A Good One, Must Pass Our Way.

[Mudcat]

After roughly 82 years here on planet Earth, if your counting dog years, 13 years by the human reckoning of years. My faithful Golden Retriever Maxx, is reaching a point beyond which I can not let him proceed in all good conscience.

He has reached the point where water means little.. and food even less. Arthritis, infection(possibly pneumonia) and old age seem to be getting the best of him.

He will have to be put down in the next few days, if not tomorrow. It'll be a hard day for us.

He is older than any of my kids and I suppose in some respect, I counted him my first child.. at least before I had kids that is. Regardless, he has always been a faithful dog and I can't imagine what a better dog would be like. The Mudcats have been blessed to have him with us as long as we have.

I am thankful God has given us the opportunity to have pets. So often it seems they give to us, more than we can give in return. I guess there is a lesson to be learned in that somewhere.

Keep us in your thoughts and prayers the next few days.

Thanks,

Mudcat

[Nemesis]

After roughly 82 years here on planet Earth, if your counting dog years, 13 years by the human reckoning of years. My faithful Golden Retriever Maxx, is reaching a point beyond which I can not let him proceed in all good conscience.

He has reached the point where water means little.. and food even less. Arthritis, infection(possibly pneumonia) and old age seem to be getting the best of him.

He will have to be put down in the next few days, if not tomorrow. It'll be a hard day for us.

He is older than any of my kids and I suppose in some respect, I counted him my first child.. at least before I had kids that is. Regardless, he has always been a faithful dog and I can't imagine what a better dog would be like. The Mudcats have been blessed to have him with us as long as we have.

I am thankful God has given us the opportunity to have pets. So often it seems they give to us, more than we can give in return. I guess there is a lesson to be learned in that somewhere.

Keep us in your thoughts and prayers the next few days.

Thanks,

Mudcat

Had to do the same thing to our pug a few weeks ago, she was 2 months away from being 14. She had so much edema that it was hard to find her veins when she was given the injection. The nice thing was I got to hold her as she passed and i got to let her know I loved her and she would be missed. It was not easy but I knew she had enough of just getting through the daily grind. The coughing is from heart failure, we thought it was pneumonia also (at least that's what we were told). Anyways good luck I hope he passes peacefully and you all heal quickly.

Nemesis

[bluebell]

My beloved dog of my college years is going on 15 (chow, pit bull, shar pei mix) and though she still has a good quality of life right now, we all know it won't be too much longer before we'll be in your shoes.

My heart goes out to you and all the mudkittens. Bravo for having the courage and love to do what's best.

[Mudcat]

Anyways good luck I hope he passes peacefully and you all heal quickly.

Thanks Nemesis, I wish the same for you.

[CARPE DIEM]

After roughly 82 years here on planet Earth, if your counting dog years, 13 years by the human reckoning of years. My faithful Golden Retriever Maxx, is reaching a point beyond which I can not let him proceed in all good conscience.

He has reached the point where water means little.. and food even less. Arthritis, infection(possibly pneumonia) and old age seem to be getting the best of him.

He will have to be put down in the next few days, if not tomorrow. It'll be a hard day for us.

He is older than any of my kids and I suppose in some respect, I counted him my first child.. at least before I had kids that is. Regardless, he has always been a faithful dog and I can't imagine what a better dog would be like. The Mudcats have been blessed to have him with us as long as we have.

I am thankful God has given us the opportunity to have pets. So often it seems they give to us, more than we can give in return. I guess there is a lesson to be learned in that somewhere.

Keep us in your thoughts and prayers the next few days.

Thanks,

Mudcat

Mudcat, I'm not sure how the LDS religion views pets in Heaven, I absolutely believe that we will be reunited there. I often close my eyes and visualize going through a cloud, and coming out only to see all our loved one's and all our pets of the past waiting and running up to us. I can't believe it would be any other way. Also as Nemesis indicated, you will be allowed to hold your family member close and talk to him. He will simply go to sleep as you and I do each night. The difference,he will not awaken. But you will take your love and your memories with you after his is buried and will always be apart of your life. When you are holding him and telling him you love him and will miss him as the Vet administers the medicine, he will take that part of you with him. Many of us have been through what you are about to go through, and you will need to be the Iron Rod for the family, the wife and children. May God be with you! L& J

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

As you may remember, I just got a Golden who is now 65 lbs; So sorry for your loss…or pending one. Ever wonder why we are so compassionate to animals and spare them great suffering and let our loved ones die in agony?

[TAO]

Carpe, there's a D&C verse on it. 'Eternal Felecity' is what it says... so yes... I would say we definately believe the same thing =D.

My mom had to have my old cat put away several years ago... twas sad... but on the good side... they aren't suffering anymore... and... you loved them alot. And getting another pet may be good or bad... depending on things... we got a new cat Hope... and she's been living with us for quite a while now =)

In any case... I hope you can get though this okay... we've missed ya' here =).

Best Wishes,

-TAO

[Mudcat]

I suppose to some it might sound silly that we just had a sunset funeral service for Maxx. Some might think it even sillier to know we had put up a marker for my faithful canine friend. But such was our course.

It was just me, Mrs. Mudcat and the Mudkittens.

Revelations 5:13 was my offered Scripture. We had a brief eulogy and I left a moment for parting comments.

The two eldest Mudkittens relayed funny tales of when Maxx had chewed up there stuff or they had left unattended plates of food that he had eaten.

For those with a long posting history in the SH, would likely remember the passing of his mate, Belle, a few years back. My wife commented about their reuniting. (this got me quite choked up)

We asked our youngest, Jon Christian, if he wanted to say something about Maxx. His response, "Maxx ground, Maxx gone, Maxx home"

We laid crepe myrtle blooms on his grave and closed in prayer.

