Thankfully, some friends did cheer me up. One friend even asked if pictures of animals that weren't cute would help
Surprisingly, these did in fact make me feel better.
If you are friends with me on Facebook, you probably figured out what was putting me in such a sad mood on Friday night.
My mom had texted me as I was driving to Port Cape (doing lights and sound for their most recent play, A Christmas Cactus. You can still come see it this weekend Thursday-Saturday!) that our family dog Josie had a stroke Thursday night and Friday they had to put her down.
With having to do the play, I did what anyone would do. Be an actress and pretend everything is okay. It didn't hit me until later that night after I was able to talk to my mom and hear the whole story.
I felt so silly for being sad. Josie was old. I mean... REALLY old. We'd had her since I was nine years old. (I'm 26 now for those of you keeping count.) I hadn't even lived with her in the same house for years, and I have Bandit at my apartment. And she's a dog, it's not like my sister or something.
But it still broke my heart. Especially after Mom told me how Dad cried when they put her in the car to take her to the vet one last time.
It also made me want to watch All Dogs Go To Heaven.
When I go up to Chicago for Thanksgiving (in 9 days!!!!!!) she won't be there. Yeah, lately when I've visited my parents she didn't always see me and she would freak out whenever someone petted her because she had no idea what was going on, but she was the sweetest dog. Josie was the perfect dog for my family.
As a kid, since I was small and breakable, we didn't want a big/hyper/crazy dog that would jump on me and cause me to break my bones more than necessary. Josie was small (not as small as Bandit, but I don't think she grew to be over 10lbs) and calm as could be. Yes, she had her crazy dog and puppy moments as all dogs do, but generally she was very peaceful. The most wonderful little white fluffball.
What made me smile though, was how supportive people were. The French exchange student who lived with us for a year in high school told us how sorry she was that Josie was gone, and even she was sad about it. A couple of childhood friends shared with me how sad they were to see Josie go because they knew her too. I texted another friend right away, the girl I've known my entire life, and she immediately texted my mom to see how she was doing. Although she understood, she lost her childhood dog not that long ago as well. Even the youth who met my dog during our mission trip this summer were shocked when I told them at youth group last night.
I feel a little silly - because Josie was a dog. But I don't feel as silly anymore. People who don't have pets may not get it, and that's okay. Fellow animal lovers though - they totally understand and have been so supportive! I mean, there's a reason we all cry during Marley and Me, and every other sad animal movie. Our pets are so special!
I'm sorry for the depressing post, but I do want to end on a happy note.
I kind of took a break from having people contribute to my blog - but that stops today! I'm combining two of my themes. Share with me your pet and family stories! Since pets are part of our families, and with Thanksgiving just around the corner, I feel like it's a good time to hear about your pets and your families.
Share funny stories, pictures, traditions, your first pet, your current pet, - ANYTHING AND ANYONE about your family! The good, the bad, sad, ugly, hilarious - you name it I want to know.
You can share in the comments and I'll post them up on the blog, or you can email them to me: lovewokemeupthismorning@gmail.com
Can't wait to hear your stories!
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| We miss you Josie! 1995-2012 |
So sorry to hear of your loss! Our Childhood dog passed when I was in high school and I was SO devastated! A few years later my parents and I got this goofy awkward big ol' australian shepherd mix dog. She was not the smartest dog but she was still great. After I moved away I got a cat, a little 7 pound cat and when I came home to visit one christmas I brought the cat to meet the dog. Our 55 pound dog was terrified of the 7 lbs cat. The cat just wanted to be friends but the dog pretended the cat did not exist and stuck her head in a corner when the cat tried to play. It was hilarious!
ReplyDeleteAwww I think dogs do matter, I know I was very sad when my grandma's dog passed away. You get attached to them like family. Pets love unconditionally (dogs at least do, cats I am still not totally sure about ;)) and that is a hard bond to not have anymore. I am so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty girl Josie was. So sorry! If I even think of my fur babies passing away I get depressed. They truly are that big of a deal in our lives. I hope you feel better. Chip and Daisy sent their kisses.
ReplyDeleteLisette
So sorry for you loss<3 Loosing pets is so hard, they truly do become family. Prayers for you & your family during this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteYou know how I feel about dogs. This post makes me sad. Hug Bandit extra tight but don't crush his bones. <3
ReplyDeleteP.S. I refuse to ever watch Marley and Me. Or read the book. I don't think I would be able to rebound.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss :( I have an 11 month old Golden named Tucker, and he is my entire world. It's crazy how happy that furry face makes me. If he senses I'm upset, he'll stop doing his crazy puppy thing and transform into my sweet boy who lays on my lap and lets me cry into his fur. I'll be absolutely devestated when he passes.
ReplyDelete