On the loss of a friend.
July 18, 2010 8:21 AM   Subscribe

 
Since I know John is a fellow Mefite, you have my condolences. We are facing the loss of 2 of our cats that we've lugged all over the world for the past 15 years, so this was especially moving and heartfelt. Thank you for writing this.
posted by Lord_Pall at 8:23 AM on July 18, 2010


That is a truly beautiful tribute to a well-loved companion. Kodi was gorgeous.

John, if you happen to read this, my deepest condolences to you and your family.

"It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are." -- Unknown

And Lord_Pall, thank you for posting this -- and for making me cry today.
posted by vers at 8:45 AM on July 18, 2010 [1 favorite]


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posted by Skorgu at 8:54 AM on July 18, 2010


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posted by Faint of Butt at 8:57 AM on July 18, 2010


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posted by Hildegarde at 8:58 AM on July 18, 2010


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posted by HuronBob at 9:00 AM on July 18, 2010


So glad John and his family had the companionship of such a beautiful animal for so many years. She sounded similar in temperament to our golden retriever who was born six months before my son, so they grew up together. They were the best of friends and he always tuned in to when you were feeling sad and snuggled. Miss him all the time. Much love in your direction.

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posted by garnetgirl at 9:01 AM on July 18, 2010


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posted by LooseFilter at 9:01 AM on July 18, 2010


I've recently been thinking about how my 6-year-old Siberian Husky has finally 'grown up' and is no longer engaging in her puppy behaviours, and how it made me sad to realize she was already in the middle of her life, so this article made me cry so so much.

My condolences.

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posted by flibbertigibbet at 9:06 AM on July 18, 2010


Lovely and moving...
posted by Dragonness at 9:18 AM on July 18, 2010


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posted by Halloween Jack at 9:20 AM on July 18, 2010


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posted by fluffy battle kitten at 9:29 AM on July 18, 2010


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posted by josher71 at 9:34 AM on July 18, 2010


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posted by Mick at 9:36 AM on July 18, 2010


*sniffles* We had to put down our own Best of All Possible Dogs in 2003 - he just decided one weekend that he was done. Friday, he went to the vet for a check-up and they found a tumor. He was in good health and scheduled to have surgery the following Thursday. It was obvious by Sunday that he would never make it, and Monday morning, the vet came to our house (such a sweet gesture since the dog was *terrified* of the vet's office) and put him down while my mom held him on our couch.

I cried about it for ages, but haven't gotten teared up about it since - until reading this. John and his family have my deepest sympathies. He captured exactly how it feels to lose a family member like this, and oh boy, I'm getting all weepy.

If you'll excuse me, I've got a cat who needs snuggling.
posted by grapefruitmoon at 9:40 AM on July 18, 2010


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posted by iamabot at 9:53 AM on July 18, 2010


oh puppy no.

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posted by elizardbits at 9:55 AM on July 18, 2010


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posted by Rallon at 9:57 AM on July 18, 2010


Sad.
posted by Forktine at 10:03 AM on July 18, 2010


"Gentlemen of the jury, the best friend a man has in this world may turn against him and become his enemy. His son or daughter whom he has reared with loving care may prove ungrateful. Those who are nearest and dearest to us -- those whom we trust with our happiness and good name -- may become traitors in their faith. The money that a man has he may lose. It flies away from him, perhaps when he needs it most. A man's reputation may be sacrificed in a moment of ill-considered action. The people who are prone to fall on their knees to do us honor when success is with us may be the first to throw the stone of malice when failure settles its cloud upon our heads. The one absolute, unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world -- the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous -- is his dog.

"Gentlemen of the jury, a man's dog stands by him in prosperity and poverty, in health and sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow, and the snow drives fiercely, if only he can be near his master's side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer; he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounter with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens.

