Words of kindness from all over...

Red was a Rhodesian Ridgeback -- my second one.
1994-February 7, 2005

Emails:

Melanie
Molly told me about Red.  I´m so sorry.  Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you or Kate.

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"Molly
omg. i am so sorry.  :(

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Oh my God, Pam. I am so very sorry. What truly shocking news. I don't know what to say except I am so very sorry and I really loved that dog and I know you will miss him tremendously. I hate to hear the news as I'm sure you did too.

Love ya'll,
Denise

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From London Ontario Canada let me extend my heartfelt sadness at the passing of Red....I cannot begin to imagine what you must be going through with this tragic and unexpected loss.
 
I currently co-own(with the breeder) a 4 year old male and he is my 6th RR - I started with my first pregnancy, then a second RR with my next one and now that I am much older, keep only  one dog, but he is the joy of our lives!
 
His first puppies were born Dec 2 and all have gone but for 3 females - aren't they adorable when they're small??
 
I hope you will honour his memory by getting or rescuing another RR and I am certain he would smile and wag his approval.
 
Kind regards,
 
Grace

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Hi, Pam.  I just wanted to say again I'm really sorry about Red.  I know how sad and awful it is to lose a pet, but to lose one so unexpectedly...it's really upsetting.
 
My thoughts are with you and Kate.  >>>big hug<<<
 
Melissa (Shakespeare's Sister)

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From:    "Carl

Pam and Kate,

I've often thought that God got things right with the puppy.  When I brought my Greta home, at six weeks, I was starting on a fairly shallow journey to pet ownership.  That was until I woke the next morning to smell her breath as she slept inches from my cheek.  I lay there, not moving for about a half hour, watching her tiny face, sleeping, and realized that I had made one of the most beautiful "mistakes" of my life.  I was instantly in love and knew that, relatively speaking, I had a very short time to cherish that love.

That was five years ago, and anytime the world makes me feel insignificant, I need only look at her, looking at me; I have instant value.

As such, I guess I can't imagine the loss of Red, for being in denial about the inevitability.  So all I can do is put a virtual hand on your shoulder and say that i'm deeply sorry for your loss.  You seem to have a HUGE circle of love around you and I hope that is a comfort.  From what I know of the virtual you, I'm certain Red was cherished every minute of every day.

<shameless affection>
Given everything that has transpired over the past few years, I also wanted to thank-you for my head not exploding <g>. The world is a much better place with you in it.
</shameless affection>

God bless,
Carl (and Greta)

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I've been reading your blog for awhile, and I'm very sorry about your dog
Red. *hugs*

Peace out!
Momo

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Hi Pam,

I saw in your blog today the sad news about Red.  Jennifer and I wanted to express our condolences to you and Kate, and of course to Bailey and Chloe as well.  I know your household must be feeling a lot of pain right now, but try to keep in mind that you provided Red a great home, full of mutual love and devotion, and that wherever he is now, he's doing the things that made him happiest.

Our thoughts are with you all.

Love,
Scott
Jennifer

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Rest In Peace, Woman's Best Friend
http://northdallasthirty.blogspot.com/2005/02/rest-in-peace-womans-best-friend.html

I found out today that Worthy Adversary Pam of Pam's House Blend just lost her faithful companion, Red. Pam has created a beautiful tribute and blog post to Red....please keep her and Kate in your thoughts and meditations.

As a confirmed dog person myself, this is particularly wrenching....and in memory of Red, I offer a reprise of George Graham Vest's moving and personal Eulogy on the Dog.

The best friend a man has in this world may turn against him and become his enemy. His son or daughter that he has reared with loving care may prove ungrateful. Those who are nearest and dearest to us, those whom we trust with our happiness and our good name, may become traitors to their faith. The money that a man has, he may lose. It flies away from him, perhaps when he needs it most.

A man's reputation may be sacrificed in a moment of ill-considered action. The people who are prone to fall on their knees to do us honor when success is with us may be the first to throw the stone of malice when failure settles its clouds upon our heads. The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him and the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is his dog.

A man's dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near his master's side.

He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer. He will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounters with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens.

If fortune drives the master forth an outcast in the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him to guard against danger, to fight against his enemies, and when the last scene of all comes and death takes the master in its embrace and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by his graveside will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws, his eyes sad but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even to death.

Rest in peace, Red.

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From the comments on my blog post.
http://www.pamspaulding.com/weblog/2005/02/my-boy-red-passed-away-today.html

My deepest condolences, Pam.
By Elayne, at 4:26 PM

Pam, I'm SO sorry to hear that. I'm dreading the day when something happens to my little dog. It's always such a sad time. Take care. Grieve lots but remember the good.
Greyseeker

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Oh, Pam, I truly wipe a tear. And the unexpected is so hard. Verdell and I send our love. It is going to be a hard day today. When you are ready to talk give me a call.
Ms. Julien in Miami

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Pam, so sorry to hear about Red. It's really hard to lose a loved one. Don't know if you're a spiritual person but there's a fabulous children's book that you might find helpful right now. It's called "Dog Heaven" by Cynthia Rylant.

