Monday, December 13, 2010

* Tearful Goodbye to Tiger-Girl *

We had to bid a tearful goodbye to our beloved Tiger Girl this morning. She has been my constant companion for almost 14 years and I can't begin to express how sad I am. She was such a good and sweet dog. She had ovbiously slowed down the past year, but was doing fine, for an older dog. Then the past couple of weeks, she wasn't eating well and was sleeping more. This morning, we knew something was terribly wrong. Fortunately, I was able to reach Mark, and he came home to go to the vet with us. We held her close, and told her goodbye at approximately 11:00 am, CST.  The following photos are from various years, mostly the past two or three. One of my favorites is of her, napping on her bed, complete with her special pillow. *NOTE: I forgot to mention that we got Tiger at a shelter when she was only 6 months old. After we'd had her for only a couple of weeks, she was diagnosed with Parvo. Not able to see our regular vet that night, I was told we should just "give her back" before we "get too attached to her"! Can you imagine? We already were attached to her, so she got the treatments and obviously survived!


I will miss her so, so much. There will never be another dog like my Tiger Girl.

49 comments:

  1. Letting our beloved pets go when the time has come is among one of the toughest things for a pet owner to do, yet it's the final kindness we owe them.

    I'm so sorry to hear about Tiger and know she's now running free at the Rainbow Bridge. Thinking of you...

    Pat
    www.critteralley.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Tiger's running with the big dogs now.

    I'm sorry that you are going through this, I hope you can take comfort in the fact that you gave Tiger all the love and attention she ever wanted.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Becky, I am so, so sorry that this happened. I'm sending you a big hug. I wish I could be there in person to give you one.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Becky I am so sorry for your loss. It is so hard to let these wonderful creatures who love us unconditionally go, but when it's time we must. I know your sadness and you are in my thoughts. Tiger girl is running with joy and happiness now!

    ReplyDelete
  5. So sorry to hear about Tiger, Becky!

    Alice

    ReplyDelete
  6. What a darling dog. My neighbor and best friend had one very similar in looks (and it sounds like, temperament), and we were all so sad when we lost her. They are such sweet dogs!

    So, so sorry, Becky. It's hard to lose such an old friend.

    =(

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm overly emotional today anyway, so this post has me weeping. I am SO sorry for the loss of your beautiful Tiger-Girl. I am "momma" to two beagles, one on the older end like Tiger, is 12 and a half...the other, just turned 2. I worry every day that when I go to get Nikki (older dog) out of her crate that she will be dead. Life expectancy for beagles is 12 - 15 years, and since I know she has a heart murmur, I feel she is going to be on the 12 end...a thought that brings great despair.

    So, as I was reading your post, I was thinking of my dear Nikki Dog, and I feel your pain.

    Thanks for sharing the beautiful photos...she was a lovely animal!!!

    Love,
    Patti

    ReplyDelete
  8. Becky, I am so, so very sorry for your loss. :-(

    sending hugs your way...

    ReplyDelete
  9. Becky,
    My heart goes out to you at this very sad time in your life. I've experienced this same loss many times too and it never got any easier. It hurts, especially when our animlas are family members. Hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'm so sorry to hear about your sweet dog. It's so sad to lose a member of the family.

    I'm sending you a big hug, too.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Becky--Tiger Girl left a hole in your heart, but sometime, another 4-legged friend will carve their way into your heart. They won't take Tiger's place---she is irreplaceable---but they will make their own place.

    Right now, Tiger is running in green, grassy fields, and in THESE fields, she ALWAYS gets the rabbits and the squirrels. There is unlimited deer poop to roll in (and eat). Treats come often, too, and she doesn't have to sit for them or do any tricks to get them...they are just there for the taking. There is a special place in heaven for dogs and cats...

    I am so sorry for your loss...

