What a gift you have given these dear companions. Among the many experiences I hope for in life, I especially hope for a good death. The description of Boon calling for Norm is heartbreaking and beautiful. And community — a poet friend taught me an Irish phrase when I was going through my own deep shit some years ago: "Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine." Under the shelter of each other, people survive. I wish you many years of being deeply held, sheltered, and at home with your loving community.
Thanks Neko. What a wonderful piece of writing about this painful phenomenon where we must make the decision for our loved ones. I'm still recovering from putting our 15 year-old dog down three years ago. The vet came to our home, and my wife and daughters and I sat around him, petting him, as he laid on his bed and passed away. Geez, I'm starting to tear up as I write this. Your song, Oh Shadowless, was a great help during that time, so thank you thank you for that too.
Neko, thank you for sharing your experience with your beloved mates. My family lost our beloved dog this week and we’re also grateful to have been with him, touching his warm belly and fur as the vet let him go from his suffering. It’s been a tearful week and reading about your experience feels like a hug.
I'm sorry, Stu, but I'm so glad you got to be with him. Touching a soft ear is as much a comfort to us as to them when when they go. They just never stop giving.
Horses and dogs. I think the creatures that humans are most dependent on? Enriched by? This brought me to a memory when my uncle died and men (strangers to my family) brought his horse to the funeral. Horses do have that elephant wisdom and perception. Sorry for your loss x2. 😢 😢 💕
I’m preparing to say goodbye to my dog, named after you. Between your records and her love I got through the last 15 years. There will be a gaping hole. Hold On Hold On
Oh, Neko❤️💔❤️💔❤️I remember Norm from his early days with you: he always looked so noble, strong, and alert as we rode across the fields with another of your neighbors. And sweet Jerome in the cozy comfort of your then pretty-new-to-you home. Good days. Difficult times for both of us, but animals fill in the spaces of tumult.
Thank you for sharing Neko. We had to reach the decision for our fellow comically old dog to cross the rainbow bridge this week and reading this helped us in figuring out what we should do with respect and love to the pup we so adore. With vets not coming on weekend too so making these days full of love, pets, ear scratches, and treats — sending you lots of love.
I used to joke to my husband that Norman was my internet boyfriend. Big, big hugs to you. It's such a hard, awful thing to lose your animal loves. I'm glad you had them for the time you did.
This made me cry. I’m so sorry for your loss, Neko, but happy for the comfort you have found in Boon’s new life. How lucky for them to have been so loved.
I met the sweetest dog outside my building today. She's 8 or 9, and she has cancer. The chemo didn't work. Your post helped me cry for her and her person.
What a gift you have given these dear companions. Among the many experiences I hope for in life, I especially hope for a good death. The description of Boon calling for Norm is heartbreaking and beautiful. And community — a poet friend taught me an Irish phrase when I was going through my own deep shit some years ago: "Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine." Under the shelter of each other, people survive. I wish you many years of being deeply held, sheltered, and at home with your loving community.
Beautifully put, Erin. Thanks for sharing, Neko. I'm so sorry for your loss. Such a wonderful ending and video. Lots of love to you.
Thanks Neko. What a wonderful piece of writing about this painful phenomenon where we must make the decision for our loved ones. I'm still recovering from putting our 15 year-old dog down three years ago. The vet came to our home, and my wife and daughters and I sat around him, petting him, as he laid on his bed and passed away. Geez, I'm starting to tear up as I write this. Your song, Oh Shadowless, was a great help during that time, so thank you thank you for that too.
Neko, thank you for sharing your experience with your beloved mates. My family lost our beloved dog this week and we’re also grateful to have been with him, touching his warm belly and fur as the vet let him go from his suffering. It’s been a tearful week and reading about your experience feels like a hug.
I'm sorry, Stu, but I'm so glad you got to be with him. Touching a soft ear is as much a comfort to us as to them when when they go. They just never stop giving.
Thanks Neko for sharing, so touching and raw but hopeful—truly opened us up to read it.
Horses and dogs. I think the creatures that humans are most dependent on? Enriched by? This brought me to a memory when my uncle died and men (strangers to my family) brought his horse to the funeral. Horses do have that elephant wisdom and perception. Sorry for your loss x2. 😢 😢 💕
my horse is getting on too. thank you for this writing, I know you must be sore.
Thank you. And thank you for all you do and all the ways you inspire me :)
Let me know if you need a horse passing consultant.
Thank you for writing this.
I’m preparing to say goodbye to my dog, named after you. Between your records and her love I got through the last 15 years. There will be a gaping hole. Hold On Hold On
Oh, Neko❤️💔❤️💔❤️I remember Norm from his early days with you: he always looked so noble, strong, and alert as we rode across the fields with another of your neighbors. And sweet Jerome in the cozy comfort of your then pretty-new-to-you home. Good days. Difficult times for both of us, but animals fill in the spaces of tumult.
I send godspeed to Norm and Jerome, and ❤️to you.
So much grief, beautifully witnessed. I’m glad they had you.
Thank you for sharing Neko. We had to reach the decision for our fellow comically old dog to cross the rainbow bridge this week and reading this helped us in figuring out what we should do with respect and love to the pup we so adore. With vets not coming on weekend too so making these days full of love, pets, ear scratches, and treats — sending you lots of love.
I used to joke to my husband that Norman was my internet boyfriend. Big, big hugs to you. It's such a hard, awful thing to lose your animal loves. I'm glad you had them for the time you did.
Happy Trails to Jerome and Norman!
You made sure of that with your kindness and compassion in the face of grief.
You reminded me of the Buddhist Meta Sutra ~
May all beings be at ease.
Whatever living beings there may be;
Whether they are weak or strong, omitting none,
The great or the mighty, medium, short or small,
The seen and the unseen,
Those living near and far away,
Those born and to-be-born —
May all beings be at ease.
Thank you, Neko.
This was such incredibly beautiful writing--I'm sitting at my place of employment tryng to hold back the tears.
This made me cry. I’m so sorry for your loss, Neko, but happy for the comfort you have found in Boon’s new life. How lucky for them to have been so loved.
I met the sweetest dog outside my building today. She's 8 or 9, and she has cancer. The chemo didn't work. Your post helped me cry for her and her person.
That was sad and lovely. Thank you.