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Friday, June 29, 2012

Please, Your Kind Thoughts

We are waiting, here at That Old House,
for our beloved dog Dion
to decide it is time to leave us.


At 13 years and 4 months, Dion -- our Peter Pan, our perpetual
teenage prankster -- is getting tired.  It's become clear
over the last few weeks that his life is winding down.

 Resting on Anne's lap.
Sometimes Dion wants to be with one of his people;
other times he asks to be left alone.

Dion in 2010.
He could easily hop onto all the furniture, and
even onto kitchen counters to cruise for snacks.

 Also in 2010, at my Dad's 90th birthday party,
sneaking snacks from the kids. 

Walks are short now, just around the house,
and sometimes Dion's legs don't cooperate.
He is closer to the ground than he used to be.
Even chipmunks don't much interest him anymore.

It's hard for me to reconcile this handsome young man. . . .

 with this sweet little old guy.
Dion has lost some of his special dog powers that made him
such a special dog, but he hasn't lost one bit of our love.

If you are a pet owner, you know how we are feeling.

Dion is a strong link to our past;
he is the last of our trio of wonderful Cavaliers,
the dogs our girls grew up with.
He was born when Alida and Anne were in middle school,
and they are grown women now.
They were puppies together, Dion and his "pet girls."

I'm not ready to lose him, and all the memories
contained in his small and loving self.
Wish him luck, please; he has a vet appointment in the morning,
and I'm hoping there is yet another treatment or medication.

They break our hearts, our dogs.
They also fill them.
Thanks for listening. -- Cass

48 comments:

  1. Oh, Cass. I know how you feel. We had a great dog for years - with our children as they were growing up - they do become part of the family! When he got cancer it was so hard for us - it is hard to let go. Will surely keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers - he is such a handsome dog!
    Hugs,
    Kathy

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  2. I have been here, and it is one of the hardest things I have ever dealt with. I don't know you, but my heart goes out to you and your family.

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  3. Oh that sweet fur child. Will pray for him to continue on and not be in pain at all.

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  4. Cass: I am so sorry to hear that sweet Dion is beginning to fail. What a dear, sweet dog he is. I have enjoyed reading your blog and all of his antics - especially when he did a few posts of his own. Always made me laugh. I'm thinking of Dion, you, Howard and your girls and will be saying a special prayer for Dion. Bless all of you. I'm from Canada, don't have a blog of my own but love reading yours. Thinking of all of you.

    Louise

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  5. My heart goes out to you in this sorrowful time. I cannot imagine a life with our animal companions, but at times like this it's mighty hard. You and your family have my utmost sympathy and lots and lots of good thoughts! He is, indeed, a gorgeous boy!

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  6. What a hard time for you and your family! Indeed, our fur babies fill our lives with so much joy! I am sending prayers for a good report and lots of hugs to you...Debbie

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  7. What a coincidence that you posted this today ... I keep meaning to check on you to see how you and Dion are doing. It's so hard, and I'm really sorry. Keep sweet Dion close, cherish every day. All of you are in my thoughts.

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  8. Oh, Cass, my heart is breaking for you! I know how you feel to loose a darling pet! Dion has so become a part of all our lives in Blogland. I will be praying for him and your family. I know he loves you all so much and has given y'all so much joy. Blessings to you,
    Shelia ;)

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  9. Cass -- a big hug for you. We came close to losing Ollie a month or so ago but he rallied and actually has more energy and pep than he's had for a while. But we know that his time is shorter than longer. They do fill your hearts don't they?

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  10. Awww! :( I will include sweet Dion and your family in my prayers. He has definitely become part of our lives in the land of blogs. (((hugs)))

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  11. You know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Cass. Give Dion a hug for me. Hugs, Deb

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  12. Oh, no. I will be thinking good thoughts for Mr. Dion. Hoping he will rally and if not, that he goes peacefully and without pain.

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  13. This has got to be one of the hardest things to go through because they are a close member of the family....
    wishing for you and your family strength and peace.

