We had to make the excruciating decision to have our dear Penny put down yesterday morning. She turned 13 on Saturday, and got very ill during that night. We knew it was coming, and I’ve nursed her through several serious health incidents since last spring. When this one occurred, I knew that I could no longer make her go on just to ease my heart. Penny was the sweetest dog I’ve ever had.
Penny came into our lives 13 years ago, after we’d suffered the devistating loss of two dogs within 6 months. We were heartbroken, and we missed having a dog inside the house. We had two outside dogs, but it wasn’t the same as having that constant companion to snuggle up on the couch with. My niece, Shannon, called me one day and asked if I’d drive here to a nearby town to pick out a Beagle puppy. She stressed that there were several puppies still available in the litter, and said that I should get one. One of the dogs we’d lost, was a Beagle pup who had Parvo when we brought him home. I told my niece that I was too afraid that the Parvo virus was still around the house, so I told her I’d drive her, but I wouldn’t be getting a puppy. After much “encouraging” (nag nag nag) from Shannon, I finally called the vet and asked their advice. I’d cleaned everything thoroughly, including spraying down the yard with dilluted bleach. The vet gave me the okay, and I told Shannon that I’d think about it. Shannon was picking up a female, and I wanted a little girl too. I’d decided that I’d bring one home if there were two females in the litter. When we got to the home of the breeder, we found only one female still available. She actually came to me, and in the midst of the puppy kisses, Shannon said, “You need her more than I do.” That was it! Penny and I were both hooked! Shannon held her while I drove us home, and Penny howled and cried througout the entire drive! Whe we got home, I first let Penny do her thing on the grass, then opened the front door. She trotted right in like she knew she belonged. Collin vividly remembers looking at the door as I opened it, and seeing this tiny little bundle trot right through! She made a bee-line for him, and it was love at first sight. Everyone thought she belonged to Shannon, and it was a wonderful surprise to tell them otherwise!
Penny was very easy to train, and she had a lovely, gentle little temperment. One of her favorite games was to chase Collin around the house. She’d nip at his shorts (usually soccer-type shorts), until she’d grab hold and pull them down, tripping him to the floor, then she’d smother him with kisses. It was their game. She loved a good snuggle, gave lots of kisses, and mended our broken hearts. She had one litter of puppies; Shannon got her little girl, and we got two of her boys. As old as she’d gotten, she was still the queen around here. When her boys would get too rowdy, she’d let them know who was boss. When customers came to the door, she was usually there to greet them. Our Penny-girl, our Penny Love, our Little Mamma, was one of a kind. Once again, our hearts are broken, but we know that this is the cost of pet ownership. We are thankful for it all.
Oh Lynnie…..I am so sorry! Big Texas-sized hugs coming your way!
So, so sorry Lynn. We lost our Kira this year too. She was a week off 14 years old.
I love your story of how Penny came into your life. You have lots of wonderful memories with her. They are not gone.
Big hugs to you.
OneL
I’m so sorry for your loss. These animals ARE family members. Cyberbugs to you!
She was a sweetie. I’m so glad I got to meet her earlier this year. I’m so sorry you have to go through this. Hugs to you all.
Losing a beloved pet is so painful. I know how much you loved her through your blog. You are such a kind hearted person – I know you must be so sad. Penny will greet you someday in heaven, with big wet kisses and a wagging tail.
xo Suzanne
Hard to make that decision…but we really love them and so we do what is best for them…sigh…Parker is 14 now and I can see it on our horizon. Hugs to you and yours. Terri
Oh Lynn! I’m so sorry! I think that is one of life’s most difficult decisions. And one we have to make with someone else’s needs ahead of our own. {{{hugs to you and your family}}}}
I’m so sorry Lynn. It is the hardest thing in the world to have a pet put down. Sending hugs your way.
Oh Lynn and family; here are my tears to mingle with yours. What a love she was!
I was thinking of you last night when we were driving back from Arizona. If it wasn’t so late & El was sick I would have totally veered off the 40 in Barstow & come see ya!
Love,
stacy
We had to make the same seemingly impossible decision in August for our own darling boy and it is the hardest thing I have ever done.
You have carried out the ultimate unselfish act – to relinquish everything that you love and cherish in order for Penny being at peace. It is the kindest final gesture you could have made, I know that it took immense courage.
Thinking of you.
I am so sorry for your loss. It is very painful to go what you are going through, know that we are all thinking of you.
Penny sounds like she was a sweetheart. I’m sorry to read of your loss.
My heart goes out to you and your family, thank goodness for all the wonderful memories she left you to remember her by.
So very sorry Lynn.
Thank you, everyone. Your kindness means a great deal to me.
Lynn, I am so sorry to read about the loss of your wonderful little Penny. I am just updating all the links on my blog and read about this when checking in. 😦 It is always so heartbreaking to lose our pets. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
OK, I’m crying right along with you after reading your wonderful tribute to your beloved Penny. It is just so sad to lose our pets, but it is inevitable. My heart goes out to all of you and I hope all the wonderful memories ease your pain.
Oh Lynn, I am so sorry to hear about Penny, I know she was very special to you and your fellas. Big hugs… wish I could be there to deliver them in person,
Debra