A reminder of the real world

[cltrat]

KC man that's heartbreaking, losing a longtime pet is losing a family member.
my sincere condolences

 

[xUT]

Sometimes the real world sucks...

Sometimes life is hard. Today was one of the hardest days of my life. The photo below is of the most perfect animal to ever set foot on the face of this earth. She is my dog, Ziggy. She has liver cancer and is dying. But she is a pleaser. That picture was taken two days ago. In that picture she had not eaten anything in two days. She quit eating dry dog food two weeks ago. She kind of ate canned dog for about 2 days after that and gave it up. She's subsisted on hard boiled eggs for the next week. She is shutting down. She is dying. But she is a pleaser. She does not want me to know that she's in pain. And that makes the decision I have to make all that much harder.

But I came home for lunch today and she kind of let me see. She was kind of listless. I laid down beside her to talk, but as I spoke to her, I broke into tears. And she stood up to stop me....to please me. This dog has been my loyal friend for the past 11 years. Of the dogs that have been in my household, this one has always been MY dog. It's so hard because she has an amazing capacity to please. The vet is about a mile from my house. She loves walks. If she's up to it, we're going to walk that last mile together. And I'll let her go. But I'll never forget her.

When I got back to work today I had iTunes on my computer, playing a light jazz mix. A song came on from Lee Ritenour that was an instrumental mix of a Jackson 5 song. I dedicate it to my dog

I never can say goodbye, no, no, no, no, now
Never can say goodbye

Even though the pain and heartache
Seem to follow me wherever I go
Though I try and try to hide my feelings
They always seem to show

Then you try to say you're leaving
me And I always have to say no
Tell me why is it so

That I never can say goodbye, no, no, no, no, now
Never can say goodbye

Every time I think I've had enough
And start heading for the door
There's a very strange vibration
Piercing me right through the core
It says, turn around, you fool
You know you love her more and more
Tell me why is it so

Don't wanna let you go
I never can say goodbye girl
Ooh ooh baby (don't wanna let you go girl)
I never can say goodbye, no no no, no no no
Ooh, oh I never can say goodbye girl
Ooh ooh…

I love you forever Zigs...

So sorry for your loss.
My BABY schnauzer died last month at 14
I feel you KC, unconditional love.
Yea, i shed a tear thinking of Smokey (my baby) when i saw this post.
Take Care
-----------------------
edited by Me
-----------------------
Here is a pic of my babies.

Sunny died Feb 2016 Smokey died April 2017.
Smokey is on the left.
I still shed a tear when I think of them.

 

[Glenn Quagmire]

The one on the right is Zoe. I lost her on May 9, 2015. Very similar story. She was rescued by me 11 years earlier after being found near death on the side of the road and dropped off at the shelter. I know exactly how you feel. The pain doesn't lessen, I just feel it less often.

I hope you find peace knowing that you enjoyed an amazing run together.

 

[EastUS1]

East, don't get your dandruff up. I was on a carrier off of North Vietnam early on. We lost two of our Pilots in my squadron due to those "political restrictions". I could go into detail as to some of those restrictions, but at this point, what good would it do? I came home to a country that could give a damn as to what we were going through, or what was going on over there. In fact just the opposite! And it would seem all our youth today have their heads, as you would say, "up where the sun don't shine!" It's a "me" generation. So maybe I am a little gun shy. ........And even though you didn't get in on what went on over there. Thank you for your service!....... And in that sense, by all means! "Party on Dude!"

No worries in any case. None can ever know another person from intermittent keyboard nonsense either way. Thanks for your Service....and since despite our best efforts in our earlier lives we find ourselves still breathing...well, yeah..."Party On!"

P.S. Were you by chance on USS Midway or Hancock? I only ask because my father served on those during the last half of the sixties and you might have known him then. To me as still a young-punk-in-school; I didn't see much of him during that time...that whole silly "war thing" kinda' got in the way of his being home much.

 

[EastUS1]

Yea, we've been friends for years.
We all share common conservative values and agree on most things.
When I was a pup, I only had older/wiser friends and learned much from them.
I really don't know when my roll changed, I thought about it a lot.
My friends are about 10 years younger than I am now, well educated and never put themselves in harms way.
They go to the range and shoot their 'guns' and pretend.
I hope that one of the things they respected me was my service.
Truth, they are blind Trump supporters, I voted for Trump, but I am not a clone.
I expressed my issues with Trump and (as they had no counter argument) tried to subject me to taunts and stupidity. We see that here quite often.
When my 'friends' called me a 'snowflake' I almost went postal.
Where are my friends?