    ReplyDelete
  12. Sending all the best at this sad, sad time.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Becky, I am so sorry to hear. Last year when we lost our 18-year-old Tramp (who we found when he was an abandoned 10-week-old pup), I was truly heartbroken. I know your pain and I'm sending you cyberhugs! Remember the good times.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I am so very sorry Becky. Matt told me this morning you were going. It's so hard to say goodbye! She was a very sweet dog. I REMEMBER that they told you that when you first got her! Ha, what do they know. She lived a very happy long life:)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oh Becky - my heart is out to you and your family. I know that hurts so very much. I am so so sorry. Prayers and hugs. Sandie

    ReplyDelete
  16. Oh, Becky. I am SO SORRY about Tiger. Well my gosh, what a sad time to leave, too, right at the holidays.

    But I truly believe our animals wait for us in the other realm of life, just like our "human" loved ones do.

    You have such precious photos and memories. God bless you and your family at this very, very sad time. Susan

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hi Becky,
    I'm sorry to hear about your loss and am sure Tiger Girl will be missed.
    Tiger Girl was blessed to have such a wonderful 14 years with you.
    Hugs headed your way,
    Donna

    ReplyDelete
  18. Oh Becky, my heart breaks for you. I know the grief of losing a dear friend and companion. I can imagine the tears you have shed, I've been there.

    May you find peace in knowing you gave Tiger girl a wonderful and full life.

    ReplyDelete
  19. What a beautiful friend she was! I am so sorry and understand fully the love you feel for her -- we lost our Molly a year ago. Nothing can replace these sweet spirits that bless our lives. Annie

    ReplyDelete
  20. Oh, Becky, I am grieving for you and your family. It was 5 years ago this month that we lost our old dog Raymond that looked so much like Tiger.

    I am praying for you guys.

    Love,

    Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  21. Becky, I know how hard it is losing a pet - so my thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm sure Tiger will be watching over you from heaven.

    ReplyDelete
  22. ((HUGS)) So sorry Becky Tiger Girl had such a sweet face.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Becky, I know how hard this day was for you. But you truly gave her a final gift in not letting her suffer. It's so hard to let go, but we owe them that for the years of unconditional love they give us. It sounds like she had a wonderful life with you. I can tell from your photos what a special girl she was and how much you loved her! Hugs, Katp

    ReplyDelete
  24. Oh Becky, I'm so sorry to hear this news. I know what a dear friend Tiger was to you. The pictures are beautiful. Hugs to you, my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  25. My dear sweet Becky, so sorry to hear of your loss. It's always so difficult to tell them goodbye especially when they have been in the family for so many years. What an unselfish act all of you did by letting her go and now she is running and has no more discomfort. Through the years we have had to tell multiple pets goodbye and it's never easy. Great photos you posted and what great memories you must have. I wish all of you peace and comfort. Someday you will meet her again at the Rainbow Bridge...
    Love you
    Sharon

    ReplyDelete
  26. It was difficult to read this post - it was obvious where it was going. We have made that trip to the vet so many times, and it hurts to think about what you just went through. As you well know, you were the recipients of a faithful friend, and you gave him a life that he almost did not have. In time you will adjust, but I know the sadness that you are feeling. My heart goes out to you.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I'm so sorry you have lost your dear companion. I know how heartbreaking it is to let them go, but she had a lovely, long life with you. She was so lucky you rescued her from the shelter. x

    ReplyDelete
  28. Becky,
    I'm so sorry to hear about Tiger-girl. I know well enough how losing our beloved pets can bring up the sadness from the very bottom of our hearts. I wish I could be there to comfort you.
    Prayers and blessings to you and your family--Wayna

    ReplyDelete
  29. Dear Becky: I am extremely sorry for your loss! I know what is like to say goodbye to a good doggie, a loyal companion and loving friend. My heart is with you and for sure Tiger is now in dog's heaven having such a great time with my Diva, my Dante and all their great friends!

    ReplyDelete
  30. So sorry to hear the news, Becky. Will be thinking of you.

    ReplyDelete
  31. So sorry to hear this Becky, sending lots of love and positive thoughts!
    Huge hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  32. I just found your blog and will so enjoy catching up with you. My heart is breaking with you. Oh, how we love our pets. I wrote a tribute to my old dachshund on my blog a couple weeks ago! I will enjoy getting to know you on your blog... Thank you for sharing....

