HOW MUCH PAIN CAN THE HUMAN SPIRIT ENDURE?

angel7 · 02-13-2004, 03:37 PM

He has soft brown hair, golden eyes, a big black nose and webfeet. He knows to put his toy up in my lap so I can reach it and throw it for him. He loves me unconditionally and leaves pools of slobber on my face with affectionate kisses. After I lost my black chow, Bear I never thought I could love another dog as much as I adored my Bear. Then Hunter came into my life. He was a package deal with Wayne. Wayne has an uncanny affinity with animals and could teach them to be well behaved and extremely loyal while maintaining their warm, loving heart and playful spirit. I literally fell in love with Hunter. When he came into my life he was 5 years old and seemed to sense how badly my heart was broken. I had lost my body and my buddy and really needed all 114 pounds of his furry love. During the 3 years we were together we became inseparable. Although Hunter wasn't trained to be a helper of the disabled he still brought me extreme comfort. If Wayne was outside and I had fallen over Hunter would run back and forth from me to the door until Wayne heard him and came back in. During the hours I was alone Hunter laid right by my wheel chair. He has developed cancerous tumors and has about a week left unless he gets in too much pain then we will let him go sooner. When he leaves this world it will be a much sadder place. I hate this world and am not sure I want to participate in this continual drama anymore. I'm tired of losing the things I love so dearly.

Deb

02-13-2004, 03:50 PM

Oh Debbie, I am so sorry. I know there is nothing that I can say to make this hurt better. I'm sitting here crying with you though. I can't know your personal hurt, but I know the hurt of going through this before with my own precious furry friends. It's so unfair. You told me once that if I ever needed someone to talk to that I could email you anytime. That goes for you too Debbie. I know you have a lot of friends, but if you need to talk about Hunter more than you have here, I will be more than glad to listen. I know I can't make you feel better, but please know that I care. Hang in there Debbie. I'm sending you a hug! C

1 Fine Spine RN · 02-13-2004, 03:50 PM

My dear friend and soul sister,

Know that I love you.

Stay.

Mary

Lindox · 02-13-2004, 04:52 PM

Deb,
Our hearts ache for you.
Tell him what a wonderful friend he is and
has been...and what a good boy.
I know this is the hardest thing to go through..but tell him it's alright if he has
to go.

Tell him you will be alright.

He needs to know this Deb.
He needs his Mom to be strong.
We are here for you..we love you.

<"();::::::::::;~

Curt Leatherbee · 02-13-2004, 07:00 PM

I hear you Debbie, I lost my dog Sheena in 1998, she got old, had a stroke and drowned in the pond behind my house. It was if she knew her time was over, I was going to have her put down the next day and she escaped from the house and went for a swim, at least she died doing what she loved to do best, she loved that pond. If only dogs lived longer, they are such great companions. I had Sheena for 13 wonderful years.

Stay strong, it is tough going through stuff like this, might want to think about getting another dog soon, it helps take the hurt away.

cass · 02-13-2004, 07:27 PM

maybe you've seen the poem, rainbow bridge. if not, you can find it here:

http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm

it gives me comfort. i, too, lost a dog who saw me thru my injury and 12 yrs after. it is very hard.

SCI-Nurse · 02-13-2004, 08:37 PM

Personally, I like the message in this essay better than the Rainbow Bridge story:

Quote:

A Dog's Message to Its Master

By Beth Norman Harris

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of mine.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should like your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things that you would have me do.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps fall upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to the bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though you had no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshipper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you that I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.

And beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest--and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

Debbie, I know you will do the right thing by your beloved dog. It is hard, but you will have some great memories.

(KLD)

Sue Pendleton · 02-13-2004, 09:34 PM

Debbie, I just went through this and I still don't know what to say. If you have no way to get down to the floor quickly rent a lift and get down there with Hunter. Dogs do not talk about pain as we do. They rarely cry or whine. But in their own way they let us know the time they have here is ended. Talk to his vet. No one should have to die in a crappy old hospital. Make sure that he stays hydrated. If it takes a wet wash cloth to moisten his mouth, then do that. There are narcotics that you can give Hunter to ease any pains he has. They will cause some confusio and make it almost impossible to stand steady to pee and such but if you want him to go in his own time they help much.
Reggie told me when it was time. Dr Wendy came and only needed an electrical plug in to shave a small space on her front leg. Then an overdose of phenobarbital into a vein and she was gone. It was painless and she could stay here with us without fear. Then it is a matter of deciding whether you wish a private cremation and to have the ashes returned to you or to let the vet send Hunter with the other loved dogs for a "public cremation". It is totally up to you and costs are discussed up front. If the vets do not do house calls they do arrange that this is done first thing in the morning or last thing in the evening. Then you havee more time together.

