Last Friday, on what was otherwise a beautiful spring morning, I let my dear Shih Tzu Teddy go to puppy heaven. He had been increasingly, though subtly, sick for months and had been rapidly going downhill recently with what we surmised only two days beforehand to be an encephalopathy, which has many causes. It’s hard to say for sure what it was exactly since I would not do the invasive testing while he was that ill nor the necropsy after his death to find out. I am still waiting for some blood tests to come back. I find it ironic that he had a neurological condition which could be figured out only by his "clinical" signs. What I do know was that he had neurological issues, was probably going blind in the past few days and was in severe pain which the Tramadol was not eradicating. He needed to be set free.

We ended our life together outside on our backyard deck, surrounded by birds singing and the squirrels he loved to chase. He had become sensitive to light, so it was kind of the clouds to block the sun until he left. After ten minutes of sitting alone with his spirit, I had gone back inside to our favorite spot on the porch. As I put my feet up on his footstool, the sun then shone through the highest window, directly on me. Teddy loved sitting in the sun. A couple minutes later, after opening the window in case his soul wanted to sit by me, my Mom and I saw the first baltimore oriole of the season come to sit twice on the hummingbird feeder which was inches from where Teddy and I said goodbye. We haven’t seen one since. I choose to believe that these gifts from nature were more than a coincidence.

Although we had barely eight years together, with him dying a few weeks after his 8th birthday, each day was filled with great joy and love. I am trying to focus on that and not on the enormous pain I’m in. There have been a few moments in the past week or so when I felt like I might join Teddy due to the stress on my body and soul. The house is so empty now but I can still “see” him everywhere, which is both comforting and saddening.

He was an amazingly sweet dog and had such a dinstinct personality and way about him. He was greatly loved by so many. There won’t be a day that goes by that I won’t think of him. I was blessed to have such a gentle soul in my life.

Annie

The first photo of Teddy is him waiting for food by his "Teddy table" in the sunshine. The other is when he was younger, before we cut his "ponytail" off for good. Here's another of him on his footstool, watching for squirrels and bunnies.

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I am so sorry your lovely Teddy has gone to the Rainbow Bridge.

This is very painful for you, and I truly understand. We lost 2 beloved cats this winter, who were 20 and 24.

I was totally devastated. But then days after Tippy had her stroke, I decided to find a kitten, and I did in mid winter when kittens are not common.

The result is a wonderful result for me and for her. (no one wanted her, because she is black (bad luck) and was very timid and not very exciting as a kitten. But I think it was fated to be, and she is turning out to be exceptional. ( I have photos of Weezie in my album...so you can see how wonderful she really is.)

When Sheba died, we expected it, as she was 24 and very lame. That didn't make it any easier, but it was not totally devastating. When Tippy followed, I couldn't handle THAT.

Once you grieve for Teddy, please consider adopting another pet. You have great empathy and love for animals, and some lost soul out there needs you.

It is very difficult to euthanase a pet. Part of the grief is this I think. We have an area in the back of our yard, where we bury our beloved companions. My siggie shows this area today, as the wild flowers moved into that spot over the years. Somehow that keeps me going, and seems comforting.

You did a very good job with Teddy... I am sure he is now pain free and still loves you.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Abby

Annie,

I am so sorry for your loss. The two of you shared something very special. It's never easy to let go of something you love so. I'm sure Teddy is in a special place where he can run with others, free of pain and sickness.

Rachel

Annie - I'm so sorry for your loss.

Juanita

Oh Annie - I am so very sorry it was time for Teddy to cross over. You did everything you could for him .... and he loved you for it. Just as he loved you even more for having the courage to let him cross the Rainbow Bridge. I'm sure the oriole conveyed a message you were meant to receive. Nature always finds a way to signal those who are able to listen.

Annie,

Iam so sorry your dear Teddy has gone. I'm thinking of you at this time.
take care
Kate

I am so sorry that Teddy is gone. I know your heart is broken.

Quote from Annie: A couple minutes later, after opening the window in case his soul wanted to sit by me, my Mom and I saw the first baltimore oriole of the season come to sit twice on the hummingbird feeder which was inches from where Teddy and I said goodbye. We haven’t seen one since. I choose to believe that these gifts from nature were more than a coincidence.

This was no coincidence. Our Father above shares in our losses and our hurts no matter where it comes from. He send his unconditional love to us in so many ways, and this was his way of saying Teddy is ok now and the heart can begin to heal. busy

I am so sorry to hear that you have lost such a dear friend.

I am so sorry for your loss