Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Poopers Is Now In The Big Doghouse In The Sky.

This is topic Poopers Is Now In The Big Doghouse In The Sky. in forum Film-Yak at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://ft-forum.com/ft/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=8;t=002672

Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 11-07-2003, 05:29 PM:

Was a sad day for me, indeed. It feels like I lost part of my life. Poopers has been with me since 1990, and now he is gone. Sitting here alone trying to keep my composure is a very difficult thing for me to do.

Posted by Luciano Brigite (Member # 1104) on 11-07-2003, 05:34 PM:

[Frown]

*Hugs*

Posted by Paul Mayer (Member # 355) on 11-07-2003, 05:44 PM:

[Frown]

Condolences go out to you Paul [Frown]

From one of the other Pauls
(One that had a favorite cat pass on while in his arms two years ago...)

Posted by Per Hauberg (Member # 529) on 11-07-2003, 05:46 PM:

Oh dear. -Every time, we buy a new doggie, we know one thing for sure: that we are buying ourselves one dark, dark day, some day in the future. - And still, we do. -You too, I guess, will have a new little companion after Poopers...
Last time, I was digging a grave for a dog, the tunes reached me from the booth behind me - I don't know, what the song i called in the original US version, but the danish translation of that song from Toy Story was "You are the best of friends".
I sure was crying !
Was it the same illnes as half a year ago, that took Poopers away, or was it just old age...?

I'm sad with You, Paul [Frown]

Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 11-07-2003, 06:03 PM:

Hang in there Paul. My thoughts are with you in this sad time. [Frown]

>>> Phil

Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 11-07-2003, 06:18 PM:

Per, he would have been 18 in April.

When he was hit by the old dog syndrome 6 months ago, he did go downhill. He lost his hearing, and recently he didn't want to eat or drink water. He would sleep most of the time, and when he tried to walk around while he was awake, he seemed totally confused and very uncordinated. Sometimes he was almost twisting himself in a knot, and he would lose his balance and fall over. It was very difficult for him to go potty....and when he did, it hurt him so bad he would emit a painful whine. Sometimes he would lay there and look at me like he was saying, "It is time...I am ready."

I seriously doubt I will get another dog. I, too, am old...and I would worry what would happen to him and who would take care of it should something happen to me.

I felt the most humane thing to do was what I did. The vet agreed...there was no longerany hope of him living a quality life without pain.

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 11-07-2003, 07:04 PM:

That's very sad to hear Paul. Having a pet around is a reliable companion and something I don't think you want to give up.

How about a cat? Cats for the most part can take care of themselves if you need to make a road trip or are working a lot. [Smile]

Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 11-07-2003, 07:12 PM:

Cats have their advantages as do dogs. I remember when my cat of 16 years died a little over a year ago. Not good times. It's always sad when a dog dies. They are very loyal. Just hang in there and remember the fun times. Don't try to rush getting over it emotionally. And never say "He was just a pet".

If, in the future, you decide to get a cat, don't get one like Brad's cat. She hates everyone but Brad.

Posted by John Westlund (Member # 913) on 11-07-2003, 07:13 PM:

I'm very sorry to hear about your loss Paul. I know that is a hard decision to make but sometimes is best for the pet. I'm sure Poopers lived a good happy life and you will always have those memories of him.

Sincerely,

John

Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 11-07-2003, 07:23 PM:

Sorry to hear it, Paul. It sounds like you made the right decision, though, and hopefully you can take comfort in the fact that Poopers is now in a better place for him right now.

Posted by Betsie Beadling (Member # 591) on 11-07-2003, 07:29 PM:

Im Feeling Very Sad
that Poopers Passed away [Frown]

I Think I'll go
sit in the Corner and Cry

Posted by Daryl C. W. O'Shea (Member # 1303) on 11-07-2003, 07:35 PM:

Sorry to here that Paul. Hang in there. [Smile]

Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 11-07-2003, 08:34 PM:

A little 13-inch Beagle named Poopers.

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 11-07-2003, 09:12 PM:

So sad to hear of Poopers passing. [Frown]

I'm sure you have 13 years of fond memories of the fun and canine companionship you've had. I still remember all my pets, back to my early childhood.

