So, while I was out for a few hours this afternoon (getting my hair cut – just the kind of therapeutic outing I needed today), I asked my hubby to throw out all that stuff for me. He’s not nearly as emotional as I am, so I know he’s not able to completely understand where I’m coming from…but he’s trying. Last night he ran out to pick up Chinese takeout for us and came back with some additional goodies for me – chocolate peanut butter cups, peanut m&m’s and liquor…..what can I say, the man knows the keys to my heart!
But what’s really having an impact is the QUIET that’s now in this house – I’m missing all the quirky little noises she made (purring, chirping, meowing), the soft padding of her feet on the linoleum floor as she walked to her litter box, the crunching when she ate her food, the floor creaking slightly as she walked in & out of our bedroom. Even in her advanced illness, she would still always sense me as I walked around and would follow my every move. I miss my little shadow :(
Guess I didn’t really end this chapter yet, as I said in my previous post. Oh well, we’ll have to just play this one by ear….I’ll try to be a little more cheery tomorrow.
But what’s really having an impact is the QUIET that’s now in this house – I’m missing all the quirky little noises she made (purring, chirping, meowing), the soft padding of her feet on the linoleum floor as she walked to her litter box, the crunching when she ate her food, the floor creaking slightly as she walked in & out of our bedroom. Even in her advanced illness, she would still always sense me as I walked around and would follow my every move. I miss my little shadow :(
Guess I didn’t really end this chapter yet, as I said in my previous post. Oh well, we’ll have to just play this one by ear….I’ll try to be a little more cheery tomorrow.
September 4, 2009
It’s Done – The Day After
I wasn’t sure I would even be able to write a post today, but I feel the need to sort of end this chapter (at least in the blogosphere) with some final thoughts.
Last night was unbelievably hard. It sucked….it still sucks! I am incredibly sad and handling it the best I can (which is really not that well). I was alright up until we left for the vet and then of course once we were in the room I fell apart. Holding her, comforting her, watching her drift away…..I will have memories of these final moments for the rest of my life. It was not easy seeing her so helpless (don’t think I’ve ever sobbed so hard in front of someone I wasn’t close to), but I am SO thankful that I could be there for my little Skye. I can hold on tightly to the belief that she was peacefully at ease in my arms and knew just how much I love her.
So, now time moves on and it will get easier. Maybe some people out there won’t get how I could be this upset. But they will never know the unconditional love, companionship, and joy that my Skye brought me for over 11 years.
I hope she’s up there in kitty heaven now – jumping around, playing, chasing butterflies, and so very happy to be healthy & free of pain again!
Last night was unbelievably hard. It sucked….it still sucks! I am incredibly sad and handling it the best I can (which is really not that well). I was alright up until we left for the vet and then of course once we were in the room I fell apart. Holding her, comforting her, watching her drift away…..I will have memories of these final moments for the rest of my life. It was not easy seeing her so helpless (don’t think I’ve ever sobbed so hard in front of someone I wasn’t close to), but I am SO thankful that I could be there for my little Skye. I can hold on tightly to the belief that she was peacefully at ease in my arms and knew just how much I love her.
So, now time moves on and it will get easier. Maybe some people out there won’t get how I could be this upset. But they will never know the unconditional love, companionship, and joy that my Skye brought me for over 11 years.
I hope she’s up there in kitty heaven now – jumping around, playing, chasing butterflies, and so very happy to be healthy & free of pain again!
September 3, 2009
Waiting
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As the hours tick by and our vet appointment draws closer, I am trying to feel more at peace with this whole decision…and surprisingly, I think I am because I KNOW this is what’s best for my kitty. Of course, that’s not to say that I won’t be a complete mess in 3 hours & balling my eyes out at the vet’s office. The peanut and I stayed in today, spending some time with Skye, taking pictures, and saying goodbye in our own way. I decided to go by myself, while the hubby stays home with Miss E. As I look at Skye now, sleeping all cuddled up in my arm, I know that I will miss her greatly. I hope so very much that when I head back home, empty cat carrier in hand, I can somehow feel at least empowered that I had the strength to face this.
September 2, 2009
Coming To Terms
Life is all about ups and downs, I know that. Part of being an adult is to have the balls to face not just the positive, but especially the negative stuff that life throws at us. I've been saying that a lot to myself today as I face a looming appointment tomorrow evening, when I'll be taking my kitty to the vet for the very last time. But knowing all these things about life and facing reality still doesn't make this task any easier. Skye has been sick for a long while, and has been progressively getting worse. She is blind, has a permanent upper respiratory condition, and shows various signs of neurological damage (weakness in her hind legs, some trouble walking, possible senility) which most likely is attributed to cancer. The senility part has been slowly worsening, where now she is literally up all night crying & meowing and nothing I do will completely comfort her.....I truly believe this is because she is just so very disoriented. Although she's still eating, she is drinking & peeing like crazy (probably due to the continuous loss of kidney function) and is for the most part no longer grooming herself like most kitties do.
I had made this same appt. a while back, only to cancel at the last minute. I wasn't ready. It has taken me several months to finally realize this is not about me at all. And part of owning a pet is to give them that one final act of kindness when their quality of life just is no longer what it should be. Now, I hope, I can start to feel more at peace with this decision and can finally find the courage deep within me to face this terribly sad thing....as a 33 year old woman/cat owner/grown adult.
It's time.
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I had made this same appt. a while back, only to cancel at the last minute. I wasn't ready. It has taken me several months to finally realize this is not about me at all. And part of owning a pet is to give them that one final act of kindness when their quality of life just is no longer what it should be. Now, I hope, I can start to feel more at peace with this decision and can finally find the courage deep within me to face this terribly sad thing....as a 33 year old woman/cat owner/grown adult.
It's time.
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