Not in male mode !

[Teresa]

A sad story for me today , during the night I heard the dog making more noise than usual while she was asleep , at 6.30 this morning I had to nip to the loo and when I returned I could see she had all the signs of an imminent visit to the vet , I thought I had enough time to shower and shave and apply my makeup before taking her but when I returned to check her out she had stopped breathing and sadly relieved herself on the bedroom carpet as she died . I dressed as quickly as possible and called the vet but was told the surgery wouldn't open until 8.15 . I have to say it was the longest half hour I've experienced in a long time knowing my dog was peacefully lying on her beanbag in the back of the car .

Some may consider me slightly mercenary but my I know my dog did prefer me as Teresa so I couldn't take her to the vet in male mode , I felt it was the right thing to do .

I will miss her deeply , in all her 12+ years she has never let me down , I've never had to raise my voice to her and my mascara is running while I type this thread .

[char GG]

Very sorry to hear this, Teresa. So sad when a pet passes.

[Krea]

Teresa, that is a really sad story. So very sorry for you. :sad: Best wishes.

[bridget thronton]

So sorry for your loss

[Stephanie47]

It's tough to loose a four legged companion. Sorry for your loss.

[Robertacd]

Sorry for your loss.

I thought I lost my cat a few weeks ago week but he showed up a week later.

[Lana Mae]

Oh, Teresa! I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved pet! It made me cry! Hugs Lana Mae

[carhill2mn]

I am sorry that you have lost your friend. I know that it will take time for you to feel better.

[Kay J]

So very sorry for your loss Teresa! You know she was very lucky that you gave her the best life she could ever have now enjoy all the memories she gave you!:sad:

[Frannie7]

So sorry to hear this, Teresa. She seems an important part of your life, as all pets are. Take care.

[darla_g]

so sorry for your loss

[sara_also]

So sorry for your loss! We (wife and I) have lost several dogs in the past. Worst one was standing watching your friend (DOG) get run over, and not being able to do anything about it.
Your friend in sorrow.
Sara

[DianeT]

Sorry for the loss of your companion Teresa.
I never had a dog, but I had once to get one euthanized. A little puppy that we found in a jungle and who was in a bad shape. I was walking near a ridge, eating something when suddenly a little puppy head popped out amidst the large grassy leaves and yelped at me. He was starving and dried out, and followed me like I was his mother, yelping at me. We gave him some food and water and hurried out of the forest to find a vet dispensary, were we were told he was probably abandoned by the mother due to his illness. He needed surgery and a few weeks recovery, but we had to fly out the next day, and nobody there would want to take an errant dog in custody (they had thousands of them). So it was either letting him go in the wild and suffer a painful death alone, or take him out of his misery right away, which we did. I hold his head and he was watching me and I was watching him when he went. The lights went out in his eyes and he fell softly. We went to watch a sunset on the coast and cried a river for a dog we just met a few hours ago. Sheesh.

[Stephanie Voorhees]

So sorry for you loss. Sometimes I think losing a pretty is worse than losing a human.

[MsEva]

Teresa, I am gutted to hear this news. So very sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences,

[Teresa]

Diane,
We had a similar experience with my previous labrador , I'd just started the walk when she coughed and went down on her side . I called my wife and she brought the car to get her to the vet , the vet declared she was brain dead but her heart was still strong . Watching those lights finally go out is filled with mixed emotions but the consolation is nether that dog ( Molly ) or my last dog ,( Lucy ) suffered any pain . If only humans had the same free choice !

Many thanks for all your kind thoughts , I really do appreciate it .

[KarenSusan]

So very sorry for your loss, Teresa.

[KymG]

Im sorry to hear that Teresa.
Best wishes.

Kym

[Deborah2B]

I am sorry for your loss. Some people say that it is just a pet. I do not believe that for a moment. It is a loved one that happens to have four legs instead of two. It still hurts whenever you lose a loved one regardless of whether they have two legs or four. Also our "pets" do not judge us like so many people do. May God comfort you at this time.

[Vikky]

I am so sorry, Teresa, its always so sad when your pet dog goes to doggy heaven. I am on my fourth ladrador so know how it feels.
Best wishes
Vikky

[Sandi Beech]

Teresa,

My sympathies. I know how difficult it is to lose such a loyal friend. We had our last dog for 14 years before she passed away in the back seat of my car on the way to the emergency vet. My wife was heartbroken and it took a really long time to get over the loss, but in time you will look back on the fond memories more so than the loss. Again my deepest sympathies.

Sandi

[Teresa]

Vikky,
Lucy was my third Labrador , so I knew what to expect but at the time it's as Sandi comments a loss of a loyal friend .

I've been saying that when I lose my dog I hope to travel more but that was before the pandemic , I must now seriously consider the choice of delayed travel against finding a new four legged friend .

