January 7, 2010

My Best Friend

I am going to take you on a little road trip down memory lane with this post, it could get long, but please bear with me.

It was my birthday in 1999, I had no clue what I wanted, and told Keith as much. We were still struggling with our finances as a young married couple, and I really wasn't expecting much.

We had spent a lot of our free cash on IUI's, and I had decided to stop that for a few months (well ok the HUGE cyst I had from Clomid did that one) and head back to school.

I had just spent 6 months raising my God Children while their mother was out on a cruise with the Navy, and they were due to go home with her that day. I would still be baby sitting off and on, but not having them full time anymore was really hurting me.

Keith was late coming home from work, and I was getting madder by the minute. I kept looking out the window every few minutes until his car finally pulled up. I watch as he gets out of the car reaches in and pulls out a Victoria Secret bag. HUH?? I was like WTF, they don't sell stuff in my size in that damn store.... trust me I was 275 pounds, and unless they hide that shit in a closet in the back I have never seen it!!

He proudly marches up the stairs in our apartment, and seeing the obvious confusion on my face, starts laughing. I really wasn't amused. He hands me the bag, and I was literally taken aback by the weight of it... not lightweight like your typical VS purchase, but then there was a lot more to me then their average shopper. All of a sudden the bag shifted in my hand and the tiniest little bark, more like a squeak, issued from it's depths. I tear the top layer of tissue paper out to find this....





Uh Huh... cute isn't he??!! Our eyes connect and he immediately jumped in to my arms. It was right then and there I knew he was my boy, all 2 1/2 pounds of him.

He was a riot as a puppy, always keeping us in stitches with his antics, and tricks. He was forever with me everywhere I went. He even stood up to a pit bull when he was about 8 months old, and scared the hell out of me and the other dog.

Through the years he has been a constant companion even and especially as I struggled with IF, he always seemed to know when I needed to cuddle, and get a kiss on the cheek. He was always there for me without fail or judgement when that was what I needed the most. He was my best friend.

When we finally succeeded and got pregnant with Lauryn, as my belly grew, he would cuddle closer to my belly as if to say, "I know your in there, and I am here looking out for you". There was one night in particular when I was about 36 weeks, and Lauryn was being very active. As I rolled onto my side, he adjusted himself just in time to get a swift kick from her through me. He looked at my belly as if to say "Oh you wanna play that game?" growled and kicked her right back. They did that over and over for almost 5 minutes, and Keith and I laughed so hard.

After Lauryn was born he wasn't so keen on that little thing making all that noise, but he always ran to her when she cried. In the mornings and when I got her up from her naps, he was right there with me to get her, and then he would cuddle with her on the couch until she had had enough and would push him away.

The last few weeks we had noticed a change in him. More agitation, fighting with the other dogs, growling at Lauryn, urinating on things, and loosing control of his bowels. Keith and I had the talk, but I just couldn't bring myself to call the End Game. Last night as he sat next to me on the floor, he just peed everywhere, and looked at me as if to say he was sorry, and then he lost his bowels.

I knew then. It was time.

This morning I put his little "Brat Pack" t-shirt on him and put him in the car. I know he knew where we were going, and I would like to think that during that last drive with me that he was happy to be in the car with me again going for a ride.

He nuzzled my neck as they gave him the sedative, and as he drifted off I told him how much I loved him and was going to miss him. I held him in my arms as he took his last breath, and then I sat holding him for a very long time just letting the tears and sobs come freely.

We are having him cremated, so he will be home again in a few days, but it will never be the same. He was my first baby, the one I needed at the time, and everyday since. He was my four legged rock through everything, and tonight when I go to bed I will miss his warm little body against mine, and his feet twitching as he dreams of chasing something.

I can say and have it told to me that I did the right thing, but that will not lessen my pain right now, because today I lost my best friend. Goodbye Noodle, I love you so much!!



The Last Battle
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
and pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this--the last battle--can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
Don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
What is to come can hold no fears
You'd not want me to suffer, so.
When the time comes, please let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me til the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
it is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close--we two--these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
-Author Unknown

31 comments:

Lost in Space said...

Oh sweetie, I am so sorry. What a happy life he had with you! Sending lots of hugs to you tonight...Thank you for sharing him with us.

Carrie said...

Oh...I'm so sorry....I know the pain. We had to put our best friend, Wyatt, to sleep October '08. I still cry when I think of him.

