He lifted his head weakly and looked back at me. I petted his big black nose and kissed it. He knew and I knew that this was the last time I’d see him alive. Saying goodbye is hard. Knowing you are saying goodbye for the last time is excruciating. A few weeks ago, I said goodbye to my friend of almost 16 years, our family dog. He passed away Friday night.
In January, my dad said Domino wouldn’t make it past the next 2 months. I was 15 years old when my mom brought home a purebred Dalmatian that my dad named, “Domino,” because, well, he looks like a domino. Domino was my parent’s third child. He slept in their bed, ate leftovers from our restaurant, has fresh bread for breakfast and has health insurance. (We never had health insurance when we were kids.) My mom is heartbroken.
I wrote most of this post early January knowing that when the time came I would be unable to do it. When I wrote this at my parent’s house, January 2nd, Domino was plodding through the house with his jangling collar, rubbing his nose all around our carpet and barking so someone will cover him in his blanket and I went through a box of tissues. He was a good dog and a good friend. I’ll miss him.
I know first hand how hard it is to say good-bye to a family pet. I am so sorry Hanssie. I am sure that Domino had a very full life with you and your family.
SO sAD. mADE ME CRY 🙁
Im sorry for your loss Hanssie
Awe, I am sorry to hear he died. He’s in doggy heaven now 🙂 He seems like he had a great life and a great family !
My condolences… 🙁
=Matt=
There is something so special about dogs. And when they are yours and spend so much time with you, it is hard not too miss them when they are gone.
hunny, i’m sorry about your doggie! i didn’t know.
i lost a pet ( a cat) last september and remember having her put to sleep……’excruciating’ is right. YOu described the feeling exactly.
you and your family have good memories with domino as seen from the picture above. Hugs.
I’m sorry to hear about your loss Hanssie.
Okay, that is so sad Hanssie. Even though its a dog you probably feel that yukky feeling of finality of missing someone you love. 🙁 I got sad reading thins knowing how I might feel when our dog passes. Sorry girl!
Oh my goodness I just got so choked up reading about Domino. I honestly dread the day they we have to say goodbye to our “children” , I mean, they are still young, but are mine and my husbands world (we dont have any other real children 😉 ) . So sad to say goodbye to some one who is always by your side , no matter who it is!
There’s so much to be said for 16 years of unconditional love and a wagging tail!