Thank you Wonka, T2, and job, for the kind words regarding our loss. Surprisingly to me, it hasn't been as hard on us as the loss of our first dog 16 and a half years ago was. I believe one reason for this is that we knew this day was coming for more than a year... and so had more time to prepare ourselves for it. I also think the first cut was the deepest.

It seems over the last couple years, W has come to accept death as part of life. When we said goodbye to our first dog, W cried for months, and it tore me up horribly watching her. This didn't happen this time.

W and I always did, and still do, have a strong attachment/connection. I suppose that's why we are both still here. That, and there are no OP's to fill either ones needs or desires.

Originally Posted By: Wonka
How did that comment come about? What was the context? Just trying to understand how your W got rattled by that simple comment. What preceded it? How? What? When?


I subscribe to the no walking on eggshells/be true to yourself school of DB. This means not being afraid to say or ask for things.

This does not mean I'm uncaring or reckless.

In the past W was always sure to give me a "special" present on my B-day. We were getting along well this year... things were comfortable. I slipped in a suggestive comment, and she didn't bite. No problem, I accepted that and forgot all about it.

W and I continued to interact like normal, getting on well.

Obviously W did not forget about the hint. She brought it up in distress much later.

Maybe she wants to please me in this area but can't? She's still here, doing plenty of other nice things for me/us. If this is the case, that is ok. I can accept that... for now.

Last edited by ForeverYoung; 10/26/14 05:46 AM.
M: A really long time.
Crisis: 5 years.
She's still worth it.

Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose. -Viktor Frankl