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    —Jackie Cantor, Diana's first editor

Gus is gone

Thanks, guys, for all your prayers and good wishes. I’m more sorry than I can tell you to have to say that Gus is dead. His kidneys shut down entirely, and there was no choice but to euthanize him. Doug and our younger daughter (who lives in town) came down to the hospital, and we spent a good (if tearful) hour with him, petting him and telling him how much he meant to us–what a good dog. Then the kind doctor gave him a shot, and we brought him home and buried him out back, under a big eucalyptus tree, beside old Ajax, our doberman who died a couple of years ago. We buried him with a MilkBone between his paws (his favorite), and a small bouquet of fragrant herbs from my garden–rosemary (for remembrance), lavender, and sage. He always loved to help dig in the garden.

We’re very sad, but relieved that he’s out of his trouble. It’s been a bad few days.

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60 Responses »

  1. I’m so sorry about your little guy (brushing tears from cheeks). I hope all of the prayers being said on his, your, and your family’s behalf will ease your heavy hearts.

  2. I’m so very sorry to hear of your loss. Gus was a wonderful character and obviously much loved. My thoughts are with you and your family.

  3. Dear Diana,
    I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m sure the absence of his presence around the house must already be felt. It’s so hard. I hope you’re comforted by knowing how many of us enjoyed and appreciated that special little guy.
    -Anna

  4. So very sorry that you had to lose a part of the family. My thoughts are with you…

  5. So sorry to hear about Gus. Best wishes for you and yours. He led a happy life, though; that’s what counts right?

  6. Diana, I am so sorry for your loss. I completely understand about how you are feeling as I just recently had to put my puppy, Ginger down too!! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

  7. So sorry, Diana.

    I cannot read this http://www.amazon.com/Dog-Heaven-Cynthia-Rylant/dp/0590417010/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1204336982&sr=1-1 book without crying.

    It’s meant for toddlers, but I love it myself. It posits that the dogs are up there in heaven romping and playing and having a wonderful time, and waiting for us to get up there and play with them again. It’s a good cry when you’ve lost a beloved pet.

  8. Oh, Diana, I’m so sorry. Pets are family. I am happy that you gave Gus a milkbone under his favorite tree.

  9. So very, very sorry to hear of the loss of your precious Gus. I see someone has already sent you “Rainbow Bridge.” It has been a comfort to me in the past…I hope it will be for you as well. You and your family are in my thoughts. Hold the good memories close….

  10. condolences to your family may memories of happy gus times strengthen you when you miss the echo of nails on the floor and barks at the door.

  11. I’ve been sick and unable to check in until today. So sorry for your loss.

  12. ((Diana and Family))

    Sorry to hear of his passing.

  13. I am so very sorry for the loss of your sweet Gus.

    ((HUG))

    http://charmeddesigns.blogspot.com/

  14. So sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Gus. Thank you for sharing the details of his final resting with us; it sounds as if you and yours gave him a lovely place to be at peace. He will live on in your beautiful memories.

  15. I am so sorry for your loss, I too have a fat dachsund – they are definitely dogs that become part of the family.

  16. I’m so sorry for your loss, and will keep you and the rest of your family — human and otherwise — in my prayers.

  17. Diana,

    I am so sorry for your loss.

    When our dachshund died the whole family was in deep sadness. Our dog was 14 when she died.

    I feel with you and your family.

    Marion

  18. Diana,

    So sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Gus. I hope your sweet memories overpower your feelings of loss which I know can overwhelm, having lost our 2 Westies within 2 years.

    Anita

  19. DG and family -

    I’m sorry to hear about Gus. It seems like it was very sudden and unexpected. I think it’s wonderful that he was mentioned in Brotherhood where his memory can live on. :)

    Hugs to you all

  20. I am sorry for your loss. We experienced a loss recently and know just how hard it is to let go… Take care

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