Four years ago today we held our baby Frosty as he took his last breath. He was the first of our dogs to die. The day I’ve always dreaded– the day I may have to euthanize one of my beloved companion animals was happening.
It is a horrible feeling to desire just one moment more when you know that moment causes more pain for the one you wish to hold onto.
Frosty, you funny, sweet, smart, mischievous, stubborn, loveable dog– we miss you so very much. It feels like an eternity since I’ve felt your velvet ears or felt you good morning kisses on my cheek. The loss doesn’t lessen as the years go by.
The eve of 2009 and Grandbury climbs close to Frosty. In just two weeks Frosty would be gone.
Just before Frosty would turn so sick.
Frosty told us when it was time. We listened.
In his last few hours, Frosty enjoyed one of his favorite activities.
The day Frosty died it was cold, with snow on the ground, but the sun did shine.
So many animals at rest in Hinsdale Animal Cemetery.
Snow in the animal cemetery.
We had Frosty cremated at the Hinsdale Animal Cemetery. They are a wonderful establishment.
Our vet sent a lovely bouquet after Frosty died.
Always the curious and silly one, our beloved baby Frosty.
We said goodbye to Grandbury March 24, 2012. He was amazing. It has been two weeks, and I’m still unable to write anything past this announcement. It is too soon, and we are too raw.
Unfortunately, we are often driven to memorialize our pets after they are no longer with us. These projects can be a wonderful blessing and a step forward in the grieving process, but they can also create a new heartache if that memory we wish to capture is no longer within our grasp.
When our girl Fergie died during surgery, our vet presented us with a kit that allowed us to take an imprint of her little feet. We were thankful for the opportunity to do this, but we were saddened that we hadn’t done it in a more happy time.
There are many kits available on the market for you to purchase that will help memorialize your pet.
Clays that cure when air dried or baked work great. Add colors, words, embed tags, collars, whatever your heart desires. Have fun with it.
We created our paw print memorials many years ago, and they have been displayed atop the fireplace. Recently, I decided to insert a cute ribbon through them, and hang them alongside the framed photos of our Pack.
Hope you’ve found some inspiration to make your own! Moments don’t last forever, but memories can if we seek to preserve them.
These make great gifts and can be used with holiday decorations or to add a special touch to an office.
Tips for getting a great print:
* Choose a time when your dog is alert but not overly excited. Our guys were young and full of energy when we did these prints. We chose to get a print from them when they were in need of a nap and much more accepting of having their paw pressed into an unknown material. Treats helped.
* Don’t push so hard that you hurt your pet, especially on small animals like ferrets or cats. You need some pressure on the paw, but not a ton. You don’t want to break a nail or digit in the process.
* You don’t have to make just one, making multiple prints of your pet’s paw as they grow is a great idea.
* Follow all directions on the clay product you use.
* Experiment with paint or stains to color in your words or the actual prints.
* Clean up after your print making – don’t leave clay out for your pet to eat. Wash off your pet’s paw.
We put together a “hand picked” list of items useful for anyone who has recently lost their companion animal or is preparing for the passing of their beloved. We’ve searched for items that are often hard to come by. The image of the list is linked to the hand picked list on Bonanzle where you can then click on the individual items offered by the sellers. Update: The list has expired and no longer valid. You’ll just have to scoot over to Bonanzle.
Dig For More
Holiday Travel Tips For Pets
Feeding the Kitty on a Trip
Some cats, like Winni, don't like to eat dry food while traveling. Some cats, like Winni, don't like to drink water while traveling. These two dislikes can turn into a problem fast. To avoid your cat becoming dehydrated or ill, pack some canned or wet packaged food for your cat. Don't by shy about adding some more water to the food as they eat it, Winni lapped it right up.
Feeding the Dog on a Trip
Our guys never lost their appetite on trips, far from it. The excitement and fun of the trip seems to make them want to eat more. Be careful not to introduce new foods while traveling with your dog. Your palette should be the only adventurous one while on vacation. Stay with the tried and true until you get home, your dog (and your car interior) will thank you for it.
