A Tribute to Guinness

[Whatanejit]

Well after 13 years of fun and friendship with my dog Guinness he was sadly put to sleep this morning at 0940hrs.http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f270/Whatanejit/Smilies/Sad/mecry-1.gif

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f270/Whatanejit/Guinness%20and%20Decker/GuinnessSun.png

We rescued Guinness from Battersea Dogs Home in May 1993 when he was 6 months old.

He had been given to the home because his previous family had thought him too destructive. What 6 month old pup isn't?

But yes they were absolutely right!

Fortunately, we had just moved in to our first house which hadn't been decorated since the early 70s and had been occupied by students for a few years.

OH and I could afford the mortgage but that was it so taking on two young dogs at that time meant that eating the wall paper, skirting board, carpet etc really wasn't too much of a problem.

He even taught OH and I to tidy up the kitchen because if we left anything at all on the work surface he would eat it or trail it onto the floor in search of food!

He was sooo greedy that he even ate half a box of uncle ben's rice and a 1/4 packet of plain flour one day when we were at work.

His tummy was like a rock when we got home and he was very agitated. We headed to Wales on holiday the next day when he had an episode of projectile diarhoea as we were driving down the M4 all over the boot and the other dog!

I'll never forget that one.

I'll also never forget his need for cuddles and scratches - he was the most cuddly, huggable dog I have ever known.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f270/Whatanejit/Guinness%20and%20Decker/Guinnesbankholiday.png

13 years is a long time and with a diagnosis of hip dysplagia from when he was 1 year old he did well to last that long.

He got to meet Cooper once but I had been planning my animal family photograph but never did get it. I'll have to see what I can do with Photoshop sometime.

Thanks for reading folks. I couldn't let him go without sharing his life with a few thousand other animal lovers on NR.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f270/Whatanejit/Smilies/Sad/smilierip.gif Guinness

[CurlyWurlyRach]

RIP guinness.
what a beautiful lad.

[Deana]

Sleep tight guiness.

A very handsome boy.

[Maddison's girl]

Oh thats so sad, it sounds like he had a wonderful life with you though. xxx

[Bobbin]

*sniff*

So sorry for your loss hun

xx

[Herbie's mummy]

OMG he was so so so cute x x x
LOL about the car and his accident !
R.I.P. Little man x x x x x

[BeachRiding]

So sad! Sorry for your loss. RIP Guinness

[Peanut]

How fortunate Guinness was to be rescued from Battersea by you and OH. Sounds like you have many wonderful memories.

RIP Guinness

[RobaDob]

R.I.P Guinness :(
Run Free :)

x0x

[palmerlover52]

What a touching tribute Dee :(:(

He sounds a lovely old man, and sounds very much as though he enjoyed his life with you.

RIP

[teabiscuit]

RIP Guinness

xxxx

[Chinarider]

What a lovely tribute to your special companion, the picture of him sleeping is just adorable.

RIP Guinness

(((hugs )))

[harryhorse11]

RIP Guinness

it makes me sad as I know that i'm going to be going through this in the not so distant future with my dog Sam, he's 14 and we also rescued him from Battersea as a 7 month old pup.

We've never had a bad day with him, he's never chewed or done anything bad, but he can barely see, only hears when he wants to:D but is now at the stage where he can barely control himself:( and has very unsteady legs, but I want to have one more christmas with him before that alwful decision has to be made.

[Trewsers]

Aw, what a lovely dog he sounded. So sorry to hear - sending you lots of good wishes and good vibes.Trewsersxxxx

[newnovice]

I'm so sorry for your loss. What a lucky dog that you gave him such a wonderful life, and what lucky people that you had this special dog to love. He sounds wonderful and I'm sure he's running free and happy in that pack of great dogs that have gone before him. Take care.

[marsden]

RIP peace!!

least you can let him go, knowing that you gave him the right home that he deserved.

[Whatanejit]

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f270/Whatanejit/Smilies/Thanks/smiliethanks.gif guys - your kind words help enormously.

Our other dog is getting lots of cuddles from us at the mo and we are off to see Cooper this afternoon to get some Cooper healing vibes - can't beat them.

We will truly miss the old boy - the end of an era OH says.

HH11 sounds like we are in the same situation (ish). We had hoped to give Guinness his last Irish Christmas - we have been bringing him to my parents there for 12 years. I really don't think he would have survived the car journey, though.

He really suffered last night until he went unconscious early morning. It is the first time I have watched a pet being euthanased and it truly was peaceful, painless and dignified. He got petted and kissed the whole time.

OH and I of course were in bits:o

You'll find the strength for him when the time is right.

(hugs)

[rohan]

Dee just has to add my sympathy to you we lost our german shepard sum time ago he went peacefully thanks to the vet.

healing vibs to cooper.

thy ro have a Happy Christmas dirnk a galss of the Black Stuff to him.and have a good old Irish wake.

If you happen to be in the Killorglin ares at all call in.

