Teddy is Dead

No picture today.  I can't handle looking at pictures of her.  She developed bloat yesterday.   I had to wrap her in a blanket to get her into her kennel so we could take her to the emergency vet.  They wanted to open her abdomen to re-position her stomach.  At almost 13 years of age and in declining health, we chose not do.  I've never had to make a harder decision in my life.  I'm taking some time off of here to figure out what I am going to do now. It was an endless joy to have been her mama for all of these years.

Comments

Mary said…
I am so very, very sorry.
Mei said…
I'm so very sorry. Dogs make special places in our hearts. Please be well and know people are thinking of you and your family.
Cheapchick said…
OMG I can't even imagine, I am so so sorry for your loss
Jane K said…
Oh my dear I'm so sorry, I've loved reading and seeing Teddy on your blog for so many years and I know from personal experience that no matter how many times we go through the lost of losing our animal family it never gets any easier. Making that final decision is always the hardest to make but remember you gave Teddy chow the best of lives. Take all the time you need to grieve, there is no time limit on such things and I'm sure Teddy will wait for you over the rainbow bridge. Love xx
Unknown said…
I am so, so sorry.

Even though I rarely comment, I've been coming to your site every day for quite some time. I always loved your pictures of Teddy. She brought so much joy to everybody. I believe you made the right call not to pursue further surgery. I've lost a lot of cats over the years, and although I tried to balance their comfort with extending their life, I've erred too frequently on trying to extend their life. Looking back, on nearly every one of them, I should have let them go sooner.

What terrible pain and sadness you must be feeling. I am comforted by the thought that someday I will be with my kitties again, as you will be with Teddy. In the meantime, we all hold you and Teddy in our hearts.

-- Heidi
Stephanie P. said…
I am so sorry for your loss. I've loved seeing Teddy all over the blog, because it was a little peek into your family. I do hope that you don't worry about blogging, because I'm sure I'm not the only person who believes that our pets are our family and need to be grieved properly. I know Teddy is waiting for you and when you get there, she'll be young and spry again.
Unknown said…
She was loved, a dog's greatest wish. My deepest sympathies.
Susan said…
Oh, Joyce. I am so, so sorry.
Heritage Hall said…
Heartfelt condolences... Teddy was such a joy to behold through the years and she will be greatly missed. May heart's healing be yours
with whatever time you need.
dindin said…
she was a happy pup. be glad you had such a fun dog.
Lady M said…
I am so sorry. Teddy was a fine beast. You made her life all the better as her Mama.
Joyce, this news breaks my heart. Teddy was such a fabulous dog. I'm glad you did not let her suffer. It's the hardest decision to make but the most loving one for any pet owner. Wishing you peace and love.
Marsha said…
A hard, hard, necessary, loving choice - I am so sorry for your loss.
Oh no! I am so very sorry :(
Theresa Y said…
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Leanne said…
Oh I am crying. I'm very sorry. A loved pet is so much a part of oûr family and day
Unknown said…
So sorry for your loss 😢
Michele said…
Tears...I'm so sorry. What a character! Thank you for sharing her with us all these years. I loved her too!
Candace said…
I am so sorry to hear this very sad news. Teddy was such a beautiful girl, She will be missed by all who read your blog each day.
Leanna said…
I'm so sorry. When I read the title on my blog feed I couldn't believe it. I was in shock. To lose a sweet baby girl like Teddy brings me to tears. I'm so sad and sorry. Sending you heartfelt hugs all the way from Texas my dear.
WendyFromNY said…
I am so sorry for your loss. Teddy was a constant in your life and on your blog. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Oneoldgoat1962 said…
I have no words but please know that you are in my thoughts. I pray that time passes quickly to a point that your memories will give you peace.
Mrs.T said…
I am so so so sorry.... my heart aches for you and your family ...
Teddy was well loved . And you know she is always near...
We had to put to sleep one of our fur babies in the spring ..
He was with us 16 years .... miss him everyday ...

Much love from TN
Denise
Anonymous said…
I am so sorry!
It is the worst decision we have to take and every time we have to our hearts breaks.