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  14. As a fairly new pet owner...you wouldn't think I could relate, but boy can I ever. We've had our first indoor dog for 3 years now, and she was 5 when she came to us. We are starting to think she is getting older and how sad it makes us. We love her....she is truly a part of our family. I'll say a prayer for Mr. Dion....a prayer that he will not only rally...but rally well. Blessings~~Shine

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  15. HI Cass~ I understand completely and so does Scamp,my furry little boy! I will keep all of you in my prayers. Hug your sweet Dion from me and Scamp!

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  16. I lost 2 girls of my own several years ago and it never gets easier. They live in my heart.

    sending prayers and healing energy for Mr. Dion.

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  17. Cass! I'm sitting here silently screaming, "No! Not Dion!" He is such a joy. But on the other hand if he is tired and in pain........the dilemma. You'll have to trust your heart in this. Only you and your family will know if it is time. Wish there was a big sponge to sop up the pain of these times. My thoughts and prayers are with you. We've been there twice. It's almost enough to make one say never again.....but then....as I type our two dogs are trying to cuddle close. It is worth the trade off.....in the end.

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  18. My heart is breaking for you and yours. Louise in NE OK

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  19. My brother has a KCC that looks identical to your guy....she is also winding down, she ended up with that terrible nerve problem in her neck...I am so sorry to hear he is thinking it is time, I know you'll miss him terribly!!! But know that our beloved dogs wait for us on the other side too! He has lived a grand old life, hasn't he????? BIG HUG! Sandy

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  20. I'm so sorry Cass, and I truly hope there is something the vet has up his sleeve to make Dion's life a little better to buy him more time. Any pet is hard to lose, but I know what it's like to lose one that is extra special. Whatever happens, I'll be thinking of your family.

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  22. Oh, Cass, it is so difficult when we are at this time with our furkids. When I think how I came to know more about Cavaliers because of our group with Dion, Oliver from Oakland, and so many others, it makes me sad.....and yet, I smile because we have had their love. When the time does comes, Gwynne, Jasmine, and Jammie (along with my hubby), will be there to show him the ropes. Christine Nunemaker, Simpsonville, SC.

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  23. Oh, Cass-we have been traveling so I am so far behind on visiting. I am soo soo sorry about your boy. It is heartbreaking and never gets easier to lose a pet-no matter their age. After losing our last one I decided I just couldn't take losing another so, for now, we remain petless. God bless you, Cass. This is NOT going to be an easy journey..and my eyes are filling with tears just thinking about it- xo Diana

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  24. My heart breaks for you. I know how hard it is to loose a beloved furperson. We lost our 18 yr. old cat Vincent suddenly to heart failure 4 yrs. ago and I still miss him. Give Dion an extra hug and smooch for me and I pry that the vet has some miracle for you tomorrow.

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  25. We lost our beloved Bisquit, 15 year old Bichon, in December. I miss my baby girl terribly, so I know exactly what you're feeling....she was my shadow and I'm so lonely.

    Sending love and prayers to St. Francis for your boy.... may his journey be gentle....

    hugs,
    gena

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  26. Hi Cass, I can hardly write this comment because the tears are spilling from my eyes. I am a dog owner/lover and I can feel your pain. Dogs are just like one of the family and just like family they are so so very hard to lose. My thoughts are with you and Dion. I'm hoping for the best for him tomorrow.
    Gina

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  27. Oh I'm so sorry! We love our pets and it's so heartbreaking to lose them. I hope they can do something and he can hang on for just a little longer!

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  28. Here's hoping, Cass. Those little guys hold a special place in our heart, don't they? Dion is probably the only one who hears the things that no one else in the family needs to hear - you know, those under-the-breath words that are better in a faithful dog's ear than a loving daughter's or husband's. The repository of memories, heartbreak, the biggest happinesses - it's so hard to say goodbye to them....

