One door closes, another door opens
We put Katie down yesterday.
It was an awful decision to have to make, especially since the time between Thursday's "Gee, you don't look so good" and the following Tuesday's goodbye forever was shockingly short.
There's something merciful about a swift ending, though. I've propped up an animal's life long past the point where either of us was very happy about it, and ultimately I think the people who told me, "The treatments are costly, but in the end it's the animal who pays" are probably right. In the face of an agressive, fatal cancer, at least, I think we did the right thing.
I mean, I have to think that or the guilt is unbearable.
Before we got to that point, however, on Saturday, I contacted our breeder in Anaheim and told him what was going on.
He said, "Here, take this."
Her name is Cookie.
She and Katie have the same mom.
They wagged their tails at each other and played in the grass. Katie taught her how to pee outside, and for that I'm forever in her debt.
It's a strange combination of feelings, to be carrying so much grief for Katie and to be so happy to have this new little beast romping around the house.
I don't know what else to say.
It was an awful decision to have to make, especially since the time between Thursday's "Gee, you don't look so good" and the following Tuesday's goodbye forever was shockingly short.
There's something merciful about a swift ending, though. I've propped up an animal's life long past the point where either of us was very happy about it, and ultimately I think the people who told me, "The treatments are costly, but in the end it's the animal who pays" are probably right. In the face of an agressive, fatal cancer, at least, I think we did the right thing.
I mean, I have to think that or the guilt is unbearable.
Before we got to that point, however, on Saturday, I contacted our breeder in Anaheim and told him what was going on.
He said, "Here, take this."
Her name is Cookie.
She and Katie have the same mom.
They wagged their tails at each other and played in the grass. Katie taught her how to pee outside, and for that I'm forever in her debt.
It's a strange combination of feelings, to be carrying so much grief for Katie and to be so happy to have this new little beast romping around the house.
I don't know what else to say.
174 Comments:
Oh no! I am so sorry for you, Jackson, and Jack. You absolutely did the right thing but I know that knowledge doesn't necessarily make it any easier...we will all miss Katie.
I am sorry too. Other than that, there doesn't seem to be much to say but I too think you did the right thing (whatever the hell that is worth!).
And I am glad you have Cookie. It is so hard to have that empty space be completely empty after a pet dies.
XOXOXO. Big love.
Oh, that last pic. I just sent a huge hug/snuggle/smooch to Cookie, Jackson and most of all Katie.
Oh. I am so sorry. I don't know what to say. I'm really sorry eden.
I'm so sorry. My heart is breaking for you.
I'm so sorry.
That's so tragic. I'm so sorry you all had to go through that. Big hugs, you did the right thing for Katie.
I'm so sorry.
i've sent a note to my irish setter, trixie and my border collie, max. katie will have some friendly faces waiting for her when she reaches her destination.
Oh G_d that sucks!
I agree sometimes putting the animal down is the most humane thing to do, never the easy thing.
My sympathies to your entire family and especially the wee child.
Cookie is a doll.
Oh, I am so sorry.
I remember when my parents called to tell me our dog was sick. Two days later they had to put her down. Sixty to zero in two days; way too fast.
I hope Cookie helps ease the pain of losing Katie. She's darling, and so was Katie.
I am really sorry to hear about this. I have been reading your site for a long time and I have always loved hearing about Katie. She was such a lovely adorable dog who pulled off boxers like no ones business. I am glad she was lucky enough to have a parent like you.
I'm also glad she was able to teach Cookie how to go outside. That is, in my opinion, the most important dog lesson. I hope things go alright with you and your family during this.
Dogs are such loving creatures. I'm sure Katie was grateful not to have to suffer anymore. And now you have Cookie, who isn't a replacement, but she'll help you move on.
I've always said, I hope someone gives me a shot of that stuff when it's my time to go.
I put my cocker spaniel, Stella, down on September 12, 2001. Bad week for all, eh? About a week before that (Stella was in renal failure so we knew we had to do it), we got Moose, the Boston terrier. Our first photos of him look a lot like your grassy shot of Cookie. It helped us to have him, and I believe it helped Stella to KNOW we had him.
Katie is happier because of your courage. I wish for your healing.
Fondly, Amy
I'm so sorry for your loss.
A couple weeks after my dog died I got a cat. It's strange to be so sad and miss your doggie so much and to start to love a new animal.
And nothing anyone can say helps. But, I do send out my warmest thoughts for you and your family while you grieve the loss of such a wonderful friend and companian.
