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Across the Fence:  Saying Goodbye to Truman  |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3308 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3308 Posts |
 Posted - Dec 09 2015 : 9:34:48 PM
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This is an old photo of Truman-He is almost all white around his face and he's lost a lot of weight.
On Monday we took our Jack Russell, Truman to the vet. He's been drinking excessive amounts of water for several months and for the last couple of weeks barking very, very late in the evening to be let outside. I did some research and thought it might be diabetes and I was right. He is very ill with indications of kidney and liver damage as well as an extremely high white blood cell count which could be more than a UTI that would involve his kidneys.... and after discussing what it would entail to keep the diabetes in check which would include multiple insulin shots during the day as well as constant monitoring of this debilitating disease we decided it was best to put him to sleep while he still had a somewhat comfortable yet tolerable state of life. It was not an easy decision to make. He's eleven years old. He has been a very important part of our lives and the kids have grown up with him. He is part of our family. We are devastated, but know we are doing the right thing at the right time. We watched our cat Tibbits go through a progressive illness and kept her longer than we should have. We decided we would not put Truman through such a devastating and intense illness. He sleeps most of the time-gets up to drink and in the last couple of days lost his appetite. We will say our final goodbyes on Saturday morning. He's been faithful and true and he had a good long 'run' with us. He will be missed.
Melody |
Edited by - melody on Dec 10 2015 09:43:32 AM |
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katmom
True Blue Farmgirl
17061 Posts
Grace
WACAL Gal
WashCalif.
USA
17061 Posts |
Posted - Dec 09 2015 : 10:16:20 PM
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Oh Melody,,, my heart goes out to you...
This is not an easy decision... we want to hold onto our beloved fur kids forever... but alas... we have to do what is best for them,,, even thou it breaks our hearts.
Hugz to Truman, to you, to your family...
Wrapping you in hugz.
>^..^<
Happiness is being a katmom and Glamping Diva!
www.katmom4.blogspot.com & http://graciesvictorianrose.blogspot.com
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hudsonsinaf
True Blue Farmgirl
3162 Posts
Shannon
Rozet
Wyoming
USA
3162 Posts |
Posted - Dec 09 2015 : 10:45:19 PM
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:'( my heart too hurts for you! Doing what is best for our furbabies, and breaking our own hearts in the process, is so hard! Praying for comfort in the days to come!
~ Shannon
http://hudson-everydayblessings.blogspot.com/ |
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LadyInRed
True Blue Farmgirl
6740 Posts
PeggyAnn
Vancouver
WA
USA
6740 Posts |
Posted - Dec 09 2015 : 11:54:20 PM
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Melody...it is the hardest part about loving a furbaby. Their unconditional love and loyalty is
so precious. My heart goes out to you and your family. I have had to make that same hard decision
a couple of times and it is just too too hard. My prayers are with you all!
Hugs,
Peggy
Farmgirl #1326
Dec 2011-Farmgirl of the Month
http://ladyinredsite.blogspot.com
Don't allow others to steal the Glitz from your *SPARKLE*
Life is too short to knit with ugly yarn!
Leave Your Cares Behind...Join Us On The Porch |
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YellowRose
True Blue Farmgirl
6829 Posts
Sara
Paris
TX
USA
6829 Posts |
Posted - Dec 10 2015 : 04:13:27 AM
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Melody, I'm so sorry and I know how hard it was for you to let him go. Sometimes the last and best thing we can do for our pets is to let them go in peace.
Sara~~~ FarmGirl Sister #6034 8/25/14
FarmGirl of the Month Sept 2015.
Lord put your arm around my shoulders and your hand over my mouth. |
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Red Tractor Girl
True Blue Farmgirl
6534 Posts
Winnie
Gainesville
Fl
USA
6534 Posts |
Posted - Dec 10 2015 : 05:11:47 AM
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Oh Melody, I am so sorry about losing Truman, It is so very hard to say goodbye to our beloved fur friends. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers as I know how tough these first few weeks can be without your sweet friend.
Winnie #3109
Red Tractor Girl
Farm Sister of the Year 2014-2015 |
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Audra Rose
True Blue Farmgirl
2213 Posts
Vanessa
Brooksville
KY
USA
2213 Posts |
Posted - Dec 10 2015 : 07:27:10 AM
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Hold him a lot these last few days. My prayers for your family
Farmgirl Sister #6754
Doxie Mom - Everyone loves a Weiner!
