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Author Topic: Pawsitive Praise  (Read 21283 times)

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Offline jkinatl2

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Re: Pawsitive Praise
« Reply #50 on: January 30, 2013, 03:15:24 am »
Dude, if you have PTSD then so do I.

The death of anyone we love is the shadow of the death of us, of our fragile legacies, of our conception of the future. We who have witnessed this works at its best and worst know that there really aren't levels in nor latitudes of grief. The fact that we remain human enough to shed tears now is a mark of real heroism. I just hope you know that.
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Offline wolfter

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Re: Pawsitive Praise
« Reply #51 on: January 30, 2013, 10:36:49 am »
It takes a lot of guts to love a creature that you know you will outlive.


For many of us, it was the exact opposite.  My Butchy passed away in 2000.  I had him since I was middle school.  I was so depressed but reluctant to get another dog.  I did the whole fostering thing and Miss Lily was only supposed to be with me a short time.  I fell in love with her but was SO fearful of taking on the responsibility of an animal that was likely to outlive me. 

Little did I know that years later that she would be the catalyst that forced me to fight for my life.  I've shared this before, but my ONLY fear of dying was worrying about her after I left.  I discussed this issue with my family and made them all promise that in the worst case scenario, that she would be loved and well taken care of.  I still didn't trust or believe them so I had to rebound.

And now, I'm dealing with her terminal diagnosis and am heartbroken.  But I am determined to make her time even more special.  I have such deep respect for those who love their furry friends so deeply.  My granny used to say that she never trusted anyone who didn't.

Wolfie
Being honest is not wronging others, continuing the dishonesty is.

Offline Jeff G

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Re: Pawsitive Praise
« Reply #52 on: January 30, 2013, 10:59:54 am »
My girl Zita came to me at a crucial time in my life and I am certain I would not be here to share this if she didn't . She was the only reason I could find for me to continue on and live for a number of years .

She is old now and her health is failing fast and its now my time to be there for her during the good and bad days . I have people tell me I shouldn't care for her as much as I do , I don't waste my time trying to convince them other wise because I doubt they could ever grasp what this beautiful creature has given to me .

She sleeps in my bed with me and she is having trouble getting up and down the stairs into the bed , so this week I modified them . She didn't like it so I modified them three more times until she was happy . She has an expensive memory foam dog bed in the floor that she sleeps on when she wants too and its there waiting for her when she decides she no longer wants to share my bed .
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Offline wolfter

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Re: Pawsitive Praise
« Reply #53 on: January 30, 2013, 11:09:09 am »
I had to do some recent modifications for Miss Lily too.  I had to put a footstool next to her side of the bed so she can come and go when she wants.  Prior to my last severe illness, I never allowed her on the furniture, including the bed.  Now I enjoy cuddling with her as I fall to sleep.  Then she returns to her own bed.  I think I'm too needy with her sometimes. ;D
Being honest is not wronging others, continuing the dishonesty is.

Offline oksikoko

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Re: Pawsitive Praise
« Reply #54 on: January 30, 2013, 11:26:59 am »
Is that Lily in the picture? I recognize Zita from another thread, I think. Those are lucky dogs! :) And they look very pettable…
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2014-11-14: CD4 Wars Episode II: Return of the Stribild (released in Europe as Stribild II: Werewolf Bitch)
2014-11-06:                ☣ VL (→) 12,627      ☣ CD4 (→) 639
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Offline wolfter

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Re: Pawsitive Praise
« Reply #55 on: January 30, 2013, 11:46:32 am »
Is that Lily in the picture? I recognize Zita from another thread, I think. Those are lucky dogs! :) And they look very pettable…

That is Miss Lily.  She a purebreed, multicultural mutt.   ;D  She absolutely is the most loving animal ever.  She has never shown one agressive action in her life.  Even when my young nephew would torment the hell out of her, she'd just try to hide. 

I'm luckier than she is!!!!
Being honest is not wronging others, continuing the dishonesty is.

Online leatherman

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Re: Pawsitive Praise
« Reply #56 on: January 30, 2013, 12:24:29 pm »
Little did I know that years later that she would be the catalyst that forced me to fight for my life.
and that's how this thread started up. A few months before Randy died, we got another dog. I just couldn't say no to a dying man's request for a puppy. But that left me with 6 dogs and teh AIDS. Back then, I was so sure they were all going to outlive me - at least that's what the docs and my lab results kept saying. So I've always had arrangements with some friends (even until today) who will take my dogs when something happens to me. I couldn't not make arrangements for their care.