"If fortune drives the master forth an outcast in the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him to guard against danger, to fight against his enemies. And when the last scene of all comes, and death takes the master in its embrace, and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by his graveside will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws, his eyes sad but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even to death."
posted by empath at 10:12 AM on July 18, 2010 [3 favorites]


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posted by ceri richard at 10:37 AM on July 18, 2010


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posted by doctor_negative at 10:38 AM on July 18, 2010


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posted by desjardins at 10:47 AM on July 18, 2010


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posted by Saminal at 10:48 AM on July 18, 2010


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posted by Joe Beese at 11:10 AM on July 18, 2010


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The Journney - by Crystal Ward Kent
posted by bitteroldman at 11:15 AM on July 18, 2010


I have two old dogs and 8 old birds. The beagle has had a long run but he's battling congestive heart failure. He's not out of shape--on the contrary--he's fit. He's just old. It's amazing how much love, loyalty and personality all these wonderful creatures have.

Because I don't want to be reduced to tears I won't read the link and just post a . You have my deepest condolences.
posted by Tacodog at 11:22 AM on July 18, 2010


I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your recollections of Kodi with us. My Murph does not understand why I've suddenly interrupted his nap to hug him and stroke his ears.
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posted by Heretic at 11:36 AM on July 18, 2010


Nothing but love, Scalzi. So sorry.
posted by mintcake! at 12:01 PM on July 18, 2010


Oh boy, I almost couldn't make it through the very end.
posted by yerfatma at 12:03 PM on July 18, 2010


Beautiful and fitting tribute.

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Also reminds me of Goodbye to Kitty.
posted by Z303 at 12:04 PM on July 18, 2010 [1 favorite]


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posted by The Lurkers Support Me in Email at 12:42 PM on July 18, 2010


Kodi sounds like an awfully good doggie.

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posted by palmcorder_yajna at 12:44 PM on July 18, 2010


I am going to be a wreck when the day comes for either of our dogs. Y'all have my condolences.
posted by maxwelton at 1:24 PM on July 18, 2010


That was very well written, and came at the right time, as my ("our", as she came with my late wife) 13-year-old Siffycat passed away in her sleep the night before last.
posted by mrbill at 1:39 PM on July 18, 2010


*sniff*


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posted by Wuggie Norple at 2:13 PM on July 18, 2010


I just knew before readings the comments at Whatever that someone would start quoting "Rainbow Bridge". Every time you quote Rainbow Bridge, an Angel loses its wings. Can't we grieve like adults?

. for Kodi.
posted by Justinian at 3:07 PM on July 18, 2010


Morning Hollow by Sparklehorse

She don't get up when I come into the room. She don't run through the fields anymore.
posted by Cantdosleepy at 3:10 PM on July 18, 2010


:( Good puppy.
posted by biscotti at 3:43 PM on July 18, 2010


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posted by Han Tzu at 4:06 PM on July 18, 2010


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posted by ants at 4:22 PM on July 18, 2010


So hard to lose a good animal friend - my condolences.
posted by leslies at 6:46 PM on July 18, 2010


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Kodi was a Good Dog.
posted by msali at 8:18 PM on July 18, 2010


Yes, she was. She really was.

Thank you, everyone, for your kindness and good thoughts for me and my family.
posted by jscalzi at 8:46 PM on July 18, 2010


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My condolences.
posted by spinifex23 at 8:52 PM on July 18, 2010


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posted by GeckoDundee at 9:34 PM on July 18, 2010


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posted by zinc saucier at 9:35 PM on July 18, 2010


Two days ago, halfway through our daily walk through the park, Dante looked up at me as if to say man, I can't do this anymore.

Nothing gets you ready for losing a best friend.
posted by gordie at 10:27 PM on July 18, 2010 [1 favorite]


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posted by KingEdRa at 12:43 AM on July 19, 2010


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I lost my cat (the one from this comment) just a few weeks ago. You're never prepared, and it never gets any easier.

My condolences to you and yours.
posted by Mr. Bad Example at 2:58 AM on July 19, 2010


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Oh hey it's time to visit the dog park.

I miss having a dog.
posted by Pronoiac at 1:57 PM on July 19, 2010


Every time you quote Rainbow Bridge, an Angel loses its wings. Can't we grieve like adults?

If you don't like "Rainbow Bridge," my I submit its thematic sibling and tonal opposite, James L. Dickey's "The Heaven of Animals," which is one of my favorite poems.
posted by infinitywaltz at 3:18 PM on July 19, 2010


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