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. |
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Marilyn Hartman Sullivan
True Blue Farmgirl
1138 Posts
Marilyn
Oxford
PA
USA
1138 Posts |
Posted - Dec 10 2015 : 08:09:22 AM
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He is a handsome and perky looking fellow -- he got lucky when he got you as his people. Lots of us have had to make these decisions, and it isn't easy, for sure. I hope you will all be comforted by 11 years of good memories of your sweet little guy. He won't ever be gone from your hearts. Thank you for being so thoughtful and considerate of his poor little body.
Farmgirl #6318
"Where there's a will -- there's probably a family fight." |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3308 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3308 Posts |
Posted - Dec 10 2015 : 08:11:48 AM
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He pretty much has rule of the roost--I'm letting him have his treats and brought down my daughters old comforter that he has reclaimed in the living room. He sleeps a lot. I don't know but I think he suspects something is up. We sit on the floor with him like the old days and he saunters on over wagging his tail. I had a long conversation with him explaining that he will be going to sleep for a good long time and you know he actually winked at me. Bruce taught him that a long time ago. It's so sad--I've been crumbling every day since we found out. Today, he gets a final grooming at our favorite groomers-they do that free of charge when they know a pet will be put down so he will be nice and clean when he goes. It's heart wrenching even for an old bird like me-I don't usually display emotion but I don't seem to have any control. Thanks so much ladies for all the support-it really does help.
Melody |
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nut4fabric
True Blue Farmgirl
885 Posts
Kathy
Morgan Hill
CA
USA
885 Posts |
Posted - Dec 10 2015 : 08:52:35 AM
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Melody, I am so sorry to hear your sad news. We have Lab brothers almost 12 years old and one has been diabetic since March, two shots a day and he is doing well but I know that at his age the time is not far off. His brother had his tongue removed due to cancer 6 years ago and he too has done well but now his hips are giving him much trouble and he has days where he seems very confused. I can't imagine one without the other so it is going to be really hard when the time comes. It is the right thing to do but it just sucks!!! Prayers for your family and precious Truman.
Kathy |
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ClaireSky
True Blue Farmgirl
1792 Posts
Julie
Arcadia
WI
USA
1792 Posts |
Posted - Dec 10 2015 : 09:02:14 AM
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Melody, I am sorry you had to make this decision. I, too, have a dog that has diabetes. The vet told me that her liver was shot and she had an extremely bad case and probably wouldn't live more than six months. But I couldn't let her go. I made the decision to give her shots twice a day and it made all the difference. She has had it for 3 years now and is still going strong at 15 1/2 years old. It is a huge commitment to give a dog a shot twice a day not to mention the cost. I am sending prayers to Truman and your whole family. God Bless.
Julie 
Farmgirl #399
May 2010 Farmgirl of the Month
Folks will know how large your soul is by the way you treat a dog ... Charles F. Doran |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3308 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3308 Posts |
Posted - Dec 10 2015 : 09:42:31 AM
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I think a major factor in our decision was when we watched our beloved cat Tibbets go through a terrible disease--she was only about 5 pounds when we finally forced ourselves to have her put to sleep. This was three years ago--We agreed we would never extend our pets lives beyond their quality of life. Putting down our cat was the hardest thing I've ever done. Truman is suffering but still has moments of his old self-We want to remember him the way he is now. I think he knows this-he's been so good and quiet these last few days-very tired. Right now he is resting near the wood stove waiting for my daughter Hannah to come home to say goodbye.
Melody |
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ceejay48
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm/Sharpshooter
13584 Posts
CeeJay (CJ)
Dolores
Colorado
USA
13584 Posts |
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Bonnie Ellis
True Blue Farmgirl
2474 Posts
Bonnie
Minneapolis
Minnesota
USA
2474 Posts |
Posted - Dec 10 2015 : 7:34:55 PM
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What a sad time in your life. Consider yourself wrapped in prayer.
grandmother and orphan farmgirl |
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laurzgot
True Blue Farmgirl
1628 Posts
Laurie
Alvin
Texas
USA
1628 Posts |
Posted - Dec 10 2015 : 8:53:27 PM
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So sorry Melody.It is so hard to let go of our furbabies. They are part of the family. Hugs and prayers for you, your family and Truman.
Hugs,
Laurie
Country girl at heart
"Smile and be yourself everyday."
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9268 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9268 Posts |
Posted - Dec 11 2015 : 06:44:19 AM
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Oh Melody, I know exactly what you are going through. On the day you posted this we had to say goodbye to our girl. She had the same issues. Weight loss extremely quickly, excessive drinking of water. Loss of appetite. I wondered about diabetes as well. We made the hard decision to put her to sleep and it broke my heart. She was a Boston terrier we'd had since she was 8 wks. And she just turned 13.
~Denise~
Farmgirl Sister #43
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
http://www.torisgram.etsy.com |
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9268 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9268 Posts |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3308 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3308 Posts |
Posted - Dec 11 2015 : 07:32:34 AM
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So sorry Denise. Tomorrow is the day. I gave him a good long bath yesterday and washed his blanket and best stuffed friend "Jerry" and those will be with him when he's buried. He's awfully quiet this morning-resting by the wood stove. My daughter came up yesterday to spend the afternoon with him. We are ready.
Thanks so much ladies for all the kind words of encouragement and sympathy. It is much appreciated.
Melody |
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9268 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9268 Posts |
Posted - Dec 11 2015 : 12:36:47 PM
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Melody,
We buried Shelby with her blanket and stuffed animal friend too. It made me feel better and we buried her next to her older adopted sister Ruby. They are just inside a little wooded area a little way from the back door. In the Spring it is covered with daffodils and a huge white azalea. We will give her a little stone as well. It has made a huge difference in having all of this happening to do these things.
~Denise~
Farmgirl Sister #43
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
http://www.torisgram.etsy.com |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3308 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3308 Posts |
Posted - Dec 12 2015 : 10:31:47 AM
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All finished. Truman was buried this morning with "Jerry" the giraffe and his baseball. Next spring I will plant tons of Zinnias where he is against the garage. It's very quiet here now. Everything has been put away. Thank you ladies for all the help with this. It may seem silly to some people, but I just never thought of him as a pet-more like one of the kids-Truman thought he was and behaved like a little brother. Anyway, thanks again for all the kind words.
Melody |
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hudsonsinaf
True Blue Farmgirl
3162 Posts
Shannon
Rozet
Wyoming
USA
3162 Posts |
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quiltee
True Blue Farmgirl
7448 Posts
Linda
Terrell
TX
USA
7448 Posts |
Posted - Dec 12 2015 : 10:49:57 AM
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So sorry about Truman. Pets are Family members, too.
Farmgirl hugs,
Farmgirl #1919
Farm Girl of the Month August 2015
Linda O
Lone Oak, TX
"Women are Angels, and when someone breaks our wings, we simply continue to fly . . . on a broomstick - we're flexible, like that."
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9268 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9268 Posts |
Posted - Dec 12 2015 : 11:12:30 AM
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Oh yes Melody they are more than "just a dog" as some think. They are part of our family and if we are honest they wrap themselves right around and into our hearts. I know we did the right thing and so did you. Praying for you and enjoy all the great memories as I am sure you have many.
~Denise~
Farmgirl Sister #43
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
http://www.torisgram.etsy.com |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Dec 12 2015 : 11:44:03 AM
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| Oh Melody. I am so sorry that you've got to say good bye to your boy. Sending hugs and wishing comfort. It took me a while to get through the grief of losing my last dog. They stay forever in your heart. They are never just dogs. <3 With you in thought. |
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treelady
True Blue Farmgirl
2284 Posts
Julie
Medina
ND
USA
2284 Posts |
Posted - Dec 12 2015 : 1:08:14 PM
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Oh Mel, I am so sorry you are going through this pain. I am sending hugs.
Julie
A little rain can straighten a flower stem. A little love can change a life.
Max Lucado |
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texdane
Farmgirl Legend Chapter Leader Chapter Guru
4658 Posts
Nicole
Sandy Hook
CT
USA
4658 Posts |
Posted - Dec 14 2015 : 07:44:48 AM
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Oh Melody,
I am so sorry. Truman was a cutie pie! It's awful to lose a pet. Big hugs to you.
~Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Farmgirl of the Month, January 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/
www.facebook.com/suburbanfarmgirlblogger |
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Across the Fence: Saying Goodbye to Truman |
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Saying Goodbye to Truman
