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Old Speck is Gone

Speck had been going downhill and I knew the time was getting close. After the seizure last week, I felt certain he would pass away before I got home so I sat down with him Monday night before I left and we said our goodbyes. Vince just called and said Speck had another bad seizure this morning. He seemed to be coming out of it and wanted to go outside. He had another one while outside and didn’t recover. I think Vince is taking it worse than I am but he was there to witness the whole thing and I know that makes it harder, plus, he’s home alone. Here, everyone has left the house this morning. I’m here with my aunt. She’s sleeping but I need to get myself together before they start arriving back.

I had already had two doxies before I met Vince. After we got married in 1997 and I was not working away from home, I wanted another one. He said “NO DOGS IN THE HOUSE!” I begged and I pleaded and I thought of every way possible to convince him that we needed a dachshund but he wouldn’t budge. I had pretty much given up ever getting one. Then, out of the blue one day, in the summer of 2000, Vince said “Do you want to get a puppy? I found some dachshunds listed in the paper for sale.” Well, YES! I wanted a puppy. We were living in Kentucky so we had to drive up to the next county. There were three of them. I wanted one with more white but Vince and Chad chose Speck.

Speck

He was a rascal and he was as hard headed as your typical doxie. He wasn’t as snippy in his early years as he got to be later. Up until the last few months, I think he would have burst before he would have gone to the bathroom in the house, which was so unlike my previous two dachshunds.

He always liked to sleep on his back. It’s funny that Rita does the same thing and I’ve never had a dog before these two that would do that.

Speck

He was a good dog and he will be so missed. I’m sorry that Rita is going to be home totally alone til I get back. I know she counted on Speck, even though he probably didn’t see a whole lot and was definitely pretty much deaf.

This is the part of being a pet owner that makes me say I’ll never get another dog. Maybe we will, maybe we won’t. Today is not the day to think about that decision.

I’m going to thank you all in advance for your sympathy and comments. I’m not going to read them today. I need to get myself together . . I’m here to help others in need . . not be the needy one. I’m thankful that my aunt and uncle have dogs that are their babies so they will understand my feelings.

 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. No words … I am so so sorry please convey my thoughts to Vince too… I send cyber hugs…

  2. I’m feeling sad, Speck has always just “been there” since I started reading your blog many,many years ago. So sorry for your loss.

  4. Been there too many times to count. Give your away-from-home chi an extra hug and some pats. I think Speck waited for you to be gone to make it less difficult for you. Sorry Vince has to face it alone tho

  7. Sorry for the loss of Speck. I ‘ve been thru alot of dogs going to doggie heaven it hurts.

  9. so so sorry.Speck will be missed by many who loved him . even readers like me who loved to hear Speck stories. hugs to you and Vince and Rita. he will be waiting on the rainbow bridge until you meet up again.

  10. Speck lived a long and wonderful life. He was lucky to be your dog! I know he’ll be greatly missed.

  11. I am so sorry Judy. These times in our lives is so, so difficult. I said we would not get another dog after Bootsy died, but about 5 months later I was so lonely without her, we decided to get our Sassy. No pet can be replaced, but they surely add a lot of love into our lives. I hope Vince and you are OK. It takes time to grieve. Speck did have a good life with you both, and will be greatly missed. Take care, and (((hugs)))

  12. I have been reading your blog for years and I always enjoyed reading about Speck. His personality reminded me of our old dog who passed in March of this year. I understand your feelings to no longer want another dog. They don’t live long enough and it is a big loss when they are gone. I am so sorry for your loss

  15. So very sorry! Even when you know the time is due, it doesn’t make it any easier. Animals are special with their unconditional love. Although with all of Specks nipping, I’m not sure how much of that he had!! ((Just kidding!)) The house will feel empty, but hopefully Rita can offer lots of snuggles to help you through.

  16. Speck was the exact same age as my Schnitzel, also a dachshund, who passed away just two years ago. After Schnitzel left, I so enjoyed reading about Speck’s antics, and I was so saddened to hear about his struggles. I know it is foolish to say, but I have always believed that Schnitzel was my soulmate, so I know exactly what you are feeling today. It does eventually get better, and you will be able to think of him without tears, but today is not one of those days…for either of us. Hugs to you, Speck, and Schnitzel. I hope the old boys have finally had a chance to meet in person in the place where all good dogs go to run and play in eternity.