Well put, especially per: "They go to the range and shoot their 'guns' and pretend." A dependable benefit of range shooting is that none are EVER present to "Gasp!" actually shoot back...or even worse, shoot at you first...regardless of whether you're in the mood for such "insensitive" effrontery or not.

"Truth, they are blind Trump supporters, I voted for Trump, but I am not a clone." That we also find full agreement in. Quite frankly; had so much as bozo the clown been offered against the utterly corrupt and blatantly treasonous clinton scum I'd have had to cast a vote for him instead. I've honest hopes for Mr. Trump by way of the happy assumption that he, certainly needing NOTHING more of the material world than he already had, was/is hopefully motivated by an honest desire to do good for America. The man would have to be completely and even clinically insane (which he isn't) to have otherwise subjected himself to the utterly disgusting world of "politics".....

Oh well. "It is what it is" and let's all hope and pray for the best in these (as almost always) troubled times ahead. At least we've a President that I rather doubt would sell-out nearly a full fourth of America's uranium access to Putin, as did the mindless liberals' darling hillary....but of course liberals, being largely bereft of even the slightest education in actual/real-world history, much less physics/etc can't hardly be expected to understand nuclear weapons as anything other than some vague "boogeyman" concept from Hollyweird/etc....

 

[EastUS1]

......But I wouldn't discuss politics, religion or BBQ if we did meet.

For what even possible reason? Precious few examples in history can be found of societies wherein the free exchange of ideas is deemed a virtue. America is arguably the world's foremost strong hold for such at present. I've not the slightest fantasies that my own life/actions/conversations/etc will in any way "change the world"....but we all of us do great disservice to the brilliant minds and amazing men that founded even the very notion that "All men are created equal"/etc whenever we self-censor so as not to "offend" another's pwecious widdle feewings....Just saying. No such thing as "Change" ever occurs in human society without ruffling feathers at least, and tragically sometimes by shedding blood even, so speak your mind always. lest you do your birthright as a human being both great and gross disservice.

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

 

[KCFlyer]

For what possible reason? Precious few examples in history can be found of societies wherein the free exchange of ideas is deemed a virtue. America is arguably the world's foremost strong hold for such at present. I've not the slightest fantasies that my own life/actions/conversations/etc will in any way "change the world"....but we all of us do great disservice to the brilliant minds and amazing men that founded even the very notion that "All men are created equal"/etc whenever we self-censor so as not to "offend" another's pwecious widdle feewings....Just saying. No such thing as "Change" ever occurs in human society without ruffling feathers at least, and tragically sometimes by shedding blood even, so speak your mind always. lest you do your birthright as a human being both great and gross disservice.

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

If you read my previous posts you will see something that did change my world. And she never had a beer with me.

 

[EastUS1]

Sometimes the real world sucks...

Sometimes life is hard. .....She is dying. But she is a pleaser. She does not want me to know that she's in pain. And that makes the decision I have to make all that much harder."

Losing a much loved "kid-with-paws" just plain sucks. No matter how many over time; it doesn't get any "better" to say a final goodbye....Trust me on that much. No words serve here other than to suggest an entirely selfless-NOT-about-ME reflection on the happy life you best provided for them. We do our best for those we love. All beyond that's entirely in God's Hands/the universe/whatever one sees as well beyond our wildest imaginings that actually runs this place we so briefly live in.

"I'm sorry for your loss" isn't appropriate or adequate. I've never found any possible way to even attempt to understand just why our beautiful little "kids-with-paws" haven't longer times to spend with us, but that's pure selfishness on my part...I like to think far better things await them. The journey of any soul is unknowable by us, and unlike too many of us "exhalted" and "enlightened" humans who by deeds and spirit deserve precious little, well, I can't, or at least refuse to imagine the actually honest and fully loving soul of a fine dog going unrewarded in some fashion or other.

