A Pink Blanket

Jake, March 13, 1994 - June 18, 2007

I took Jake and Charlie to the vet this morning at 7:45. Jake, such a trooper, saw the leash and walked all the way to the car on his own. I picked him up and put him in the car and helped him out at the vet. They treated him so well when we came in: greetings, treats, pats.

There was a pink blanket for him to lay on in the little room. It was a very quiet experience. The vet explained everything and then gave Jake a sedative. Charlie and I sat with him for about 15 minutes while his breathing -- which had been so strained and labored all weekend -- evened out.

Someone told me once a tired dog is a happy dog. I think Jake was happy..happy to be with us and happy for the pain to fade away. The vet came back with a syringe. We petted Jake and I told him he was such a good boy...a good good boy. It was a gentle, quiet transition and I know it was the right thing to do. Charlie and I sat with him a few more minutes and then we said goodbye. The last I saw of him was the little guy curled up under the pink blanket. He seemed so peaceful.

Thank you to all of you who have commented and sent wishes.

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Comments

ricklibrarian says:

We are with you in your grief. Keep this and the happier images in your mind.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

KatDeiss says:

Oh Michael! I'm weeping at my keyboard right now. He was a beautiful boy. Please take care of you and Charlie and Steve. Know that our hearts are with you.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

leeleblanc says:

I really appreciate you sharing this Micheal; having gone thru it with Bodhi
www.flickr.com/photos/iblee/501756818/in/set- 721576001452...
You've reminded me how fortunate I was to be able to spend the last few gentle minutes in her presence.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

jessamyn says:

Aw Michael, Jake had such a wonderful life wiht you and Charlie and Steve. Extra hugs for you all. I'm so glad I got to meet Jake.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

dallee says:

" I still see your bright eyes..."
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

janielianne says:

Oh Michael, this brought tears to my eyes. I am so sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing this story in such a beautiful way. I am sure that Jake knew how much he was loved every minute of his life.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

joshua m. neff says:

My biggest condolences and hugs to you.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

freerangelibrarian says:

This made me cry... sad for your loss, glad you had a friend like Jake, glad you could see him through to the end.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Depraved Librarian says:

I am so sorry for your loss. I can imagine how hard it is to share this. Thank you.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

librarygrrrl says:

Peaceful transitions are still difficult - it's so hard to let them go even when we know it's the right thing to do. -take care-
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

ae-j says:

Jake lived a good life and was obviously so loved. my thoughts are with you, Steve & Charlie. xo
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Ⓖragsie says:

:-(
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

curtis rogers [deleted] says:

sorry to hear...those things really bother me...

yesterday, a stray siamese cat came to the back door. it is so skinny but it is sticking around for more cat food :-)
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

mbsam says:

I'm so sorry, Michael. You're in my thoughts....
Hugs to you and Steve and Charlie.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

brianbrarian says:

My sympathies, Michael. That's a beautiful picture of you and Jake.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

The Shifted Librarian says:

We had hoped he would wait for you to come home, and he did so that he could spend his last hours with you. We're keeping all of you in our thoughts and remembering the good times with Jake.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

sophiebiblio says:

Oh, Michael. I'm so sorry for your loss. This is a beautiful tribute to Jake. Big hugs to you, Steve, and Charlie.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

lorenzo ;)) says:

:-(
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

rcn56 says:

Again I want to thank you for sharing so much of your personal and professional life here. You don't know me, but from reading your posts about work and play, I feel I know you. I'm so glad that Jake's last days were enjoyable and dignified. What a wonderful dog, and what a wonderful life he was able to share with you. Your recent photos of him are simply the epitome of Love. I, too, am crying over the beauty of your love and the pain of your loss.

RCN (Ronna)
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

pluggedinlib says:

Michael- I am so, so sorry about Jake. I am glad that you got to say goodbye, and that it was calm. He was such a good boy, and I know that it hurts. I'll been thinking about you, as I have been for days.

-Sarah Hill
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

One Page Turner says:

So sorry, Michael.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

ekpatterson says:

I am so sorry. They break your heart, every one of them.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

librarianmer says:

Oh Michael. I am so sorry for the loss of your dear friend. I know a year and a half after I lost my Delta, I still miss her, but I also have such warm feelings when I think about what a wonderful life we had together. I feel so lucky to have had all that fun with her.

