Just A Thought About Why We Outlive Them

[2Chiwawa]

Sammi Girl will be 8 years old in October. Right now she is spry and healthy and alert. But I know that she is more than half way through her projected maximum lifespan. And because I have never loved anyone, human or animal, more I do think about the time when I will no longer have her with me. I cannot imagine being without her. I get very upset and am so glad that I have Happy Boy to also love.

Just today I had a consoling thought. I could never find any answers that made me understand. A little glimmer of an idea that helps me to contemplate the fact that we do lose them too soon. I kept thinking how it is not fair that they do not live longer.

And all of a sudden I realized that it is better that they do not outlive us, that they go first, because then they never have to live without us. Imagine if it was the reverse and they were left behind. They would never understand why we left them and would be waiting for us to come back.

I would hate it if I had to leave Sammi Girl behind, alone, like a lost or abandoned dog when I would do everything in my power to make sure that I would never lose her and she would never have to live with strangers.

This is the only answer I have come up with. I think the dogs must have made a bargain with God. They would love their humans unconditionally only if the dogs could be sure they would have shorter lifespans so they would never have to live without their humans.

And we all know how sad a lost or abandoned dog is.

[MissMarley]

What a beautiful idea. I love it. I was just talking to my grandma today about what would happen to my dad's dogs if god forbid something happened to him. People seldom think about their dogs outliving them, but it happens. I think that you are right and they would be much sadder without us.
Thanks for posting this.

[MissChef]

that's very true. i cant imagine kibbi living longer than what she did if i wasnt there to take care of her. i just wanted to share a story that my dad told me that always made me sad.

post world war 2, economy in japan was low. some villages that relied on natural stuff like coal couldnt produce enough. so they would move to another area. so other people would go to the village after they left and get scrap wood and metal and what not. my dad went one time with my grandpa. they wer looking for scrap metal and wood. they found abandoned houses and the worse..in front of the houses.. or in front of the doors were dead dogs. died during starvation in many of the homes. they refused to go and find food and stayed there waiting for their masters. who never came back. :(

[2Chiwawa]

That is a sad story Maiko. It is amazing that the dogs would wait to the point of starving. It does not surprise me at all. The world can be very sad sometimes for both people and animals.

When hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans here in the United States in 2005, the reverse happened. There were many people who stayed with their dogs and died with them because they did not allow people to evacuate their homes with their pets.

[Kips_Momma]

I think that your thoughts and ideas about that are perfect and true. And a very good thought to keep with us. Thank you for posting it.

[Meredith]

I 100% agree with you Faye. I would much rather live through my own pain of losing Sigmund than think of him being sad that I wasn't here for him. I hate to think of a day without Sigmund in my life :( I'm just glad to have a place like here where I know other people think of their pets exactly the same way as I do.

[SnugglesandIzziemama]

How true tis is. When my mama died two years ago she had 2 cats she was in the hospital for almost 4 months we went over and fed the cats but one would not eat because my mom was not there we tried and tried to get her to eat, One day we went over and she was dead. My mom wanted someone to take the other cat my husband is highly allergic to cats so I could not my sister husband said no cats finally a nebior did take the cat but my mom worry about those cats that they would have a home.Than the person who did take the one had it for about a year and she got tired of it and said she lost when she went to visit someone what she did was let it out in some woods and that cat was house cat for 12 years so I think it important to make plans for your babies when ever you make your funeral plans.Patty

[bindi boo]

i think your so right! my pets have got me through so much and i cant imagine ever leaving them without me to care for them. i wont let anyone but me walk them because i worry and i rarely leave the house without them so loosing me would kill them. i would especially be worried no one noticed i had died and the dogs were left to fend for themselves its unthinkable. at least were able to look after ourselves and no matter how much it hurts i know i could never leave my babies

[2Chiwawa]

I glad you all understand. :flower:

[mrosev14]

As usual, I am late getting into the discussion, but I love your thinking. That actually gave me some peace, I like everyone else couldn't imagine them sitting there waiting for me to come home. Poor babies.

I wish I could find this story that I read a while back about why dogs die. I will give you a synopsis of what I remember:

A family called their veterinarian over to their house to put their old dog to sleep. The family consisted of a Mom, a Dad and a young boy. The vet told them to all to say their goodbyes, which they did. After the vet peacefully put their beloved dog to sleep, the family stood around talking about what a wonderful dog he was, but then the Mom said something along the lines of I just don't understand why dogs die so much sooner than us, the Dad and vet agreed in unison. Then the young boy spoke up, "I know why they die before us," all the adults stood there with quizzical looks on their face and said "why?" The little boy continued with his story, "Well, God puts us all on this earth to do good. It takes us 80 to 100 years to fulfill the goodness that we are expected to do; however, dogs are so loyal, kind, loving and caring that they give all their goodness so quickly that they end up dying so young."

