Note: If you wouldn't say it to someone's face, don't say it here. Comments deleted on a whim.
Alas, I remember when my first terrier started to really lose ability to do anything.
She was getting pretty old, but then she really fell of, in a couple of days. Her kidneys completely failed.
It isn't any fun to lose a loved pet.
That sucks, man. I've been there, and all I can say is, don't feel bad about feeling bad about your dog. Obviously this is not the worst thing that could happen but it still blows.
Hang in there, Aaron.
hey man,
I like my pets more than 95% of the people I have ever met. Animals, especially dogs are pretty much the most reliably nice people to you in the world if you treat them ok. They don't get in 'moods' and they always want to play or be pet.
Never feel silly about caring man, if you didn't care then that would be a sign something was wrong.
Here's hoping even if she doesn't get better she isn't in pain. I am sorry to hear it Aaron.
-alex
Ive had cats for about as long as I can remember, and have had a cat disapear, and I've had friends with cats that have gotten too old, and I can can only say that I hope your time together has been wonderful, and that you remember all the good.
Aaron,
I've had pets (cats for the most part) for as far back as I can remember. I've seen a few of them be born, and I've been there when most of them have died. All I can say is I think I know what you're going through. Don't feel silly. It's compassion that you're feeling, and it's a good thing.
All my best to you and Sammi.
-Galen
Aaron,
So sorry to hear that.
Just follow your heart and try and do what's best for her.
I've been through something similar and it's one of those incomparably hard experiences.
Stay strong.
Man, sorry to hear about Sammi. I've had pets -- cats and dogs -- since before I can remember, and I can't imagine what I'd do if my cat, Phoebe, were in a similar kind of situation. You get attatched to them like they're people, you know? But ultimately, you get reminded that they're not, whether it's by the fact that they get old way before you do, or by the fact that you can't afford to pay for their health care like you would a person's. The joys and hardships of pets, I guess.
All I can really say is to reiterate what a vet told me years ago, around the time I had to have my previous cat, Rocky, put to sleep: If you decide that time has run out, just do it, and don't hesitate to get another pet in short order. It made me feel guilty, at first, and Phoebe certainly didn't just fill up the spot that Rocky had occupied, but getting to know a new animal is really the best salve for losing one. I hope that doesn't sound crass, but it's true.
A-Geezy, that fucking sucks. Truly sorry to hear it. Huge dog person myself and I've been through a similar situation, not at all fun.
Aaron,
I was very moved by your column today. I send you my deepest sympathies. I think I know what you are going through.
Just before the L.A. riots my family got a pet pug that I named Cleopatra. From day one I absolutely loved that dog. I remember how fascinating and enjoyable it was for me just observing its quirky and lovable behavior on a regular basis. I used to call her "the only girl I could trust".
To make a long story short, she started having serious health problems highlighted by tumors growing on her body and increased difficulty breathing after she turned ten years old. Once her health started deteriorating she just gradually got worse and worse to the point that we all had to consider putting her to sleep. A little over two years ago we chose to go through with that painful decision.
You have nothing to be ashamed of for feeling that way about your dog. To give you an idea of how sentimental I am about my dog, I still genuinely regret never actually saying good-bye to Cleo due to circumstances beyond my control--even though I know full well that she was just an animal. I miss her to this day, and probably always will to some extent, but I am truly grateful that I had the opportunity to spend so much quality time with such a wonderful bundle of love and energy.
I wouldn't trade my memories of her
for anything, for they are price to me.
Best Wishes,
Poincare
I meant "priceless" not price.
Before I met my wife, I couldn't care two cents about pets. Now, of course, I have three cats and I can honestly say that I love having them with us. I understand a little about how you must feel.
Aaron,
I'm truly sorry to hear about your beloved Samantha. Despite her health, it sounds like she's a pretty lucky dog to have had you as her "dad" all these years.
For what it's worth, I work with a dog rescue organization and a friend of mine is a world-class dog trainer. Her opinion is that chemo should never be used on dogs unless there's a good chance of full recovery. Chemo is hell. Humans can deal with it emotionally because they understand that it's their only chance. Dogs don't know that, they just know that they feel awful. Many dogs undergoing chemo refuse to eat and starvation becomes a more immediate threat than the cancer itself.
Please note that I don't mean to tell you what to do. Samantha is part of your family and you are the one to make these decisions. Hopefully this helps. Good luck to you both!
