Zippi

I wish I had something fun to show, but yesterday was a sad day.



My little buddy took ill again on Tuesday night. Yesterday morning he was a very sick puppy. He wouldn’t move, wouldn’t eat, labored breathing. The exact same symptoms as back in February, same as in April. We had spent big bucks on the credit card getting him through those. We had him on a special diet of expensive food, and twice daily injections of insulin. Apparently, it wasn’t working.

I wiped snot out of his eyes, wiped his face off, and carried him outside to do his business. He never moved. Then I walked around the side of the house and he followed. Then he walked over to the truck and sat down and looked at me. It was if he was asking me to take him to the vets. That place that made him better last time.

I finished getting dressed for work and loaded him up and took him in on my way to work. Then later the vet called and we talked about things. She suggested that we not put him through another round of treatments. He had lost four pounds since April. We were giving him lots of food, but it wasn’t doing anything for him. I agreed that it was time. I sent a text to my wife and finished out my day with a heavy heart.

After work, at the vets I was able to cradle him in my arms and kiss his little head and whisper to him. I could tell he was ready to go. My wife came and she held him and we cried and cried. We were taken into a small room, much like a living room in a house. When we were ready the doctor came in and talked to us. She had the staff place a IV port on his leg before we arrived. She had four syringes and injected them one at a time. The boy has always seen me off when I got in the truck to go somewhere, and I always said-“ You be a good boy and I’ll see you later”. So I said that to him as he slipped away. I watched as he stopped taking labored breaths. I saw his eyelids twitch a little. He was gone before she gave the final injection.

It was very peaceful and he had a death anyone would be jealous of. Surrounded by loving caring people. Dignity and grace.

I was a licensed funeral director and embalmer, certified crematory operator, licensed monument salesman, licensed life insurance agent, sub registrar at the health department, and notary public. My wife also was a licensed funeral director and embalmer and a certified crematory operator. So we knew what to do. We held a funeral.

I had delivered him in his dog bed, because they use cages to keep the dogs in at the vets. I added a towel and laid him in that. We placed just his very favorite toys, as he had so many, in there with him. He loved to lay on any article of clothing that I laid on the floor, so I put in one of my smelly old socks. My wife sprinkled rose petals on him.

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We dug a grave right off the deck out back. He liked to chase squirrels up a large live oak there. It overlooks the back of our land and he can keep an eye out on us. Keep nasties from getting us. He patrolled the perimeter fencing every night when he was well. Now he will be on duty permanently.

We stood there recalling stories about him. I kept stroking his ears, his favorite way to be petted. I had a few beers and she some wine. We waited until the Sun set off in the distance. Then we lowered him into his grave. My wife chose to speak at that time and did so very eloquently. She talked about how she always felt safe having him on duty. That he was the best guard dog she ever had. Both of us were so proud of him.

We used another of his beds turned upside down to cover over top, making a clam shell of sorts, and I took the first shovel of earth, with the shovel head inverted so as to show I wasn’t in a hurry to cover him over. It’s a jewish custom when they bury. Then she finished covering him over. She had done that so many times at the green burial cemetery. This she saw as an honor. Then she decorated his grave.

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Happier times sunning himself.

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Hate to be a bummer but I feel better when I share. I hope to be done with the crying later today, but I doubt I will. He was such a big part of our lives. Her dog the chihuahua was very fond of Zippy, too. She was trying to alert us yesterday morning that he was sick. Those two made a pretty good team when it came to chasing off imagined bad guys at the gate. She would dodge back and forth behind him and bark. Always leaving him to be out front leading the charge. He was always considerate to her and respected her. He taught me a little about tolerance and a whole lot about love. I will forever miss him.

I'm so sorry! Thanks for sharing.

Alan

My condolences, losing a pet is like losing a member of the family. Your story really touched me and I feel your heart break. RIP Zippy..

I had a 14 year old Pug that I had to have put down several years ago. Lily was my sweetheart and I still miss her.

I am sorry to hear of his passing. Makes my heart heavy as well.

Very sorry for the loss of your beloved pet.

It's a heartbreaker for sure. Lost my little buddy a few years back and still miss him terribly.

I'm sorry for your loss and remember the pain so here's hoping the good memories will replace this sad day for you.

My heart goes out to you and yours,,,prayers to you my friend,,,

I hope you and your wife are able to find peace and strength.

I am so sorry for the loss of your buddy Micanopy.

I have been through it many times... and the only thing that makes it any better... is knowing it's the only right thing to do.
Peace be with you. Please don't hesitate to get another pet as soon as it makes sense.

So very sad for you. I have been through it several times. Never gets easier. I don't know you folks, but know that I am very proud of you for being there for him at his passing. Also know that he knew you were with him. God bless you both.

Thanks

God bless Zippi. I can tell from your post that he was a grand addition to your family. I have also lost some that meant a lot to me, a couple I haven’t gotten over yet. I hope that you find comfort in the coming days and learn to deal with his passing and enjoy his constant presence in the yard. He has simply gone home and will see you both again one day.