[princess j]

Great idea Faye! I cannot imagine life without Bianca and hate even thinking about it. I know that day will come and I'll have to come to terms with it. But you're right, if we died before they did, then what would happen to them? I wouldn't even want to think about that either.
I guess there is a reason why their lives are so much shorter than ours. Good thinking Faye!

[talented79]

great thought to keep with us Thank you for posting it. I also hate thinking about if something happened to Studd what would i do.....

[2Chiwawa]

Meg, that's what I was driving at. I was looking for a little peace and my thought helped me. Your story helps too. :)

I hope I haven't depressed everyone. I just could not reconcile myself and to tell the truth was a little upset.

I feel somewhat comforted by this outlook and told Sammi that I would do anything to make sure she is not without me, even if that means I will have to be without her someday.

Living alone I have talked to my close friends who have promised me that if anything happened to me they would make sure that Sammi and Happy went to good homes. However, while anything can happen I expect to be able to take care of Sammi and Happy for their entire time on this earth.

[Brianne]

I agree Faye.
My grandmother had a little shih tzu named Benji, she had him for years and years. When we lost my grandmother a few years ago, Benji was absolutely devistated not having her with him any more and obviously didn't understand where she went. He seemed so lost without her. It was very sad.

Good thinking!

[ShoeQueen]

Faye, that was beautiful. I had asked myself that same question when my cat Phoebe had to be put to sleep last month. Our babies are so devoted to us, that it's true...what would they do without us? But the only thing that rots about them going before us is that the pain is so bad and it hurts so much for so long.

[Elwen]

I know that I've made provisions in my Will should anything happen to me and my babies are still alive. I discussed my concerns with my neighbor, who my dogs love, and he agreed to be their "dogfather" and is willing to take them so I have him listed as being the one they go to if I should pass. I've also made sure that he gets a small portion of my estate to help cover the vet costs because I know how expensive raising 3 dogs can be. My mom would take them because they are mine but they wouldn't get the treatment they get now - she wouldn't be mean to them or anything but they wouldn't be as spoiled and I know Bob would spoil them rotten like I do.

[Jemma's Mom]

Faye, I know how you feel. I feel the same way and can't bear the thought of losing Jemma. I try not to think about it and am basically living in denial...until that day. It will be hard. But I love your way of thinking - it makes me feel a lot better because it's true. I can't even trust anyone, hardly even family, to watch over her when I go away for a few days, how would I ever be able to leave her first, wondering what she ever did to make me abandon her?

This topic gets me sad. :(

[zealot]

Faye like you i often think about the day that Gordy wont be with me any longer. And it makes my heart break that i just wanna die. but you put it so beautifully and so intelligently that i would have to let him go first. I know that when he gets to the other side he will be with my mom and my grandparents, waiting for me. and that thought too brings me comfort.

But i just cant bare the thought of losing him. He is my life, my everything.
I never thought it would be possible to love a little dog so much. I my heart aches when i have to consider losing him.
Denial is something i know all about Kathy. I always tell everyone that Gordy is immortal and he will live as long as i do. That Gordy cant die. everyone laughs at me. But thats my story and i am sticking to it!

That was a beautiful thought Faye an I will remember it always.

[2Chiwawa]

Jemma's Mom and Lee Anne, I know this is a sad topic but I was stuck thinking about it. When I got a glimmer of an answer that helped me a little I thought I would share it here.

I also tell Sammi that she will be with my beloved maternal Grandparents, my mother and even my father who she did not know but who is her namesake.

This helps too: I have no doubt that I will meet Sammi again because in the first second I held her I had the distinct feeling that I was "finding her again" from having known her before. I have never had that feeling ever but I did with her. I remind myself that if we knew each other before the here and now we will know each other again somehow. I think that is what soul mate means. I think you find your soul mate over and over and over and over. I also tell her that next time she can be the human and I will be the little white chihuahua. :) Somehow, I believe in Heaven and reincarnation at the same time.