Christer.
Mary Ann said…
And what a lucky pup she was, indeed, to have you for a Mom. Thinking of you.
Saundra said…
So sorry to learn your furry girl became so ill that you had to have her euthanized. May her love always be with you. Sandy
StrictlyMystic said…
Making that decision is the hardest place in the world. Being a good steward hurts a lot. Hugs to you~
Rain said…
Joyce, I'm sick to my stomach of this news...I'm so sorry, you know we are all thinking of you, though it doesn't do much for the hurt and anguish...my thoughts are with you, take care xxxxxxxxxx
Sol said…
Deepest sympathy for your sad loss, very sad indeed.
Camille said…
My heart hurts so much for you. I am so sorry you've lost that wonderful pup. Such a beautiful girl as Teddy will always be remembered by all of us who have followed your blog for years. X
kymber said…
i am so very sorry, but from the sound of it, you made the right choice and that is never easy when it comes to our beloved pets (family members).

please read this story by my Uncle Gerald:

http://thelastrobin.blogspot.ca/2009/12/our-dogs-and-cats-alive-again.html

this story has provided great comfort to several of my friends - it's my calling card for when someone loses a beloved pet (family member).

you are going to need a lot of time to get over this and please be gentle to yourself and please allow yourself to grieve. all of your readers loved teddy if that provides any comfort.

sending healing love.
CalamityJr said…
I'm crying with you. I'm also praying that you'll find comfort in your memories and the knowledge that Teddy enjoyed the best life she could have ever asked for. And she was loved not only by you and your family, but all of us who share your world through your blog. Hugs to all of you.
Edgar said…
I'm so sorry to read about your loss - big hugs from SF!!
Linda said…
I am so sorry. I had to give away my last chicken and I feel lost and sad. So, I sort of understand.
Anonymous said…
Oh, I am so sorry. I just loved seeing Teddy pictures. Thinking of you.
Guillaume said…
Oh I'm so sorry to read this!
TARYTERRE said…
This is so very sad. You have my deepest sympathy during this difficult time. Let the memories sustain you. Teddy will live on in all our hearts and yours forever.
Barb said…
Oh, I feel so sad for you! I know how much we love our pets!!
We, who have pets, know how hard this time is for you. I am sorry for your loss.
Teacats said…
We grieve with you. Your heart, your hearth and your home have been blessed by Teddy and will continue to feel and carry his heart and legacy of love. He was both familiar and wise in the Old Ways. We light candles for his spirit! He now travels in Light and will be waiting for you there!

Jan at Rosemary Cottage
Leanne said…
Hi Joyce,

Leanne told me about Teddy.... Very sad to hear.

Have been there many times with my own dogs and I feel for you. Me... I never manage to get through without blubbering.
You made the right call. Teddy had many very good years with you and enjoyed some good cuisine in the process.

Best wishes,
Brent





Unknown said…
I am so very sorry for the loss of Teddy. Sorrow will be there for many days and I am sorry for that, too. Just know that your readers are also saddened at her passing and grieve with you. When you feel up to it and only if you wish to, I and your other readers would like to know how you're doing. I am still grieving for Sarah, its been a little over a year since I lost her and yes I do know just how terrible the talk with your vey was. I will miss your post but I do understand, Know you are hugged and Goddess bless you and your family.
Betty said…
My prayers are with you. We had a similar thing happen to our 16 year old Mandy. It was heartbreaking, but we could not see her suffer anymore.
Wendelou72 said…
My heart is broken for you. I know how you feel as I lost my best fur friend almost a year ago. It is soul crushing. Safe travels Teddy. You will never be forgotten.
Unknown said…
So very sorry to hear about Teddy - breaks my hear as I so enjoyed watching the antics. I know how you feel lost my chow about 2 years ago and i still miss her.
Valerie said…
So very sorry about Teddy. I'm sure even the bad kitties are mourning her. But I am sure her spirit will continue to grace your gardens.
SantasHauntedB said…
I just read this today! I'm beyond sorry. Sending huge hugs and positive vibes your way.
Cascade Quilts said…
My heart aches for you and I am crying as I write this.... I know how much our furry children worm their way into our hearts. Our last dog, I had to make the ultimate decision when he was 13 as well. He had hip displaysia and had started to lose bladder control. I knew it was time in my head, but my heart still ached more than any ache I have ever felt. It does get better with time, but you will never forgot. Just remember the GOOD times. And get another dog. I know some say after they lose a pet that they can't even think of getting another - but honestly it really helps fill the emptiness. That is how I got the love of my life, Lucy (a 108# St.Bermastiff that loves everybody and everything). ::::HUGS::::
Chowz Creations said…
I am so very sorry. I lost my 12 year old Chow Nikolas this way. It's a terrible decision to have to make, but you did what was best for your girl. You were an excellent Chow momma from beginning to end. XO
Nancy said…
Oh Joyce, I am so very sorry. I have followed your posts for years, loving your scenery photos (with Teddy) just as much as your recipes. The decision you made is the hardest we are ever called to make when we love our fur babies. My Beagle boys will welcome her at the Bridge. This is the first blog post that has brought me to tears as your beautiful sharing of Teddy through your photos made us all love her and we feel her loss also. Hugs to you at this very difficult time.
Alicia Foodycat said…
Oh god - that's so awful for you. It is absolutely the hardest thing to do. We have them in our hearts and as part of our families and they have such short, precious lives.
Herbalgirl said…
Thinking of you and wishing you solace during this hideous time. Your Teddy was a beauty. I've enjoyed her appearances on your blog for many years now and can imagine your heartbreak. X
MaryO said…
I've been a lurker here for many years, but this is my first comment.