I'm so sorry. Saying goodbye is never easy - and knowing you had to sayit so soon is just heartbreaking to hear. Take care of each other.
My husband and I are struggling with a similar decision right now; it feels like deciding the fate of a family member.
I'm very sorry to hear about Katie, but congratulations on your new addition. Cookie is adorable.
owie.
this made my heart hurt.
i really really hope that i never have to walk in your shoes. i would be an utter mess.
cookie is edible.
I'm so sorry to hear about Katie. I'm glad, though, that Cookie is there to help ease the sadness. **HUGS**
How special that Katie was able to meet Cookie & pass the torch...She will forever be Katie's little Cookie. Don't know what else to say except that time heals all things. My condolences to you all...
I'm so sorry about Katie.
But damn if Cookie isn't cute.
I had to put down a pet cat once, who also had cancer, and who had survived one surgery only to get a recurrence. I ain't comparing; I'm just saying, I know a bit of how it feels and I'm really sorry. (And glad for the new addition.)
Farewell to Katie, and welcome to her little half-sibling Cookie. Here's hoping a Cookie is just the remedy for a sad family.
PS: Despite the temptation, do NOT go visit any animated rainbow bridge websites for the next three weeks. They will make you sob and you'll be sort of embarrassed for yourself.
RIP Katie.
I am so sorry for your loss, I enjoyed reading about Katie.
Cookie is a sweetie, I wish you all many years of happiness with her.
I'm so sorry Mrs. K. So very sorry.
Cookie couldn't have picked a better family. Big hugs to you and your wonderful family.
Karen
xo
oh, i'm so sorry. people don't know how hard it can be to let an animal go.
but cookie looks sweet, and i hope she helps fill the void a little and reminds you every day that you don't need to feel guilty.
I'm so sorry for your loss. You don't need any of us to tell you you made the right decision, but I'm telling you anyway...you're a courageous family.
And welcome, Cookie. You're cute!
I'm so sorry for your loss. You don't need any of us to tell you you made the right decision, but I'm telling you anyway...you're a courageous family.
And welcome, Cookie. You're cute!
Gosh Mrs. Kennedy.
I always think I have to say something funny or intelligent or snarky here -
and today all I can think of is
gee
I'm
so
sorry.
I usually bitch about the location of my cube and how far it seems from civilization until I read a post like this and actually find myself weeping.
We put down the family dog, at 16, in December. I was miserable until March when I got an amazing pup from the Humane Society.
Katie and Cookie are very lucky to spend time, no matter how long or short, with a family that loves them!
I know that we sign up for these sorts of decisions when we bring a pet home, but that doesn't make them simple.
I feel like you did the right thing - to me it is part of the understanding we have with our dogs: they love us unconditionally, and we take care of them and make their lives easy. I think that means making their death easy, too. At least for them, if not for us.
Oh no. I'm so sorry. Katie sounded lovely.
You did the right thing in sparing her pain. It sounds like she had a good death.
Oof, this is so hard. No one can ever really be prepared to lose a pet. Best wishes to your family.
I'm so sorry, Mrs. K. Katie was a gem--thank you for sharing her with us. Hoping all is feeling okay with the Kennedy household--that's a tough thing to go through for everyone. Peace on you all.
Rest in peace sweet Katie. Welcome to the family, cute Cookie.
i'm so sorry, relieved and happy for you, all at once.
maybe a crass question, but how did your breeder react to all of this? katie has had more than her fair share of problems in her short life. i guess the real question is: free puppy?
So very, very sorry about Katie.
So very, very happy about Cookie.
I hope there is absolutely no pet drama anywhere in your future!
My thoughts are with you all. While I never met Katie, her smile and your pictures of her brightened my day.
I wish you and the whole family peace.
I'm sorry for your loss. Pets are always a member of the family. I hope Katie knew the new puppy would help ease your transition.
Congratulations on the new puppy.
I'm sad for your loss and happy for your new addition. I hope Jackson is taking everything well. Love and hugs to your family.
You did make the right decision, as it was done from love.
I'm very sorry.
I'm so sorry about Katie. It does seem that you did the right thing. It wouldn't have been fair to Katie to go through all that pain. I love that last picture of the two of them with Jackson - very bittersweet.
Of course you did the right thing. I'm so sorry, and much love to you.
And Cookie is just plain adorable. That face!
My dearest Mrs. Kennedy. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, but happy your family will not fall short. Much love to you all.
Big time lurker here bawling her eyes out for your loss. I am sorry and wish I had the right words.