 

[Insp4]

No worries in any case. None can ever know another person from intermittent keyboard nonsense either way. Thanks for your Service....and since despite our best efforts in our earlier lives we find ourselves still breathing...well, yeah..."Party On!"

P.S. Were you by chance on USS Midway or Hancock? I only ask because my father served on those during the last half of the sixties and you might have known him then. To me as still a young-punk-in-school; I didn't see much of him during that time...that whole silly "war thing" kinda' got in the way of his being home much.

Neither. I served on the U.S.S. Bon Homme Richard, CVA-31, in VF-191, which flew F-8E's at the time.

 

[xUT]

Neither. I served on the U.S.S. Bon Homme Richard, CVA-31, in VF-191, which flew F-8E's at the time.

I had a friend in The Navy.
Did you ever cross the Equator?
He told me the right of passage was pretty brutal.
Are you a Pollywog or Shellback?
Thanks for your service, you old fart..

 

[Insp4]

Have to admit, came close, but no score. Pollywog to this day! Spent 56 days online, when we came into Philipines for R&R, Were ordered out instead to evacuate Americans from Indonesia during an attempted Communist takeover, which never happened. We sailed around for four days and then were ordered back out to Yankee station, off North Vietnam for another forty-nine days.

 

[Glenn Quagmire]

I had a friend in The Navy.
Did you ever cross the Equator?
He told me the right of passage was pretty brutal.
Are you a Pollywog or Shellback?
Thanks for your service, you old fart..

Dad flew C-1's and Cod's C-2's off CVS-14 Out of the Gulf of Tonkin, bringing injured troops back from the field and flying supplies. He then flew S-2's doing ASW off the CV-63 Kitty Hawk. Reading his logbooks with him a few months ago was chilling for me. He was able to remember the most difficult missions. His good friend Admiral Jim Stockdale led the carrier group during that time. Dad was there for the Gulf of Tonkin Incident. Some of my times/dates may be slightly skewed due to my and Dad's memory.

I remember, as a little kid, Admiral Stockdale out our house in San Diego on a Sunday afternoon BBQ by our pool. He walked with a severe limp from being tortured during his 8 years as a POW at Hoa Lo (Hanoi Hilton).

Dad also went to the Naval War College when the Admiral was President of NWC.

He was a great man. I was so infuriated when he was laughed at after his debate while he was Ross Perot's VP running mate. Most of the idiots who mocked him had no clue what that man endured while fighting for their freedom.

http://www.achievement.org/achiever/admiral-james-b-stockdale/

http://www.npr.org/2016/05/27/479507187/a-pow-dad-and-his-familys-fierce-loving-allegiance

Listening to his son Jim in the above Story Corps breaks me down. I know that could have been me telling that story. Please listen. The first thing he did when he got back was to go to all the families of those that didn't make it back. He told them what he knew of them and consoled. Even worse for the family of Admiral Stockdale was him having his life end with Alzheimer's.

My Dad is also a great man. I am fortunate to still have him around along with my Mom.

Here's to all of you who served and the spouses and families that supported them/you. Bravo Zulu!

 

[xUT]

Dad flew C-1's and Cod's C-2's off CVS-14 Out of the Gulf of Tonkin, bringing injured troops back from the field and flying supplies. He then flew S-2's doing ASW off the CV-63 Kitty Hawk. Reading his logbooks with him a few months ago was chilling for me. He was able to remember the most difficult missions. His good friend Admiral Jim Stockdale led the carrier group during that time. Dad was there for the Gulf of Tonkin Incident. Some of my times/dates may be slightly skewed due to my and Dad's memory.

I remember, as a little kid, Admiral Stockdale out our house in San Diego on a Sunday afternoon BBQ by our pool. He walked with a severe limp from being tortured during his 8 years as a POW at Hoa Lo (Hanoi Hilton).

He was a great man. I was so infuriated when he was laughed at after his debate while he was Ross Perot's VP running mate. Most of the idiots who mocked him had no clue what that man endured while fighting for their freedom.

http://www.achievement.org/achiever/admiral-james-b-stockdale/

http://www.npr.org/2016/05/27/479507187/a-pow-dad-and-his-familys-fierce-loving-allegiance

Dad also went to the Naval War College when the Admiral was President of NWC.

My Dad is also a great man. I am fortunate to still have him around along with my Mom.