[Sammii]

RIP Guinness.
Run free xx

Dee, you gave Guinness the best life possible! :)

xx

[katieB]

RIP Guiness.
I really feel for you Whatanejit, I lost my dog in March of this year and it really does feel like you have been ripped apart. Keep yourself busy with your other dog, its amazing how empty the house seems once you have lost a dog isnt it. Sending you lots of hugs on this sad day :(

[Whatanejit]

Thx folks.


Rohan thanks for the invite - it would be lovely to meet you, your family and horses but I will be in the North for most of the time - Kerry is a bit far for a day trip but maybe another time!:)

A touch of the black stuff is guaranteed!

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f270/Whatanejit/Smilies/Food%20and%20Drink/1f20_2.jpg

[rohan]

Next time.

Will raise a glass in his honour and to coopers health and you and family
Happy Christmas to you all.

[Clare-22]

Oh I am so sorry Dee {hugs} I have shed a tear with you as it brings back memories of when we lost our special girl. I have just had a portrait painted of her for my mums Christmas present :o

I hope you and OH find comfort in Cooper this afternoon, and I am sure Guinness is looking down on you both and thanking you for giving him such a special home.

[harryhorse11]

OH and I of course were in bits

we've discussed who will do it, I don't think I can be there to be honest, but I guess I owe him that really, he's looked after our family for most of his life!

thanks so much for your kind words, when people say "you know the right time" i truly believe that's true however painful it is

[redcedar]

Sleep tight old man xx

My thoughts are with you Dee and your OH. I also hope Cooper can bring you a little comfort this afternoon.

Take care of each other
Helen x

[Est]

Oh I'm so sorry W'jit, what a difficult time for you :( He looks such a lovely boy in his photos, although the chewing things up and car episode made me chuckle - he sounds like he could be a character! {{{{{Hugs}}}}} to you and OH, I hope some time with Coops helps a little and that you have a wonderful Christmas with your family in spite of your grief. Best wishes :)

[Accy]

RIP sweet boy, and huge hugs for you

[RustyMary]

Thinking of you Dee.

Like many others on this board we have been there too and it was devastating - to lose a beloved pet is to lose a member of the family.

I'm glad your experience of his last moments was a good one. This was also true for me last year when Bryn died and it has helped enormously. No-one could ever convince me now that animals do not have souls.

Hope it doesn't spoil your Christmas too much.

(((((hugs))))) from Justi

[Faerie Rider]

What a lovely boy...our hearts and love are with you.

FR
xx

[Whatanejit]

Indulge me a little further by looking at these lovely photos of him......

Nice new helmet Dad!

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f270/Whatanejit/Guinness%20and%20Decker/Guinnesshat.png

Loving the settee........

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f270/Whatanejit/Guinness%20and%20Decker/Gardenpictures010.jpg

The twins make a fuss...........

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f270/Whatanejit/Guinness%20and%20Decker/GuinnessDeckerandtheTwins.png

[Little Dolphins]

Sorry to be late seeing your news, Dee( mad Christmas shopping day).

I'm awful sorry, mate, it's SO hard losing a doggie. I held my 13yo whippet boy as he was pts, not so long ago, and so I know how you and OH felt.
Totally in bits, as you say.

What a gorgeous big softy he looks in the pics, your Guinness! Loving his cuddles as he did, he really was 'good for you':)

I expect you'll all feel a bit weird for a while now. But I do hope you can find some cheer with your family this Christmas.

Thinkin' of ya,
xxx

[louise1]

What a lovely dog you had there, sorry for you and your family at your loss. You two were so lucky to have and to love each other for a long time, and hopefully, sometime in the future you will relise that.

[fitz]

So sorry to hear about Guinness. I'm sure you feel awfully empty without him..
So sorry...

[chickflick1066]

How sad, what a moving tribute :( RIP Guiness, I'm sorry for your loss :(

[CurlyWurlyRach]

just re-reading this and it reminds me so strongly of our dearly beloved old cat Darwin. His kidneys gave up and he started having fits. He was 16 years old (which, for a kittycat is pretty ancient) and one morning we knew enough was enough. he went outside, laid in his catmint and had another fit, stopped breathing, started again and we rushed him to the vets. she took one look and said 'im so sorry' me and my mum were in bits clinging to him. we didnt watch. mum said signing the permission slip to have him PTS was the hardst thing shed ever had to do (he was our only pet).

you really do have my sympathy
xx

[rowdent]

So sorry.. it's always hard, but thank goodness we can do that for our pets...make sure they have a dignified pain free end.. *sob*

I have a 14 YO whippet cross.. who seems to be running on ever ready.. she is still full of life, which is great.. but I am prepared for the eventuality...of course I hope it's a long time yet!

Huge HUGS... he looked like a fabulous boy.

[domane]

Been there, done that, twice. Know how awful you are feeling....

I'm so sorry for your loss this close to Christmas too.

Hugs,
Jane xxxx

[NoviceNic]

Sweet Dreams Guiness...

[Tots N Dots]

{{{{{hugs Dee}}}}}
thinking of you :o

I had my lad pts in 1997, I have just realised it will be 10 years in January, I have still not quite got over it as he was a very special boy, they stay in our hearts forever ;)

[horseygal90]

I'm so sorry *Hugs*

I hope you don't mind but I had a little giggle at the Wales story... It seems like he was a real character, and very fortunate to have found you.