Beautiful pictures, both of them. I hope Katie is romping in heaven with the best of them, including my Georgie (nearly one year deceased). Congratulations on the new pup. I think there's an old saying, or proverb or something: "Puppies mend broken hearts." Peace to you all.
Ach, the heartbreak, it is too much. Give everyone a kiss for me, and get one back from Cookie. I feel your pain intensely. It is hard to say goodbye to our furry buddies.
I will miss Katie too, although I only ever knew her through your stories and pictures: she was a gorgeous dog. I hope you, Jackson and Jack are as okay as you can be.
For me, missing dead pets eventually gives way to smiling when I think about happy memories of them, and I hope that happens for you too.
Lots and lots of love to you, and a great big welcome to Cookie - she has no idea what a great family she's just come into.
oh, i'm so sorry to hear that. you did the kindest thing you could for katie. poor jackson, between the old and the new.
Sending thoughts of consolation...I'm very sorry for your loss.
Katie will be surely missed.....your blogs or so insightful
So sorry for your loss. A pet is a family member, and saying goodbye is so hard.
Eden, I'm so sorry. I know your heart must be broken, but you so, SO did the right thing for Katie.
Two weeks ago we had our beloved 10 year old dog Indy euthanized - she'd had diabetes for over a year and was heading steadily downhill. We have no kids, so she was like a kid to us. We didn't see the point of keeping her lingering till she was pissing herself and unable to walk. Making the decision to let them go BEFORE they're at the absolute end is wrenchingly hard - but I think it's also the kindest and most unselfish thing you can do. I feel your heartache because I'm there too... But you did right by your girl.
Best wishes for a LONG and happy life with little sister Cookie!
I am terribly sorry for your loss. Cancer sucks ass and Katie did not deserve to suffer. You did the right thing and I pray I'm strong enough to make the same choice should I ever need to. Cookie has some big boxers to fill!
Christ, that is sad, but in a kind of life-affirming way. I don't know that I've ever heard of a family getting a puppy right before putting down their other pet. It seems like a really good idea, though. And shit, that little puppy is awfully cute. I'd say you handled this about as well as is humanly possible.
I'm so touched by this somehow, these life transitions. These decisions are never easy, and I think you acted with a huge amount of compassion. Please accept my condolences on Katie's passing, and my congratulations on Cookie's arrival. May Cookie bring you much happiness at this strange and difficult time.
Ahhhh.... I'm (as everyone) so very sorry, Mrs. K/Jack and Jackson. You definitely made the right decision - one of the hardest ones, but the right one.
Cookie ... is a little morsel. Hopefully her sweetness will help assuage some of your collective sorrow.
A small confession about Katie: I actually had an small fear that I'd someday run into the bunch of you cruising around Farmers Market or something and blurt out, "Oh HIIIIII Katieee! You're even more cute in person," etc... leaving the human members of your family shaking their heads at you and backing away, slowly. You know, the ultimate awkward "blog-by sighting".
Any rate, I'm glad your breeder did the right thing by you - He sounds like a person who loves and cares for dogs and people.
Such a tough choice. But you made the right one, I think. Cookie is beautiful and will be happy with you, and Katie only had great experiences with you. That's a lot to be proud of.
I am so sorry. That is so hard and it hurts sososo much and I am sorry.
The last picture got me crying.
xo to all of you and to Katie.
I'm so sorry.
No words really. I went through this recently myslef and it takes time to heal. I know you all did the right thing and Katie will rest in peace. Cookie is a sweetie.
Just let it take as much time as each one of you needs.
Hugs to the Kennedy family!
I'm so sorry that you lost Katie.
I'm very happy for you that you have such a lovely reminder of how great Katie was.
Beautiful. And now I'm crying in my cubicle. Thankfully, I have allergies, and no one here will be none the wiser.
My little dog died suddenly of liver cancer many years ago. It was a very similar thing...one day she seemed unwell. The next day we got the diagnosis. The day after that, she was gone. Sometimes I think it's actually worse when it is so sudden, when you don't have half a chance to steel yourself for it.
I'm glad Katie's little sister has coem to help keep you all company. I wish her a long, healthy, happy life with all of you. She's darling.
I feel so sad about the whole thing. Saddest for Jackson, although death and grief is a lot more simple for a kid-- no baggage around it or attatchment to what "death" means. I'm sorry you lost her.
Hi Cookie.
It was the right decision but a really hard one. I'm sorry it was there to make.
