Saturday, January 16, 2010

Exuberant Merlin


I haven't made a post since we lost Merlin. We are doing well. We are not ready for another dog at this time. We are glad Gus is here to help us along. I'm getting teary just now as I type.
Mer helped me bring in the sheep in the snowstorm on the Saturday morning 12/19 before Christmas. By Sunday night he was seriously ill. On Monday afternoon when he peed outside just before going to the vet, I saw exactly what the problem was. His liver had failed.
The vet thought maybe he could get him turned around but by Wed. morning 12/23, it was obvious to the vet he was beyond recovery. We put him down that evening. I was shocked to see how he had deteriorated in 48 hours. Had he not been at the vet, he wouldn't have lived that long.
The vets and their staff always enjoyed Merlin because he thought a trip to the vet was fun. He loved the techs and they loved him. They cried along with me that evening.
We've shed a good many tears since then. I was concerned I wouldn't know when it was time to say goodbye. It was definitely time and I've had no regrets about our decision.
Many friends called or took time to comment or write a card. I have appreciated their sentiments. We had hoped to bury Mer here but the weather made that quite impossible so he was cremated and we have his ashes here with us. We got out photos the other evening and a video we made the first few months he was here. They are a comfort. That dog loved people and his life better than a lot of people love theirs. He will be missed.

6 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry about your dog! I can't imagine how badly it would hurt if we lost ours. My sympathies are with you.

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  2. Hugs! Can't imagine losing Norbert or Nessa, though I know it will happen. Hopefully we are only halfway through their lives with us. Sorry that you weren't able to enjoy a long life with Merlin. If another dog is meant to be, they will come into your life, ready or not.

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  3. We lost our very beloved shepherd, Jake, two-and-a-half years ago. He was 14. I still get choked up when I think about him. Pets play such an important role in our lives -- and it's so difficult when we lose them. I"m so sorry that you've lost Merlin. He was surely a vibrant, loving presence in your life! I'm thinking that my Jake was on hand to give your Merlin a hardy welcome to "dog heaven" with a good old butt-sniff!
    Hugs to you!
    Kym

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  4. I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my sweet boxer, Dixie, back in November. They bring such joy to our lives. I still get sad when I think of her. Much love to you!

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  5. I have lost many dogs over the years, Spot, Prince, Flame, Spock, Cara and Ebbi. It does not get easy, but I always get another dog because I never have less than two at any time. Dogs are pack animals and are happiest with companions. This time rather than buying a dog I rescue two dogs one off the internet and one from an old man that could not cope.
    They were much younger than Jenny my fifteen year old cocker but they have given her a new lease of life.
    So my advise is dive straight in and get another dog there hundred in rescue centers would be glad of a peoper home.

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  6. Oh God, that is so sad. Dogs are truly family members. So sorry for your loss. I know very well how it feels, having lost Chance a few years ago.

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