Bye Miss Ricky

[hortfurball]

Puppy Sniffer, never doubt yourself over the decision you made..

I was in the same position, I had to decide 'when', and then I doubted myself. The times I thought of how happy and well he'd been I thought I'd acted too soon, then I went the other way and thought maybe I'd waited too long, until I decided to stop wondering and stop over analysing it, because I couldn't change anything, and I did my best, and what I thought best for him, and that was all I could do.

Someone once said it is better to let them go a day too soon than a day too late, and that is what I used as my guide.

Don't forget that dogs are stoic, they put up with pain and discomfort in a way that puts us mere humans to shame. You said yourself that she was tough so never doubt that you did the right thing.

So lovely that you get to keep her paintings, what a wonderful idea! Wish I'd thought of that - so unique and her footprints are there for you forever, as are the photos of that gorgeous smile.

Run free Ricky girl, you were well loved

[raineth]

So Sorry for your loss puppy sniffer

I hope that soon you can remember all the wonderful years you had together. Please don't make yourself feel bad. I think a minute too soon is better than a minute too late

[dandybrush]

may she rest in peace and my your heart stop hurting so when you think of her, she had a wonderful almost 17 years with you and she loved you dearly

Edited June 15, 2011 by dandybrush

[Little Gifts]

I got some books from the library yesterday - Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul and a book of pics and stories called Old Dogs. I looked at the ages in the Old Dogs book and realised that Ricky was pretty freaking old for a dog. Certainly older than any other dog my family or friends have ever owned. Then I looked up studies on the Internet and only 8% of dogs make over 15 years and the average age for an SBT is only 10! I'm sure that figure would be even lower for a dog like Ricky who was originally trained to protect her owner's ute and tools during the work week and go pig shooting with him on weekends!

I don't think I really realised how significant her age was before because I've been so focussed on thinking did I let her go too early. She had certainly slowed down this year but was still a very integral and active part of this family rather than just an old dog who spent her time laying about waiting to draw her last breath. I think the feeling of loss really stems from how much of my life I have shared with that one animal. Every major decision in my life for the past 16 years has included factoring Ricky's needs into it. But I'm trying to think more about how much she fitted into such a long life because she was right there in the thick of things right till the end. She never let her age or health problems stop her from doing anything and in turn I guess we kind of forgot that she really was very old for a dog.

I hope I am so lucky to be oblivious to age too when I hit my twilight years. We still miss you Rick but you lived life to the fullest and that is the best thing I could ever offer a dog.

[Little Gifts]

Happy Birthday for tomorrow Bubba-Girl. I still think of you all the time and miss even your snoring! I hope wherever you are that your day is filled with cake and birds to chase.

XXX

[k9angel]

Hugs to you Alyson.

She's probably up there teaching Gyps a thing or two and vice versa.

Happy Birthday for today Miss Ricky.

[Poo-Fong]

So sorry for your loss, what a gorgeous grey face she had!! Run free Miss Ricky

[Hafhafa Hounds]

I think the feeling of loss really stems from how much of my life I have shared with that one animal.

I know exactly how you feel. My old girl Sal was almost 17, like your Ricky, and I worked out I have been together with my Sal for half my life. She was the first to be "my own dog" when I moved out of home.

Did I make that last appointment too soon? Not for her - not at all. For me, yes - another 20 years would have been too soon.

I know how you feel. Sal got her wings on the 29th of July and the house just feels empty, even with 5 other dogs in it.

Sonia RIP Sal & Ricky - perhaps you've found each other...

[Little Gifts]

Well it is one year since Ricky left us. Even though I was worried at first, having foster dogs has really helped change the energy in the house - we are a house full of dogs again, which is just how I like it. I still think of Rick most days and call her instead of one of the others. The house is still full of comforting memorabilia from her. Even pulling the winter coats out felt good because even though they wont warm her again there is a foster dog who is nice and toasty in her coats instead this year.

Life moves on. The sadness of missing her has faded so that all I have are my happy memories of her now. I hope others who are coming up to their one year anniversary find the same peace.

[milly2]

So sorry to see your beloved, Ricky has passed on, RIP Sweet Ricky.