I am very glad that I was there as well. When they said that they didn't know if Curly would be able to hold on until I got there, they weren't kidding. And he was relieved to see that someone was there with him. If I had missed that I would have been really upset because it is my belief that no one should have to die alone. And that includes any animal or pet that I have ever known.
Even when I have had to ask my vet to put one of my feral cats (from the shop) to sleep, that has proven to be something significant. These feral cats who up until that point where they were in serious trouble, would rather have nothing to do with me, and have only tolerated me because I do provide food and water every day. But when they are truly sick, most of them will come to me and let me pick them up and take them to see Bay, and we do whatever we can. That quality has shown me that deep down we are all God's creatures, and as such we each deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.
Thank you Canyon Man, and everyone here, for the heartfelt sympathies and support. It has meant more then I had ever understood before.
My friend, we well understand "Loss," in this household....
I know it hurts like heck, and stings and burns inside to have lost Curly, and nothing else will ever 'replace' Curly, not in the 'same way' that is... You and your wife showed love and gave yourselves to Curly, and that is what counts, and Curly gave it back to you guys as well...
Now, you have "NALA," and with her, you are not "replacing Curly," but rather gaining the opportunity, to continue to pour out all that love, "Again," fresh and new. 'Rest' in the fact that you were there for Curly, and loved him all the time he was a part of the family, and he loved you back, and you did all you could for each other... And now, 'rejoice' in what is ahead, a new journey, and a new opportunity to love, and be loved, again!
Blessing amigo!
From all the gang here...!
CanyonMan