I am so sorry you and Dwayne are losing such a wonderful and loving friend. There has not been a day since Reggie left us that I have not burst out in tears over missing her. Please take the time and get down on his level now. You will never regret it. Hold him, ease his sleep at night. When they hurt they also need turned. Feed him his favorite things. Tell him over and over how much he is loved. Do not make him suffer for your needs longer than he would make you.

Love all 3 of you, Sue

Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow."

monkeygirl · 02-14-2004, 12:43 AM

Oh man Debbie, I'm so sorry to hear about Hunter, geez, it sure has been a rough go lately hey. You know, I truly believe that we will all meet up with all our little buddies we've lost through the years. It may sound silly but I just picture me being somewhere, I don't really know where, but when I get there they're all there waggin & purring and barking & jumping & rollin around, and we're the happiest family in the whole world. I'm just smilin away as I type this. I know it's true and I don't care what anybody says!

Geez, I guess I'm just trying to say you will see him again, he'll be waiting for you guys waggin away as he drops his soggy ol toy on yer lap

PS: Sue I also meant to say I was sorry to hear about Reggie a while back too. You'll see Reggie too!

You know what's really weird, I for some strange reason can deal with people being sick & passing on way easier than any pet I've ever lost. Sometimes I think there's something really wrong with my brain or my heart or something. But, I can't help it.

Anyway you guys, I'm thinkin of ya's, big hugs all around. Hang in Debbie

Obieone · 02-14-2004, 10:00 AM

I wish I had an answer to your question Debbie!! I guess we all would like to know...

We put ourselves out there every time we take a chance on loving another living thing...but its worth it... isn't it?? Your life has been richer for having Hunter in it and you in his for however long it turns out to be!!

We have pets too, our dog Shady looks for my husband all the time since he's been in the hospital - she has enriched our life so much!! I'm really sorry you have to go through this again....try to be strong for Hunter and we'll help you all we can.

:{Big Hug}:
Obie

02-13-2004, 03:37 PM	#1
angel7 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Alvin,Texas Posts: 1,961	HOW MUCH PAIN CAN THE HUMAN SPIRIT ENDURE? He has soft brown hair, golden eyes, a big black nose and webfeet. He knows to put his toy up in my lap so I can reach it and throw it for him. He loves me unconditionally and leaves pools of slobber on my face with affectionate kisses. After I lost my black chow, Bear I never thought I could love another dog as much as I adored my Bear. Then Hunter came into my life. He was a package deal with Wayne. Wayne has an uncanny affinity with animals and could teach them to be well behaved and extremely loyal while maintaining their warm, loving heart and playful spirit. I literally fell in love with Hunter. When he came into my life he was 5 years old and seemed to sense how badly my heart was broken. I had lost my body and my buddy and really needed all 114 pounds of his furry love. During the 3 years we were together we became inseparable. Although Hunter wasn't trained to be a helper of the disabled he still brought me extreme comfort. If Wayne was outside and I had fallen over Hunter would run back and forth from me to the door until Wayne heard him and came back in. During the hours I was alone Hunter laid right by my wheel chair. He has developed cancerous tumors and has about a week left unless he gets in too much pain then we will let him go sooner. When he leaves this world it will be a much sadder place. I hate this world and am not sure I want to participate in this continual drama anymore. I'm tired of losing the things I love so dearly. Deb

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02-13-2004, 03:50 PM	#2
Guest Posts: n/a	Oh Debbie, I am so sorry. I know there is nothing that I can say to make this hurt better. I'm sitting here crying with you though. I can't know your personal hurt, but I know the hurt of going through this before with my own precious furry friends. It's so unfair. You told me once that if I ever needed someone to talk to that I could email you anytime. That goes for you too Debbie. I know you have a lot of friends, but if you need to talk about Hunter more than you have here, I will be more than glad to listen. I know I can't make you feel better, but please know that I care. Hang in there Debbie. I'm sending you a hug! C

02-13-2004, 03:50 PM	#3
1 Fine Spine RN Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Ashburn, VA Posts: 4,447	My dear friend and soul sister, Know that I love you. Stay. Mary