-Andrew
Aaron,
I can't put into words how sorry I am to hear about your dog's troubles or how much I sympathize with the difficult decisions you face. The best moment of my day is when I get home to my dog. When we let a pet into our lives, we know we'll almost certainly have to deal with this heartbreak at some point, but six years is way too soon. Hopefully the vets will see options that give you some hope. If not, I'm sure you will do everything you can to make whatever time she has the best possible. Whatever happens, she is lucky to have you looking out for her.
Aaron,
Sorry to hear about Samantha. You have every right to be upset; she is a family member. It sucks to feel this way - getting so attached to the little critters. I've had it happen before, and, unfortunately, I'll have it happen again. Hopefully everything will turn out fine, but be prepared for the worst case scenario. Best wishes to you and your family.
Aaron,
Your writing brought back the pain of the struggles my 2 dogs fought in years gone by -- and the boatload of joys they brought me. I know you'll do what's right, and don't ever feel silly about sharing. My thoughts are with you and Sammi.
Best, Mr. B
Very sorry Aaron.
That's so sad.
Poor puppy :(
I am really sorry, Aaron. There is no denying that we develop a very strong attachment to our pets and that we care deeply about them. I wish you and Sammi well.
I'm so sorry to hear about Sammi. And like others have said, don't feel bad for caring so much, I think the bonds between people and their pets, while simpler, can be much deeper than that we have with other people. I've had all kinds of pets over the years, and currently have 3 cats, one of which is really getting on in years, and while I'm willing to do just about anything to keep him going, I'm going by what I think he wants, not what I want, to determine how much we put into it. As much as you love Sammi, try to keep that in mind. What do you think she wants? From what you've written, it seems like deep down, you know. Again, I'm sorry this happened, but like you said, life isn't fair.
I just wanted to add, if in fact you lose her, don't feel bad about getting another pet, because you wouldn't be replacing Sammi, you'd be providing another dog or cat with a loving home that they otherwise might never get.
Sorry to hear that Aaron. It is ever thus with pets, even if they live a full life, they still leave us long before we are ready because they have shorter lifespans.
My personal opinion is that it is best not to let her suffer more than necessary.
That's the trouble with dogs. They wiggle their way into our hearts until we can't imagine our lives without them, but their time with us is too short.
I'm so very sorry.
Hey Aaron, don't feel silly for caring about your dog. Thre's nothing wrong with your dog meaning a lot to you. I'm sorry to hear about this. Hang in there, man-
Dan
Never feel silly for caring about a dog. Dogs are the greatest creatures on the planet. From one blogger to another, I feel your pain, man. Just make sure she gets all the love you can give her.
So sorry to hear about your pup. We've had cats with health problems and it just tears us apart. Know that we have to make decisions for our pets who can't make them for themselves, and that she'll love you regardless of what happens.
I had my cocker spaniel for 15 years. I named him Boggs after Wade. At 15, his health began to go, much like Sammi's, and in February, at the recommendation of the vet, I had to put him down. It was one of the worst days of my life.
Not to bum you out, but I understand whole heartedly where you are coming from. Dogs are the best- usually better than people. Do not feel bad or ashamed of how you feel. Its ok to be angry and sad. I'm with you.
It may be silly to some, but it makes me feel better to think my dog is watching ball games, waiting for me, and when the time comes, we will be reunited and watching the games together again.
i am sorry to hear about your little buddy, Sammi. Our 4 legged friends bring so much joy into our lives and there is nothing wrong with loving them and making their lives the best we can. i used to be an animal control officer and i have seen people do some pretty awful things. If you didn't care about Sammi, i would think there was something wrong with you.
i had to put my little Ren dog, a 12 yr old chinese crested, to sleep 2 yrs ago. The vet and vet tech cried with me as Ren went over the rainbow bridge.
We are able to end the suffering of our animal friends when there is no hope. You will know in your heart and mind when the time is right. It will not be easy but it is something we are able to do for our pets that we cannot do for our human loved ones.
In the meantime, i pray for a miracle for you and Sammi. Hang in there!
incase you don't know about the rainbow bridge, here it is... Enjoy Sammi while she is with you. The sad thing about pets is they just don't live long enough......
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
Aaron,
I'm sorry to hear about Sammi's illness. Many other people have already said similar things, but I liked my two dogs better than most people I've met. If there is something strange about caring so much for a dog, at least you're not alone.