Posted by Randy Stankey (Member # 64) on 11-08-2003, 12:38 AM:

Very sorry to hear, Paul. [Frown]

It's easy to try to minimize your own feelings and say, "Just a dog." You may think, "It's wrong to have emotions when something so (seemingly) trivial happens." The truth is that a person who doesn't have some emotion in a situation like this is the one who is wrong. Not allowing yourself to grieve (or otherwise feel shitty) is going to have negative consequences down the road. In a nutshell, grief is normal.

When I have bad feelings about losing a pet I try to remember this: Way back in ancient times, Man domesticated animals for pets. In their natural habitat, dogs, cats and other animals would have fended for themselves. In the process of domestication, many animals lost or minimized their natural instincts to survive in the wild. Nowadays, most pets are dependant on humans for survival. As far as I'm concerned, domesticating animals for our own pleasure, we have taken on the responsibility to make sure that they live dignified lives. When it comes time for them to die as all creatures must, it is also our responsibility to allow them to have a dignified death.

This is exactly what you have done. You have lived up to your end of the bargain, so to speak. You have done the morally right thing. To swallow your feelings and have Poopers euthanized deserves a pat on the back.

You could have done nothing. Poopers could have lived his last moments in pain. Immoral in my book.
You could have given him drugs to make him comfortable until he died naturally. Not immoral, per se, but selfish to say the least. Prolonging his life so that you won't feel sorry wouldn't serve the dog any better. You would spend more money just to avoid the inevitable.
Eutnanasia allowed Poopers to die with dignity and without pain.

I don't think animals have emotions like humans but I think animals have a "sense" that lets them know when it's time to die. If it was possible for Poopers to make the decision himself, I'm sure he would have chosen the same thing you chose for him.

Basically, I'm saying that you can temper your emotions with the knowledge that you did the right thing.

Now, let's all have a drink and toast to Poopers' memory! [beer]

Posted by Jason Black (Member # 684) on 11-08-2003, 01:21 AM:

Paul,

Very sorry to hear of your loss. As many others have already said, you did the right thing. I think that Randy put it in better terms than I've ever heard or read anywhere before!

Posted by Rick Long (Member # 213) on 11-08-2003, 01:30 AM:

So sorry to hear about Poopers, Paul.

I too have suffered the recent loss of two pets; Butch, (combination police-dog and beagle) 16 years old and my cat, Furface (perisan) 17 years old within a month of each other.

Although they used to fight like cats and dogs when they were younger, they seemed, as they grew older to tolerate and depend on each other.

I too, although I miss them terribly, would not be looking forward to the prospect of training new pets at my age.

Again, please accept my condolences from someone who understands well the loss you are now feeling.

Posted by Mathew Molloy (Member # 666) on 11-08-2003, 02:05 AM:

Very saddened to learn of your loss. I know there's no replacing Poopers but I wouldn't be suprised if another critter doesn't find it's way into that big ol' heart of yours sooner or later.

"My heart is heavy for my friend stopped running today."
-Watership Down

Posted by Dan Lyons (Member # 1454) on 11-08-2003, 03:38 AM:

I'm sorry Paul. [Frown]

I know how it feels, we (my family) had to put our 6 year old Corgi dog to sleep a few months ago because she developed lung cancer. It's not easy.

Danny

Posted by Jeff Stricker (Member # 224) on 11-08-2003, 06:19 AM:

Very sorry, Paul. Our 11 year old Scottie has lost her hearing and sleeps most of the day. I'm afraid her day will come all too soon , too. This is our second dog, our first had to be put down due to old age. I don't think we will ever get another.

Posted by Bruce McGee (Member # 131) on 11-08-2003, 07:13 AM:

Very sorry, Paul.

Think of it this way: Poopers no longer has pain and is happy and energetic.

You have pictures of your pet to help you remember.

Time will help you.

I lost my 19 year old cat in June 2002. I STILL think that I see her now and then.

Posted by Michael Harlow (Member # 1353) on 11-08-2003, 09:32 AM:

Paul, my thoughts and wishes are with you.