When we lost Chancey (over a year ago now, hard to believe as that is), I lobbied hard to get another dog right away. And I was right, and so were you. It's incredibly awful to lose your beloved dog, and in my experience, the next dog is the only thing that makes it better. Not replacement--symmetry. Which your picture of the two dogs and Jackson shoes pretty damned clearly.
We'll be thinking about your family and donating to a rescue in Katie's name this month.
oh my goodness. that was very fast. poor katie and the kennedys. i am glad you have sweet cookies to add some joy in the house right now. that last photo is absolutely beautiful. hugs and kisses to all the peoples and beasts.
xo
Ohhhh. My heart is breaking for you. But I am so happy that you essentially have a part of Katie to carry on in her absence.
I'm sorry that you had to make the decision to put her down but it was the right one. My in-laws Rottweiler was diagnosed with cancer a couple of years ago, they put him though chemo and two months later he still had to be put down. It cost them so much more money and heartache, not to mention the pain and misery the dog had to go through.
May Katie rest in peace and may Cookie help your family through the healing process.
Almost everyone I know has pets, the diagnosis-treatment-decision thing is familiar to me and yet, I'm horribly surprised every single time. I opened this page and gasped. I didn't think you'd have to go so fast. I'm so very, very sorry. It's just awful. Glad you have Cookie to cuddle.
So, so, sorry.
i am surprisingly incredibly sad to hear that katie is gone. of all the internet dogs, she was my favorite. how sad. and although you completely don't need to hear it from the likes of me, you did the right thing. but it's still awful that she's gone.
but cookie? i'm going to have to eat cookie. becuase cookie is too damned cute.
goodbye adorable internet dog katie.
Oh my god! I haven't checked in with you for a while, and then today, well.....
I am so, so sorry, Mrs. K. I don't even know you guys and my heart is breaking for you. She sounded like a wonderful dog.
Take care. Have fun with Cookie. She's super adorable.
Well, hell. I am so sorry. The pain will eventually pass, leaving only the love.
I'm so terribly sorry. I've loved reading about Katie .... she was a great dog.
I'm sorry for y'all's loss...that's never an easy choice to make...welcome to the newest little one
Oh NO! Mrs. K, I am so sorry for your loss. That is such a difficult decision to make, and in my opinion you did the right thing. I've been there. In fact, I just had a little chat with my Kota, and Katie will be in excellent company. ;-) Again, I am so sorry.
Cookie is edible, clearly. I hope that loving her helps all of you to heal from the loss of dear Katie.
I am so very, very sorry.
Godspeed, Katie. Godspeed.
There's so much to be said in the photo of a boy and his two dogs - he will always remember, and learn that love is endless, regardless of endings.
oh, you make me cry. I'm glad you have some semblance of balance. What a good girl Katie was, and how wonderful she was able to meet your new member and maybe haze her a bit.
I'm so sorry for your loss but applaud the life affirming way that your family took on this crisis.
Enjoy your Cookie, and know that you'll always remember Katie.
All the best!
So, so sorry to hear about Katie. Tough decision but I'm sure it was the right thing.
Cookie looks like a winner. Have fun.
I'm really sorry.
I hope Jackson is holding up okay.
This is the saddest and sweetest thing I have ever read, Mrs. K.
So much love and light to you all.
RIP Katie. See you on the other side.
Welcome Cookie. You're in excellent, loving hands.
Oh that's awful. Such a brutal thing to go through. Pet owners love our little beasts, know them so well, let them become family, and then bear this terrible responsibility to make difficult decisions when they become unwell. I am sure you did the right thing.
It's a good thing humans are complicated and can hold grief and delight in our hearts at once.
Condolences to the family (and a warm welcome to Cookie, who looks just lovely).
My parents recently went through almost the exact same situation. Listless on Wednesday, vet on Thursday, gone on Friday. They were devastated and still have a hard time talking about him. I still look for him to greet me when I visit and am constantly saving my last bite of food for him.
I'm sorry for you loss. These pets find their way into our hearts, don't they?
Cookie is beautiful. She reminds me of the female we had, her black "eyeliner" is so pretty. I know the pain of a bulldog lost to cancer and I am so sorry you are having to go through that. I am kind of giggling though.. thinking you must really love the breed to go thru the bulldog puppy stage twice. I would do it 100 more times myself, what little imps they are. I miss the facial expressions and the sleeping with the tongue out. Once a bulldog owner, you are forever bewitched by their charms. A big hug, Paige
I cry.
I have a pug, Porter, up there. He's a good guy. I'll put a word in for him to show Katie around.