I had a Boston growing up, named Frisky. Great dog! He was fast and feisty. Would snatch the hat off my head when sledding and then it was a big chase in the snow to get it back. Hated bicycles and old VW bugs. He loved cheese. Wouldn't back down from any dog; a St Bernard dragged the neighbor kid across the street on his stomach becaus Frisky was at the curb barking his fool head off at it. Another big dog named Wolf picked him up in his mouth and shook him silly because Frisky wouldn't back down, luckily Wolf was old and didn't have any teeth. He ended up having some gastro-intestinal problem, probably from licking all the old, dried tomato sauce off my shoes when I worked at a pizza joint in high school. We had to put him to sleep or, I should say, my Mom did because I was a self-involved teenager. I regret avoiding the situation. I hope all goes well with you and Sam. May your decisions be easy ones to make.
Aaron,
I don't usually follow sports blogs, but my boyfriend pointed out this entry to me, and I wanted to write to say that I'm so sorry to hear about your dog, Sam. I also have a dog that I'm absolutely nuts about, and I can't even imagine what I'd do if anything ever happened to her, especially at such a young age.
Don't feel silly for caring about Sammi so much. When a dog is in your life for years at a time, always making you happy, never giving you grief, you're bound to become super-attached. That's what's so wonderful about having a dog in your life.
I wish you and Sammi lots of hope, and I really hope that things work out for the best.
Pets are to be cherished like any other family member.
Don't feel silly about caring for one.
Don't feel silly. I'm not sure what I'd do without my wife's 17 year old cranky persian mix (who's louder than a siren and cries all the time) or my year and a half old ginger 'leopard' who purs the instant you get near him and likes to hang out in windows on sunny days.
Aaron,
i don't suppose anyone's asked you yet why you are wearing a KC jersey in that pic?
Aaron, I haven't felt the need to post until today. I understand how tough it is to make that decision. But I agree with Andrew about pets and chemo. I don't think I could ever let my pet go through chemo, unless the vet says it's a real good chance of recovery. Otherwise don't put your pup through more pain.
That's a really tough break, Aaron. It's hard enough to lose a pet at age 12 (or 84 dog-years), as I did 3 years ago. At least then there is some comfort in knowing he/she had a long and happy life. But age 6 is barely middle age. You and Sammi ought to have many great years yet to share. I hope that by some miracle everything turns out just fine.
But if it doesn't, please don't feel silly about grieving for her. And after the grieving period is over, by all means get another dog. That's what we did, about six months after we lost our Genny. And, if you can find it in your heart, get a rescue dog from a shelter or Petfinders.com.
We found our Abby at a high-kill shelter in Las Vegas. When we got her she looked like the most pitiful excuse for a dog you can imagine. Not only was she nearly starved but she was even afraid to take food from your hand. Apparently she had been severely beaten. And to this day she is still afraid of thunderstorms, probably from being left outside in all weather. We wanted another keeshond like Genny, but we couldn't even be sure of that because her coat was so badly matted and she kept her curly tail tucked between her legs all the time.
To make a long story short, since then she has blossomed into a beautiful, loving dog. She has even taken on many of the personality traits of Genny, who was the exact opposite of that pitiful, lost Vegas dog. Now you'll probably think I'm the silly one, but I believe Genny's spirit is still with us in Abby.
Since then we've added Buster, another kees, from that same Las Vegas shelter and together with Genny's daughter Angie (who just turned 14) we are one big happy "pack".
There is no greater tribute you can pay to one lost dog than to save another.
Hang in there Aaron, times like these are tough and you have every right to feel what you are feeling.
Things will get better though. It's all a learning experience when it comes down to it.
Off topic: Mr. Gleeman has now been quoted in SI and the Wall Street Journal within 20 days. Pretty impressive!
From WSJ: Forget Barry Bonds's pursuit of Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron. The Hardball Times's Aaron Gleeman says there's another notable chase to keep tabs on: Can Neifi Perez of the Chicago Cubs claim the title of being the single worst hitter in baseball history?
You have gotten alot of sound and loving advice here and there really is nothing I can add. I'm going to take my Sonsie (Gaelic -- beautiful/lucky) for a nice walk now. Best wishes.
Hey Aaron,
I have never commented before but your post today really touched me. At 24 I just got my first dog ever (named her Torii) and after only a few months with her I can't imagine having to watch her go through something like that. You and Sam are in my thoughts.
Aaron I am SO sorry beyond words for you! There is nothing silly at all about caring so much about your dog. I just got my first dog of my life a little over 2 years ago and she is my HEART and I know I would feel exactly as you do if something happened to Heidi. A little girl recently hypothesized why pets don't live as long as people. She said, "well, don't people live long so that they can finally become "good"? well animals are already "GOOD" so they don't need to live so long"! :) A little overly optimistic on people eventually becoming good but right on about animals already being as good as it gets! My prayers are with you and Sammi, Aaron!