[Olliesmom]

I'm late to the post, but I agree that it would be unfair for them to outlive us. They do so much good in their lives that it would be terrible for them to lose what they love. And Faye, I too believe in Heaven and Reincarnation. I think that both can go hand in hand. I've had the same feeling of "knowing" them before I met them. I couldn't imagine living without them, although the pain of losing them is great, the happiness of living with them far out weighs anything. The pain will be there but there is always more love and happiness. I know that you and Sammi will have a long life together, you are a great mom to both. They could not have wished for a more loving and caring mommy than you.

[Aniska]

We had to put down our oldest fur-baby on Novemeber 1 of last year...he had kidney and urinary problems. His eyes didn't sparkle and he just didn't seem like "Jazer" anymore...
Travis had given me permission to get Jaz when he was deployed to Kuwait for our 1st anniversary. I loved that cat soooo much!!! We moved from WA to AL and shortly after buying our house he was bit by a spider and developed a bad staph infection...That is what caused his kidney problems...He was 8 when we had to put him down. When the tech took him back he kissed my nose and I swear I heard him say "thanks, I love you mama"
My comforting thought was him being with Odin in Valhalla, sitting next to the fire and getting spoiled. I swear I can still feel him and hear him. He still comes to me in my dreams, too.

On May 31 of this year we had to put down Jai, our middle fur-baby. He missed his brother so much that he had a broken heart and had started acting out. He was sleeping even more than cats normally do, he was biting me and he was pooing next to the litter box...He just stopped caring. I know he loved me and tried to be there and be happy for me, he really did...but he really missed his brother, so I made the decision that it was best to put him down as well...We got Jai on Mother's Day of 2004, he was just 4 when he died. when I told him what was going to happen, and I told him he was going to Valhalla and he was going to be with Jazer - - for the first time in months, he lit up...he actually looked happy...He kissed my nose too...and I know he is with me too...

This is the first time I've let myself feel about this...I miss my baby boys sooo much! So yes, you can still cry and feel and scream and yell...I know they will be waiting for me in Summerland when I get there and that we will be together again in the next life as well...

A witch can't be without her familiars!!!

[2Chiwawa]

I'm late to the post, but I agree that it would be unfair for them to outlive us. They do so much good in their lives that it would be terrible for them to lose what they love. And Faye, I too believe in Heaven and Reincarnation. I think that both can go hand in hand. I've had the same feeling of "knowing" them before I met them. I couldn't imagine living without them, although the pain of losing them is great, the happiness of living with them far out weighs anything. The pain will be there but there is always more love and happiness. I know that you and Sammi will have a long life together, you are a great mom to both. They could not have wished for a more loving and caring mommy than you.

Thank you for your kind words. I like how you say it would be terrible for them to lose what they love. That is a great way to say it. I am glad you understand. :)

[2Chiwawa]

Aniska, your two boys are stunning. I am sure that they visit you every day and that you will be reunited with them. :flower:

[Cocorue]

As usual, I am late getting into the discussion, but I love your thinking. That actually gave me some peace, I like everyone else couldn't imagine them sitting there waiting for me to come home. Poor babies.

I wish I could find this story that I read a while back about why dogs die. I will give you a synopsis of what I remember:

A family called their veterinarian over to their house to put their old dog to sleep. The family consisted of a Mom, a Dad and a young boy. The vet told them to all to say their goodbyes, which they did. After the vet peacefully put their beloved dog to sleep, the family stood around talking about what a wonderful dog he was, but then the Mom said something along the lines of I just don't understand why dogs die so much sooner than us, the Dad and vet agreed in unison. Then the young boy spoke up, "I know why they die before us," all the adults stood there with quizzical looks on their face and said "why?" The little boy continued with his story, "Well, God puts us all on this earth to do good. It takes us 80 to 100 years to fulfill the goodness that we are expected to do; however, dogs are so loyal, kind, loving and caring that they give all their goodness so quickly that they end up dying so young."

hey the same friend who sent me the 10 commandments just sent me this and i think this may be what you are looking for..............


A Dog's Purpose(from a 6-year-old).

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolf hound named Belker. The dog's
owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for
a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm,
petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes,
Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while
after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, 'I know why.'

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting
explanation.

He said, 'People are born so that they can learn how to live a good Life -- like loving everybody all the time and
being nice, right?' The Six-year-old continued, 'Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.'

Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.

Take naps, and stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!


have a great week ahead guys
coco & lilian:)

[2Chiwawa]

Hi Lilian, I am just seeing this today. That was close to what I was driving at. Thank you.

I love the list at the end. If more people followed the list the world would be a better place indeed. :)