Monday, October 29, 2012

A Farewell {with video}

we have to say goodbye to my sweet, orange man today. :(
and while it is incredibly sad to lose him,
we are so thankful for the 16 years we got to spend with him
as our loving and faithful companion.


these paws have done a lot of moving in the past 16 years...


... in his favorite sleeping position.


we made a couple of paw print keepsakes yesterday using modeling clay... |see tutorial here|
and, bless his heart, even though he was so uncomfortable, 
he was such a lover and a trooper through the whole process.

rest in peace, my sweet little man.

:|:|:|:|:|: update :|:|:|:|:|:

i made this video as a memento for myself, 
but with all of the outpouring of love and sympathy from you all, 
i just wanted to share some of his final hours...


the vet informed us that he probably developed a clot in his spine,
which is what made him lose the function of his back legs... 
the condition would have only continued to worsen, 
and he was in enough discomfort as it was... so we made the decision to end his suffering.
we will miss him dearly. 
i have had many pets, but none- save Oz-Man- have touched my heart the way this guy did.
when we found him on our doorstep 16 years ago, i begged my parents to keep him...
after spending some time with him, i wanted to name him, "Love"
because he was just so lovey and snuggly...
unfortunately, my younger brother won the "name game"
and he was christened as "Nike" for the rest of his life...
but that didn't change the fact that he the best snuggle buddy anyone could ask for.
i hope he is enjoying the butterfly field in heaven tonight.


9 comments:

Katiern827 said...

Thinking about you today Emily!

Maria said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. The paw prints are wonderful and such a sweet idea. Sending love.
Xo
Maria

Kristen said...

I am so sorry for your loss Emily. :(

Tami said...

I am so sorry for your loss, Emily! We lost our dog earlier this summer and it was heartbreaking even though we knew it was coming. Sending hugs your way!

Lindsay said...

Oh, Emily...:( As someone who is also a "cat mom," my heart breaks for you and your family. We lost one of our kitties, Hadley, tragically four years ago now. I remember how empty life felt without her...she was only 3. As my oldest kitty now chugs up there in age (she's 10, but we were told she'd never live past 6...), I try to find comfort in knowing she lived a long, happy life with us no matter what the next day might bring. Thinking of you and your family and wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time. May Nike be greeted by my Hadley and other furry friends on the Rainbow Bridge. <3

Kate at Green Fashionista said...

Such a cutie, I'm sorry for your loss *hugs*

Natalie said...

Awww this breaks my heart...so glad he had such a long life though...I was with my husband when his parents had to put down one of their dogs from his childhood...and it's so hard to say goodbye even though it's for the best. Sending hugs your way!

MeaganMusing said...

I am so sorry to hear about your sweet kitty. It's so hard to lose a pet. They are such an important part of the family. He was beautiful!

Tiffany said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Saying goodbye to our furry family members is a heartbreaking thing. It is so wonderful that you have such beautiful memories of him.