I'm sorry to hear about Sam....I hope everything goes well.
I too have a Boston and I worry about days like that.
Best of luck man, I'm tearing up a little bit here. Hopefully they can treat that. You never know.
I grew up with boston terriers and I think that Sammi is so cute. I am so sorry that she is hurting and you are sad.
:( SB
Aaron...
I'm really sad to have read this, for you and for Sammi. I send you both my well wishes. That just really, truly sucks.
And as for how much she means to you, we are responsible for our pets. Not only are we connected to them, not only do we love them, not only do they make us smile, but it's a life in our hands. It's heartbreaking when you can't make things better for them.
Take care, and again, I'm sorry. I'm quite certain both of you deserve much better.
-M.
my kitty named mak has been my princess around the house, and she always watches the twins with me. Luckily, she does not feel the pain I suffer every time I see Lohse pitch, but she does know when to go to sleep when the twins fall behind and wake up when they win. she means a lot to me, so don't feel stupid about your dogs illness. because if it is stupid, then i guess we're all stupid. I hope you make the right decision for Sami and that like many others, encourage you to find a new dog to give the same love you had for her.
Aaron,
I was going to give you some sage advice on staying strong and all that crap, but Matthew summed everything up better than I ever could. All I can add is that I'll be keeping you and Sammi in my thoughts. Godspeed.
Bruce
Thats horrible.
Recently I've had to go through the same thing - 16 yr old dauchshund/weiner dog. Yes Aaron we both have ugly dogs. In the end I think you have to ask yourself what your dog's quality of life is.... If its somewhere you don't think it should be, the next step is a sad one.
Sad stuff. But you should get through it. Everyone who has ever had a pet ends up going through this slippery slope sooner or later. Sorry...
I post occasionally and I figured there was no reason to not say that I'm sorry for you and your dog Sam. I'm not a religious person, but as the saying goes, both you and your dog are in my prayers. I've been through it and its terrible. You're not being silly, you're being human. And, if it helps, you're a tremendously talented individual. Keep your head up.
Hey sorry to hear about you dog. I loved all the pictures. I hope she gets better soon. You two will be in my prayers. And worring this much isn't silly...you care and love her, it's expected!
Aaron -
Hope this story helps just a little bit:
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
The wonderful thing about pets is that they love us, no matter what. There is nothing silly about caring so much about someone who loves you.
My thoughts are with you!
Hi Aaron, Matthew Leach directed his Cardinal fan readers to your situation. Hang in there, it is tough when your pet is sick, they rely on you totally and are like your kids (at least for some of us).
Try to make her as comfortable as possible, you are her world and she will miss you even more than you will miss her.
I'm so sorry and i know how you feel. My wife and i went through losing a pet almost a year ago. We had to send her to Heaven on 5-20-2005.It was the worst day of my life.I still cry for her almost every day. Her name was LACEE, a German Shepherd Lady. She was 11 years,11 months and 9 days with us. So we have gone through this. It hurts soo much.Like one of your writers said...she will always be here in out hearts.. and..I too know she is watching the Cardinals play and laying beside me.running and playing in her yard and someday we will meet again by the Rainbow Bridge. I'm soo sorry but like me, you have to do what is necessary,if she cant be saved. I'm crying here and going..LACEE is with GOD!!
WHAT WAS YOUR DECISION ABOUT SAMMY? ON JULY 9TH.2007, MY FAITHFUL COMPANION "NIKI" WAS RELIEVED OF HER SUFFERING AT UC DAVIS VET SCHOOL. SHE TOO SUFFERED FROM A VERY LARGE BRAIN TUMOR. HER DETERIORATION WAS RAPID. A TOTAL OF 31/2 WEEKS. SHE WAS DIAGNOSED BY A NEUROLOGIST IN OREGON AND WE DECIDED TO TREAT HER AGGRESSIVELY. UNFORTUNATELY, DURING THE 4TH OF JULY THERE WAS NO ONE AT DAVIS THAT COULD DO THIS. BY THE TIME I RETURNED TO DAVIS ON MONDAY MORNING IT WAS JUST TOO LATE. SHE IS COMING HOME TODAY IN AN URN. I MISS HER TERRIBLY. I JUST COULD NOT LET HER SUFFER ANY MORE. BRAIN TUMORS ARE COMMON IN BOSTONS AND RESEARCH IS ONGOING. PAM
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