Sunday, August 29, 2010

RIP Perry 1993-2010


River has kindly allowed me to post about Perry.

We lost Perry yesterday. He was 17.

Fifteen years ago I got a call from SOS Beagles about a dog that a man was threatening to shoot. His dog would not hunt--sounds like a joke but in the South that is a serious canine crime. Poor Perry. He was always a bit of a shrinking violet. I picked him up, intending to foster. I adopted him out once but it didn't work out. I didn't want him to suffer another big change like that so I kept him.

Last Wednesday he started throwing up and refused to eat--always a horror with hounds who dearly love food. He spent the next day at the vet's getting fluids and when I picked him up he was feeling so much better. But he went downhill again immediately.

Almost all of my beagles have died of kidney failure--beagles are so healthy in general but they are prone to cataracts, neck problems and kidney problems in old age. Sometimes it's been chronic, sometimes I have only days to say goodbye.

I kept him with me in the bed all Friday night then we sat out on the back deck in the sun Saturday morning. This is the way I like to say goodbye--to share our last moments together in the sun. And I am so grateful when I have a chance to do exactly that.

He will be remembered for his soft and staccato aroo!aroo!aroo! when he wanted attention or his dinner. A gentle and shy boy who will be greatly missed by his family.

Run free, sweet Perry Berry. One day we will meet again, thank goodness.

26 sniff-Arooos:

Kari in Alaska said...

oh i am so sorry for your lost. he sounds like he as a great member of the family

Noah the Airedale said...

Oh no, we're very sorry to hear about Perry. He was very lucky to have you in his life.

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

How wonderful that Perry was lucky to have made his home there with you. We are sorry for your loss but we know Perry left you with many beautiful memories.

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

Raising Addie said...

...tears...

We agree that Perry was very lucky to have been found by you. He had a long and wonderful life. You were blessed to have been there for him as he moved on.

I know we never met him in person but if feels like we have lost one of our own pups. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Lots of Luv & Kisses
Addie, Lucie and Hailey

Lacy said...

sad woofs, sooo sorry on the loss of Perry..u gave him a wonderful last few days...ur in our hearts and thoughts...RIP Perry, run with the wind..

a sad,
rocky
bear
angel lacylulu
jodee
and mama..

The Oceanside Animals said...

Farewell, Perry.

Stella said...

I am happy that you had a nice goodbye with Perry. He had a long life and a wonderful home with you.

Thanks for sharing it with us.

Kisses,
Stella

Thor and Jack said...

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of Perry. He had a wonderful home with you.

Molly the Airedale said...

What a wonderful way to say good-by to a cherished friend. We are so very sorry for your loss.

Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch

Clare Mansell said...

Your post brought tears to my eyes. I have an 18 month old beagle who was a rescue pup, abandoned because (we suspect) she wouldn't hunt. I can't imagine what it must be like to lose one. We are all thinking of you.

Laura said...

RIP Perry - 17 is a good age and it sounds like he lived a full and happy life with you guys!

Pei In The Life said...

It's nice to be loved like that. I'm sure Perry knew he was loved. That's the most important thing ever.

Sending nose kisses to keep you all going.

Bolo & Family

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

What a special and pawesome way to say bye fur now!

We are sorry fur your loss -

We'll be looking fur his star tonight -

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

D.K. Wall said...

So sorry about the loss of Perry, but what a beautiful tribute you have written. We will light candle tonight in his honor.

AFSS said...

We are so sorry about the loss of Perry. He sounds like a wonderful boy and we know you will miss him a lot

Hugs

Lorenza said...

I am so sorry to know about Perry.
Sure he had 15 wonderful years with you.
Glad you were there with him to share those last moments.
Our thoughts are with you.
Take care
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza and mom

Kess And Her Mama said...

It's sad to have lost Perry, but I'm sure he knew he was well-loved. Rest in peace, sweet Perry.

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

Woof! Woof! We are so sorry to about the loss Perry. Perry surely was very lucky and had a great wonderful life ... Perry's memories will be remembered always. Sending you my Golden Thoughts. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

Princess Patches said...

We know that Perry is running free and young again at the Rainbow Bridge, but we will cross our paws for the rest of you. We know how very hard it is to lose a furkid, but we hope you take a little comfort from knowing that he had a great and long life! He was very lucky to have you!

Aire-hugs,
Penny & Patches

The Ladies of Beaglebratz Manor said...

from the mom - Perry looks like he was such a sweet guy and his age reflexts the great care he must have received from you. There is something in his face that reminds me of my Shiloh but not sure what it is - maybe it is the happy look at the camera. So very sorrry for your loss.

Toffee said...

We are so very sorry for your family's loss. It is never easy to lose a fur baby.

chihueagle kisses and cuddles,
toffee

Fred said...

We're so sorry for your loss!

The Thuglets said...

We are so very sorry for your loss.

It's never easy saying goodbye to a much loved friend.

Big Nose Pokes
The Thugletsx

The Animal Doctor said...

Please accept our sincere condolences. Its so heartbreaking to say goodbye to a furkid- this is something I dread doing, yet I know its bound to happen.

Please take care. You are in our thoughts.

Sincerely,
The Secretary

Sapphire said...

Rest in peace Perry, i'm sure he had a great life, received and gave so much from his family. He's running free now.

Jans Funny Farm said...

We're so very sorry for your loss of Perry. Good thing you rescued him.

We didn't realize they shoot dogs for not hunting here but guess we should have. Sad

Purrs and tail wags.