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  29. Oh Cass, prayers for your special little guy. Why can't the good ones lives to be 100?
    “To become a real dog, you must prove yourself brave, truthful, and unselfish.” Job well done, Dion. **kisses** Deb

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  30. My heart aches for you. I too have watched my pet grow old and have suffered the pain of the loss of a beloved pet. It never has got easy and I have two to go. One is 10 and the other near 14 best guestimate as I rescued her and don't know her age or birthday.
    I didn't read the above comments, but I know they all have loved and lost their best friends.
    As I have been told in my time of grief...just know that you gave your Dion the best life possible. (((hugs))) and my tears, Pat
    (((hugs)))

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  31. I am so sorry to hear this Cass. I have gotten fond of him too. He has become your blog dog and you shared him with all of us.
    Take care and know many of us are thinking of you and Dion.
    Hugs,
    Cindy

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  32. Thinking of you. We are wrestling with much the same situation with our dog, Riley. It's heartbreaking. I'm sending positive thoughts your way and hope the visit to the vet bring some help for Dion.

    xo
    Claudia

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  33. oh Cassie..
    i can hardly see through the tears to type..
    far too many times i've been in your shoes..
    each time of letting go was the hardest..
    and you know how I love dear Dion..
    and i've never even met him for real..
    only on your blog and in my heart..
    I can't say more..
    except thanks for the introduction..
    and for letting me share in loving him..
    even if only from afar..
    prayers of love for you,yours and our Dion..
    strength to make the right decisions..
    for him first!
    love and hugs
    Loui♥

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  34. Oh Cass,Tears are Flowing and My Heart is breaking for you. I have Loved all of your stories about Dion and all of his adventures. We have all Loved him . I hope the vet can help him to be with you and yours longer. Dion is Loved by many sending Prayers for you and yours.
    Hugs Diana

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  35. Cass,
    I am sitting here in tears for you, your family and sweet little Dion. I will keep you all in my prayers.
    "The problem with loving an animal is that pets don't last long enough and people last too long.”
    Still, I cannot imagine life without one.
    Love,
    Deborah
    FairfieldHouseNJ.com

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  36. I am so sorry to hear of this.
    Your stories about him have always brought a smile to my face. Now...
    Blessings and prayers for you and your family.
    Blessings for Mr Dion too!

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  37. Sweet Dion is not even my dog and I have tears in my eyes. I know well the emotions you are going through. I am sending warm thoughts your way for this vessel of unconditional Love.

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  38. Those who have ever shared their home with a well-loved dog know exactly how you are feeling and we share your pain. These wonderful creatures are ours but for a short time and when their time comes, it is heartbreaking. But they leave us with such joyful memories and those will never die.


    I am so sad for you and your family. Hugs to you all.

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  39. Cass, my heart goes out to you and Dion. You're in my prayers.

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  40. My heart and care are with you all. Sadly grief is the price we pay for loving. Today my 14 year old cat was especially affectionate and cuddlesome but think that was because of the chilly winter's day.

    Dion is such a darling - even this cat-loving kiwi has fallen in love with him. Michelle xxxxx

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  41. Right here with you on this; the memory is so strong of when we lost our 14 year old family dog. You've expressed it well, so many memories wrapped up in a sweet dog. Thinking of you this weekend ....

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  42. Oh Cass, I'm so sorry to hear this. I remember you telling me all about when he was born and of course we've all gotten to know him so well. You all are in my thoughts and prayers today. Much love to you all.

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  43. I'm so sorry, Cass. Pets bring so much enjoyment into our lives and unfortunately so much heartbreak too. I am thinking of you today.
    Take care, Shelley

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  44. Cass, I am so sorry. It's clear how much you all love Dion.

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  45. I do know how you feel. It's so hard to lose a loving pet. I still miss our Ezra even though he's been gone three or four years. I'm sorry you have to go through this.

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  46. Dion has had a great life with his human family the Liebermans, and he probably doesn't even know what a rock star he was with all of us who read your blog and see him on Facebook. We all feel your sorrow, and we will miss him, too. I have never gotten another dog since my beloved black Cocker Spaniel Beggar, who was my faithful companion for ten years, went to doggie-heaven nearly twenty years ago. Several times I thought I would like to, and I have been thinking about it again, but then I just don't do it.

    My heart is with you during this difficult transition.

    Ellen

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  47. I feel everything you are feeling. Having gone through this, the pain can be recalled easily. I dread the day when I have to go through it again with Lola Mae and Dodger. They are family members and forever in our hearts. And, yes, they are a link to our earlier lives when everyone was in the nest. How things change so quickly!
    You are in my prayers and of course, so is Dion.
    And, hopefully, he can be helped with some medication!
    hugs,
    gail

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