Losing a pet...

He gave the wettest "kisses".   He had the worst smelling breath.  He would get so excited when I came home that he would pee (well, okay, he got so excited no matter who the person was, that he would pee)!  He yelped loudly whenever my kids would get in their high chair to eat (we have no idea why he did this!).    And I miss him (and all of his quirks)  every day....

We had to have our Jedi, our pet dog of over 11 years, put to sleep last December.  It all started about two years previous to that, when he had a cancerous lump removed.  Surgery was successful and he lived for almost another two years, enjoying good health.  However, last October, he began to have signs that he was sick again.  Unfortunately,  the cancer was in his stomach this time, surgery would be thousands of dollars, and chances of him making it through were slim.  We knew that once he started suffering badly we would have to make the painful decision to put him to sleep (if he didn't die on his own).  And that is what happened after a hard night and morning back in early December.

I will never forget having to tell my dear, sweet girls the terrible news on that Sunday morning.  There were many tears shed as we said good-bye.  Watching each of my girls' hearts break, along with mine,  felt like more than I could  bear.  Saying good-bye to Jedi, our pet of over 11 years,  was so hard.  It was an awful day.

It has already been 5mos. since we lost Jedi, and my girls still say things that Break. My. Heart.  Last week, my 6 year old told us that every day since Jedi died has been the worst day of her life.  We quickly reminded her that we have enjoyed many good days since he died, but we understand that she misses him terribly.  She agreed that saving up her money and buying an American Girl Doll was a good day!  My 3 year old occasionally tells me that she wants to see Jedi now, and see what he looks like.  I quickly say that he looks like he's sleeping, and then turn away before she sees my tears.  My 9 year old asks me why her sister (the 6 year old) always cries in front of us, since my 9 year old waits and cries in bed when she's alone.  That thought breaks my heart. Then there is my 2 year old, who looks out the door where hubby last left with Jedi, and says "Jedi go?  Jedi old, sick."   This week when I was explaining to my 6 year old (who by far has shed the most tears over Jedi in front of me) that if someone says "My heart is broken" it's just an expression.  Their heart isn't really broken in pieces.  She replied, " Yea, except that my heart really is broken in half over Jedi."  What could I say to that?  And then there is this momma, who misses that wet, stinky, peeing, yelping companion so very much.  

Jedi looking disgusted being dressed in girls clothes!