For Pet Owners - The last perfect day

[Donna D.]

This is for all my friends who have pets... particularly much beloved dogs. I read this article yesterday at work and ended up crying. It's a beautiful story. My last dog went over the bridge 25 years ago, but I still smile when I think of him and the memories of fun times we shared.

When the time comes for your pet to cross the bridge, maybe you'll want to consider what Harry did for his dog.

Jon Katz's the Perfect Day

[Lynn Musgrave]

Thank You Donna ....that was wonderful . I am sending it to 2 of my DD as they have pets to the age and health to soon cross the bridge.

[Dave_L]

Thanks for the link Donna, good timing as I just lost my 4 yr old pup to cancer and I'm beside myself with grief. He was my best friend...

[RonMayo]

My dog, Girl, is 16 and has been RVing with me for 12 years. The charts tell me she's 80 yo on people terms. She's slowing down. Not jumping well and, well, leaking a little.

I'm 75, going on 76, and not taking as many trips as I'd like to. I'm slowing down, using a cane so I don't fall, and, well, ..... never mind.

Last month we started a week-long trip but came home after one night because neither of us were "comfortable".

Now, Donna you drop this "cross over the bridge" stuff on us and it makes me teary eyed and reflective. What can I do for Girl that she likes best? and that I like best?

Maybe it's time for a serious Scamp adventure for us together.

[John_M]

Originally Posted by RonMayo

My dog, Girl, is 16 and has been RVing with me for 12 years. The charts tell me she's 80 yo on people terms. She's slowing down. Not jumping well and, well, leaking a little.

I'm 75, going on 76, and not taking as many trips as I'd like to. I'm slowing down, using a cane so I don't fall, and, well, ..... never mind.

Last month we started a week-long trip but came home after one night because neither of us were "comfortable".

Now, Donna you drop this "cross over the bridge" stuff on us and it makes me teary eyed and reflective. What can I do for Girl that she likes best? and that I like best?

Maybe it's time for a serious Scamp adventure for us together.

Ron, just show her the love you feel, and accept hers in return. Nothing better in life than that.

[Pam Garlow]

Thank you Donna, for the wonderful article. and it made me cry too!

[Laura June]

Donna: I know exactly how this feels, and it is very inspiring to read. I held two of my cats, as they were being put to sleep, and I layed on the floor with one of my dogs, as she died. You just want to be with them to the very end. That has not stopped me from having pets. I love my little dog Peanut and my big dog Reba. My cat Oreo, loves to curl up and sleep with me. What a joy and a gift from God these animals are.

[Sharon G]

Thanks, Donna. I got misty-eyed, too. My dog is my dearest buddy.

[Tony Nowak]

Thanks for the link Donna. Here in southern WI it's a fine Fall day and when I see the four cat burial sites in the sideyard I too get misty eyed. I'll give the two felines an extra hug tonight. Tony

[Terry R.]

I just recently had to send a dog over the Bridge. Even a dog that was a begger pain than great pet, somehow manages to win your heart. She was that kind of dog.

Thank you for a story that is one that will allow all of us to consider how to make a "perfect day" memory. Terry R.

[Donna D.]

I'm glad folks are enjoying the post. Pets touch us ways that a lot of humans can't. It's the conditional love that's so special. Although pets are only in our lives for a relatively short period of time, they leave footprints on our hearts forever.

[kirkman]

Thank You Donna! It made me ball like a 3 year old also. Dang I miss my dogs! I still have one left. I call he my stalker dog. I cant make a move wit out her 50 lb. butt being right under my feet. Dam I love that dog.

[Patty S.]

Thanks, Donna. Did the same type of things with my Jack Rusell the day before he had to be put down for people aggresion. Tried everything before euthanising him. Broke my heart to do so. Then I got involved sponsoring some animals in Georgia from kill shelters. It gave me immense satisfaction to call the shelter requesting full sponsorship for the most "unadoptable" dog there & later receiving word that he was rescued from death & was thriving in a foster home. The best I could do to console my broken heart..

[RonMayo]

This is for the dog lovers among us.

I am a fan of Susan Orlean, a lady writer. I just got a copy of her newest book, "Rin Tin Tin" and have read about half of it.

All I can say is that you dog people will love it!!

[Carol H]

Dang it Donna, you owe me a couple of boxes of Kleenex!!!

[DeeJ]

I sent this to my friend who is having to put her dog down today. I spent part of the day with her (the dog) yesterday & thought of this story. thank you... sniff sniff