[Mimi + Me]

Sorry to hear your news. Everyone whose got a dog knows what a special part they play in our lives and what a terrible wrench it is to lose them.

Love the photos, he looks like a big old softie, luck was definitely on his side the day you chose to rescue him from Battersea :)

[cazrider]

Really sorry W'jit.. sniffs...:( He looks lovely.

[Murasaki]

We had Monte, our 12 year old Weimaraner, put to sleep in August - he had a spinal problem which affected his hind legs. My darling kids insisted on holding him throughout - they are 14 and 11 - as they said he had always been there for them when they were sad and they wanted to be there for him.....makes me cry just to think of it. You will cry for ages, it will be hard - but one day you will be able to remember him without tears - every time we go round a sharp bend in my car we shout out....'Hang on Monte' as he used to slide around the back of the car - he will always be with us, and Guinness will always be with you too :)

And HH, I agree that you will know the time - with Monte he weed in his bed one morning - he couldn't feel it - and I knew that was the day - I rang the vet and it happened that afternoon.

[Dina]

I'm so sorry to hear that,he looked like a lovely dog.
RIP Guinness.

[gallop_on]

What a handsome man. His wisdom shows in his eyes.
The pictures are beautiful and what a privledge to see them.

my thoughts are with you

x

[Dummer&Drummer]

Oh bless, im so sorry for you and your family

he looks a beautiful dog who had a lovely life/home with you, thanks for sharing the photos of him with us xxxx

[caraid_alba]

so sorry about your sad loss hugs sent your way

[Imp]

Aww, W'jit, I only just saw this :(

I've always had dogs and lost my 17 year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel about 4 years ago. I still tear up a bit when I think about him for too long :o

I've still got a 14 year old Bichon Frise and 20 year old cat, both in fine fettle, so we're quite the geriatric household at the moment.

They leave little paw prints right across your heart, don't they?

[nutkin]

RIP Guiness.13 years is a very good age for a dog with problem hips.I had to have my collie pts on 6th December this year.Jay was the same age and also had serious hip problems.I had known for some time that it was imminent but after a sleepless night and my dog crying in pain and unable to get up I knew it was time.You have my total sympathy as putting a dog to sleep is the ultimate thing you can do for your pet when they are suffering and is an option I would choose for myself if I was dying and if it was legal here.
I find the house really empty now my dog is no longer with us and although I was determined never to get another one I am starting to feel that maybe I should.However I don't know how I will cope if faced with the same situation again.

[Debs0571]

So sorry for your loss Dee, (((Hugs))) lovely pictures

Guinness, Rest in peace, little dog xxx

[Whatanejit]

There is something about losing a dog that is different from some of our other animals isn't there?

People really do understand the loss of a dog if they own one themselves - it is a priveledge to be comforted by you guys.:o

Thanks for your kind words and sharing your own stories.

I totally understand what you mean about the thought of having to do it again Nutkin and unfortunately we will have to in the not too distant future.

Guinness was the sort of dog who Disney characatures frequently in films.

He lay at your feet in the living room, he lay at and on your feet in bed - in the days when he wasn't too sore to get up and risk a nudge in the middle of the night.
He followed you everywhere. Yes, even to the toilet.

We have another oldie left who has an amazing character too but completely different from Guinness. Guinness' absence is really felt because he just isn't under our feet anymore.

While we still have Decker we won't introduce another dog into our home but we definately will in the future.

We don't have any kids, nor plan to have so our house would be just that without a dog(s) - a house, not a home.

Give all your dogs an extra kiss and a cuddle folks :)

[LindaAd]

They leave little paw prints right across your heart, don't they?


They do. For everyone who has lost a dog this year, here's a poem.

And one of the last pix of our dear Coco who was pts this spring when the cherries were in flower, at the age of 15.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m251/LindaAd/cocoonsofasmall.jpg


The Power of the Dog

by Rudyard Kipling



There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear

Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie ---
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet's unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers, or loaded guns,
Then you will find -- it's your own affair --
But....you've given your heart to a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will,
With it's whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still ! )
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone -- wherever it goes -- for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.

We've sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we've kept'em, the more do we grieve;

For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-time loan is as bad as a long --
So why in Heaven ( before we are there )
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

[Whatanejit]

Gorgeous photo and suberb poem Lindad.

Too true :o :o

This one choked me up again.............

Christmas Without My Dog

The tree is all trimmed.
The gifts are all wrapped.
The hymns are all sung,
Ant the travel plans mapped.

And still there's a sadness
That lies in your heart,
For a dog that was lost
And a love now apart.

A stocking is missing,
With toys and a treat.
A lap is now empty,
A space at your feet.

Yet remember this season
God's small gift to you,
Wonderful memories
To treasure life through

[LindaAd]

Gorgeous photo and suberb poem Lindad.

Too true :o :o

This one choked me up again.............

Christmas Without My Dog

The tree is all trimmed.
The gifts are all wrapped.


Glad you liked the poem, Dee.

Yours reminded me of Coco's first Christmas with us. She climbed the tree so she could eat the chocolate decorations ... I wish I'd had a camera.


Linda