A
female
age
41-50,
*irenaBlusera
writes:Hi everyone,I'm an aunt here, and it's a great opportunity to help someone else out. I came to this site with a problem of my own and I got some really good advice and I really appreciated the answers-very helpful.Lately, I've had something on my mind, and it's not about a romantic relationship, but I really need advice about my pet. Our family (she belongs to all of us) owns a large German Shepherd, named Gretchen... she's almost fifteen. She's more than a member of my family, I build my world around her. Well, tomorrow she's gonna be fifteen years old (we picked tomorrow to celebrate, all we know is that she was born in August). It's bittersweet because part of me is grateful that she came into my life and part of me is sad. I don't wanna think about it but I know that I'm going to outlive her; it's inevitable. I try not to dwell on that, because then I'll waste time that I could have spent enjoying her. I realize that the only choice I have is whether to make the most of the time we have left or not. I just want to know if anyone has some advice about how to make her life as happy as possible? Like I said, I build my world around her, but I keep having this feeling I could be doing more for her. I'm just not sure how. I'm afraid that when she's gone I'll look back and realize that I could have done more, and wish I could have another chance and feel so guilty. Thankfully, she seems to be in really good health; she's not suffering or anything.We got her as a puppy; she was neglected and abused (I suspect she was) but in spite of that she's not vicious, and never was.She lives indoors but gets walked every day, I give her constant attention and try to do whatever makes me happy. She loves to hear me play the guitar and she likes for me to sing to her at bed-time. We've probably over-indulged her in treats... tomorrow, she's getting a steak. She always has a dish full of food, a full dish of water. Every day she gets brushed, petted and cuddled.But I keep telling myself that I'm gonna look back and wish I'd been nicer to her. Does anyone have ideas of ways to make her life happier?Please, please, approve this question. It means a lot to me, she is my baby. Reply to this Question
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reader, anonymous, writes (6 September 2010): That's nice to hear.
Lots if love to Gretchen. x
A
female
reader, SirenaBlusera +, writes (5 September 2010):
SirenaBlusera is verified as being by the original poster of the question Thanks again, guys...
just an update... I took Princess Gretchen for a walk and bought her some Canine Carryouts (her fave dog treat)... and she did something uncharacteristic... she RAN across the grassy field... which she RARELY does.
She had a manicure and a bath the other day (a necessity for dogs!) and feels so much better.
I love Gretchen so much... I'd do absolutely anything for her. I'm gonna go play her some music now.
thanks again!
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A
female
reader, SirenaBlusera +, writes (29 August 2010):
SirenaBlusera is verified as being by the original poster of the questionI don't really believe in evolution or not but if it is true (hypothetically) then I wish that humans had evolved from dogs and not monkeys, the world would be a better place.
I love Gretchen more than life; I would literally do anything for her because she's my world. I don't know if anyone will believe me, but when I hold her and sing, "You are My Sunshine," she actually looks at me and SMILES. I know Spunky, dogs have a sense of humor... I just hope she's not laughing at me. Lol.
She was a stray puppy when we got her and I loved her so much ever since she came to live with us.
Thanks SO MUCH for the pet psychologist idea... I never thought of that. Sounds expensive, but it's worth it.
That story made me cry... but thanks for your answer Spunky. :) Singing to him doesn't sound soppy, Gretchen likes my singing too.
I guess I should just make the most of the time I have... Gretchen is a treasure, though. I've had her for almost half my life but I feel like I've always had her.
I was so depressed when my pet pigs passed away that I couldn't stop crying for six months. I love animals so much. I wish I could do more for them.
Thanks guys, once again!! It is heartening that people understand how I feel. So many people don't understand love for a pet and I guess I just needed someone to understand me. I'm really glad to hear from you.
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A
female
reader, SirenaBlusera +, writes (29 August 2010):
SirenaBlusera is verified as being by the original poster of the questionThanks guys!! I really am grateful for your answers... they made me happy :) And, they made Gretchen happy too!
Yeah, I saved my money to buy her steak, it's just an occasional treat, though. This is probably really bad for her, but occasionally she gets kids' meals (with H2O to drink) from McDonalds. I figure once in while won't hurt.
