22nd October 2007,my dog Tia, allerted me to a painless lump on my elbow which I hadnt noticed myself.
23rd October 2007, I went to see my GP,this was the beginning of investigations into my illness,NHL.
23rd October 2008, Tia [my girl] went for a scan today,as for the past week I sensed something wasnt quite right with her,the vet phoned confirming my biggest fear,the scan showed that Tia had cancer! I so I had to make the hardest heartbreaking decision of my life to let her go to sleep one final time!
For 12 years Tia has shown me unconditional love,she has been my best friend,companion and comforter in times of need basically shes been with me through Thick And Thin. She always knew how I was feeling and would react to me accordingly, she was BRILLIANT!!!! My Dad [who passed in may 2008 with lung cancer] used to always say ''Tia and I are so in tune with each other it was unbelievable'' This i know for sure was so true and still is and always will be.
Tia was a 'STAFFIE' through and through [sorry crying buckets again now have to cut it short] .
Im lucky to have been able to have 12 years of her delightful companionship.
I will miss her sooooo much, words cannot describe how I feel.
Sue
RIP Tia xxxxxxxxxxxx
FormerMember
I so sympathise with you . I had a wonderful lurcher for 16 years. She was a rescue dog and we nursed her back to health from a mangy sick pup to the super dog she became. Totally mine.She knew how I felt, knew when I needed cheering up. It was me she told when she wanted to go out, me when it was mealtime and me when she thought I ought to be in bed. The day came when I knew she had to be put to sleep. What a day! I left the house early in the morning knowing my husband would be taking her, and I stayed away until the evening. It's been over a year and I still can get tearful.
It is such a difficult situation. Even though we know they will die before us, it hurts so much when they do. Staffies are very special as well.
We have lost 3 Border Collies over the years. We have cried every time. For days at a time, and it never gets easier. I think I bond more with each one. Cassie, on my profile is our current one and quite young.
I'm so sorry to read about Tia and can understand how close you two were. With so much love between you she will always be there, you just won't be able to see her, but you will 'know'.
I don't know if you have heard of The Rainbow Bridge but it's used on another forum I belong to for when member's lose a beloved pet and I thought it might bring you some comfort.
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 have been ill and old are restored to health and vigour; and 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 who was left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent; her eager body begins to quiver. Suddently she breaks from the group, flying over the green grass 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 caress her beloved head and you look once more into those trusting eyes, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart, then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together..............
I can imagine how bereft you are feeling. It's so hard losing our pets. The only good thing is that they go knowing that we love them and not having the faintest idea what is happening. We protect them all we can after the love and companionship they give us. Sending you hugs, Maria xxxxx
If I wasn't joining in already crying buckets reading your blog then Phoenix finished me off completely! I had to go and have a stiff drink and an even stiffer word with myself. I am so sorry. It is a painful enough experience to lose a beloved pet but it almost makes it worse when it's your decision to call 'time'. I have been through the same experience several times and it is so heart-breaking. We can only console ourselves (quite rightly) that animals do not have that same sense of fear or realise what is happening other than they are drifting out of their pain surrounded by our love. All my best wishes.