From an Amazon.com review:
"When dogs go to heaven, they don't need wings because God knows that dogs love running best." From that simple beginning, this book paints a picture of a place filled with canine joys. There are good-natured geese to bark at, angel children to play with, and dog biscuits to munch. Even strays have wonderful homes and lots of love in dog heaven.

Peace and sympathy,
roodoc

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I'm so sorry, Pam. I don't even know what to say.
Shakespeare's Sister

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So sorry to hear of your loss, Pam. My wife and I lost our 10-year-old cockatiel Pearl on Jan. 27. She died of egg yolk peritonitis. She was egg bound, and the egg ruptured inside her. The vet did all he could for her, but egg yolk peritonitis is almost always fatal.

The vet sent us a sympathy card, with the "Rainbow Bridge" description printed inside it. Some people wouldn't understand spending $650 to try to save a $99 bird, but, then, they didn't know Pearl.
Ken

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I love that book, Roodoc. I also have several. My dog Verdell is my FIRST (got him when I was in mid 30s) and I just have no idea of the world without him...we will be thinking about you today, Pam, Katie, Chloe and Bailey.
Ms. Julien in Miami

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Pam: I share my life with five canine companions, so I know how very, very painful this experience is for you. I was told by a very wise person that the very moment we loose a companion like Red, they instantly become one of our Spirit Guides. So know you have a new one. My heart just aches for you.
zenrain

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our pets are children to us and we love them as we would any child. My deepest heartfelt sympathy Pam and Kate.
JJ

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Pam, I am so sorry to learn about your dog. I've lost a bunch of them over the years, but I still cry when they come to mind. They can be the absolute best friend you will ever have.
Dennis

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I'm so sorry to hear about Red! We lost a beloved cat more than two years ago, and I'm crying about her again right now. Please take comfort in the knowledge that for ten years, you gave Red a good home and a better quality of life than he would have had under any other circumstances. Give you two other doggies a big kiss for me!
JoGirl

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Pam.... that is the saddest news of the day. My heart goes out to you. I feel your shock. (I'm sending you big hug now.... do you feel it?)
Trixie Trash

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Pam, I wish I could deliver great big hugs to you Kate in person. We've lost a few of our little boys over the years. We know only too well how hard it is to lose one.
Mike in Texas

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Pam and Kate,

I came to the site for my daily check in and was crushed to read about Red, especially just a day after you told me about him.

I know it wont be the same for you both, Bailey and Chloe...I hope in time your sadness turns to memories of the great years you had together and the joy you gave Red every day.
Mike

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Pam and Kate I am so sorry to hear about Red. I understand your pain, since 2000 began my husband and I have lost six of our beloved children. One dog, four cats and a rabbit.

Zenrain said "I was told by a very wise person that the very moment we loose a companion like Red, they instantly become one of our Spirit Guides."

This is so true. Our dog Ben, who we lost in 2000, came back to protect our home in 2004. Our landlord was going to come into our home while we weren't home and do a little snooping in our personal papers and stuff. To make a long story short he actually had the nerve to tell our neighbor that he had tried to get in. The landlord said he didn't know why we had lied to him about our dog's passing. He said our dog Ben looked out the back door window and growled and showed every tooth in his head and that he must have stood 5 feet tall. Scared the crap out of our landlord. I told you this story to say that yes our pets do become a Guardian Spirit from the other side.

I don't know if this story will help you, I hope that it will. Great big huggggs from me, to you and Kate.
WingedCat

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Hugs, Pam...
fred

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I am so sorry! I still miss my dog Corbu!
Holly in Cincinnati

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Pam:
Please try not to blame yourself for something beyond your control.
You did only what you thought was in Red's best interest. You could not have possibly foreseen what happened.

You and Kate adored him, and he was blessed with your love, dedication, and devotion for ten wonderful years. Who could ask for a more perfect life?
zenrain

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Coming in late, and you don't know me, but I almost feel I know you through reading your always insightful and informative blog.

My condolences to the whole family - Pam, Kate, Chloe, Bailey and everyone else who loved Red. I am convinced that wherever he is, he is ultimately okay, "in the pocket of God's apron" as a friend of mine says of all of us on life's journey, or beyond it. God bless.

LT in VA
timeno

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Hugs Pam. Don't blame yourself hun.
WingedCat
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Pam, I'm very sorry for your loss.
-
marcy

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Pam, grieve away....we're all here for you.

You did what you thought was best. There will always be the "what-ifs"; take them, cry about them, do what you must.

