[BalishBun]

Bandit, my springer spanial/papillon mix has been put to sleep. She would have been 21 this October, and has lived the life of two dogs put together. Bandit should have been put to sleep months ago, but we thought maybe she had more left in her. She was such a sweetheart, with old age her vision, and hearing and smell were no longer working. She was beginning to have accidents in the house, and her legs were giving out. Early on the 12th (yesterday) she began to chew on her back hip, and chewing into herself. She must have had such severe arthritis that even the pain of chewing into herself wasn't as bad as the arthritis. That is when we knew it was her time to go. My sister and mom took her to be put to sleep, my husband told me the news while I was at work; but at that point reality had not sunk in. I had not shed a tear, I was sad, but once I got home that is when it hit me. They did not have the money to cremate her ($140) so they decided to bury her. They had brought her home after she had died and placed her in a blanket into her dog bed. She stayed there until my mom was able to come home for work. My husband and my brother-in-law dug the hole for her final resting place behind the shed, and we pet her and said our good-byes. The cats even walked up to the dog bed, we think they knew she was gone. After they buried her, they took bricks and made a "B" over her resting place, and my hustband made a cross out of sticks and put it there. I had not had anyone or any pet die in a long time, so i forgot how sad you are when it happens. I am crying as I write this but keep trying to tell myself Bandit would not want me to cry. Later I will post a picture of the grave they made for her, They took two pictures (at night) and the second picture an apparition appeared in the photo. I beleive in ghosts and spirits, I believe that was bandit in the picture showing us that she was there with us in spirit and it would be okay. <font color="red"> </font>

[ECHOES]

((( you and Bandit )))

It is so hard to have to put a pet to sleep and say goodbye, even when we know it's the right and humane thing to do.
Our pets are family to us. You gave him a wonderful and loving life

(((((((((((((Balishbun and Bandit)))))))))))))))))))

I know animal spirits are with us ... since my kitty died I've seen her and heard her twice .... gentle hugs to you hon, i know how hard it is, take care, Jinny xoxoxoxoxoxo

[BalishBun]

I miss my dog
I miss my friend
She watched me grow
I still remember
I remember the day
We first met that beautiful day
Bandit was interesting
We took her for walks
soon she became known,
known for the way she walked sideways,
just like a sidewinder snake.
She was fond of my dad, something obviously a good memory,
A good memory of her first few years before we adopted her.
Banded hated her cute little feet touched.
Dare to touch her feet and she'll growl and sneeze
I was so young when we brought her home
We would soon make years of memories,
Camping trips is what Bandit loved
I wont forget you Bandit
You saw me as a child, then a teen, and now an adult
I miss you so much, life just isnt the same
Now you are in heaven with Chessie, Santina, CB, and Pepper
Tell them hello for me
I wish I could join you, but it is not my time
We will meet again for sure
Look down on our family
I love you.
:tear:

[BalishBun]

Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there, I did not die.


I love this poem, it makes me cry when I read it everytime. Its so sad but I love it.

[DocClyde]

(((Balish)))

(((Bandit)))

[vetswife]

I don't know what words to say, except sorry for your loss.

What a strong spirit he is, to hang on for so many years.

[BalishBun]

[BalishBun]

The second photo I say is Bandit displaying her apparition. I just know its her.

[EJ711]

Oh Balish Bun!

What a beautiful "puppy" Bandit was. She is the same size as my Gracie, who is all black.

[BalishBun]

That picture was only taken about a month ago, so she did age gracefully, I envied that dog. Hubby and I will be getting a boxer soon enough, i know no pet will ever replace her. I was also thinking about getting a black and white papillon in honor of Bandit. I loved the way her ears pirked up, I loved her big bushy tail, she was so pretty. I am doing better today, yesterday I just cried off and on the entire day. Today I have not cried once, she is still on my mind constantly, but I'm starting to come to terms with her passing. Every day will be better than the last. I am going to be gathering up pictures of my deceased animals soon and putting together a youtube collage of them all in rememberance.

[ECHOES]

Bandit was beautiful and so cuddly looking!

Here is another poem for you:

"When I come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in a gloom filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little but not too long and not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love we once shared.
Miss me but let me go."

[(JD)]

It is so difficult losing such a friend.

[BalishBun]

thank-you, that was a very meaningful poem.

[EJ711]

I heard this on Animal Planet

Irreplaceable, and
Never to be forgotten

[BalishBun]

A thought... Most of the time we have to take our animals to be put to sleep. Thats an interesting fact to me, because there hearts just want to keep on going, they will get skinny, organs will shut down, they will go blind, or deaf, but there hearts just don't seem to quit. Anyone think of that?

[BalishBun]

I am doing much much better now. But for some reason (probably just another form of greif) I am scared of something digging up my dog. I don't know why, but what if some wild animal smells decomposition and wants to dig her up? Or does that just not happen? It doesnt help that Im scared of the dark sometimes, so when i walk up to the house (shes buried in the back yard) im scared that I will see her dug up by an animal. Is this odd?

[DocClyde]

No, I really dont consider it odd. I worried about our dog, Tippy having the same thing done to him. I think it is part of the grieving process.

[MsDeb]

I am so very sorry. Right now, I am rocking my 10 year old Yorkie, Bear. His mitral valve, in his heart, no longer functions. He has congestive heart failure, and we are told that he is terminal - 3 months to 3 years, with care. I feel as if my heart is being ripped from my body. We love our pets, yet we know that we will probably outlive them, the pain will come.

The sorrow does not go away, but it becomes more bearable. I think you did the right thing with a burial, we had our Gus cremated 05/21/05. Seeing the urn is very difficult.

You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[(JD)]

No, my sorrow for my old service dog is still fresh...and it's been 1 1/2 years now and I have a great doggie to replace him. Oh my Figaro!

I feel so for you all!