  17. I’m so very sorry, Judy, about Speck! I have lost 5 dogs at different times in the pat 10 years. It is so difficult! I didn’t think I wanted any other dogs as I’m 67 yrs. old, but 3 more dogs came into our lives after our house fire in 2006. They were all born the same year, two are brothers, doxies, and 1 Border Collie from another dog family. So, I guess I could have all three die about the same time. My Border Collie has a tumor that is benign, but she can’t have surgery at her age. Both of the doxies seem to be going strong, but I see signs that tell me they are getting older. Peace and comfort to you and prayers for Speck’s passing and for the situation that you are in right now. Tell Vince that your friends are thinking and praying for him, also. Joyce Barham in N. Arkansas.

  19. Judy so sorry for you and Vince. Prayers and hugs for you both! It never gets easier losing a pet!

  20. I loved Speck and reading about him. Wonderful dog and loved the stories. RIP Speck. I’m so sad to read this.

  25. So sorry for you and Vince, Speck did have such a happy life with you. WE’ve lost 6 furbabies over the years and it never gets easier.

  26. I’m so sorry for your loss. RIP Speck. I’ll miss your Speck stories…he always seemed quite the character.

  28. Oh, Judy and Vince, I am so very sorry for your loss. It hurts, there is no getting over it. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. It had to be extra difficult for Vince because he was home with Speck as he passed and you are away. Having your spouse beside you when tough times hit helps us cope. Rest in peace, Speck.

  30. Sending love and hugs to both of you. I never really appreciated how difficult it was losing a dog until I lost my Clancy last year. There will be good days and bad days but we will always be here to help you through them.

  31. Sending cyber hugs and love to both you and Vince today. I’m sorry Vince had to go through this himself. Both you and Vince are great pet parents and both Speck and Rita have been given a great life.

  33. I’m so sorry about Speck, I know he has been both a joy and a worry over the years.

    Best wishes to you and Vince.

  34. I’m so sorry for your loss, Judy. Thank you for telling us and letting a little of your feelings out in this memory post. I’m sad for you and Vince and Rita. I enjoyed the years of Speck posts.

  35. Awww, I’m so sorry to hear Speck passed. It flat out hurts. I hope you and Vince can find comfort in the good memories from the many years you had Speck. I enjoyed hearing stories about him. He’ll be missed.

  36. So sad that you lost Speck, he was a wonderful character. It’s so good that you and Vince could care for him at home until he was ready to go. Making the decision to have a pet put down is terrible, so at least you were spared that. Hugs to you and Vince, from the other side of the world.

  41. Sending my condolences to you both. Speck was a long time family member who was loved from beginning to end of his time here…..he will be waiting for you. {{{HUGS}}}

  42. Nothing to say but SO sorry!
    Words are inadequate to describe how we feel about our faithful little friends…
    diana in Illinois

  43. I empathize with your loss and shed a few tears for you, Vince, and RIta. God bless.

  44. I am so sorry, Judy. We lost our dog three years ago, and it still hurts. Our three cats seemed a little upset after she was gone, so I hope it’s not too hard on Rita;

  45. I’m so sorry for your and Vince’s loss Judy. Our pets are family and it hurts when they leave us.

  46. So Very Sorry for your Loss!! It is so hard to loose a beloved pet! God bless you and Vince!

  47. I am so sorry about Speck, I know just how much it hurts to lose a member of your family, even a 4-legged one.

  48. I am so sorry to read about Speck. Our fur babies are so much a part of our family.

  49. So very sorry to hear of Specks passing.
    I have enjoyed hearing about him for all the years since I first found your blog.

  50. I’m so sorry for you, Vince and Rita. Our pets are not just pets, they’re our family. In our 30 years of marriage we’ve had to say “Goodbye” to 3 of our beloved beasts. (I say that lovingly) We’ll never forget them, they’ll always live in my heart, I’m sure you feel the same way. May Speck Rest In Peace. Toni Anne

  51. I am crying right along with you even though you don’t know me and I don’t know you. I’ve followed your blog for quite a while and frequently keep my husband up to date on your activities. I guess that means I do know you and dear old Speck. So sorry for your loss.

  53. I am sorry. it is just as hard to let go of our 4 legged loved ones. He is racing around the fields that border the Rainbow Bridge waiting for you when you get there!

  54. I’m so sorry, Judy. I still cry over the loss of some of my furry babies. I know how it hurts, and I know you’ll miss him.

