R.I.P, Rory, 2000-2010
Nov. 30th, 2010 09:22 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
wraithfodderToday, at nearly 11 years old, Rory succumbed to the cancer. We put him to sleep this afternoon. 
We knew his time was limited, and he basically did make the two weeks that the vet predicted. Alas, the prednisone was no match for the cancer. He threw up his medicine last night and his breathing was not good. This morning, it was worse, and there was some bleeding. I took him to the vet, who said he was in bad shape and that we should end his pain today or tomorrow. I opted for today, after watching him struggle with his breath. I don't regret the decision. He's now without pain, hopefully in a better place. He went to sleep very peacefully after the vet administered the drugs. I think he knew. This morning he just looked at me with his one eye and I could see it was time. We decided to have him cremated, so that if we move, we can take him with us.
We had good times and bad - he weathered some intense surgery a few years back when he nearly died from bladder stones. He's had Lyme, he's been bitten or clawed by something, he's eaten things he shouldn't and ruined things- like chewing up the zipper on his sleeping pad, drooling and leaving white spots on the hard wood floor, mangled the gutter (I will never figure out what that was about, but I won't repaint it as now it has sentimental value). He put up with me putting stuffed animals on him, trapping him in snow forts (he LOVED the snow).
Toughest part will be coming home and not being greeted by him, wanting to go out, or hearing him barking himself silly at the squirrels, or whining for me to open the door when good grief, even the cat could do it. I will be vaccuming up his hair for months to come, I am sure, or begging for good. He did get his appetite back right before he went to the vet, scarfing down the forbidden whie bread, but we knew from watching his breathing, that letting him go was right.
And now, some pictures and videos... 
Sitting on the rug, his favorite spot 
In the yard, in the Spring, probably picking up those darned deer ticks. 
Rory and the cat, playing. Yes, they loved each other quite a bit. When I came home after Rory was gone, I let the cat sniff the alligator (which Rory rested on in his final moments) and I think the cat knows. 
As if anybody else is shredding tissues on the floor....GUILTY! ;) 
Rory LOVED the snow. He'd stay out all day if we let him. He'd sit on the last vestige of snow as spring approached as if trying to hold on to the cold spot. 
Yes, he was a shelf for stuffed toys. 
Taken in October, when his eye hemorrhaged. He loved to sit in the same spot next to the patio, so much so, the grass is gone, the Earth flattened and impacted. 
Oh yeah, he did not like the Cone of Shame at all, but he healed up so well from the surgery.
Laughing or yawning. I'd like to think he's no longer in pain and running green pastures, shredding weeds and chasing squirrels.
Shredding weeds. A favorite.
Frustrated by the fence cuz he's too fat to jump over it. Aw.. poor little guy.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 03:47 am (UTC)I'm so sorry for your loss of Rory.
This is a wonderful tribute to your furry loved one---beautiful pictures and memories.
no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 05:32 am (UTC)Rory
Date: 2010-12-01 03:53 am (UTC)But they are always there for you, no matter what.
Dogs, by their very nature, teach us happiness.
Re: Rory
Date: 2010-12-01 05:32 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 03:58 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 05:33 am (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 04:07 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 05:33 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 04:14 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 05:34 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 04:18 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 05:34 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 04:23 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 05:34 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 04:26 am (UTC)*HUGS* to you on your loss!
no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 05:35 am (UTC)(no subject)
From:no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 05:35 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 04:29 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 05:35 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 04:30 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 05:36 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 04:58 am (UTC)It's so hard to lose a pet and some people might not understand, but they are so much more. Our companions, our best friends, always there for us with unconditional love and devotion.
Rory had a great life with you, the pics and vids speak for themselves :)
I have had both scenarios, having to put my cat Willie and my girl Grace to sleep and my little Rica ripped from me unexpectedly when she was only 5. No matter how, it hurts just the same and they will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Noone will ever replace them, but our hearts are big and have plenty room to share our love with new little souls that are searching for a home and friend to spend their lives with.
*hugs*
Susan
no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 05:36 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 05:16 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 05:36 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 05:22 am (UTC)I'm sure Rory's patch of heaven has lots of snowbanks for him to play in.
no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 05:37 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 05:41 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 05:45 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 05:41 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 05:45 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 06:10 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 06:19 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-02 02:01 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 07:13 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-02 02:01 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 07:16 am (UTC)I love the photos and videos, by the way. ESPECIALLY the one in the snow. He looks like that's where he's supposed to be. The more snow, the better!
no subject
Date: 2010-12-02 02:02 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 07:23 am (UTC)They really get under our skin and into our heart these creatures, a part of the family. It's so difficult to face their parting and for you, to have to make that decision to put him to sleep must have been hard but, I'm sure your last act showed even more love than all the love you showed him his whole life.
He obviously had a very happy life and brought you a lot of happiness too. When the tears finally stop, you'll have wonderful memories to keep forever.
He was a beautiful dog pet. All I can do is send you all my thoughts and huge hugs. Take care hon.
no subject
Date: 2010-12-02 02:04 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 07:27 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-02 02:04 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 07:33 am (UTC):hugs:
no subject
Date: 2010-12-02 02:04 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 07:33 am (UTC)Rory was obviously a wonderful & special boy. ♥
no subject
Date: 2010-12-02 02:05 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-12-01 08:49 am (UTC)But you know you did the right and selfless thing letting him go, you just can't let them suffer.
He was such a beautiful dog and sounds like a real character, you'll have some great memories.
*massive hugs*
no subject
Date: 2010-12-02 02:05 am (UTC)