Sandi,
Now I live alone I'll miss those conversations that were replied with a wagging tail , to be greeted with a wet nose buried in the shopping bags when I return from the supermarket . Lets not forget the friends you make when walking a dog and how beneficial the exercise is , sorry more smudge mascara !

[Visitor]

Sorry for your loss. I imagine we all know that it is our furry friends who among all the beings we meet on this human journey accept us unconditionally, exactly as we are. That has meant a great deal to me during my life because there have been many times when I couldn't muster compassion or care for myself. Holding a kitten who loved every rub could be remarkably healing. You lost a companion who was in your home every day who loved you in drab and your finest dress. Yes, she will be lost and grieving is the only response that makes any sense in this often senseless world. Blessings to you.

[Bobbi46]

Teresa, That is the sadest thing I have heard for a long time, I am so very sorry for you.

[Sidney]

So sorry for your loss. When we had to have our last dog put to sleep about a week later I recieved a package from our vet with a sympathy card, a heavy card with a paw print and a poem called "The Rainbow Bridge". Google it, not LGBT related. Its about a doggy heaven where dogs go to wait for their masters to join them.

[Jen60]

Dogs have a special place in our hearts. So sorry for your loss.

[Dutchess]

I am sorry Teresa.
I lost my 15 yr old Siamese last month so I very much understand , they are family .

[GracieRose]

So sorry to hear of your loss of your close companion.

[siantv2003]

Oh Teresa, i am so sorry to read that your friend has crossed the rainbow bridge and have tears in my eyes as I type this, though I have yet to do my make-up. Very raw for us as we lost a pet cat last week who was struck by a car. He was found alive by our lovely neighbours who rushed him to the vet. Sadly the damage was huge and we could not save him - my wife rushed to be with him and he crossed over whilst snuggling his head in her hand. We are still coming to terms with it but are so glad that one of us could get to be with him and that he wasn’t alone, he knew that he was loved. Your dog knew the same and was happy that you were there with them. It’s scant comfort now but take strength from the happy memories and know that they wait for us to join them when our journey is complete.

Apologies for the typos but the tears are streaming down my face. Stay strong.

[Sashauk]

So sad to hear of your loss, Terasa.

The passing of a one you have loved for the past twelve years must be hard to bear at the moment, but she remember she loved you unconditionally without and judgement as it appears you loved her.

[Shelly Preston]

So sorry to hear about your dog Teresa :hugs:

[Crissy 107]

Teresa, I just saw this and am very sad. Our dogs mean so much to all of us and I know your pup will always be in your thoughts.
I remember that picture of you with her, she was a beautiful friend.

[Liz Jones]

Teresa,
As a long time dog "companion"(can't say dog owner-not sure who owns who !)i feel for your loss. I am professionally "hard"but i was in tears signing the paper to have our last dog put down.......
Liz

[SaraLin]

Sorry to hear of your loss. I know you'll miss her terribly.

[Leslie Mary S]

Sorry to hear that. Some people are animal magnets and attract all types of pets. I have never attracted a pet. My late wife did. She said that two of or cats were mine but I think they just tolerated me like I was just one of my wife's pets. I hope you are ok.

[Connie D50]

Sorry for your loss Teresa

[Lacey New]

It is sad to lose a loving and faithful companion. Have been through it myself several times and it is never easy. You have my deepest sympathy.

[Kelli_cd]

I'm sad to hear this, Teresa. Sending you prayers for peace and comfort.

[Linda E. Woodworth]

My sympathy for the loss of a loyal friend.

However; there are some other issues that I wish to comment on.

You stated that you felt you had enough time to transform from male to female. That's a judgment call that we would all have to make. BUT this begs the question what would you have done if, in your opinion, there wasn't time? What if this had been guest staying over or a family member? Things that you might want to think about ahead of time.

I will point out that even if you had thrown a coat over yourself and headed out the door the Vet wasn't open until 0815 by your own comment. Getting there earlier wouldn't have done anything to improve the situation.

Just my thoughts.

[DMichele]

Teresa,
I am so sorry for your loss. Dogs are great companions!

[Teresa]

You are all so very kind with your words of comfort I can't thank you enough .

For the second morning I've still made the effort to carry on taking the walk , I'm so lucky having the open space behind my home . I met a lovely lady yesterday whom I've come to know well in the time I've been in my new home , she must have told all the other dog walkers I've come to know so this morning I was given a hug by one guy and so many good wishes by others .

All this made me think of the true value of owning a dog , for the last 32 years , almost half my lifetime and despite the weather I've stepped out of bed to spent time walking my dogs . In the darkest days when I was at loggerheads with my wife over my gender issues when I really didn't know which way to turn those moments were precious .They gave me time and space to work things out and prevented me sinking into severe depression , it has crossed my mind that that time also saved my wife more pain and suffering .
I mustn't also forget the friends I have made over the years and finding neighbours who normally live behind closed doors but find it a way of opening up and talking their problems through with you . Then there is the pleasure of seeing a dog enjoy being a dog and chasing a ball or jumping in the river .