    "Old dogs, like old shoes, are comfortable. They might be a bit out of shape and a little worn around the edges, but they fit well."
    - Bonnie Wilcox 'Old Dogs, Old Friends'

    ReplyDelete
  33. Thank you, everyone, for all your wonderful comments. I'm truly blessed to have such thoughtful and kind friends...some newer than others. You'll never know how much your words mean to me. I'll read them many times, I'm sure, over the next few weeks. I'm doing okay and trying to stay busy...but then all of a sudden, I'll miss Tiger so terribly....Thank you all for the "hugs", too. I send mine back to you, as well.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I am so sorry, Becky. But just think of all the years you gave to a beautiful girl who might have been "traded in" by someone less kind.

    ReplyDelete
  35. She's beautiful, Becky. My heart goes out to you. Yes, I know she's running freely with all our other beloved companions who have gone before. Among mine - golden retrievers Dusty, Clifford (the big red) and Timber (just this past summer). You never forget and another can not replace, but you do get new joy from each in their own way. Now we have a Goldendoodle, Henri' ! Take care....April

    ReplyDelete
  36. One of the most difficult things about owning pets is having to give them up when life comes to an end.

    We've done this several times in the past and it never becomes any easier.

    I've found if I take time to write some funny incidents down in an essay form it brings them back to life and makes them continue to live.

    Try it...it helps.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Becky, I'm so sorry about your sweet Tiger. She was a lucky pooch, loved by the warmest of human hearts. God bless.

    ReplyDelete
  38. "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." ~Anatole France

    I am so very sorry for your loss.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Dear Becky, My eyes are filled with tears right now after reading your post. I feel your heavy heart through your words. There are no words when we lose our best friend. I remember telling my sweetest Winnie dog as she was looking at me while being put to sleep...See you in heaven girl!

    I played Sarah Mclachlan's album "Surfacing" and closed myself away to grieve.

    Virtual hugs to you my blog friend. I am sorry for your loss.

    mo

    ReplyDelete
  40. Katie, April, Betty, Lisa, Sparkle and Mo....Thank you so much! It never ceases to amaze me.....the kindness of all my friends!

    ReplyDelete
  41. She's a beautiful dog. I'm sorry she is gone but I know she gave you so much love while she was with you. I know you appreciated her love and acceptance also.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Hi! I'm visiting from Robert Brault's website. I'm so sorry to hear about your sweet dog. My old girl, Muffin {16 years old} passed on last month. It was one of the most painful moments of my life.
    She was such a fun dog in her glory days. I miss her so much. Muffin was my first dog.

    I spent the following days looking through boxes of photos and family albums to help soften the loss.
    I pray that you will find comfort in those memories.
    I love what Cesar Milan always says. People don't necessarily get the dog they want; they get the dog they need.
    I'm sure that you learned much from this wonderful creation of God.
    blessings to you ~ Maria

    ReplyDelete
  43. Together We Save, Joyful and Maria: Thank you all very much for stopping and taking the time to comment. I'm amazed at everyone's kindness!

    ReplyDelete
  44. It's funny how our pets become another member of the family.

    I am so sorry for the sadness you are now going through, the pictures of her are so sweet, she looks like a sweet loving dog.

    My husband has a joke he likes to tell, about his dog and his wife, he says, lock them both in the trunk of the car for an hour and see which one is happy to see you when you open the trunk door. hee, hee.

    Have a great week-end.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Oh, Becky,

    I just saw this post. I am so sorry for the loss of your dear, sweet Tiger Girl. She looks like the sweetest girl. That is the saddest part of letting our animal companions into our hearts, the fact of losing them way too soon.
    Hugs out to you.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Becky, I am so terribly sorry for the loss of your Tiger Girl. Precious babies such as yours are never forgotten. How lucky she was to have you adopt her into your family and give her all the love and affection that she so desperately needed. I believe there is a special place in Heaven for those of us who give and receive love from our faithful companions.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Becky, I lost my girl Honey last year on December 10th. I still think of her every day. Your Tiger-Girl was a real beauty too. They live forever in our hearts!

    ReplyDelete

I'm still getting quite a few spam comments that are Anonymous, so I'm trying "User with Google Accounts." If anyone tries to comment that I know, and it won't let you, send me an email, okay? Thanks so much.