So very sorry about your dear dog. Teddy knew he was loved and wanted; what more could an animal want?

I'm confronted with a similiar situation with my 15 year old kitty. It's an awful situation. On the one hand I know I'm doing the right thing, on the other I'm devastated and going on MAJOR crying jags. This is the hardest thing about animals, they're only part of your life for a short time, then they leave us. I just know my kitties will be waiting for both my husband and I at the Rainbow Bridge. I know your dear dog will be waiting for you and yours.

Prayers to you in the most difficult time.

Mary E. Osborne
San Pedro, CA
Megs said…
Oh, no, Joyce! Sending you hugs. It’s such a deep loss and I am so sorry.
Ali said…
I have enjoyed your facebook for many years. Your love of Halloween, cooking and Teddy. My husband and I had 5 border collies at one time. We watched them age and go over the rainbow one by one. Thought I could never do it again, to love animals so much and have to say goodbye. We needed time. Today we have a 4 month old girl border collie named her Nell. There is not 1 day that goes by I don't think of them all. Thank you for sharing Teddy with us.
Unknown said…
Joyce, I am so sorry. I know just how fully you considered her part of your family. I still have the Christmas ornament with a picture of Teddy that you gave my Aunt Beverly. I'm sure Beverly has already cooked Teddy at least three kinds of treats and she's laughing with her signature cackle while watching Teddy romp in falling leaves.
1st Man said…
OH Joyce, you are getting our energy and light sent your direction. Not to mention, a whole bunch of love. We were all so lucky to have shared Teddy with you.

Much love to you sweet lady.

1st and 2nd and both the kitties

mlw33 said…
I am so sorry about your precious little Teddy. I know he was your baby and a member of the family. You gave him such a wonderful life, I can tell just by seeing his pictures here on the blog all these years. My heart I with you. The loss of a pet is excruciating. I am so very sorry,
Kay said…
I've just come back from my hiatus and then writing posts about it before I could visit everyone again.

Oh my gosh! I'm am so very sorry. Teddy didn't look very old. He was such a beautiful friend and I know what a loving member of your family he was. I'm sending lots of hugs from Hawaii.
Angie said…
I'm late for my condolences. I have not been on the computer much and just saw on Bev's blog Beehavenacres that you lost Teddy. So sorry to hear she's gone. We lost our cat Felix in March. He would have been 17 in July. He traveled with us everywhere we went. He lived with us in Germany, then in Oregon, then back to our small town in Kentucky. When we said our good bye it was like talking to a child, after so many years. He will always be in our hearts. We can start talking about him without crying now, remembering the good times and how much he was part of our family. I hope the same will be true for you.
Leighway said…
I just realized you had lost Teddy and jumped to the post. My eyes are filled with tears for you and the family. It's never easy and the loss is always felt...I'm so sorry. sandy