I had 20 different pets when I was a kid and I did my best then, but there is so much I know about their care, that I didn't know then. I had guinea pigs as a kid and I loved them and played with them, but now I see all these cool "C and C" cages people make for their pigs and I wish Sara and Chocolate (my pigs) had had one of those. Stuff like that.
You both seem like great people and really caring.
I hate it when people come to visit me and keep reminding me that Gretchen is old... my uncle did that the other day. He came to visit us and reminded me of how old Gretchen was... and I think, "Why is he telling me this?"
I wish that people would just let me enjoy the time I do have with her.
We discovered that she's a German Shepherd- rottweiler- lab mix (long story but we're pretty sure that's what she is) and it makes me so sad that the large breeds don't live as long... she looks like a big furry monster, she's nearly one hundred years old in dog years! And she was nearly dead when we got her... :( but she's like a puppy now!!
I really like the ideas, Emivia, that's a great suggestion, I may go out later and get her a new bone... if the weather cools down a bit I'm going to take her to the park!
Thanks guys!!
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reader, anonymous, writes (29 August 2010): It sounds to me like she's probably the happiest dog for miles. You do more than enough.
You could buy her some new toys and play with her. But I think you should have nothing to regret at all. You do more for your Gretchen than most people would imagine doing for their precious pooches.... I'm not implying that their dogs are loved less.... But giving your dog STEAK.... WOW! That is spoiling! :D. lUCKY DOG. I wish someone would feed me steak!
It sounds to me like you're more anxious about her not being there later in life... Than actually feeling like you're not doing enough for her.
Just enjoy her... You're a great pet owner. I'm sure she's had a great life and will pass away a happy dog.. Don't let this bog you down. She could still have a good few years left in her. She's a lucky dog and I'm sure if you adopt more dogs later in life (which I hope you will... Because all dogs deserve an owner like you), they too will be happy and loved.
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (29 August 2010): Hi
sounds like she has a fantastic life,i like the guitar bit music! my mum used to sing and our little benson (14)double life span normally 8 years...king charles spaniel. He used to follow my mum upstairs and listen to her siging every night,even when benson's back legs started to go he would clamber up the stairs following mum knowing she was doing her singing time.
Your Gretchen has lived a lot longer than the average alsation so this is a bonus and you adore her obviously,she will know this, it is love that keeps us alive.
I think you are just preparing yourself for the inevitable as you say..all i can say is keep doing what you are doing.
When benson's time came to go to sleep he was dying naturally and we knew it was only amatter of days both me and mum camped down on the floor with him talking and mum sang to him ( sounds soppy but he was sooooooooloved by the whole family ) i actually picked him out of the shop window ( the sulky pup)and put him in mums arms the day we got him. In the early hours we decided to call the vet because he started to wimper ..we all said goodnight to him and i held him in my arms as the vet put him to sleep, mum said i should be the last with him as i was the first to hld him.
I have tears as i write this because i know how much you can love an animal, just enjoy every day and carry on as normal. I would like to lighten this up with a little humour after benson died. We had him cremated and had his ashes in a white carboard box, as we were taking his ashes to his place the neighbour stopped to talk to us and said ''mmmmm have you got some cakes in that box?' mum went white,i burst out laughing and said no it's benson' the poor neighbour ended up laughing and mum ...i believe dogs have a sense of humour too and our benson would have found it funny. FAMILY!
Good luck Spunky Monkey :)
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A
male
reader, anonymous, writes (29 August 2010): The only thing our pets want from us is our time. Give her plenty of love and attention and spend lots of time with her. Animals do not value 'stuff' and food is just food... human love is all that really want.
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (29 August 2010): Just continue to love her and cherish her as you are obviously doing now. You can't change the inevitable, and often pets are more than just an animal - they are family like you said. I would advise, when she does pass to seek special pet bereavement councilling or therapy where you can meet and talk to other individual in your situation. If you still feel you need to give more to your dog, you could always try one of those 'pet psychologists'. Good luck.
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