  55. I am so sorry for your loss, I know what a loss this is, we have had to have 3 yorkies put down in the past. Pass my condolences on to Vince. A big cyber hug to both of you.

  57. So sorry for your loss. It’s good you took some time to say goodbye, but it’s still hard.

  59. It is such heartbreak when your animal babies die. Take some time out for your grief as soon as, and as long as you can. Speck lived long and well in a loving home! He was one very loved lucky dog! Prayers.

  61. So sorry, Judy. I’m so glad you didn’t have to witness the seizures and that you have Rita at home waiting for you.

  65. It is so sad to lose a beloved family pet. I can only imagine how difficult it is for you not to have been with him at the end. You can take comfort in the amazing, joyful, loving life that you and Vince provided him. He couldn’t have had nicer or more caring owners!
    Take care of yourself.

  68. I am so sorry. He sure was a pretty little guy. He is running and playing and maybe biting at things. You will see him again. I know how hard this is for you and Vince. I love you.

  69. So sorry about Speck. Our dogs become family. They have there own personality. It is so hard to loose one . Ours was 17 years e when we lost her,but we have lots pictures and memories. And that helps. So sorry for your loss

  73. I am sorry for your loss Judy & Vince. Speck’s passing with you away Judy & Vince home alone must have been very difficult for both of you. Much love & hugs to you both! RIP Speck.

  74. I’m so sorry Judy & Vince! We recently lost our last pet, he was our oldest, almost 20 yr old cat. They sure leave an empty spot in your heart, much love!

  77. Oh Judy, I’m so sorry you lost Speck during this time. He has become one of everyone of us families via your blog. We all are sad so very said. I’m posting this little poem for you and others. I’m sure you;ve seen it before but it always helps me when I lost a dear pet. Again I;m so sorry and wil keep you and Vince in my thoughts and prayers.

    Rainbow Bridge Poem
    Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

    When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our pets are warm and comfortable.

    All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.1

    The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

    They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; Her eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

    You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your dog, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

    Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….

    ~Author Unknown

    So remember Rainbow Bridge Speck will be waiting. Don’t forget the treats.

  79. I’m so very sorry. It’s so difficult to lose them even when you know it’s going to happen soon. I still get teary-eyed every so often about my previous dogs.

    • So maybe this is another reason you were needed to be away from home. As I shed a tear I feel it is our loss as I seem to know Speck. When I refer to you as Judy my husband says “Who” oh you know Judy that shares so much good info with us. So very sorry for your loss.

  81. Having just lost my heart, Holly my cat, I know how devastated you must feel. I’m so very sorry for your loss. We’ll all mourn Speck, he was a Good Dog.

  82. So sorry about Speck. We are never truly prepared to lose a loved one. He had a grand life with you and Vince.

  83. Losing a beloved pet is just terrible. Even though you know it’s coming some day it seems you’re not really prepared for it. My condolences to you and Vince.

  85. I am so sorry that dear Speck is gone. He will leave a hole in your heart. I hope that you have many happy memories of him.

  86. I am sorry to hear this. It is not an easy thing. I am thinking of you both. It is a year ago that out dog died. It was very hard, but we were comforted that we gave him a terrific life and this is what you both have given Speck. While you will always miss him, you will be able to go on.

  87. So sorry for your loss of beloved Speck! Praying for comfort for you, Vince, and Rita.
    And praying comfort, blessings, and new precious memories as you minister in love to your beloved extended family members. May the Holy Spirit uplift and fill you all with courage and joy.

  88. Judy and Vince,
    I am so sorry to just now read the Speck is now gone. My heart goes out to the both of you. As both of you know, our fur babies know how much they are loved. Judy, don’t feel bad that you were not there. Speck chose this time for a reason.
    May the coming days bring you some peace knowing that he is at the Rainbow Bridge waiting for you both.

  90. RIP Speck. So sorry to hear but he is not suffering anymore. It is so hard to lose a pet, we have had 2 dogs pass away now, both had not been well and were older and it is so very difficult. My thoughts and prayers to you, Vince and your family.

  91. So sorry to hear of Speck’s passing. Hugs to you and Vince. I know Rita will miss him as much as you two do. Give her extra love when you get home, she will be so lonely with her friend to help her navigate.

  92. I remember first hearing about Speck years ago……….. He was such a special dog….. I am so sad to hear of your loss.

  93. Judy, I’m so sorry for your loss. I know it takes a long time to recover from the loss of a pet. healing prayers for you and Vince.

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