Posted by Joe Beres (Member # 678) on 11-08-2003, 09:35 AM:

Paul, I am so sorry. We had to put our dog down last January, so sadly, I know what you are going through. I only got to meet Poopers once, but he was a sweetheart, as well as a great traveling companion and friend. Hang in there. A friend of mine who lost his dog years before said that he still cries sometimes, but after a while you cry with a sort of happiness that your dog was a part of your life and because you had the pleasure of getting to know them. Take Care, Paul.

Posted by Richard Thomas (Member # 1815) on 11-08-2003, 10:34 AM:

The Rainbow Bridge

There is a bridge connecting heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass.

When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. The old and frail animals are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again. They play all day with each other.

There is only one thing missing. They are not with their special person who loved them on Earth. So each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up! The eyes are staring! And this one suddenly runs from the group!

You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 11-08-2003, 11:01 AM:

Sorry to hear of your loss paul

Posted by Gracia L. Babbidge (Member # 582) on 11-08-2003, 12:39 PM:

[Frown]

*hugs*

Posted by Adam Wilbert (Member # 1184) on 11-08-2003, 05:02 PM:

Paul,

I remember poopers sitting upstairs in the booth, paitiently waiting your return from a trip you took a few months back. When he saw you come around the corner, he nearly knocked you back down the stairs! He was always like that with you. I picture him doing much the same right now, though a little further upstairs. I, too, am sorry for your loss.

-Adam

Posted by Manny Knowles (Member # 1171) on 11-08-2003, 05:37 PM:

quote:
Sitting here alone trying to keep my composure is a very difficult thing for me to do.

Paul -- I see no reason for you to maintain your composure. Break down and cry. Grief is a natural process and you shouldn't repress your emotions.

We are taught from very early in life to have a sense of shame when it comes to grief. When someone is feeling down, we tell them to "cheer up."

When kids lose a pet we try to distract them with the thought of going out and getting another pet. Replace the loss.

We don't want to be around others when they are feeling low and, by the same token, we become careful about repressing our own grief rather than risk alienation. It's a cultural problem.

Perhaps you are familiar with the expression: Laugh and the world laughs with you; cry and you cry alone.

We can tell you things to try and make you feel better: "Poopers is in a better place" for example. Your own expression "the big doghouse in the sky" is very similar. But these statements are in fact a change of subject. They focus on Poopers while avoiding the fact of YOUR pain.

Is Paul in a better place? No. Paul is suffering a loss. Don't ignore that fact.

I'm very sorry that you are grieving right now. Grief is healthy and normal but it certainly isn't any fun. I have had pets that I loved and I have had to cope with losing them but, in the final analysis, my losses are irrelevant because your relationship with Poopers was unique and there is no way to know how this loss is affecting you.

Maybe you feel that you have to "be strong" and "hold yourself together" but I can assure you that the pressure-cooker analogy is accurate. Vent now or pay later.

This may help:

The Grief Recovery Handbook (Amazon.com)

Posted by Stephen Furley (Member # 1277) on 11-08-2003, 05:58 PM:

Sorry to hear the news Paul. I know you were very fond of him.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 11-08-2003, 10:14 PM:

Paul,

Very sorry to hear about Poopers. He's in a better place now with all his old buddies and an unlimited supply of dog cookies [thumbsup]

. Best thing now he can eat all he wants to and not gain an ounce of weight [Smile]

.

You probably remember my two dogs when you visited. I let go of them a couple of months ago....Found a really good home for Tasha, and Miko ended up at an adoption center for Aussies and then was adopted by a gal in Park City. Work keeps me so busy and I felt putting them in a kennel all the time was unfair. Now they both are with new owners that have lots of time to spend with them. I Miss them alot but they are much better off now!!

Mark @ CLACO

Posted by Rachel Gilardi (Member # 1016) on 11-09-2003, 07:08 PM:

I'm sorry to hear about Poopers Paul... [Frown]

We all know how much you loved that pup so I'm sure Poopers knew that better then anyone else!

*BIG HUGS*

Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 11-10-2003, 02:06 PM:

Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank you for your warm thoughts, kind comments and encouragement. I very much appreciate it.

[Smile]

Posted by Don Bruechert (Member # 1538) on 11-10-2003, 02:25 PM:

Paul, sorry to hear about Poopers. I know how it feels to lose a friend like that [Frown]