I feel for my kids. It's been a tough year for them.. and me too. They have lost a grandmother, nearly lost a grandfather by car accident and Maxx was older than my eldest child. Life has been pretty volatile for them at such a young age.

Keep us in your thoughts and thanks for the comments all.

Mudcat

[urroner]

About four years ago, I lost a Blue Russian Siamese cat named "Not Me." He had lived a long life with us. He was about 14 y/o. We had had him since he was a kitten. He put up with little boys tormenting him and some old man putting tape on his feet, but he was a great cat and loved us in spite of us.

I had to put him down and I still miss him and I don't like cats. They think they are better than me.

I look forward to seeing him again in the next life so I can jump out from behind a corner and scare him and then have him snuggle up next to me with a dead mouse.

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

I suppose to some it might sound silly that we just had a sunset funeral service for Maxx.

Mudcat

Not at all.

[emeliza]

We are having to think about putting our 11 year old yellow lab down most likely within the next few months. She has a tumor in her belly that is growing, arthritis, a limp that is showing up more times than not and her interest in food is waning more and more. We don't see her in any pain yet aside from the limp and she is able to always make it outside so we are just sort of waiting. I realize I have not had this lovely dog nearly as long as most people have their pets, but there is termendous love there.

I am so sorry for your loss Mudcat and family. Dogs hold a special place in our hearts and I for one have to say that golden retrievers are the best dogs on the planet. Wishing you comfort.

[Garden Girl]

I'm so sorry, Mudcat... brings back memories of when I had to put Charlie-cat down... that was so difficult, but I knew it was the right thing to do and I just couldn't stand to see him suffer one more day. After a few months I went down to the shelter and brought home my big, beautiful Bob-cat. I really lucked out because Bob has turned out to be absolutely wonderful... such a good companion for me. You never can tell, particularly with cats... dogs have owners, cats have staff.

Your family is often in my prayers, and I'll be sure at this time also.

GG

[Mudcat]

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers everybody.

I'm so sorry, Mudcat... brings back memories of when I had to put Charlie-cat down... that was so difficult, but I knew it was the right thing to do and I just couldn't stand to see him suffer one more day. After a few months I went down to the shelter and brought home my big, beautiful Bob-cat. I really lucked out because Bob has turned out to be absolutely wonderful... such a good companion for me. You never can tell, particularly with cats... dogs have owners, cats have staff.

Your family is often in my prayers, and I'll be sure at this time also.

GG

I was fortunate that Maxx, has a son who is about 3 now, we named him Bear. He is a half lab/half golden mix and has a lot of his dad in him.

[Libs]

So sorry to hear about your Maxx, Mudcat. We do love our animals, as a part of the family, and it's really difficult to let them go.

I have a sweet little Pekingnese, who is only six years old, and he brings so much joy...already, I dread the day I must part with him.

Thoughts and prayers for you and yours.

[charity's child]

My sorrow and sympathies for you and your family.

[alter idem]

You're in my thoughts and prayers--and Emeliza's family also. We are so blessed to have the love and companionship of animals, but it's hard to have to part with them, though it be for only a short time.

[MorningStar]

I'm so sad for you guys! Losing a pet is so painful.

[One Clear Voice]

My our Father in Heaven comfort you and your family during this time!

[Anijen]

We came home from participating as a family in the Nauvoo pageant and found out our beloved basset hound was killed. We loved that dog so very much. I feel for your loss.

Anijen

[emeliza]

We came home from participating as a family in the Nauvoo pageant and found out our beloved basset hound was killed. We loved that dog so very much. I feel for your loss.

Anijen

I am sorry for your loss. I hope your family is handling the loss of your beloved pet okay.

[bluebell]

We came home from participating as a family in the Nauvoo pageant and found out our beloved basset hound was killed. We loved that dog so very much. I feel for your loss.

Anijen

How sad. Did you find who did it?

[emeliza]

Today my dear Maggie had to be put down.

[Messenger]

What joy a pet can bring to a family or an individual. When I read these posts I remember a cat I had when I was 5 years old. She died when I was on my mission. In a way, it’s strange how a pet can have such an impact that we don’t often realize until they are gone. My cat had many litters over the years when I was growing up. I think that we become attached to them because they show us affection and also the things they do, no so much as pets, but seemingly as individuals, which makes them uniquely part of our lives and our memories. We lived in the country when I was growing up and my cat would go with me on imaginary hunting expeditions! She would sit on my shoulder as I would walk through the empty fields. She would leap off my shoulder and pretend to go after a mouse. Then she would switch from predator to prey, laying low and flat, thinking she was invisible to me. I would stalk her, and then she would spring into a run to get away. Its things like that I often wonder how we can call them merely pets, when they seem to be so much more. They are loyal, attentive, and certainly individual. We love them, but somehow they also show affection in unique ways. I’ve often wondered how they fit into the gospel plan as we know it.

[Mudcat]

Today my dear Maggie had to be put down.

Oh no. I am so sorry Emeliza.

My hearts out to you.

Mudcat

[Garden Girl]

They are loyal, attentive, and certainly individual. We love them, but somehow they also show affection in unique ways. I’ve often wondered how they fit into the gospel plan as we know it.

Me too, Messenger...

I've had my cat, Bob, just over a year. I got him from the local shelter and is about 3 years old... He's absolutely beautiful and sooo smart. Anyway, he is a wonderful companion to me... sometimes I look into his eyes, looking so deeply into me, and wonder his purpose and what awaits him beyond the veil. I can't begin to tell you how funny he is with his own "ways" and how much he tries to communicate. Oh how he wishes he could talk I know... that's when I wonder about his purpose and place in the scheme of things.

GG