R.I.P PENNY! UNCONDITIONAL LOVE IS HARD TO FIND!

I feel your pain, 2 weeks ago my sister had to have her dog put to sleep. He had had numerous surgeries and treatments for a slipped disc, which is not uncommon with basset hounds, but very difficult to fix. It wasn't a question of money, bc they spent over 15,000 in the course of 8 months, trying to get the disc fixed, but it went out again, and the vet said if it were his dog, he would have him put to sleep, rather than make him endure the pain of another surgery and rehab, with very little chance of improvement. So that's what they did, my brother in law returned from the vets without him, and even though I knew it was the likely outcome, it hit me so hard, it was just like losing a human family member. So I will say a prayer to St. Francis (the patron saint of animals) for Penny, and I am glad you realize that you did the right thing, the thing that Penny could not do for herself and trusted you to do for her. She gave you a lot of love, and you repaid that by making sure she did not suffer any more than she had to. It's a very difficult thing to do, but the right thing to do.  And I would also like to say, bless you for rescuing a dog, my best friend has 4 dogs, all obtained when she went to the shelter and asked what dogs were slated to be put down, and each time, she saved one. And each time, they proved to be amazing pets, even the 2 Pit Bulls that she was told would not be able to get along with other animals. The oldest one is going to be 18 next month, and they got him when he was 2, and had been found after a group of kids were caught stoning him. So for anyone who is considering adopting a pet, rescuing one from the shelter is a truly great thing to do, and you will be rewarded for it with your pet's undying love and loyalty.

I am so sorry for your loss, Meg.  Penny sounds like a great friend, and, I am sure she is in a happier place, crossing the Rainbow Bridge, to frolic and play again, and look down on you and smile. She will probably show up sometime, just to let you know she is okay.  Blessings!  And to others who have lost a pet, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I lost my beloved Trixie Belle last summer, almost a year now and I still miss her all the time. Sometimes she appears - like she will walk in the room and meow her distinctive little meow.   

Farrah, MJ .... Dame Penny is the saddest of them all. I remember first meeting Penny. She was in a pink dress and walked all around the house, twice, before she decided to jump on the couch and settle in. That's when I nicknamed her Dame Penny (she was very Dame Judi Dench like). I will miss her following me around in the kitchen in the mornings and doing her crazy dance when she went out for walks.  Even though she could have gone on longer, no one knew better then Dame that you don't leave the party at the end, instead you leave while it's still hot. RIP Dame.

As the "mother" of a nine year old Great Dane, I can feel your pain.  I got my dog (REX) when he was one and I was his third owner.  His first owner lived in an apartment.  Rex now goes to the chiropractor once a week and gets acupuncture once a month to help with his back and joint  pain.  I never imagined that I would be consulting eastern medicine for my dog.  But, you will try anything for a beloved family member.  I know when the time comes that he no longer wants to eat and cannot get up I will be facing the same heartbreak you are.Be proud of the wonderful adoptive mother you are and all the healing you accomplished.  I will pray for you and Penny.  I wish there was something that could take some of the pain away.

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss Meg, my heart goes out to you. She sounds like she was an amazing dog and an even better friend! RIP Penny. <3

Today is a very sad day for Megsmakeup. Penny is more than a dog and more than a memory. Penny is truely a part of Meg and will be forever. Only the fur coat is gone, because she continues to live on as long as all the Megheads understand how important a being Penny was to Meg.

Penny lived a rough life and would have been killed if it wasn't for Meg, but Penny repaid the favor over and over. She knew when Meg was sad. When the world seemed so unfair, Meg had Penny to turn to. They were always there for each other in some of the toughest moments in both of their lives.

Meg and Penny are a team. We will always hear stories about Penny. It's wierd to think of Meg without Penny. However, this dog LIVES ON with all of us that looked into Penny's eyes and felt that feeling that sounds like "maybe this dog is the smartest thing in the room?"

She was a character, unlike any dog I have ever met. And she was a blessing, and now she will rest in peace. Her body gave out and if her life continued it would be more and more painful. It was for the best, Penny could not go on. But things like this are always heart breaking. Penny, I hope that your new home is filled with all the hamburgers you can eat.

Meg, I know how hard today was for you, but you were strong and Penny is happier.

Oh sweet Meg.  I am crying for you as I write this.  I know what you are feeling.   You did lose a family member today and your grief should reflect that.  I am so very, very, sorry that you had to make this decision today. Helping your pet pass on is never easy, but it IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO. It is the compassionate and gracious thing to do.  I have always believed that our pets lives are so short because they are so pure and they are like live receptors for our every mood, thought and feeling. They take in so much for us and help us heal just by being themselves.  Therefore, they can only do that for a relatively short amount of time.  Now your precious Penny can rest and is healthy and whole once again.  I really do believe that our beloved animals go to heaven.  After all, they are so like God in His consuming love for each one of us. Meg, you will get through this and you will heal but in the meantime, remember, this too shall pass.  (I never believe that sentiment until the crisis actually passes, it's so hard to imagine sometimes. Thankfully, your broken heart will heal.) You are one of the strongest women I know, I hope you will let others' carry some of your burden for a time.  Know that you are loved, admired and respected, WE ARE HERE FOR YOU.   We love you Meg!Rest In Peace Sweet Penny. 