I'm glad you all have Cookie. I hope she helps ease the loss of Katie for you.
I am sorry for your loss. Even when you know it's the right thing to do, it's awfully hard to do it.
Best of luck with your new pup.
You did right by Katie. Always remember that, along with all the wonderful times when she was happy and not in pain.
We know when pets come into our lives that we will probably outlive them. Doesn't make it any easier to lose them.
Enjoy every day with Cookie.
I'm so sorry about Katie. She was such a beautiful puppy. You did the right thing for her, the selfless thing, the hardest thing.
You new little cookie looks adorable, she won't replace Katie but hopefully she'll help ease you all through this transition.
Oh, sweet Katie. Rest in peace dear girl. I know your decision was heartbreaking, I've had to make it myself on several occasions. Thank you for giving her that final gift of peace.
I'm so so sorry.
I hope Cookie brings you all some joy.
Sending you all love and hugs.
I am so sorry to hear about Katie's passing. I hope the new little doggie warms your heart and help's Jackson's repair itself!
That first sentence just knocked the wind out of me. It is so, so hard. I wish you all the best.
Cookie is such a cutie.
I'm so sorry, I enjoyed your stories about Katie.
But awww, how cute is Cookie? Just the name makes me want to snuggle and smooch her! I hope you are all dealing with the transition well.
What a lovely memory for your family to see the adorable Cookie and Katie together.
I am so sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry.
And you are so right about the price being far too great for the animal who suffers through a fatal illness/disease. I worked at a vets office for sometime as an assistant and some of the heroic measures requested by the loving pet 'owners' were just so sad. You did the right thing as sad as it may be.
Cookie is adorable, too kind of your breeder to offer her up.
This just breaks my heart. I went through a lot of the same emotions when we had to have our cat Salvador put to sleep suddenly earlier this month.
It does get better, but it is hard.
You did the right thing. You loved Katie and we have to make these difficult choices for them. In the end, it is kinder.
I am so sorry for your loss. I'm glad you have Katie's sister with you, that seems right. Cookie is so adorable.
It shows true love and care to be able to take that decision for the welfare of your dog. It is much harder to do that so they don't suffer. You made the right decision for Katie and spared her any more pain.
And at least she got to meet Cookie and pass on her love to her!
Take care all of you!
You DID do the right thing - we were faced with a similar choice, a kidney transplant for our elderly cat or ... well you know.
We were tempted, but it would have hurt her, she would not have understood why and, ultimately, it would not have given her all that much time. Don't feel guilty, feel glad that this was something you could do for someone you loved.
I'm sorry about Katie - having a loved pet put down is a weird mixture of emotions. I hope your family and Cookie can bring each other a lot of happiness.
I'm so sorry!!
It is never easy, but you did the right thing.
Cookie is so cute. She does look like she might have a little mischief in her, though.
fuckadoodle-doo, that sucks. i'm very very sorry, and i agree that you did the right thing. the hardest thing.
wow. {{{hugs}}}
My dog, Charmer, acquired the lovely cancer in his mouth when I was 9. We forked over a ton of money, that I now fully understand (as this was nearly 20 years ago)that my parents didn't have to spend, to have it operated on. He spent 3 mo. lying around the house miserably "recovering" - a shell of himself - only for us to find that it had not only come back but spread to his lungs and abdomen.
We put him down two days before Christmas. As painful as your decision was, you have to know it was the right one for Katie. I wish we could take back the 3 mo. of agony Charmer went through while we sat around hoping for "even a few more months with him".
I'm so sorry for you all. Good luck with your new little love.
I'm so sorry and so happy for you.
Katie <3 and Cookie <3
What a story. That is so great that they got to meet each other...I understand the mix of feelings, though, and having been in your position only one terrible time, agree with Ariel about the avoidance of said Web sites, unless you need a good, cleansing cry.
That last photo is a gift - thanks for sharing, even if I'm now useless for the next bit of time at work. Dogs and their people get me every time. Best wishes to all of you.
I'm so sorry about Katie honey. I lost my old friend Stirling a few months ago, and it just broke me in two. I'm glad you have the new baby to hold and love though.
I LOVE that little face.
Eden, I am sitting here sobbing for the first time since we had to put our dog down nearly a month ago. I know there is nothing to say to make it easier; it just sucks.
How is Jackson doing?
happy/sad, life is so much like that, good breeder!
so sorry about Katie, no doubt she parked her heart with Cookie
(hug) i'm so very sorry about katie. my eyes are welling up thinking about it.
Thinking of all of you.