Goodbye Scarlett, Thanks for 16 years

[BrianT]

I knew Scarlett was getting old. Cataracs, weak legs, but she wasn't sick, just getting old. I knew the time would come, but like all death, even expected or not, when it happened this past Thursday morning, my world stopped. My wife called me at work to deliver the news. I left immediately.

Scarlett died a peaceful death. She was given a routine bath, and then fell asleep and didn't wake up. I drove her in my arms to the vet that had taken care of her all her life, and spent my final moments with her. She looked so peaceful. I told her I loved her and said thank you for a great life. It was more important to say "thank you " to her because she gave so much, like all dogs.

I am crying now as I write this. I wasnt going to write anything, but I need to grieve and I am internalizing this too much, trying to be strong for my kids, who have quickly moved on.

Scarlett spent her last few months sleeping a lot. Last saturday I was alone in the house and picked her up and let her kiss me for a while. It was rare in the last months, as she was mostly asleep or wanting to be left alone. That was my good-bye I guess, as Thursday morning, like all work-week mornings of late, I just saw her before I left and thought nothing of coming home and seeing her again. The house is so quiet, but I still hear her.

I never thought I would go to work Thursday and that would be it. I will never forget driving her to the vet in my arms, or saying good-bye. Nor will I forget telling my six year old that "Scarlett died today." Scarlett was "my wife's dog," but we have been together 22 years, so she was my dog too.

Scarlett died as we all wish dogs would, quietly, without pain, and after a long life. It would seem easier, but it is not. All my other dogs have had to been put to sleep, or died a tragic death (My 5 year old yorkie Melanie was mauled by a neighbors dog 4 years ago, seems like I just got over that.)

I will get Scarlett's ashes this week, and will never forget her. I am so sad. I just want one more opportunity to say goodbye. While the horror of making the decision to put a dog to sleep is mind bending, with natural death, there is that longing to say one more good bye.

I just want that opportunity.

[shecass]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I just about 3 months ago had to have our 15 year old Shih Tzu put to sleep. Kidney Failure. I'm so glad that she went peacefully and you have so many good memories of her.

It does get easier as you now.

Welcome to YT.

[JeanieK]

I am crying with you as I read this. It never gets any easier. I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm glad she died a peaceful death. Two years ago, I sat on the floor petting my yorikepoo and sobbing as she took her last breath.

Welcom to YT. Sorry we had to meet under such sad circumstances. I hope you stick aropund to share your good times too.

I hope you find comfort here in our posts. You can bet that we all share your grief.


Jeanie

[rrosenberry]

Oh your story breaks my heart, sounds like Scarlett was a great friend, and had a wonderful life.
You are so right about how peaceful she went,and how we hope that for all animals, and you telling how you held her on the way to the vet, breaks my heart and I can't stop crying, thinking that someday that could be me..
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, and I know Scarlett is watching over her beloved family and thanking you guys for everything.
And Welcome to YT, stick around please.

[Harbinger]

I to am sorry for your loss. It sounds like she had a good life and she left you the way we all would want our dogs to go, peacefully. Dog ownership is a joy but we all know that at the end we must deal with pain. Still I'm sure all of us wouldn't have it any other way. It's those years we spend with them that make it worth it, the joy far outweighs the sorrow.

It does get easier and there will be a time you can look back and smile at the memories.

[yorkiepip]

Although i am typing thru tears after reading your thread i am also uplifted to see that you recognise the good times you have shared.
You were very lucky to have such a lovely companion for many many years.
My thoughts are with you and your family and keep remembering the good times you shared.

[lisatodd]

omg...you wrote this message so beautifully and it breaks my heart. i am so sorry for your loss. at least it was peaceful. it kills me to think about my little ones going away. i wish the best for you and your wife. lol lisa

[Princessyorkies]

My heart certainly breaks for you. But it sounds like she lived a very long and a good life. There seems to be an emptyness when one goes on and I know she will never be forgotten.
Please beaware that I am sure she loved you all very much. And maybe one day you will see her again.

[Momofthree]

I am so sorry... We lost our 12 yr lhasa to kidney failure in January... He also slipped away quietly in his sleep. I can imagine the lost you are feeling...

I am finally at the stage were I remember the fun & silly times... I can now see him with wings... bounce on the clouds, trying to catch butterflies.

I hope you will get to that point soon.

[deb4air]

Thats was so touching and well said ..i hope time will heal your heart of the heaviness you must feel now but to know that kind of love is truely a blessing and to honor it .a honor in itself thanks so much for sharing your love for your sweet Scarlett may she rest in peace ..And peace to you and yours .

[bchgirl]

I am so sorry. Scarlet sounds like she was well loved and lived a long, happy life. Be thankful she went peacefully without pain. I know saying that doesn't make it any easier, but with time it will get easier. It's just that time doesn't seem pass quickly enough. I hope in time you will get another to help you laugh and love...not a replacement but a tribute to how much you loved Scarlet.
Bless you and take care......

[red98vett]

Awwwwwwww...I'm so sorry to hear your Scarlett passed....she sounds like she had a wonderful life with you....and you have my sincere condolences. I wish all dogs of the world could have what it sounds like she had and you will always carry her in your heart.

My sympathies to you....May she rest in peace & play with the Angels at Rainbow Bridge.

[Jan L.]

I don't know what I can say. I too am typing thru tears. Scarlett was truly blessed to have been loved so much. Wish I had healing words for you & your family. Just remember time will help dry the tears.

[bettyeanne]

Brian, I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Sixteen wonderful years of memories with Scarlett will give you strength through this time of mourning. I pray that it will give you comfort. God bless you and your family.

[LaviniaHyacynth]

I am so sorry to read of your sad loss. Scarlett sounds like a lovely dog and one that was well loved during her lifetime. I hope that your heart will heal as time passes. Please continue to join us and hopefully you can share in the happy stories.