Here's to all of you who served and the spouses and families that supported them/you. Bravo Zulu!

WOW!
You must be very proud,
I have no doubts that your Dad's honor has made you what you are today.
Honor is not negotiable.
Keep Dad close. Mine is gone.

 

[Insp4]

WOW!
You must be very proud,
I have no doubts that your Dad's honor has made you what you are today.
Honor is not negotiable.
Keep Dad close. Mine is gone.

Dad flew C-1's and Cod's C-2's off CVS-14 Out of the Gulf of Tonkin, bringing injured troops back from the field and flying supplies. He then flew S-2's doing ASW off the CV-63 Kitty Hawk. Reading his logbooks with him a few months ago was chilling for me. He was able to remember the most difficult missions. His good friend Admiral Jim Stockdale led the carrier group during that time. Dad was there for the Gulf of Tonkin Incident. Some of my times/dates may be slightly skewed due to my and Dad's memory.

I remember, as a little kid, Admiral Stockdale out our house in San Diego on a Sunday afternoon BBQ by our pool. He walked with a severe limp from being tortured during his 8 years as a POW at Hoa Lo (Hanoi Hilton).

Dad also went to the Naval War College when the Admiral was President of NWC.

He was a great man. I was so infuriated when he was laughed at after his debate while he was Ross Perot's VP running mate. Most of the idiots who mocked him had no clue what that man endured while fighting for their freedom.

http://www.achievement.org/achiever/admiral-james-b-stockdale/

http://www.npr.org/2016/05/27/479507187/a-pow-dad-and-his-familys-fierce-loving-allegiance

Listening to his son Jim in the above Story Corps breaks me down. I know that could have been me telling that story. Please listen. The first thing he did when he got back was to go to all the families of those that didn't make it back. He told them what he knew of them and consoled. Even worse for the family of Admiral Stockdale was him having his life end with Alzheimer's.

My Dad is also a great man. I am fortunate to still have him around along with my Mom.

Here's to all of you who served and the spouses and families that supported them/you. Bra

Dad flew C-1's and Cod's C-2's off CVS-14 Out of the Gulf of Tonkin, bringing injured troops back from the field and flying supplies. He then flew S-2's doing ASW off the CV-63 Kitty Hawk. Reading his logbooks with him a few months ago was chilling for me. He was able to remember the most difficult missions. His good friend Admiral Jim Stockdale led the carrier group during that time. Dad was there for the Gulf of Tonkin Incident. Some of my times/dates may be slightly skewed due to my and Dad's memory.

I remember, as a little kid, Admiral Stockdale out our house in San Diego on a Sunday afternoon BBQ by our pool. He walked with a severe limp from being tortured during his 8 years as a POW at Hoa Lo (Hanoi Hilton).

Dad also went to the Naval War College when the Admiral was President of NWC.

He was a great man. I was so infuriated when he was laughed at after his debate while he was Ross Perot's VP running mate. Most of the idiots who mocked him had no clue what that man endured while fighting for their freedom.

http://www.achievement.org/achiever/admiral-james-b-stockdale/

http://www.npr.org/2016/05/27/479507187/a-pow-dad-and-his-familys-fierce-loving-allegiance

Listening to his son Jim in the above Story Corps breaks me down. I know that could have been me telling that story. Please listen. The first thing he did when he got back was to go to all the families of those that didn't make it back. He told them what he knew of them and consoled. Even worse for the family of Admiral Stockdale was him having his life end with Alzheimer's.

My Dad is also a great man. I am fortunate to still have him around along with my Mom.

Here's to all of you who served and the spouses and families that supported them/you. Bravo Zulu!

Well, well, It would seem that your Dad and I, were in the same place at the same time. I got to the Bon Homme, which was already on station at the time, a month after the Gulf of Tonkin Incident.

 

[La Li Lu Le Lo]

So sorry for your loss.
My BABY schnauzer died last month at 14
I feel you KC, unconditional love.
Yea, i shed a tear thinking of Smokey (my baby) when i saw this post.
Take Care
-----------------------
edited by Me
-----------------------
Here is a pic of my babies.
View attachment 11711
Sunny died Feb 2016 Smokey died April 2017.
Smokey is on the left.
I still shed a tear when I think of them.

Same kind of dog's I had growing up.