27 Comments
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Gary Trujillo's avatar

I know it's all part of the universal process but I'll be damned if it still doesn't tear your heart out. ✨

Michael K. Fell's avatar

Truth, brother, truth! 🙏

Mark Nash's avatar

So sorry for your loss Michael. Having had to say goodbye to five cats over 25 years I know how hard that is. But making the decision to relieve his suffering was the best final gift you could give.

When we said goodbye to our last cat the vet gave us the option of essentially drugging him up and bringing him home so we’re could enjoy one more weekend with him. It never crossed my mind to say yes to that. After 16 years in our lives he’d earned the softer and easier goodbye.

I’m thinking of you in this difficult period and sending positive energy your way.

Michael K. Fell's avatar

Thank you for your comforting and kind comment, Mark. The vet told us the same thing, but the thought of waking up and finding him no longer alive, or worse, coming home from work and discovering he had died alone, wasn't an option. However, it was difficult to be unexpectedly and suddenly placed in that situation. Especially since just five weeks ago, we were saying goodbye to our other dog.

This past weekend was rough. But, as I have said to others, we do take solace that the two of them are together again.

I appreciate you. Thank you! 🙏

Matt Thompson's avatar

I'm so very, very sorry.

Michael K. Fell's avatar

Thank you, Matt.

Graciewilde's avatar

Oh, Michael, I'm so sorry to read about your most recent loss. To have to let go of one of your animal best friends was bad enough but now Rufus too? I'm sure there is a huge empty hole in your heart and home right now. Our rescue mutt Ellie is 18.5 years old. She is clearly failing but does not show any indication of pain. I am bracing myself though.

Michael K. Fell's avatar

Thank you, Gracie. Hug your Ellie and enjoy every day you have with her. 🙏

Graciewilde's avatar

Yes, her small spirit fills the house and she will be missed when she moves on. We take the time now just to sit with her and let her sleep on us.

Philip Dale's avatar

Oh God, Mike. I'm so sorry to be reading this news so soon after you lost Bentley. Your love for your dogs burns as intensely as the sun so I know how much you are suffering. My thoughts are with you and your family through the grieving.

Michael K. Fell's avatar

Thank you, Phil. It's been a rough week. I distracted myself with work, but this weekend has been really hard. You see ghosts because the routines you've followed every day for twelve years suddenly come to a halt. We also had a lot of triggers we needed to deal with. We cleaned the house and washed their bedding. For closure, we decided to donate and give a lot away. We have a homeless shelter that allows its guests to have their dogs. So, we donated their beds and gave the rest of their food and biscuits to the shelter. We also donated their old brushes, shampoo, and leashes to a doggie day care in the neighborhood. When we receive his ashes, we will spread his and Bentley's ashes at a couple of their favorite places.

Philip Dale's avatar

That's all so intense. Like shedding a once super-comfortable skin, knowing that nothing will ever feel quite the same again. I you get some sort of closure when you are able to spread their ashes.

Deborah Brasket's avatar

I'm so sorry, Michael. Sending hugs.

Michael K. Fell's avatar

Thank you, Deborah.

Margaret Bennett's avatar

Oh Michael. That is terrible. I am so sorry. I know this will be so tough. Take solace that Bentley and Rufus are together again and the joy that they have brought to you.

Take care. X

Michael K. Fell's avatar

Thank you. I agree that there is some solace in knowing that they are together again.

Margaret Bennett's avatar

Look after yourself.

Andres's avatar

So sorry for your loss, mate. I know it doesn’t make it any easier but you’ve got the strength and the resilience to pull through. You may not feel it right now but believe me we are all rooting for you and your family. The only silver lining is he’s no longer suffering, and he and his buddy are reunited again. Lots of hugs and positive vibes.

Michael K. Fell's avatar

Thanks, Andres. I appreciate your thoughtful comment. 🙏

Steve Goldberg's avatar

It's just the worst. I can't even come up with words beyond what Kristin, Ellen, and Tamara have said. I am hugging my medicated pup extra close right now (he just had surgery for elbow dysplasia and bone fragments).

Michael K. Fell's avatar

Thank you, Steve. Big hugs and best wishes to your pup as he heals from his surgery.

Kristin DeMarr's avatar

So sad! I’m so heartbroken for you!

Michael K. Fell's avatar

Thank you, Kristin.

Ellen from Endwell's avatar

Oh Michael, so very sorry for your loss of both Bentley and Rufus. Of course you are devastated. They were and always will be family.

Michael K. Fell's avatar

Thank you, Ellen, for your thoughtful comment! 🙏

Tamara Casey's avatar

Such beautiful creatures. I cannot express enough how much my heart goes out to you.

Michael K. Fell's avatar

Yes, they were beautiful & wonderful dogs, that are sorely missed. Our house seems quiet and empty without them.

Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate you, Tamara! 🙏