Saying Goodbye to Our Mattie

[benny05]

Mattie was one of our two Aussie Shepherds. She was a kind dog, and she was a speed demon at running in her younger years.

About 4 months ago, we noticed that Mattie was not herself. She wasn't as energetic nor as happy to see us. We also noticed that she was having bladder trouble.

In past month, we noticed that she could not walk very well, and was falling down frequently. She had scraped her nose. She had an infection, and it was discovered she had not only liver problems, she had hip dysplasia, a common disease amongst older dogs.

This week, we observed that Mattie wouldn't sleep in her crate, and when she did, she soiled the bedding. She couldn't turn around to her comfort in the crate, so she slept outside of it, and she was incontinent. We made an appointment for Friday morning. But yesterday morning, I noticed she couldn't climb the steps of our patio deck; she fell down, and she had too much trouble getting up. She also wouldn't eat. Her eyes were not clear either.

So, we got an appointment with our vet late yesterday afternoon to confirm our thoughts of timing. Our vet was amazing. She hugged me and said that Mr. Benny and I were doing the loving thing by our Mattie as Mattie was ready to go. Our instincts were right. We said good bye to our Mattie at 5:05 yesterday afternoon, and by 5:07, she was permanently asleep. We sat on a blanket with her and petted her while she went to sleep. It was the first time I had seen a pet be put down, and it was done with dignity, without pain.

The picture shown here was taken a couple of weeks before Mattie's 12th birthday in May. She was a lovely dog. As we don't have human children, our pets are like kids to us.



Mattie's survivor family members are her sister, Sydney, who was from the same litter, two cats, Elmora and Benson, and of course, her humans.

Sometimes I wonder why humans aren't allowed to make similar decisions except life support devices, but that's another story.

An Edwards supporter sent me a note about the Rainbow Bridge. I'd like to think that's where Mattie is. As a UU, I don't know. I'm more into the journey than the destination, but comforting thoughts are always welcome.

While I'm at it, my condolences to Fred Baron's family. I've not mentioned him here before, but Fred was a gifted attorney of justice for the little people, just like JRE. He gave back to his friends, and in particular, JRE, in a renting a plane of his for less prices in order for JRE to conduct his campaign and stretch the dollars. I saw the plane once when I went to meet JRE in Bloomington, IL last year for a house party-fundraiser. Fred passed away yesterday in battling cancer, possibly about the same time of the passing our Mattie.

Thank you Fred Baron. You were good to many people, and especially the Democratic Party.

And thank you, Mattie. You gave more to us than we could have possibly asked. Hope you are running under that rainbow.

Saturday I'm off to see my ma in Texas. I think it will be good therapy for her and me.

Thank you JRE supporters. You are the best. I hope we stay in touch.

[MissDeeds]

1. benny05, I am so very sorry

My heart just breaks for you and what you and Mr. Benny are going through. My husband and I had to put down our bichon eight years ago, and I miss him every day of my life - even though we have two more bichon babies to love. There is just something special about dogs. They wrap themselves around our hearts and seem to know when we need unconditional love. They are totally loyal, forgiving to a fault, and love without bounds. I have often said that dogs are my favorite people.

I'm sure Mattie had a life filled with love and care, and from that you can take comfort. Hope good memories will also comfort you in the days to come. You'll be in my thoughts.

:hug:

[medeak]

2. a poem for you... am so very sorry

RainbowsBridge.com

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...

[midnight]

3. That is so sad to hear. She looks like a very kind dog.

I hope your vacation brings you some peace.

[smokey nj]

4. I'm so sorry, benny

:hug: RIP Mattie :cry:
I was away over the weekend and just saw your post.

[benny05]

5. Thanks Smokey

I got back from seeing my ma, who's still not feeling her best, and Mattie's sister, Syd, had to have surgery. Syd is recovering pretty well so far.

[smokey nj]

6. My best to your Mom and Syd

:hug:
I'm glad Syd's recovery is going well so far and I hope your Mom will be feeling better real soon.

[saracat]

7. I am so sorry Benny. My condolences to all. And yes I was saddened by the passing of Fred Baron

And I do hope some continue to stay in touch. Edwards supporters were the kindest most caring folks on this board, IMHO.

[Catchawave]

8. Just lost our 17 year old dachshund....

It's painful, so I understand benny :hug:

This helped me:

http://www.eoneill.com/texts/blemie/contents.htm

[TBF]

9. My condolences, Benny, we lost our good girl Penny in October

to acute pancreatis, complicated with diabetes. She was about 9, maybe a little older (got her from a rescue years ago). Same kind of thing, and our wonderful Vet got us through it. Well, through that day anyway, I'm still having a hard time without her.

But I'll bet she welcomed Mattie with open arms at the bridge. She always loved to run with Aussies and Border Collies at the dog park (she was a hound/lab mix). Take care.

[spooky3]

10. Very sorry for your loss, benny05. She sounds like a wonderful dog.

May she RIP and remain forever in your heart.