Missing Out
Many years ago someone told me that she never wanted pets because, and I quote her verbatim: "They just die on you."
I thought how sad that statement was.
Sure, not everyone wants the responsibility of a pet; but they are a huge part of my life and to say that to someone who has had dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, fish and more... well, was not the most tactful statement.
Yesterday her words rang in my ears as I said a tearful final goodbye to our Casey. Yet after 16 years, I am so grateful she had come into my life.
If she hadn't, I would have Missed Out on her love.
Missed Out on her antics that brought a smile to my face.
Missed Out on the warmth of her sleeping on my lap.
Missed Out having her always just a few steps behind me wherever I trod.
Missed Out on her company, laying as close as she could to my chair while I crafted or watched TV.
Of course it's heartbreaking to lose her.
But I wouldn't have Missed Out on it all for anything in the world.
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Oh Maureen my heart is breaking for you and I'm starting to weep. I'm so very sorry for your loss. I saw a quote once that said, 'when you die all the pets that loved you will be waiting for you in heaven'. It's a lovely thought isn't it?
So sorry to hear of your loss. Pets are special and their place in heart and lives can never be replaced. I am sure Casey is in Dog heaven.
Oh, I'm so sorry! My heart breaks for you as well. On October 1st, we had to say goodbye to our 16-year old cat, Sam. She was my heart. I haven't been able to bring myself to blog since then b/c I know I owe her a post and just haven't been able to pull myself together to do it. Losing a pet hurts so much, but like you, I wouldn't trade those 16 years I had with her for anything.
I'm so sorry, Maureen.
You are right. Every single pet we've had (and there have been many) have added so much to our lives. It is heartbreaking when we lose them, but I can't imagine life without them.
oh Maureen! I am so very very sorry. We know it is coming when we bring them into our lives, but we are NEVER prepared for it.
My thoughts are with you.
Hello Maureen-
I`m so sorry for you loosing your sweet dog,- so lovely looking, ofcourse you would not trade the experiences and love from her for anything!
Thankyou so very much for your so lovely comment on my blog today,-such sweet words to write me...thankyou.
I wish you a lovely Easter.
Greetings,Dorthe
I saw the note that you had lost Casey posted on Tails from the Foster Kittens.
Of course I didn't know her, and am not familiar with your blog, but I do know the heart and soul-rending grief that comes with losing furry companions. I've lost two, one suddenly and without warning, and the other a couple of years ago, for reasons that remain a mystery to me.
I still have two boys, but I often think that after they pass, I just can't go through this again. I don't know.
I hope that my heart will be as open as yours remains, and I send you universal peace and blessings and wish you peace. I'm so glad you and Casey had so many wonderful years together.
-Kim, with Nicki and Derry
you are right I have lost a cat and 2 bunnies over the years,and each time I lose one I feel like I'm dying inside but I get a new pal every time because I can't bear a empty house,not being covered in bunny fluff all the time, not having cuddles and playing with them.No my life is not complete with out a bunny in my house,I still miss the lost ones but I still wouldn't be with out a bunny in my house,xx Speedy's mum
so sorry for your loss....but what a wonderful tribute - and a good reminder to all of us
So sorry for your loss. But we think that person really missed the point, not to mention all the love and fun. A great tribute to Casey.
We heard of you through Tails from the Foster Kittens.
I too found you from Tails of a Foster Kittens. I did not know Casey although I think any of us who dearly loves our furry companions understands the depth of your sadness and sorrow over her loss. I fully agree with you that the love and loyal companionship they give us for all of their years makes so meaningful their loss to us. Those who heart is not touch by a non human species would not understand the deep bonds that binds us together. Wishing you healing with the love of Casey.
Came over from TFK--what a wonderful tribute. What you say is so true. (It's true for people too.) Love hurts, but I wouldn't trade those moments for anything.
I'm also coming over from TFK.
What a sweet tribute to a sweet companion. Dogs and cats are such wonderful friends and they always take a piece of our hearts with them when they die. If love didn't hurt then it wouldn't be all powerful.
Thank you JoJo. It is a lovely thought, thank you for it!
Vinita, thanks so much... you are sweet to leave such a nice comment.
Heather, I am so sorry to hear of your loss as well. It was so hard to write that post, but I knew I had to. I am glad to hear you feel the same. Hope it's easier to think of her now without too much heartache.
Babs, thanks so much. I know you are an animal lover too and can understand.
Tails: Thank you ... and thank you as well for your very sweet post about my story. You are too kind - so many of your readers have stopped by and I am overwhelmed with their unexpected condolences. What a wonderful thing to do for me - thank you so, so much!
Dorthe: Thank you so much! I wish you a lovely Easter as well.
Kim, what a wonderful thing to come over and leave such a kind comment - thank you so much! I am sorry you too have had to experience the grief of losing a furry family member; I only hope with time I can think of her without feeling weepy.
Dear Speedy's Mom: I love the line "covered in bunny fluff"... thank you so much for stopping by and leaving your sympathy. You don't know how much I appreciate it.
Thank you Random Felines. I know everyone has to deal with loss at some time in their life - I am so thankful to have such sweet people come by to help with supportive thoughts such as yours.
The Lee County Clowder: You are so right - I can't imagine life without the company of my non-human family members. The good times far outweigh the bad.
Thank you Abby. You hit the nail on the head - exactly my thoughts and feelings. You are so sweet to stop by and send your condolences.
Rene: Too true. It is all worth it, in the end. Thank you so much for coming by from TFK.
The Cat Guy: Awesome... and perfect thought. Thank you.
Thank you everyone, and to those of you who are here for the first time, welcome. I shall be sure to visit your blogs (if you have one) and hope this experience has also given me the opportunity to make some new friends. Thank you too, Tails From The Foster Kittens, for reposting this post and having such sweet readers to come over and leave such nice thoughts. It does make it easier to share and read other's stories.
What a wonderful post to remember your sweet Casey. The saying about it being better to love and lose is better than never having loved at all is so true. Especially when it comes to our furchildren.
Our special thoughts are with you.
I'm also coming over from TFK. No matter if I didn't know Casey or your, your loss touched me as I know how heartwrenching it is too lose a furry family member.
It was also really nice to go throuhg your blog.. I'll be stopping by often.
I hope you recognize me :) When I switched over to Google+ it obliterated my blogger profile name of ~*Connie*~
I just loved this post and wanted more people to see it. You are right, we choose this pain when we take in a companion animal, knowing that the love and the time we share is all worth it.
and a burden shared is a burden eased.. I'm just glad I help a few others find their way to share this with you..
I'm very sorry for the loss of your beloved Casey.
I am so sorry... I truly believe pets really make us better people and become part of us and remind us daily that life isn't that bad.
And Casey would have missed out on a life of love with you. So very sorry for your loss. I do wish our pets lived longer but they make up for it with so much love.
Cats of wildcat woods
I spent 8 hours yesterday following the tales of 2 special kittens (yes, they are ALL special) having discovered Tales of Foster Kittens. Connie is so compassionate and generous, that when she mentioned your loss I just had to visit your site. As in the case of my losing my 16-year old cat many years ago, we with older pets are fortunate to have developed a deep relationship with them, knowing the love and nurturing and joy was mutual, and so many years of wonderful memories and feelings will be with us forever. Bless you and bless Casey.
The greatest testament to our pets is the amount of pictures we post of them online.....
Thank you so much, everyone for your comments... after 16 years, it's hard to look down and not see Casey in her usual spot, curled up at my feet.
You are all so wonderful to leave your thoughts and each one is comforting to read. Thank you.
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