Well I don't want to get into it, especially because of what our dea Malta is

[Maraya1969]

going through but there is something about the wonderfulness of people I'd like to tell you about today.

I had to put my Duke down this morning He was 18. I took him to Animal sevices because I had just spent a lot of money and the last time I took an animal to a vet to be put down the bitch charged me $245.

Anyway it was horrible. I think Duke had a couple strokes this weekend because his brain got real bad and I've
had real old dogs before and the vets has explained that can happen to them and they kind of forget where they are.

Back to the the Animal Control. They make you take a ticket and sit there with the kids who are with their parents getting their first puppy. There was at least 15 people in and out of the waiting room while I sat there. You would think they would have a separate room for this. On top of it all I was crying hysterically and trying to hide it.....I'm sure you all know what that is like.

But then a woman came and sat with me and helped me cry. And then her number came up and I saw her talking to another woman and then that woman came over to me and handed me a check for $50 and said she was going to make a donation to animal services but she wanted to give it to me instead so I could take Duke to the vet and be with him and hold him when he died.

I didn't take the money and eventually I left Duke at the place and I know he is waiting at the Rainbow briedge for me right now.

And I met an angel that helped me remember, like someone once said, that most people really are good at heart .

Duke:

[Midlodemocrat]

1. Wow. What a beautiful story.

I'm crying right now. Duke is beautiful and he IS waiting for you.

Safe passage, Duke.

:hug: to you, Maraya.

[Maraya1969]

7. Thanks Midledemocrat. I'm sorry to make you cry though. But

I bet if I didn't include the part about those 2 ladies none of us would have cried.

IMO .......... well let me just say that mostly I feel really bad for a person who loses a pet. Especially if it is not expected like Knuckes, (I still have his photo.....Knuckles just knocked me over because he was so healthy and his death was such a tragedy, (:hug: - to Knuckle's dad....can't remember who you are but I never forgot your dog)

Anyway, if a pet is old and is having a real hard time it is maybe not easier in some ways but easier in the way that we are a little prepared for it.

But when someone comes over and hands you a $50 check because they think it will help you....well that just pulls at my heart strings. At that point Duke was living in his own little word and I seriously think he wanted to go over to the other side. But we were there as humans and maybe it is because us humans give ourselves such a bad name because of our behavior sometimes that when one of us shows the loving and compassionate side well...........I just won't ever forget it. I'm not even sure how to express my feelings about it. And I told that woman I would never forget it either. I wanted her to know she was special also. I wish I had enough sense at the time to thank the other woman too.

[fizzgig]

2. what a darling. i am so sorry, maraya

safe passage, duke. :hug:

[driver8]

3. Such a beautiful story.

I am so sorry for your loss.

[malta blue]

4. Oh Maraya - I am so sorry

I am crying right now :cry:

What a gorgeous little guy. I know he is waiting for you at the bridge.

:hug::hug:

My most heartfelt hugs and condolences.

[Pool Hall Ace]

5. I'm sorry for what you went through.

Warm hugs for you. :hug:

RIP, Duke.

[BuelahWitch]

6. Putting a pet to sleep is one of the hardest things for us to do

It's good that you had some support at the animal services. Your Duke was a beautiful puppy!

[Maraya1969]

8. He was the senior dog I adopted a year 1/2 ago at age 14

He is the thread and the first post. I'm smiling now...thinking of bringing him home back then. Actually I thought he was 18 but he was only 16. He was 14 when I got him.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=6001330

I adopted a senior dog last week!

When I called the shelter asking if they had a Chihuahua they told me there was a Chihuahua mix but he was 14 years old BUT his adoption fee was only $10. Usually the adoption fees are between $45 - $65. I thought "They have him on sale?" :cry:

Apparently his mom died and his dad had to go into an assisted living facility. They said his dad was crying when he brought DUKE into the shelter.

So I am in love again and I am so grateful to have the privilege to care for this little guy. He is so sweet. I just wanted to share.

[driver8]

12. Bless you for adopting Duke.

I'm sorry you only had him for such a short time, but you did an amazing thing. You gave Duke a wonderful home with the care and love he deserved...

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

9. I'm so sorry for your loss...

What a sweet face he has...I'm crying just to think of how you must be missing him.

Rest in peace, dear little Duke. :hug::hug::hug:

[nuxvomica]

10. May I suggest that you post the charity your angel was giving to

Perhaps some DUers might make a small donation in Duke's name to the same place and your angel could be told that her selfless act has inspired these donations.

[Maraya1969]

11. OMG what a wonderful idea~! I have to get the information but I'll get

back at the with that. A donation in honor of Duke. What an HONOR!

[Maraya1969]

15. Lee county has a moble spay neuter clinic now

I just found out that Lee County has finally equiped itself with a moble spay/neuter clinic! This is one of the things I think make a real difference in quelling the overpopulation of our animals. The mobile clinic goes to areas that have a hard time getting their animals fixed, (lower class neighborhood mostly....because of the cost etc)

I haven't figured out how to make a donation yet but I wanted to put this up because it is wonderful. This is a beautiful present for Duke just for being here.

http://www.animalcaretrust.org/Mobile%20Clinic%20Schedule.htm




EDIT: Found the wish list. I might just take some things over with his little name taped on some things. I've already taken his food and his bed, (he actually came with his own bed that his previous dad brought for him), because I could not stand to have the things in the house.

EDIT again: Good to put the link up

http://www.animalcaretrust.org/Wish%20List.pdf

[raccoon]

13. Aw, he's cute.

BTDT, had to put a pet down. :hug:

[ThomCat]

14. There are good people.

And for Duke, you were the best person. He lived a very long life. I hope he enjoyed it as much as he could, and loved you every day for it. I hope you have many wonderful memories of him. :hug: