Friday, April 10, 2009

Godspeed, Pirate

This morning Pirate was released from her failing body. Pirate was old and unwell when she arrived here. Some good medications gave her 14 months of comfort, warmth and high quality of life. Over the past few weeks, she had begun to fade with her bad days getting closer and closer together. This week she did not rebound and was just getting worse. Her mobility was limited, she needed more and more assistance with everything.

Her quality of life was gone, so we gave her the one thing we had left....a gentle, peaceful passing. The vet came to the house and Pirate passed with no stress, on her favorite blankets with her people holding her paws. She was ready to go; I wasn't nearly as ready as I thought!

Pirate was with us for a mere 14 months out of her many years, but in that time she knew comfort, warmth and love. She was dry and safe. I'd imagine that this place is hard to adjust as an elderly dog, probably tricky as a young dog, but Pirate adapted to being a house dog in no time. She loved lounging around on her blankets and even tolerated the cats walking over her. She was deaf as a post, but somehow always heard the kibble hitting her bowl. She never missed a meal, even last night, when I had to hold her up, she still wanted to eat.

She showed us signs of what she must have been like as a young dog. I bet she was a handful! Even at 14 she thought she was tough and she hated Sleet, my other ancient girl. The only time I've ever laughed while breaking up a dog fight was pulling those two apart...both almost toothless, stiff and half blind, but still willing to battle it out!

This is my favorite picture of her, taken just a couple weeks ago. I rarely gave Pirate bones; she had a delicate digestive system and extra treats usually meant extra mess for both of us! She didn't really eat that bone, but she gummed it up for hours and enjoyed every second of it!

I hope in some way the last 14 months of your life compensated for the crappy earlier years. I'm glad you made it here, even if it wasn't for nearly long enough. You were and will always be deeply loved. Godspeed, Pi-Shy girl.

13 comments:

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

As we pawed when woo furst shared this earlier today, woo gave her the best gift that truly showed your love fur her:

Woo let her go even though woo knew it would do to your heart -

She's running free North of the Rainbow Bridge now with an almost full moon to guide her wandering spirit -

Look fur her sign she's made it -

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra and Phyll

Carol said...

you made the right but difficult decision...we are so much kinder to our animals! I just know that Pirate is free of pain and once again enjoying life on the other side. You knew when you brought her home that it would not be for a long enough time but how much sweeter to be in your home than the alternative. Take care my sweet daughter and know you gave Pirate comfort these past 14 months. LOve ya, mom

dogsled_stacie said...

I love the description of breaking up the ol' girls fight, you gotta admire their spunk, TOTALLY reminds me of my ol' Kate. I bet you Pirate is no doubt maybe giving Kate a run for her money wherever they are now, where they are both young and able-bodied. :)

I bet the last 14 months was the best of her life!

Jack & Moo said...

Because of you, Pirate left this earth knowing what it was to be loved. No one could have given her a better gift than that! In truth, she was loved by many, many others, myself included, who never met her face to face, but grew to love her thru your stories.

Godspeed, old girl, safe journey North of the Rainbow Bridge.

Loving woos & a-roos,
Star, Jack, and our bipeds

Unknown said...

Hugs to you ... you did the best thing at the end and certainly the very very best thing for the last 14 months. What a lovely old girl she was.

Lisa said...

I'm so glad she had 14 months with you and knew the good life for a while. I will miss seeing pictures of her and I know you miss her terribly. (((hugs)))

Flurry and Aja said...

I am crying so hard here, for you, not for Pirate, she is a pup, pup, puppy running around at the bridge right now, rejoicing that she made it there.

You did a good job TamaraLyn, as you do with all of the children God has entrusted to you. In fact, you did an excellent job. I doubt that anyone could have given Pirate a better few months than you did.

We are never ready to see them go, but the time apart is only temporary. You will see Pirate again, I am sure of it.

Lots of love and hugs from me, Flurry, Aja and their flock.

Joe Stains said...

We are sorry to hear about the loss of Pirate, but you did a great job with her and we know she appreciated every second.

Phred said...

Tamara ~

You and Stuart packed a Lot of Love
into Pirate's last 14 months ...
She'll never forget her time with the
Wandering Spirits.

Wear your Silver Harness with pride,
Pirate - you more than earned it.

/signed with tears/ Phred & the FurKids

The Army of Four said...

We are so deeply sorry to hear about Pirate. May God bless all of you, until you meet again!
Tail wags,
Storms

RachelW said...

Farewell, sweet Pirate.

Anonymous said...

Oh Mom is still in tears over this... Godspeed sweet Pirate!
Hugs,
Sitka

Khady Lynn said...

You gave her love and attention for the last months of her life. She was very happy, finally, to know such true human caring.

Holly