Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Good-bye Dear Old Doggie

RJ's Princess Daisy
4/12/93 - 3/25/08

We had to have our dear ol' Daisy put to sleep this afternoon. She's been declining over the last few months, but it had become more pronounced in the last couple weeks. Today when we got home from work, she came outside and then after a few moments of confusion, she collapsed on the sidewalk. We got her back up and steady enough on her legs to come back in the house and eat her supper. She seemed OK for a little while, but then her weakness and disorientation seemed to come back again. Her heart was beating so fast you could hardly distinguish the individual beats. Thankfully, I was able to get hold of the vet and she was able to rearrange her schedule to come out and euthanize Daisy for us. Mr. Johnson and I held Daisy in our arms as she went peacefully to sleep. To say that we're devastated would be an understatement. We knew this day was coming, but there's really no way to prepare for it. We loved her very much and we're thankful for all the good years and fun times we had with her.

31 comments:

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Dearest RuthieJ and Mr Johnson, You have my deepest and most heartfelt sympathy. I will ask my Mom and Mishka to welcome Daisy into their world.

Ruth said...

So sorry for your loss of Daisy. Losing a pet is heart-breaking for sure.

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

Oh, Ruthie, I am so, so sorry. My heart aches for you.

Lori said...

What a beautiful lady-dog!
I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. I'm proud of you for being strong enough to give her a dignified and loving finish to her life. You'll definitely be in my thoughts in the next few days...

Mary C said...

Oh, Ruthie, I am so sorry to hear about Princess. As I read your post the tears welled up, knowing what you and your husband went through today. I know how hard it was for us to lose our beloved Kodiak (Kody) last year. You will certainly be in my prayers.

Deb said...

Ohhh...I am so sorry. You are right, there really is no way to prepare. It's like losing a child. My prayers are with you.

Mary said...

Dear Ruthie,

I'm shocked. I grieve for you and Mr. Johnson. God Bless Daisy... It's like losing a child or a close family member. I have no more words.

Love,
Mare

Anonymous said...

Hi Ruthie - I'm so sorry about Daisy, we're all going to miss her. She was always a good dog but once she passed thru that crazed, manic puppy stage, she was a great dog. She was a loyal hunting companion for Rick and a sweet girl for you, with just enough of a naughty thing going to keep you on your toes. I'll always remember her moment of fame, the photo of her in her pool that appeared in the Rochester paper. David

Anonymous said...

I am soo sorry to hear about Daisy! This is such a hard thing to do!

Mel said...

Dear Ruthie,
I'm sorry to hear about Daisy, I send blessings for you all from this side of the world.
A big kiss,
Mel

Maud said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. You had her for such a long time. But I'm happy to read you got the vet to come to you, and didn't have to take her for a last trip. A big hug of sympathy to you and your husband.

Beth said...

Oh, I'm so sorry, RuthieJ.

Jayne said...

(((((((Ruthie)))))))

Richard said...

I'm so sorry for your loss of a dear friend.

barefoot gardener said...

Oh, man...I am so sorry to hear that. I don't think there is anything harder than having to make the decision to put a beloved pet down. Even when logic says it is the right thing to do, the humane thing to do, the heart just breaks at the thought.

I will be thinking of you....

Anonymous said...

Ruth - I'm so sorry to hear about Daisy. Lots of hugs from Bloomington.

Marsha said...

Ruthie, I am so sorry that you have lost your faithful friend & companion. May you always remember the good times with her.

RuthieJ said...

Thanks Everyone for your caring words and thoughts.
We knew the time for Daisy to go to heaven was getting closer, but it's just so difficult to finally realize it and make the decision.
I'm thankful we still have Sophie at home so at least there's still a happy dog welcome when we get home. We've had a dog in our household since 1981, so they're a pretty huge part of our lives (truly our "kids").
Time will eventually heal my broken heart and we do have lots of great memories and a special video of Daisy to always remember her by.
Thanks again.
Love, Ruthie

entoto said...

Ruthie,

Nothing I can say will make it any better, just know that you did the right thing for your Princess. I wish I were there to put my arms around you and squeeze.

Vaya con dios, Princess Daisy. We will be lighting a candle in our house for you to help find your way.

Meggie said...

Oh Ruthie: I'm so sorry for the loss of your loyal companion, Daisy. I have a prayer that my brother gave to me when I had my basset put to sleep some time ago. It is a beautiful dog prayer...don't know if you've ever read it. I will send it to you via email. It's quite beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Tears are stinging my eyes. So sorry for your loss.

nina at Nature Remains. said...

So sorry to hear about Daisy.
I know she was family--and her loss leaves a hole in your lives...and hearts.

Carolyn H said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Daisy. There's just never enough time.

Carolyn H.

Owlman said...

Sorry to hear about your loss. We just unexpected lost our cat and I am also blown away.

KGMom said...

Ruthie--I just now read about Daisy's death--so so sorry.
I recall reading prior posts of yours with photos of the doggies.
And these wonderful fur kids just give their all to us.
Thinking about you as you mourn her loss.

Susan Gets Native said...

HUG.
{ }

Windyridge said...

Ruthie,

I can only imagine your sorrow as we have not had that happen to us yet. Just be happy knowing that you gave her a wonderful life.

LauraHinNJ said...

I'll light a belated candle for your Princess Daisy. Sorry for your heartache.

fiona said...

ruthie, I'm so sorry.

Heidi said...

Ruthie, I'm sorry to hear that :( ((((hugs)))) Daisy looks like such a sweetie. I'm sure you couldn't have had a better, more faithful companion. The memories will be bitter sweet for a short time, but it won't be long before they're just sweet memories.

RuthieJ said...

Thank you all for your kind words and hugs. It's hard to believe over a week has gone by since we said good-bye to Daisy. A couple folks I work with found out about Daisy today and when I got back from lunch they had left a vase of flowers and a lovely little card on my desk. I went to thank them and shared more tears and hugs. Only pet owners can understand how hard it is when you lose one and it helps me so much to have support and sympathy of dear friends through this difficult time.