02-13-2004, 04:52 PM	#4
Lindox Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: USA Posts: 9,025	Deb, Our hearts ache for you. Tell him what a wonderful friend he is and has been...and what a good boy. I know this is the hardest thing to go through..but tell him it's alright if he has to go. Tell him you will be alright. He needs to know this Deb. He needs his Mom to be strong. We are here for you..we love you. <"();::::::::::;~

02-13-2004, 07:00 PM	#5
Curt Leatherbee Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Florida Posts: 9,342	I hear you Debbie, I lost my dog Sheena in 1998, she got old, had a stroke and drowned in the pond behind my house. It was if she knew her time was over, I was going to have her put down the next day and she escaped from the house and went for a swim, at least she died doing what she loved to do best, she loved that pond. If only dogs lived longer, they are such great companions. I had Sheena for 13 wonderful years. Stay strong, it is tough going through stuff like this, might want to think about getting another dog soon, it helps take the hurt away.

02-13-2004, 07:27 PM	#6
cass Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: WA Posts: 5,710	maybe you've seen the poem, rainbow bridge. if not, you can find it here: http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm it gives me comfort. i, too, lost a dog who saw me thru my injury and 12 yrs after. it is very hard.

02-13-2004, 09:34 PM	#8
Sue Pendleton Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Wisconsin USA Posts: 9,114	Debbie, I just went through this and I still don't know what to say. If you have no way to get down to the floor quickly rent a lift and get down there with Hunter. Dogs do not talk about pain as we do. They rarely cry or whine. But in their own way they let us know the time they have here is ended. Talk to his vet. No one should have to die in a crappy old hospital. Make sure that he stays hydrated. If it takes a wet wash cloth to moisten his mouth, then do that. There are narcotics that you can give Hunter to ease any pains he has. They will cause some confusio and make it almost impossible to stand steady to pee and such but if you want him to go in his own time they help much. Reggie told me when it was time. Dr Wendy came and only needed an electrical plug in to shave a small space on her front leg. Then an overdose of phenobarbital into a vein and she was gone. It was painless and she could stay here with us without fear. Then it is a matter of deciding whether you wish a private cremation and to have the ashes returned to you or to let the vet send Hunter with the other loved dogs for a "public cremation". It is totally up to you and costs are discussed up front. If the vets do not do house calls they do arrange that this is done first thing in the morning or last thing in the evening. Then you havee more time together. I am so sorry you and Dwayne are losing such a wonderful and loving friend. There has not been a day since Reggie left us that I have not burst out in tears over missing her. Please take the time and get down on his level now. You will never regret it. Hold him, ease his sleep at night. When they hurt they also need turned. Feed him his favorite things. Tell him over and over how much he is loved. Do not make him suffer for your needs longer than he would make you. Love all 3 of you, Sue Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow."

02-14-2004, 12:43 AM	#9
monkeygirl Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: BC, Canada Posts: 1,972	Oh man Debbie, I'm so sorry to hear about Hunter, geez, it sure has been a rough go lately hey. You know, I truly believe that we will all meet up with all our little buddies we've lost through the years. It may sound silly but I just picture me being somewhere, I don't really know where, but when I get there they're all there waggin & purring and barking & jumping & rollin around, and we're the happiest family in the whole world. I'm just smilin away as I type this. I know it's true and I don't care what anybody says! Geez, I guess I'm just trying to say you will see him again, he'll be waiting for you guys waggin away as he drops his soggy ol toy on yer lap PS: Sue I also meant to say I was sorry to hear about Reggie a while back too. You'll see Reggie too! You know what's really weird, I for some strange reason can deal with people being sick & passing on way easier than any pet I've ever lost. Sometimes I think there's something really wrong with my brain or my heart or something. But, I can't help it. Anyway you guys, I'm thinkin of ya's, big hugs all around. Hang in Debbie

02-14-2004, 10:00 AM	#10
Obieone Moderator Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Manitoba,Canada Posts: 5,603	I wish I had an answer to your question Debbie!! I guess we all would like to know... We put ourselves out there every time we take a chance on loving another living thing...but its worth it... isn't it?? Your life has been richer for having Hunter in it and you in his for however long it turns out to be!! We have pets too, our dog Shady looks for my husband all the time since he's been in the hospital - she has enriched our life so much!! I'm really sorry you have to go through this again....try to be strong for Hunter and we'll help you all we can. :{Big Hug}: Obie