So sorry to hear of your loss.   People can be so crappy, but animals are so loving and loyal.  I am so thankful for each day I have with my 16 year old cat.  They are always there when we need them.
 
Debbie

I'm so sorry for Penny... it really hurts me when pets die because we become so attached to them. Don't worry, she's in doggy heaven now and feeling much better.

Having lost many a pet I send you my sincerest condolences.  Ending a life is an extremely difficult decision and I applaud you for being able to do it.  (I should have a punch card with my vet, I have had ferrets for 12 years) I find that cremation really helps, I feel like I know they'll always be taken care of.  But, what's important is that you did the right thing. I always ask myself would I want to live like this?  Then I know the right answer.

"Pets:  They give so much, but ask for so little."It's been a year ago this month that our beloved 13 year old Cocker Spaniel, Taylor, went on to wait for us.  After several thousand dollars and several trips over a period of one month to a specialty hospital in Georgia that was over an hour away, it was, alas, Taylor's "time."  To top it off, it was a mere 3 weeks prior to my husband's return from Iraq after a 15 month deployment.  I tried desperately to "make" Taylor hold on (even once having to (literally) run Taylor to the vet some 200 yards down the street to her vet because she had stopped breathing - they brought her back around) so DH could say "farewell" but her poor (unknown) diseased lungs could no longer sustain her life in any form of comfort.  I too had to do "the deed."  To this day, I still have not brought myself to file an insurance claim for her hospital bills.  (Yes, we had health insurance on her - and I HIGHLY recommend it, by the way.)  And I still can't bring myself to consider another pet as there is not an animal on this planet that could measure up to her love and loyalty (to or from her).  One day . . . . one day . . . .Penny knows what you did for her, Meg.  All is right in her world now and she's now gleefully haunting the sack(s) of sh!t that beat her many years ago. 

I couldn't fall asleep tonight and as I sometimes do, I sat down at the computer and found this. I am sobbing. I don't know exactly what a nervous breakdown is but when I lost one of my cats to cardiomyopathy, and she died in my arms, I was beyond devastated. Even though I knew there was little chance of her pulling through, I was inconsolable. The vet did his best and I knew that but Dakota was my heart. I subsequently tried to fill that void by getting as many rescue cats from shelters as I possibly could until I had way too many but I needed them as much as they needed me and even though they came with problems, I never have returned one. I also had to learn that they are not Dakota.Meg, I don't believe that words at this moment really give you the comfort that you would like. Penny lives in your heart and memories and that's what we have to go on with. Only others who feel as we do about our pets can feel one iota of the emotions that we go through on losing one. You're entitled to, and should, grieve because you've lost a family member. Time will not heal the loss but you will get through it. My thoughts are with you.

Oh Meg I'm so sorry. I'm crying as I type. I'll never forget losing the first dog who was all mine - and not a family pet. I felt like a part of my soul had been amputated. When I look at my 3 I get a lump in my throat - because I know that they are not given to us, they are loaned - and only for a short time. Never underestimate the grief you have for pets - there are no bad time, arguments, mean words to remember. There is just Love. And you just don't get that from people. Much Love to you, and I know Penny is fine where she is.Don't ever feel guilty for 'pulling the plug'. In my family, we all stand united that we will not unnecessarily prolong any life, human or animal. Twice in my life I've had to make the decision that a family member would no longer be treated. I had criticism for it, but I've never regretted either decision. I would never let my dogs suffer when I could let them go on. That is true compassion - and you are as compassionate as they come. Much Love

Meg Im so sorry to hear about Penny. I could imagine what a hard decision it was to make but you are a very strong woman for doing so. Just think she died knowing that some people can be good, that she was loved and that she has a wonderful family.

You made me cry... I have a dog and I am as scared that he dies as I would a friend or a close familly member.

Bravo Meg. I too adopted a little terrier after my divorce when I bought my own house. That was Oct 21, 1997. She was 2-3 years old then.  Now I'm remarried and 12 years later she's still hanging on, but the end is near. She's suffered some strokes, is half-blind and mostly deaf, still has teeth though and loves her morning hot dog treat.  She loves to ride in the golf cart with my husband and me around our farm, although it's hit or miss when she goes to jump in the golf cart.  Most of the day she lies around in the shade sleeping. I don't think she'll make it to winter and I'm not sure I want her to have to bear the coldness. . . When she no longer wants her hotdog, I know it will be time to take her in for her needle. I want to hold her and give her a final hug. She was the smartest pet I've ever had and we will miss her.  She will be buried atop the mountain overlooking our farm.  We have 11 other various animals that we rescued and they are old and will die off during the next several years, but they give us great joy and we feel honored for having had them in our lives.