Linda,
I admit I felt slightly guilty over taking that time to do my normal routine , I also admit I didn't realise she was as close to dying .

If I have anyone staying I normally only appear as Teresa as they don't know me as a guy , in fact very few people do .

I mentioned my dog's preference , when she saw me in male mode she would be less friendly and skulk away to her beanbag , somehow she sensed my mood change . The other point was I registered Lucy at the vet when I moved to my new home town as Teresa .

As you point out all that proved academic as I had to kill time before I could take my dog to the vet anyway .

[Rhonda Darling]

Teresa: My heart breaks knowing the pain of such a loss. We lost all three of our aged dogs over the past five years. All seemed to enjoy me more as Rhonda than as the guy me. We were going to wait a year before seeking a new pet, but have barely made it 6 months and are in line for a pup from a recent litter. As all pet owners know, dogs give us unconditional affection and we welcome them as full members of our household.

I know your loss is raw — your memories will bring you smiles for years after the immediate pain fades. I hope you someday (sooner, rather than later) bring another canine companion into your life. As you well know, the rewards are immense.

Best regards, Rhonda

[Jodie_Lynn]

My heartfelt condolences for your loss Teresa >>HUGS<<

[Lux]

From one dog lover to another, sending you a long distance hug. They truly are family.

[jamie-upstate]

Sorry for your loss.

[MaryAnn1963]

So very sorry to hear about your little friend..I know those fury guys give everything they have without asking anything in return. Hugs, Mary Ann:sad:

[Aunt Kelly]

Very sorry for your loss. We lost our Janie several weeks ago. It is so hard, losing such a loving companion.

[Teri Ray]

Very sorry for the loss of you companion. Best wishes.

[Maria 60]

That is so sad. I'm sorry. I grew up in a house that pets were not allowed and once I moved out we bought a dog for our kids. I couldn't believe how bad I took that dogs death, we at time with our busy lives take them for granted and when there gone we realize we lost the most loyal and respectful thing in our lives. I never got another dog for the reason I don't want to go though that again. I totally know what your going threw.

[Pantyhose Queen]

Sorry for your loss Teresa, Dogs are one of the few creatures that love unconditionally. Have peace in knowing you gave her the best life you could.

[Katherine L.]

So sorry for your loss.

[Teresa]

Maria,
You reminded me of a story from when my kids were at school and they were asked what pets they had , at that time we didn't have any so they put their hands up and lied about it . My wife felt bad so we went out and bought an aquarium and let the kids choose the fish . They loved it and nagged every Saturday to visit the pet shop to choose more , they became upset and lost interest when they realised why many of the small , bright coloured fish were disappearing and other not so colour fish were getting bigger and fatter , I gave the aquarium to a business man for his reception area . Luckily we were offered our first labrador ( Bess ) by my brother in law , she'd had some puppies that should have been pedigree but Sam the shephard dog had done his duty first . Farmers tend to be more sensible if not insensitive and drowned them all which affected the dog where she would no longer work as a gundog , his loss was our gain and Bess took to our family straight away . That was 32 years ago I've had Molly and Lucy since but now I need to think hard about another but it will always have to be a black labrador because I adore them so much .

[Krisi]

I'm sorry for your loss.

Pets bring us much joy during their lives, but we know all along that they will eventually pass away and that's a really bad day when that happens.

[BTWimRobin]

I am so sorry for your loss, Teresa. Our furry friends give so much love and ask so little in return.

[suzanne]

My dear, seeing you in that picture with your gorgeous black and white dress, I have to say you should NEVER hesitate to go anywhere dressed. You look so comfortable, natural and presentable you should never be apprehensive about how you will be perceived.
You.
Look.
Great. Keep on doing it.

[Teresa]

Suzanne,
That is extremely kind of you , I've tried to stick to a natural look as much as possible , " What you see is what you get ! " As you're possibly aware I am full time and have been for over two years . It occured to me how much I owe that to my dog , I've met some really nice people when out walking and they have been very accepting when I finally dropped male mode .

I will keep it going as there's not much to go back to .

[Jenny22]

You've lost a membe of your family, and I know your hurt
Jenny

[cindylouho]

I truly feel for you. I have five dogs myself and often dread that eventual day.

[Teresa]

Cindy,
I have no regrets owning dogs , they may not live as long as we'd like but they can be a life saver for us at times when the going gets tough .

[JennyMay]

I?m really sorry to hear of you loss. I?m very much a dog person and know what it is like to lose a friend like this. We have always adopted from rescue charities. When the time is right I hope you might think about a new friend, not as a replacement but because you know the joy that a canine companion can bring. There are so many dogs in need of homes.