THE END IS NIGH ! ! !

I had a cat called Sparky. He used to sit under the radiator scratching at the carpet and building up static charge. He used to crackle when you stroked him.

I trust you expect your nearest and dearest to be equally humane when your "time" comes Frank.

I thought we'd lose her last winter--she didn't do well at all. When the spring came along, though, she cheered up considerably. Basically, she's one of the most cheerful and positive persons i've ever met. Nothing gets her down for long. She constantly amazes me as she asjusts, on an almost daily basis, to here failing eyesight. She does not seem to be in pain (she did in the winter, when we gave her aspirins and pills for her joints), and she still has her motor skills. So often, of an evening, she'll suddenly look up at you and smile. For her, i believe, life is still good. So long as that is so, i'll put up with whatever it takes to keep her going along and happy.

"Sparky" is a ubiquitous name. We once had a dog named Sparky! Our new little guy is named Cabot...the name he came with when we adopted him. I keep forgetting the name (it is unusual) and end up calling him Sparky or "Hey you, come over here!"

By the way, Frank, i did not intend this thread to be about the little dog's infirmities. "The end is nigh" is just a joke, a reference to her hind end which she keeps parking on my foot. I usually start threads for satire or just silly humor. Heart-rending pathos is not my style.

I hate hearing this kind of story. Our beloved pets bring us so much joy and it seems so unfair when they fade before our eyes, and we can do little but watch and wait for the last trip... Here's hoping that the little one has more life to live without pain and suffering and a bunch more walks with you both.

I guess I missed the joke too..

Good to hear that she is able to cope with her aging, Set. I am having a bit of trouble with handling mine! As Spendius just suggested, I gotta hope Nancy will help me find a way out if severe pain or (even worse) senility kicks in. I fear the loss of brain power more than loss of mobility.

I don't want to sidetrack this into a discussion about the right of humans to exit with dignity, but every discussion with anyone about the impending loss of a pet brings that bugaboo to mind.

S'OK, Boss . . . these things have a life of their own . . .

Please give her a friendly scritch under the chin & a gentle hug from me, ehBeth.
Awww.

I'll go one better - I'll rub her ears and tell her it's from an Australian Auntie - both doggies love ear rubs.

Thanks, ehBeth.
I know she'll love it!
Would it be too much to ask for similar, for precious doggie #2, while you're at it?