Tuesday, February 16, 2010

You May Wonder

The reason for my absence from this page. It is so sad, it is hard to talk about. My best friend died last week. My dog, Cap, who was 14 years old, died with some help from his veterinary. He had a happy life, he was essential to my happiness, but he grew into old age with several discomforts. He lost much of his hearing, he had arthritis in his hips and he lost some of his appetite. When he lost control of his bodily functions he was utterly embarrassed and his big brown eyes asked for understanding. It was time for me to think of him and forget how much I was going to miss him. And so I said farewell hoping that in some later existence we would all get together again, Sam, Cap and I.

As most of you know I had my 90th birthday on the 25th of January. Anna, my eldest daughter had her 60th birthday on the 21st of the same month. Now her two sisters have decided to throw a party for her and for me on Feb. 20. And so the whole world is turning upside down with all the preparations for this approaching event. When it is over, I will tell you all about what happens. And then I will try to continue what I began when last we were in touch.

32 comments:

teal! said...

*hugs*

losing a pet is so hard.

Sending comforting thoughts and prayers your way!

Laura said...

i'm so sorry for your loss.

MWill said...

Oh, I am so, so sorry. Losing a companion leaves such a hole in one's days. When my dog of 12 years died I found that I was still getting up to let her out in the morning and then I would stand there for a second, wondering why she hadn't bounded down the stairs yet. I'm glad you have your family and something to look forward to as you adjust to this loss.

Anonymous said...

I'm so very sorry. I've continued to remember you and Cap in prayer since your first posting, and will pray for your comfort as you and your blog come to mind. I've been there...

Sandra

Harry/Sally said...

Dear Svensto,

I enjoy your blog so much. Please be well and keep writing!

Melinda said...

I think one of the hardest things I've ever had to do was have our sweet dog put to sleep last fall. I understand and empathize. Even when you know it is the right thing it is so hard to lose our dear friend. Thank you for sharing your lovely stories and I hope you have a wonderful party!

Tara M said...

I am sorry to hear of your loss. Out of the deaths of people I've loved, losing my cat of 15 years has been the most difficult for me.

I am sending lots of hugs and sympathy your way.

Again, I am so sorry.

Anonymous said...

I understand there's a place where pets go to wait for their humans, so they can move on to heaven together. I just wonder if Sam will be there waiting with Cap. But let them wait a while, Gertrude, because we aren't finished with you just yet.

d.c. said...

i'm very sorry to hear about Cap. my girl Yetta was put down 3 years back due to cancer and i still don't feel ready for another dog.

Arinn said...

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. It's very honourable that you put your feelings aside to take care of your dear pet's pain. There is nothing that compares to the way pets crawl into our hearts. Sending you caring thoughts <3<3<3<3

Della said...

Oh, I'm so very very sorry!!

Anonymous said...

It's so hard to lose someone so important like that. It seems impossible to let go of all that love. I'm so very sorry for your loss. But I'm very glad Cap had a great life with you.

My best wishes to you and all of Cap's loved ones. I enjoy your blog and your stories so very much, I hate to see you sad. *Hugs!*

Emiana said...

I am so sorry. It is so hard. Glad you will have all your family around you soon.

Charlene said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Your deep love for him and your deep sorrow is apparent. If you ever feel up to it, I would love to hear more about him -- when he came into your life, his special traits and such. I know he was well loved and very special. Sending good thoughts and a virtual hug your way.

Barbara said...

I often wondered how Cap was doing after your first post about his declining health last year. I had my own aging baby, a 16 1/2 year old cat, that I had to put to sleep a few months ago. It is so wrenching! However, that is the way life rolls out. He was lucky to be your boy for so long, lucky that you cared to the end. I send you a big hug!

Anonymous said...

So sorry for your loss. I do believe you will be together again..on the other side of the riainbow bridge.

http://rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm

deadened-glow said...

I send my sympathy for the loss of your beloved pet. :( It's sad when it happens, I've had to go through the loss of three precious golden retrievers over the course of my life.

I hope you have a lovely birthday party! I hope it's a blast! My birthday is today, I'm 28! I'm not doing anything huge, since it's the middle of the week. But come Saturday, I am going to an University of North Dakota hockey game. I've done that the past two years, so much fun! Did you ever ice skate when you were younger?

Beth said...

So sorry for your loss. I hope you take comfort in all your on-line friends. I bet you didn't realize how many cyber-friends you have and how important your posts are to us. We worry about you when you're silent for awhile. Hugs!

Liza said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. They never stay with us long enough. In time the memories outweigh the sadness, but it's such deep sadness.

Liza

weeder1 said...

"A good dog never dies, he always stays,
He walks beside you on crisp autumn days
his head within reach in his old way." Mary Carolyn Davies

Hugs~Cheryl

Kate said...

I can tell how important Cap was to you; I'm sorry to hear he's gone.

Have a wonderful birthday party. Maybe Cap will be there in spirit!

Ter-o-fla said...

oh, my most heartfelt sympathies!
It is sooo hard - I have had to do this, too. It still hurts.
My thoughts are with you.
-t-

Bonnie's blog said...

their lives are too short, but they do enrich ours so. been there, trying not to think about the next time I will have to go through it.
Thanks for sharing this with us.
C

Jen said...

Not an easy choice, but a selfless one to listen to your pup and respond to his needs.

At the same time, happy birthday! What a wonderful feat. Your sense of adventure, clarity and vigor is an inspiration to me, and countless others, I'm sure. Hoping that your celebration is wonderful.

Unknown said...

Dear Svensto,

I am so sorry for the loss of your dear friend.

musingegret said...

Dear Ms. Svensto: Our deepest sympathies on the loss of your beloved Cap. Once again, thank you so much for candidly sharing the ongoing aspects of your life and loves. Have a wonderful joint-milestone birthday celebration with your family and friends; all of your online readers will be eagerly awaiting your ongoing narrative of fun times! Take care.

Patr said...

May memories of his tail wags, woofs and deep brown eyes comfort you and bring a smile to your heart for that is what a pet is there to do.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry to hear this sad news. We are all thinking of you. When you are ready... I would love it if you could share a pic of Cap.

Anonymous said...

happy birthday for tomorrow
jeanne

Anonymous said...

thank you martha, now I am back in bussiness. just trying to practice
Hi G. Jeanne

mss @ Zanthan Gardens said...

I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your longtime, loving and beloved companion.

Barbara said...

Sending belated words of sympathy to you in the loss of your friend. I went through the same thing just before Christmas with my friend, Charly. I know it's hard even when you know it's the best for them.
And happy belated birthday! I've been catching up on your last few posts. It sounds like it was a wonderful party!