The NDT Mascot sends his drooped ears and tail to both you and Kate and Chloe and Bailey...and I have posted one of my favorite pieces in Red's memory.
North Dallas Thirty

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cyninbend

I came upon your heartbreaking blog for the first time just now.  You have my deepest condolances. I want to share with you what happenned last summer when my 13 year old shih tzu Kody died. Three years ago, his older brother and my soulmate, Jackson died (I still cannot type those words without crying) suddenly when his lungs filled with fluid.  I was already distraught over my mom's death.  In shock, only Kody kept me going.  Anyway, the psychic Sylvia Browne was on thwe radio, saying that we should talk to our angels and spirit guides.  Well, I did that a lot, asking them to please care for Jackson for me. When Kody got sick this summer, he started barking at the air about 3 feet in front of him and up to the side, about 7 feet up.  Not where humans stand.  He did it at home a couple of times. Then, at the vet when they were setting up to try a surgical procedure, a couple more times.  Same thing.  He was not a barky dog--only a time or two in his life, when a strange worker was in the bathroom.  The vet had never seen a dog do this before.  As I was getting ready to tell him that I thought it was the angels coming to get him, the vet said it was like angels or something were coming to get him. So ask your angels to care for Red.  I can guarantee they will.

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Ian S.
Very sorry to hear about your dog. We dog owners always dread what we know must come. I have seen "Rainbow Bridge" piece before and it is very comforting.

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From DailyKos, Cheers and Jeers
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/2/7/105256/1899

Our thoughts are with you (4.00 / 8)

Remember all the fun and laughs he gave you, and that he was lucky to have passed in peace and not in pain.  
We send you hugs.

"Revolutionary change does not come as one cataclysmic moment...but as an endless succession of surprises, moving zigzag toward a more decent society."
by saint on Mon Feb 7th, 2005 at 15:35:29 AST

Oh Pam ... (4.00 / 7)

I'm so sorry ... you didn't even get to say goodbye.

Damn damn damn damn damn.

Eggs, bacon, sausage and spam ... at the C&J Cafe.
by Baldwiny on Mon Feb 7th, 2005 at 15:38:59 AST

My heart goes out to you and your loss (4.00 / 7)

You'll have your memories of him to help you.

And you know he died without pain.

The gods do not protect fools. Fools are protected by more capable fools - Larry Niven
by sersan on Mon Feb 7th, 2005 at 16:01:02 AST

[No words] (4.00 / 9)

Just hugs and the hope that you and your other furried ones can comfort each other.  Very sorry to hear about 'ol Red.

by Bill in Portland Maine on Mon Feb 7th, 2005 at 16:14:39 AST

Pam, sending many hugs (4.00 / 7)

and condolences.  What a horrible shock.  Dogs are our family.  I am so saddened for you.  Aw--damn damn damn....to quote Baldwiny

Be easy with yourself, we'll be thinking of you.

"The future is not a gift: it is an achievement." Robert F. Kennedy
by PoliSigh on Mon Feb 7th, 2005 at 16:53:47 AST

Condolences (4.00 / 8)

one of the top ranked ASTs died exactly the same way last year.  Any time a dog (especially an older one) goes under anesthia, it's a risk.  Not that this helps you with your loss.

But it's a reminder to the rest of us dog owners to think carefully about the necessity of that procedure.

That's Red's gift to us.

by pitbullEmily on Mon Feb 7th, 2005 at 17:05:22 AST

oh no... (4.00 / 7)

I'm so sorry, Pam.  {{{hug}}}  He's romping in doggie heaven somewhere, making the lady-dogs drool.

"So long as we have enough people in this country willing to fight for their rights, we'll be called a democracy." ~Roger Baldwin
by spyral on Mon Feb 7th, 2005 at 17:14:00 AST

Red was a great beauty. (4.00 / 6)

I'm so, so sorry to hear that this happened.  

I have to admit this is one of my worst nightmares.  My cat Homer needed dental work, but had a faint heart murmur.  I spent an ungodly amount of money on a sonogram prior to his surgery, only to find that there was nothing serious.  Still, the vet freaked me out when we discussed the risks of anaesthesia.  He's still very young.  Given your experience, I doubt I'll have him undergo anaesthesia when he's older.

Thanks for sharing this here.  My condolences, and hugs to you and your family.  

by SneakySnu on Mon Feb 7th, 2005 at 17:14:04 AST

So sorry to hear that Pam (4.00 / 3)

It's hard when you know they're going to go, much harder when it's unexpected...dangit...big hugs...

Westley: "Truly, you have a dizzying intellect." Vizzini: "Wait til I get going!"
by Revel on Mon Feb 7th, 2005 at 18:05:55 AST

I'm so sorry (3.75 / 4)

He's beautiful.  Thanks for sharing the picture.  I know how much we love and miss these furry & feathery things that we take into our homes & hearts.  No real words, just sorry & sad for you all.

Plant the seed anyway. Even in the desert it will rain someday.
by mrsdbrown1 on Mon Feb 7th, 2005 at 18:13:50 AST

I'm sorry. (4.00 / 3)

Last night, I teased Thea when she complained about how she wants so many different kinds of dogs, yet we can only afford one right now: "Makes you kinda wish they lived shorter lives, huh?"

I'm a total ass.

What force or guile could not subdue / Thro' many warlike ages / Is wrought now by a coward few / For hireling traitor's wages. -- Robert Burns
by lilithvf1998 on Mon Feb 7th, 2005 at 20:15:23 AST

Pam (none / 0)

I'm sorry for your loss.

Well, Watson, we seem to have fallen upon evil days. -- Sherlock Holmes.
by Carnacki on Mon Feb 7th, 2005 at 22:01:39 AST