We are all gradually adjusting to not having the Toby-Man with us. It's been horribly rough on all of us and I miss him terribly but the letters and cards and kindness that you have all shown have helped so much. Dee....I love the book. I plan on purchasing a copy for Christmas for everyone that I know with dogs. I cried and laughed and ultimately cheered the ending.
Beatrice has, by far, had the most difficult time adjusting. Oscy and Buelah have always been joined at the hip and Toby-Man was sort of the third wheel until Bea arrived. She immediately became HIS baby dog and they loved each other dearly. He would romp and play with her whenever she wanted to play and when he was hunting in the yard, she was never far behind. When Toby-Man had his ear surgery she never left his side. It has just broken me to see her so sad. She just seemed to not want to do anything but lay in her bed and her eyes were so very sad. Over the long weekend we spent a lot of time playing with her in the yard....throwing the ball and playing with her new tug toy. She also has taken over his spot in the big bed....and she is sleeping through the night again. I'm starting to see a spark in her eyes again and a bounce in her step like she had before Toby-Man went to the bridge.
So life goes on and each day is a little easier. The grief still comes in waves, but not as often, and it is now softened a bit with the wonderful memories that come to me more and more often. He was a special little guy and I was blessed to have him.... thank you all again for giving Toby-Man the special place in your hearts that I know you have. You are the BEST!
I understand the pain you are going through. When my Heidi Ho died two years ago from a stroke, it was hard on me and Solly. It took him about 3 weeks to quit looking for her (they used to play Hide N Seek). He would look so sad to come back in the room with no Heidi Ho chasing him. Today he is a happy boy. But it does take time. Just remember all the good happy times. It helps.
Darcel & Solly
Here come the tears again..... Sending Bea some special rays to help her through the rough patches - smart you for spending extra time with her !!! Think of you often and keep you in my prayers. Toby-man WAS a special little man... he found a home in all of our hearts.....
I'm so glad Bea is coming out of her shell more. Poor baby. Give her smoochies from Maddie and me. I still miss my Dolly but time does help. The GOOD TIME memories will someday take over for you, but Tobyman will always be in your heart.
Oh Terri, before I got Zoe and Winston I had a mixed little baby girl named "Baby" and a Lhasa Apso named "Chelsey". They did everything together and were very close. When Baby died, Chelsey was lost for weeks. I was so worried about him. We had to give him special attention and love to help him through. You are doing the right thing with Baby Beatrice in giving her lots of love and extra attention right now. Please give Beatrice some hugs and nosie kisses from me, Zoe and Winston. She will be alright. It will take a little time is all. As always, we too think about you and continue to send prayers your way. I miss all my previous babies so much to this day, but the memories of each one of them always make me smile.
Sending prayers and rays out to you. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I wish I knew the right words to comfort you, but there aren't any. All I can say is that I am really sorry and I hope the pain eases a bit. You will always feel sadness when you think of Toby-Man, but your memories of him will always bring a smile to your heart. And remember he is watching over all of you.
Mel
Terri you and Karen have been in my thoughts every day, nothing is harder than losing our kids and it is so unfair that we have such a short time with them. I hope it helps a little to know not many dogs are as lucky as Toby-Man was to have such a wonderful loving home. Give Beatrice a hug for us too...it doesn't seem like it sometimes but it does get better. Hang in there.
This entire thread makes me think more and more about cognition in animals. That article in National Geographic only really spoke about animals ability to learn AND USE language to communicate.
Guinness, Merlin and Beau Leaky don't seem to mind Roscoe being gone. Since they weren't exposed to his body, they haven't processed his death at all. As for him being gone, Guinness is really only bonded to me and Beau, Beau is really only bonded to me and Merlin, and Merlin is only bonded to Beau. And Merlin isn't truly bonded to Beau the way Beau is bonded to him. Merlin's time on the streets have made him a loner. He's like Hector, my departed mom's semi-feral cat, who lives with Gilah, my 29 year-old semi-feral daughter.
But Ima Dora-Belle is truly that - adorable. She loves it when I lay down so she can lick my face and then climb on my chest and act like a scarf. Beau clambers up on my thighs and waddle/scooches his way up to my chest so he can lick the other side of my face. I now have 34 pounds of dachshund on my lungs and I am starting to suffer compression suffocation!! But it's the best love fest in town!!!
Karen :heart:
still heart broken over this.... :heart: but glad things are a little better. waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
I'm happy that you liked the book! It takes time but does get a bit easier with each day.....there will always be memories in your heart and thoughts! Toby-Man Angel was a very special boy. In time, it should get easier for Beatrice......Sarge was lost for a time without Looie-Angel. Take care and hugs to you! Dee
When Ingrid went to the bridge Oliver was like that, depressed part of the reason we got Amy faster than we had wanted as he needed someone his own size during the day. We still like to think Ingrid had her paw in it as Oliver just picked up where he left of with her daughter. Terry it gets easier, but as the others say they remain with you in thought. Give Bea a hug and snuggle. Toby is probably with Roscoe trying to avoid Emma
roberta
I'm a man of few words....BUT...I can relate to how you feel.
Not long after I had to put Simon down I had a visitor here in my office. When he walked in I just BURST into tears for like 10 minutes. No dog could ever take Simons place but Mr. Wilson is trying so hard that he's earned an A for effort. Without question, Simons mate knows he's gone, I'm positive she knew he was sick by the way she acted the last couple of months together.
It does take a long time to get thru the grief, and you are right about it coming in waves. Just when you think you are doing better, POW! It broadsides you. I found that at first I would just be stuck on the horrible day it all happened, but pretty soon I was able to go back and remember all the good times and things that we did. They leave a big hole when they leave.