Amanda said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine how much this must hurt. (((hugs)))

Erin said...

Oh no, I am so sorry. He looks so sweet. It is so hard to lose such a trusty and loyal and wonderfully furry friend.

Photogrl said...

I'm so sorry that you lost your little guy.

But thank you for sharing such wonderful stories about him with us.

((HUGS))

Kristin said...

Oh Erica, I am so, so sorry. I can feel your pain through your words and wish I could give you a hug.

Carrie said...

It's Carrie again....I've just been thinking about you all day...and wanted you to know.

Anonymous said...

Oh Erica, I am so sorry. I know how hard this is. Making that decision is horrible, even if you know it is for the best.

It does get easier in time. But for now, be extra kind to yourself. And I wish I was closer.

astral said...

I'm so sorry for the loss of your best friend. {{hugs}} You're in my thoughts and prayers.

Susan said...

I'm so sorry. I know the pain as I"ve been there. Missing the little footsteps on the floor, the sweet breath the warm cuddles...so, so, very sorry.

My word verification is pawer. How cool is that?

girlranting said...

OMG when I read your post I cried and cried and cried... I too have lost furry best friends, sometimes from old age, sometimes accidents... It never stops hurting... Even when you know you've done the right thing, it's no consolation. I'm really sorry this is going on, and please know you're in my thoughts...

Mely said...

Erica....I am so sorry!...your story made me cry...I hope that with time your heart feels better.
<<>>

AmandaG said...

::SOB::

libby @ ninesandquines said...

i'm so sorry - i know exactly what it feels like....know that lots of hugs and thoughts are coming your way...

Kristine said...

(((HUGS))) I am so, so sorry. We just put our cat to sleep in November so I know the pain you feel. It's so hard. :*(

Katie said...

Oh, I am so sorry. I am so, so sorry. I am sitting here, crying for you and your sweet furbaby. I dread this day with our Furbabies, I only hope that I can act with the same grace and compassion which you did today.

Much love and prayers for you right now.

Kim Pedersen in CT said...

Oh my,I am so sorry,I have 2 cats and I have not ever had to experience the loss yet..my heart breaks for you..Sorry for you loss.Sending hugs to you!!
Kim in CT.

Stacie said...

Oh, Erica, I am so, so sorry. Sending you love and hugs...

Just the friend...Only the friend said...

I am totally crying. I am so sorry for your loss.

Soapchick said...

Here from L&F.I'm so sorry for your loss. He was an amazing furry friend.

Amy said...

I'm so sorry Erica for the loss of Noodle. It's never an easy decision to make...I'm crying for you both.

Sending love and ((hugs))

Minta said...

I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds as if your boy had a beautiful, happy life and you have been a wonderful friend to him.

Celia said...

I am so terribly sorry. Without a doubt, harder than anything we have ever done the hardest thing was putting our cat to sleep. I am praying for you.

nh said...

I'm so sorry. I know just how tough it is to say goodbye to a fur baby, especially one who has been through so much with you.

Laura said...

I have tears in my eyes, knowing your pain. I, too, just had to put my fur baby to sleep. I miss him deeply. You're in my thoughts and prayers.....

kimbosue said...

OMG. I am crying at my desk! This is so sad. I am so sorry for your loss. HUGS

Anonymous said...

I have tears flowing down my face right now. I know your pain all to well as we had to put our first baby to sleep in 2008. She rests on top of our mantle in a beautiful box. We don't go a day without saying something to her. She is and will forever be missed.

(((HUGS))) during the difficult time.

S said...

Oh, I'm sobbing with you. We had to make that horrible decision last year for my sweet Abi. She was so much more than just my pet. I still miss her like crazy and "hear" her in my house. I'm so sorry. It's just so hard. Hugs.

Jamie said...

I am so very sorry. I had to say good-bye to my Orion last May and I still miss him every day.

You were much loved, Noodle . . .

Rhonda said...

My boy's last morning was spent on a three legged hobble (he had cancer in his hip) down his favorite path and then a trip through the McDonald's drive through for a nice big breakfast. I have never cried so hard in my entire life.

I feel for you, Rebel!! Big cyber hugs!

Just the friend...Only the friend said...

Hey, I just realized that you don't know who I am. You followed me anyway which is sweet. It is momofonefornow or stop the train or root of the root. Whatever, I am trying to go as anon on this new one as possible to protect my identity and his but it is such a trainwreck that I gotta get some advice and feedback on what is up.