My Buddy, Alf: 1991-2012
by Lee on Jan.10, 2012, under Articles, Monday Morning Tips
Alf Goes to the Rainbow Bridge
Last year, I wrote about my cantankerous, obnoxious, geriatric buddy, Alf. She was 21 years old and her body was beginning to fail her. I was afraid of waiting too long to help her slip the surly bonds of this world yet, I feared prematurely losing my buddy.
Last week, we took her to the vet for a “Quality of Life” exam. Alf was having a good day and amazed the doctor by leaping up and down from chairs and conducting a “perimeter check” of the examination room. The vet said she couldn’t find anything amiss with Alf.
Today, Alf went into convulsions and respiratory distress. In a panic, I wrapped her in her favorite towel and rushed her to the vet. The vet took one look and said she was beyond anything that even advanced treatments could do for her. Fortunately, my wife was able to get away from work and meet us at the vet’s office. We said our goodbyes and the vet helped Alf escape the prison of her worn out body.
May you always nap in your favorite warm spot, Alf. Thanks for all the joy you’ve brought us over the years.
14 Comments for this entry
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January 18th, 2012 on 11:24 am
We’ve all dearly loved pets and feel your loss. I’m so sorry.
January 18th, 2012 on 11:22 am
I’m so sorry for your huge loss.
January 16th, 2012 on 11:01 pm
I understand how both of you felt. Pets are like humans, they have their funny personalities that always stick with you in your memories. Pets are lovely to have and sad to loose.
May she rest in heaven chasing after critters and looking down on both of you as you think of her.
Many blessings to you both.
January 16th, 2012 on 8:18 pm
Sorry to hear of your lost, pets become so ingrained into our lives. Your life with Alf will enrich you for many years and may your memories comfort you and your loved ones.
January 16th, 2012 on 6:29 pm
Lee, our pets become a member of the family and melt our hearts from day one. I’m sending my sympathies to you and your family. Your memories and photographs of him will always be with you.
January 16th, 2012 on 3:36 pm
Lee, we lost our beloved 15-year-old puppy a year ago and we are still grieving. Someone sent the below to me and it helped tremendously. When you read the below, substitute the word “cat” for “dog,” and maybe you can do as I do: Look up towards the clouds and smile knowing Alf is being well cared for.
“God turns clouds inside out to make fluffy beds for the dogs in Dog Heaven, and when they are tired from running and barking and eating ham sandwich biscuits, the dogs find a cloud bed for sleeping. God watches over each one of them. And there are no bad dreams.” Cynthia Rylant, Author.
January 16th, 2012 on 2:42 pm
“I have sent you on a journey to a land free from pain, not because I did not love you, but because I loved you too much to force you to stay.” Borrowed from a website honoring our furbabies.
I can truly empathize with your sorrow and your loss.
January 16th, 2012 on 11:10 am
So sorry about the loss of Alf…what a trooper to live 21 years with you!! Am sure she’ll keep an eye on you from beyond and be waiting to greet you someday. We had to say goodbye to our second old dog within a year at Thanksgiving time due to cancer…it’s never easy when they share such a big piece of our hearts. Hope you can someday begin to fill that hole in your heart with another rascal to keep you young for another 20 years.
January 16th, 2012 on 8:16 am
I’m Sorry to hear Lee
It is really tough losing a loving pet.
January 16th, 2012 on 7:39 am
Sorry to hear about Alf. Losing a pet is difficult even though we know it will happen. Sounds like Alf lived a good life.
January 16th, 2012 on 7:29 am
Lee, my heartfelt sympathies.
January 16th, 2012 on 12:14 am
Lee – been there, done that! It is amazingly hard to part with our furry friends. My deep sympathy.
January 10th, 2012 on 10:57 pm
My deepest sympathy. Wow, 21. I’m always amaze the long life of a cat compare to a dog. I’m sure she’ll be missed.
January 11th, 2012 on 6:23 am
Thank you Marie. We lived with Alf longer than we had lived with our families as I left home at 17 and my wife went off to college at 18. Other than my wife and two friends from the ’80s, I’ve been buddies with Alf longer than any human. It’s amazing how these fur-covered meatloafs worm their way into our hearts.