Update


First I just want to say thank you for your kind words and encouragement about Baby Shife. Mrs. Shife and I appreciate it very much. And it turns out everything is OK with the little man, he is just going to grow to be a little man. Unfortunately life interrupted our happy moment as Quincy dog had to be put down tonight. Captain Furry Pants was no longer able to walk because of neurological deterioration on his spine. It is really hard to give more details because it is really, really difficult just knowing he is no longer with us. It was for the best because he was in a lot of pain but it still didn't make the decision any easier. I loved the hell out of that fat little basset and he was a great dog and friend to my family. Rest in peace Quincy dog. We love you and will always miss him.



"Dogs Don't Have Souls, Do They?"

I remember bringing you home. You were so small and cuddly with your tiny paws and soft fur.

You bounced around the room with eyes flashing and ears flopping. Once in awhile, you'd let out a little yelp just to let me know that this was your territory.

Making a mess of the house and chewing on everything in sight became a passion, and when I scolded you, you just put your head down and looked up at me with those innocent eyes, as if to say, "I'm sorry, but I'll do it again as soon as you're not watching."

As you got older, you protected me by looking out the window and barking at everyone who walked by. When I had a tough day at work, you would be waiting for me with your tail wagging, just to say, "Welcome home. I missed you." You never had a bad day and I could always count on you to be there for me.

When I sat down to read the paper and watch TV, you would hop on my lap, looking for attention. You never asked for anything more than to have me pat your head so you could go to sleep with your head over my leg.

As you got older, you moved around more slowly. Then, one day, old age finally took its toll and you couldn't stand on those wobbly legs anymore. I knelt down and patted you lying there, trying to make you young again. You just looked up at me as if to say that you were old and tired and that after all these years of not asking for anything, you had to ask me for one favor.

With tears in my eyes, I drove you one last time to the vet. One last time you were lying next to me. For some strange reason, you were able to stand up in the animal hospital; perhaps it was your sense of pride.

As the vet led you away, you stopped for an instant, turned your head and looked at me as if to say,
"Thank you for taking care of me."

I thought, "No.... thank you for taking care of me."

Comments

  1. I've been there and even though you know it's for the best that never makes it any easier.

    Rest well fat basset... you shall always be missed and cherished.

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  2. I can't stop crying. Peace to you, Captain Furry Pants. I never met you but I felt that I knew you.
    Bless your family, Mr. Shife. Thank you all for sharing your precious basset with the rest of us.

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  3. I am so so sorry for your loss. I know how devastating it is. He was a funny, lovely, beautiful dog! Godspeed, Quincy.

    xo Leah

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  4. First- I am so glad that my feelings about Baby Shife were correct and that he is fine.
    Now- I am so sorry that you had to let your beloved companion go.
    You DID take care of him and he did take care of you and it is one of the tragedies of life that our dogs have such short lifespans.

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  5. i'm getting choked thinking about quincy. it just doesn't seem right that nature gives us these fabulous companions with a shorter lifespan than us.

    quincy's shell is gone but his spirit lives on.

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  6. I am happy and sad at the same time. First of all, I'm delighted with the news about Baby Shife. Didn't we tell you not to worry?
    And now there's Quincy to cry over even though I know and you know it was the kindest thing you could do for him. I'm so pleased you have the video. I've been there a couple of times and still look at the video I made of my last lovely Labrador. Hugs from me.

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  7. Au revoir, Quincy. You will be remembered.

    Love and hugs to the Shifes.

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  8. Anonymous6/04/2010

    Wow. You've had a lot going on lately and I can say you are handling it with grace. Really.

    We're all thinking about you and missing Quincy. Dear fat basset who gave so much love and only wanted to be with you.

    Sending you and your family wishes of comfort.
    XOXOX
    RC

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  9. thank God yer boy is well and I am so so sorry..I still miss mah doggie Ashley every dang day..((hugss))

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  10. Rest in peace basset!!
    This blog entry made me a little teary eyed.

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  11. I'm so sad to hear that. My parents had a similar thing happen with their dog last year. My sympathies to you.

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  12. Sorry to hear about your loss. Losing a canine or feline companion is rough. I have had my Tigger for 12 years now. Hoping with each passing day that he can live 10 more. Quincy will never be forgotten! HUGE HUGS!!!!

    Good news for baby Shife! All will work out! :)

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  13. Good to hear that Baby Shifey is doing well. Sad to hear about Fat Basset. Rest easy knowing that your little man will have a guardian watch dog keeping an eye on him.

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  14. As soon as I saw your post with Q, I laughed. Then I was thrilled with the news that Baby Shife is doing great. Then the news that you did the sad but loving thing for Quincy... I could not help but cry, thinking of my own sweet bassets who have passed and how hard it was to say good bye to them. My sympathies Matt to you and your family. Captain Furry Pants was a wonderful guy!

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  15. What a great dog he was for you guys. That is one of the hardest things for any human to do. I almost teared up reading this one.

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  16. I'm so sorry to hear about Quincy. Know that he will see you on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge.

    Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

    When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
    There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.

    There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

    All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

    The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

    They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

    You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

    Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

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  17. Sorry your dog died, but I'm happy the baby is going to be okay.

    I'm beginning to see that I'm an animal lover, so I want a pet, but I don't want them ever to die. Maybe I'll just buy a stuffed one so he lives (sorta) forever.

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  18. Wow. Trying to wind down and I am all crying and everything now. Hugs to the kid and family for the events. So sorry.
    Wonder if baby Shife will remember maybe with pics???
    Babe is perfect. Don't let anyone tell you differently. It's not how he fits on others' charts. How does he do on HIS? Food input, food output, growing, napping, happy, laughing...PERFECT!

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  19. you always did right by him. i'm so sorry this came to pass, mr. shife

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  20. Anonymous6/15/2010

    Just thinkin' 'bout you and your family.

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  21. Wow Shife.... Here you have been a source of support for me and then these two HUGE things happen in your life and I am just learning about them. I am glad that everything is going to be just fine with Baby Shife...but I am all teary eyed and crushed over fat bassett. I will keep you in my thoughts....

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  22. Hope alls well with Y'all!:)

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  23. Still thinking of you. Hope you and family are well, Shife.

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  24. Just checking in on the Shife household. xo

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