I've worried about their care so much that I left the hospital once when I thought I really was dying, so I could take care of them my last few days. And it was taking care of them those days that actually ended up being the catalyst for me to fight to stay alive.

I'm really sorry to hear that some of my friends are also at points where their dogs are nearing the end of their lives. In a way I've been expecting my 3 boyz to reach the end ever since we moved to SC. Joxer went blind and I had to dog-proof so many of the corners and steps and stuff for him. I had to build steps for Zeus to use to get onto the bed because of his arthritis. Every couple of months, I sit with Aries in my lap, in the midst of a seizure, wondering if this will be "the one".

From all the losses I've had, I have reached one conclusion though. I'd rather know the end was coming and be able to make sure I spend quality time with them. I have been very devastated by my humans and pets who have suddenly taken ill and that was the end. I felt I didn't have the time I wanted to come to grips, to ensure their comfort, to get in the last of the loving. But when I've known the time was drawing nigh, I felt like I had nearly enough time to make things right for a peaceful parting and I was able to really spend good quality time with them. I've made sure these last 3 yrs in SC have been good for my boyz and I know we've had great quality time.

It sounds like y'all are making the best of your situations and getting in quality time too. ;) Best wishes to Lily and to Zita. Give them some hugs from me & my boyz! and best wishes to you too Greg and Jeff as you deal with these tough times :-*
leatherman (aka Michael)

We were standing all alone
You were leaning in to speak to me
Acting like a mover shaker
Dancing to Madonna then you kissed me
And I think about it all the time
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Offline BT65

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Re: Pawsitive Praise
« Reply #57 on: February 01, 2013, 05:12:53 am »
I know this thread is primarily about dogs but I just have to chime in about my kitty.  Her name is Poppy.  I did not give her that name, the shelter I got her from did.  They told me she was dropped off there when she was a young kitten, in a box, and had lived there for 3 years (they are this area's no-kill shelter).  When I went into the room where she was, she immediately jumped on my lap.  When the other kitties came by to check me out, she swatted at them with her paws.

It's been almost 7 years since I adopted her.  When I come home from work she sits at the edge of the living room until I put my stuff down, look at her and say "come on," then she runs over to me for a petting.  If I'm sleeping past my usual time she lays by me on the bed until I get up.  When I talk out loud, she looks at me and meows when I'm done speaking.   She's given me reasons to get up on some down days, to take care of her.  She's become a side kick. 

We become extremely attached to our pets.  They love us unconditionally despite our shortcomings.  They're better at that than some humans.  To lose a pet is to lose a trusted companion, friend and some days, our reasons to function.  Any person who owns a pet and takes good care of it has decency.  Anyway, just wanted to include kitties in this "pet" thread.
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Offline klassykitty

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Re: Pawsitive Praise
« Reply #58 on: February 02, 2013, 10:45:51 pm »
I struck it good.  I have a doggy, and kitty. 
Poncho is a lab/chow mix, 11 years old, and a lover.  tonight when I got home from work he ran out of his dog house, (he lives outside) and jumped into my car before I was out of the door.  Then we played in the snow for about 30 minutes, in the dark and yes it is cold, but theres nothing better then playing in the snow with a dog,  tomorrow we will walk in it.

Since Poncho is 11 and having health issues I try to get in every last minute of time with him.  The other night I went up to feed him and laid down in his house with him and slept for an hour.

When I went inside Kitty was waiting for me and promptly attacked my legs, he doesn't attack ankles he jumps on my legs, then we played with the rabbit tail I bought him.
 
I know when I have had a bad day at work or school that they will always be able to cheer me up. 

Michelle
 
How to handle stress like a dog:
If you can't eat it or play with it.....
then pee on it and walk away

Diagnosed 01-20-2011
01-23  CD4 32    VL 125,400
02-18        76     VL 189
03-14  no cd4 test done   VL-52
04-14   69  VL-UNDECTABLE  YEA!!
05-26   50  whoopsy  
06-27   71        %-7
08-15   64 WTF %-9 
10-16  80         %7  
2012  CD4  %Thing   VL-UD
01-18  87    7
04-18  93    8  
07-16  151  8         
10-18  83    9    VL-70
2013   CD4   %thing       VL-UD
01-28  121     9
04-24  148    11   
07-25  157    11   
10-22  185    13
2014   CD-4  %thing   VL-UD
02-07 201 YEA!!!!!!  12
06-03  205      12

 


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