R.I.P, Rory, 2000-2010

[wraithfodder]

Today, 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.

Comments

[ladyniko.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry for your loss. I know you will still be looking for him when you get home - I did the same thing with Lovecraft after we said goodbye in June.

He will be missed, along with all our other furry companions.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

I realized today that now I have to clean the kitchen floor. Whenever anything fell to the floor, he'd suck it up. Mornings and end of night are when I realize his abscence the most, as he wanted out, or fed, or carried up the stairs to go to bed.

[cimmerdeux.livejournal.com]

What an awesome little guy. In many of the pictures he looks like he has a little half smile on his face. My condolences and yes, I'm sure the cat knows and will grieve with you too.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

He had a wonderful face. Thanks.

[lt-braddock.livejournal.com]

I had (kinda) the same experience with my Border Collie Lucky. So I know the feeling. I'm so sorry for your loss.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Sorry to hear you went through the same thing. Alas, cancer is all too prevalent with dogs :( Thanks.

[dejla.livejournal.com]

Just found this. So sorry. It hurts so much when you have to say goodbye.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Thanks. Yeah, hurt a lot, but at least he went very peacefully, for which I am very grateful.

[dejla.livejournal.com]

I always hope that they'll go by themselves, but my last two dogs I've had to help, and that hurt a good deal more than the first two of my family's dogs who went by themselves.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Yes, it would be so kind if they would just pass away peacefully in their sleep, with no cancer.

[archersangel.livejournal.com]

I'd like to think he's no longer in pain and running green pastures, shredding weeds and chasing squirrels.

i think he is too. R.I.P

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

[madaboutdanny.livejournal.com]

Till some times ago I was a cat person, now I have a dog and I love him to death, even if he chews everything and is stubborn as hell and he forced me to give my kitten to my sister because she hated him, but just the idea to lose him terrified me. I had to put to sleep my first cat 6 years ago and it was devastating but I waited too long for that, hoping in some sort of miracle. You did the right thing, and your dog was adorable, I'm sure he was lucky to have you, and you to have him.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Thanks very much. I'm still a cat person, but also a dog person. I love 'em both and the cat still remains (knock on wood). I'd love another dog in the future.

[madaboutdanny.livejournal.com]

Oh I'm still a cat person too, but I'm afraid to have another one with the dog.

I'm sorry if this hurts more than comforts.

[lyndasty.livejournal.com]

Elyse, I'm just now seeing this. I am so very sorry for your loss. I...there are no words. I know what it's like to go through this. You know I just had to say goodbye to my oldest baby, Charm, just barely a week before Rory passed away. You are in my thoughts, my friend. Rory sounds like such a special boy and he was blessed to have such wonderful parents as y'all. I hope he'll keep my Charm company and teach her how to play until I can find her again. I agree with something you said, though, that he's now without pain and hopefully in a better place. Keeping that thought in my mind and in my heart is one of the only things that has been a consolation to me about Charm. If you ever need or want to talk, I'm generally ALWAYS around the 'net somewhere. It's tough to say goodbye to such an integral member of the family. I mourn Charm as a lost daughter because, to me, that's what she was...my daughter.

*huge comforting hugs*

Desiree

Re: I'm sorry if this hurts more than comforts.

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

Thank you very much. Your thoughts are very much appreciated. It's tough not having the little guy around. I swear, not a day goes by when we don't say "miss him" or realize we were supposed to put him out, or feed him, or something... He was definitely a member of the family.

[apinkpanthress.livejournal.com]

I don't know you, but still I would like to say, that I am really sorry! If I could hug you right now, I would do so. :(