Meg,  I sent Mickey and Hampton a message to find Penny and join in some doggie fun............I can't wait to see all my babies at the bridge when I die.  God Bless and hang in there.Sometime after Hampton died, I swear we could smell him in the room at times.  And you know how bad he smelled! (he was a Bassett Hound.) I'm sure she's with you right now, sitting on your lap licking your tears!cindy

Meg,  my heart goes out to you.  I know what it's like to lose 4-legged members of the family.I know that she thanks you for being with her as she crossed the Rainbow Bridge.How fortunate we are to have this kind of love in our lives!

Our emotional well being aboslutely affects our physical "beauty" so although it might sound like a "downer",it's very important to have a place you can vent and share or you bottle up the pain and become so full that it makes you"ugly..."THIS is what Meg's is all about to me and I offer you not only my hugs but thanks as well...you nuture and care with the best of them and I am so sorry for the loss of your dear friend.I am not an "animal" person,mostly due to severe allergies but my husband is and cried for an hour when he had to put his ancient Rotty "Duke" down last year...I think in some ways,animals DO offer what almost human can as Meg says,that unconditional love.Sending you love girl and hang on to those memories!

So sorry to hear of your lost! My heart goes out to you. You should be so proud that you give her a loving home and a great friend. It's never easy to loose a pet, they are our children. I've lost 5 dogs and 3 cats in my life time so far and each one of them was very hard. Hopefully Penny is playing with all of them right now. :) I do believe there spirit stays with us and protects us. This too shall pass! Stylemama - Well said, what a great post. I LOVE the way you think and totaly agree with you.

Meg, dear, if you were a Beatle to Penny, the loving home you made for her must have been the waiting room to Doggie Heaven.  You must know that while she was eating your food and sleeping on her bed and going for walkies she was just waiting, probably for months and months, for you to show your true colors -- you know, the ones in shades of black.  But once she realized that you only allow poodle pink in your home, you know -- to match your aura --- she must have become your biggest, trusting-est fan.  No one needs to tell us that there will successors to Penny in the time to come, but right now, Penny deserves your grief and your fondest memories.  And ours.

I'm crying my eyes out a work right now.  Anyone who knows me knows I'm an even BIGGER animal nut then I am a shoe nut...and that love is really an addiction.  I volunteer as a dog walker, cat socializer and Foster mom at my local SPCA.  I've currently had a Mama cat (beautiful sweet Minka who just got adopted) and her 7 sweet kittens (my Sipsie is a loving angel).  Today I'm going to go pick up two foster rabbits.  My dogs Harley and Roxy are my babies...especially my Harley boy.  He's my whole heart and I will be destroyed when he goes.I know just how you feel Meg.  We put our dog Duke down 4 years ago and it almost killed my husband.  We were there through the bitter end.  Even the injection and it was one of the most painful times of our life.  Duke was SO sweet, kind, gentle, loving, smart and a doggie gentleman.  It took weeks to not cry when we thought about him.Meg honey...my heart goes out to you and I (probably more than most people) understand that our pets ARE family and for some of us our children.  I love my kids and I don't by any means mean to trivialize peoples children but people who have kids and don't have that animal bond just don't get it.  I bond with animals in a way I just can't explain.  Especially dogs.  And yes...I AM the Beatles to my dogs, and Elvis, and Madonna all mixed in one!  Penny loves you.

Oh Meg so sorry.  Moved me to tears & said prayer for Penny & You.  I have lost two dogs, one a Keeshond named Lady..I held her as she passed and cried so hard they were worried about me at the Animal Hosp.  Then we lost our Angel, a Poodle we had had for 17 years.  Oh I look in the clouds every day & see them.  There in my heart.  I went to PetLoss.com & posted them there.  It is a beautiful and comforting site and an amazing way to remember all FurBabies.  I now have two male Labs and I love them so, they had been abused when pups but are so happy now.  You did the right thing even though it cuts deep into your heart.  I told my two in Heaven to greet her.

Meg, am so sorry.  I am sure Penny will be welcomed into Heaven and celebrated as the incredibly special creature she is.  I can't tell you how much your condolences, as well as those of all the girls, helped my family when we lost Molly and Sweetpea.  I too am a big fan of rescue animals.  To help heal our hearts we adopted Milo from a Lab Rescue organization.  He is a one year old, Chocolate Lab and Wemereiner mix.  We also have Sydney, my 16 year old Red Doberman.  We got Syd as a rescue when she was three and she came with cigarette burns.  I can't begin to fathom how a person could do that, but then again look at what people do to their own children.  I hope your heart can begin to heal and you can treasure the wonderful memories of your times together.  God bless you for fostering animals!

it is so hard when u lose your bff =( I am a pet rescuer myself so I have experienced sooooooooo many losses. I feel your pain meg. thanks for giving her such a beautiful life on this earth!