This is probably one of the hardest posts I have had to write. But, I thought I should write it now while I can.
I writing a tribute to my first child, Cosmo. Here are just a few photos of him and I have many. Cosmo is still with us, but for how long we don’t know. He started going down hill about a month ago. I mean he has been having trouble with his back legs and arthritis for a while. And this winter he had trouble getting stuck in the snow or falling down the stairs going outside. But, this past month he has been getting worse and worse. We took him to the vet because he stopped eating for a bit and he was in pain on his back. At first we though it was his ribs, but no it is his back. The vet actually thought he was totally fine as he was having a good day, made better by a solo trip in the car with just me. But, his bloodwork came back and it wasn’t good. He has a tumour. We could spend thousands of dollars to give him a few extra months, but we decided to keep him here with us as long as he wasn’t suffering.
The last couple have days have not been good, so I know the time is near. I thought while I had the chance, I would gather some photos and post them up because once he is gone, I won’t be much good for a few days, I know that for sure.
Cosmo came to live with us twelve years ago this May. He was only ten weeks old and the cutest puppy I ever saw. He was my little boy, my pal, my company back when Hubby used to work the night shift. And even when Hubby switched to days and I would still be sleeping after a shift at the restaurant, Hubby would get out of bed and Cosmo would jump in and snuggle up. Cosmo hasn’t been able to jump on the bed for a few years, especially since Mickey, would bump him off.
Back then, I had a convertible. Cosmo would ride shot gun the two of us with our blonde hair (yes my hair was lighter before kids) flowing in the wind. He came with me everywhere and he was the only dog my mother ever let into her house. But, Mickey joined us and car rides were never the same.
Over the years Cosmo has kept me in shape, kept me company and nearly tripped me by lying at my feet. He has been with us through thick and thin always with his border-collie smile and lab instincts. He knew when I was sad and he knew when I was happy. He knew the right time to leave me alone and the right time to snuggle up. When J was born he was protector of the protector (Mickey) and made sure that J was always safe away from paws and waggly tails. Since Apple has arrived he has certainly felt like he went from the top of the rung to the bottom but, I am sure it has a lot to do with his health.
These last two photos are the cutest, I think. The first one is of J in April of 2004, the second is Apple today. That would make J and Apple the same age in this photo separated by four years.
This is going to be a rough time to go through, he will be missed by all of us. We have been preparing J but, I know it will be hard for him. And the worst part of it is that we don’t know how Mickey is going to be. He has never been alone. He has had Cosmo as his constant companion since he was four months old. It may be a much rougher time than we originally thought as he knows that Cosmo is not well.
So, Cosmo this is not farewell, but Thank You. You are loved and you will be missed. By all of us.
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What a beautiful dog Cosmo is, he looks like a wonderful pal to your kids as well. I’m so sorry he isn’t doing well, but hope you will enjoy his remaining time with you as much as you can.
Hugs to you…
I am a mess reading this…have nothing to say other than wanted to send you a great big hug.
xo
Oh, I’m so sorry for what you’re going through. I’ve been there too. Seeing your furry child decline and knowing his days are few is so hard. The aching of trying to figure out when they’re suffering too much. I’ll be thinking of y’all during this time and praying for comfort for Cosmo and for each of you.
Oh, I am so sorry. Big, big hugs.
Beach Mama,
Having just gone through this not long ago I can certainly understand….
My eyes welled up with tears reading this.
I’m sending hugs to all of you……….
Barb
Oh Anna,
A wonderful post that has got my tears flowing. Cosmo is a very lucky puppy to be part of a very loving family.
Hugs,
Brenda
Anna, J Apple and Hubby
Hugs
I am so sorry…I have been there as well…It is such a sad thing to lose a pet….Lots of love, Cassie
I am so sorry for you. Fortunately, our Jack is only 3, in human years, and hopefully will be with us for a very long time…I was never much of a dog person before Jack but as a very good friend always reminds me, he is my dog, he follows me around, we read the morning paper together – he gets his biscuit and will not eat before I’ve sat down with my paper and coffee.
Last year I sat with this same very good friend, in the vets office, while she willed her brown lab – Riley – to live, just one more day, just one more hour – so her daughter could say good-bye. You see, this great big lovable Riley has been her daughter’s dog from day one. Her daughter has a form of epilepsy and Riley has stuck with her through the good days and bad days…he can sense when she is taking a seizure, which thank goodness are not as severe or often as when she was a baby, but from the time she was very young he would lay with her and as soon as he sensed something was wrong he would get Mom and Dad.
My friend sat on the floor, nose to nose with Riley, and breathed life back into him, while he daughter was away from home at a doctor’s appointment and wouldn’t be home for a few hours. We both stayed with him and marveled at his will to live. He fought hard and, miraculously,
Riley is still with them but he has a heart condition which could take him away any day. The vet cannot say when that day will be but for now
each day is a triumph because he shouldn’t be here, not after what we witnessed that day – at least an hour and half in and out of a seizure, at one point he did stop breathing but something, someone brought him back – so each day is a blessing.
So I feel for you, Cosmo stayed with you until his body could no longer continue…he will forever be with you in your hearts.
What a loyal friend, I am so sad for you and your family.
He was beautiful both inside and out.
I’m so sorry for your loss. This is why I don’t have any animals. They don’t live long enough.
I have not been on your blog in a few days and when I saw this I became so sad for you. Having a 4-legged first child myself I can’t image how I will feel when her time comes.
I will admit that I could not read your entire post. I was starting to cry and I just had to stop but know that I am very sorry for your loss!!!!
Toni
My parents just put down my dog too a couple of weeks ago. It’s so sad. I miss her alot. I would really like another dog, but the thought of having to put it down makes me sad.
At least I know Jessie is somewhere where just can chase all the animales she’s ever wanted.
We have a similar situation here with a 12 year old lab. Wish you the best, and think you are kind to let nature run its course.