My thoughts are with you, Steve and the adorable Charlie.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Joy Weese Moll says:

So sorry, Michael. Take care.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

daveman1 says:

Michael, I'm sorry to hear that you needed to say goodbye to your friend. I've been there too and I always remind myself that this is part of taking care of a pet, in addition to feeding, playing, brushing, petting and everything else. Our animal friends rely on us to take care of them because they can't do it themselves, especially at times like this.

Thinking about you. Dave (the Panera Bread Librarian)
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

kariek says:

What a touching tribute to your friend. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

mookitty says:

michael, you have my deepest concolences. i know how special dogs are and i've really enjoyed seeing the photos over the years that you've posted of jake and i'm so sorry for your loss. :o( take care.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

WoodsmanJohn says:

Michael, your big guy is running with the Big Guy. Jake loved the trails in TC, you can be sure he was seeing those as he found ease in his rest.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Amerk says:

Michael,

I wish you the warmth of your happy memories as you work through the grief.

In my family this year we've lost two dear canine friends and have discovered another will be leaving soon. You've cherished your time with Jake and that is priceless.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

moqub says:

what a very sad thing has happened, thinking of you!

Moqub
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

theloudlibrarian says:

My thoughts are with you, Michael...
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

hutchenc says:

Michael,

I'm sorry to hear of your loss...this all brings tears to my eyes. It's one of the only unhappy things about having a best bud that you'll outlive. But the good always outweighs the bad. Just try to keep thinking about all the great things that he brought to your life and that he's not in pain any more. My thoughts are with you...
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

pandamans says:

I still think about Terri even after 5 years -- so I'm sending my best your way...
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

hblowers says:

hug! Your post made me fondly remember our Beans who past away 3 years ago and left behind his faithful buddy Fritz.

Fritz, I'm glad to say is still going strong at 15. The adjustment was hard at first (for us all) but we treasure his companionship so much more.

May your remaining years with Charlie be as blessed!
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

ktbug8 says:

I am so sorry for your loss. As a dog owner myself, I can't imagine the pain you are feeling. :( You are in my thoughts...
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

feelgoodlibrarian says:

Michael,

So sorry for your loss. Sending you, Steve and Charlie big hugs.

FGL
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Michael Golrick says:

I know I posted to the blog, but reading this has me in tears. Some day I will be brave enough.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

l@in says:

Michael - my thoughts are with you. You did the right thing.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

royce kitts says:

The picture of you and your dog is very sweet.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Elizabeth Thomsen says:

So many of us have gone through this -- it's the price we pay for loving a dog. This is so sad, but it sounds like your Jake had a good and decent passing, supported by your love, and that you have no regrets.

I just read "Dog Year : A Memoir" by Mark Doty, a beautiful book of love, loss and hope, and it brought back all the feelings I had during the long, slow, painful decline of my last dog. Heartbreaking. Heartbreaking, but worth it.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Millie2002 says:

Thinking about you and Charlie. It's sad to lose a good old friend like Jake. Take care.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

jennimi says:

Michael, so sorry. My thoughts, tears, and ear floofs are with all of you. Jake had a good life, and you did the right thing by him all the way.

For awhile after Josie was gone, I'd hear her in the house, or sense her up on bed with me, or I'd accidentally call her. You know, it just may have been my imagination, but I think she was right there in the house, helping me through it.

He's there with you guys, and he always will be. But, heaven just became a brighter place.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

pollyalida says:

So sorry to hear this news. Hope the comments and concern from others here will help you all. It's good to share the pain and the fond memories.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Cool Librarian says:

My deepest sympathy. What a beautiful life, and family, he had.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Miromurr says:

I´m really sorry to read this, and yet happy that Jake had such a good life with people that loved him. I cried when I read this. I really hope the good memories will give you joy even if the sorrow will always be with you.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

newrambler says:

My condolences are with you as well. Jake sounds like a wonderful dog and a good friend. Take care.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

cusackfan98 says:

Oh Michael...I'm so sorry. I'll always remember Jake at your Oak St. house, padding up and down the stairs from the basement or sitting in the living room chair listening to music you left on for him while you were at work. Thank you for sharing his last, peaceful moments with us. Lots of love, Julie.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

laurazb says:

Jake lived life well with you - quiet times at home to romping fun at the lake. The grief you feel reflects the abundant happiness you brought to his doggie years. Enjoy your memories. Peace to sweet Jake. Hugs to you all.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Komainu says:

Such a sweet and lucky boy. Hang in there.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

libraryman says:

Many hugs...shouldn't have read this at work!

Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Matt and Nicole says:

So sorry to hear about the loss of Jake.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

mak506 says:

I went through this in January and reading this brought it all back. I didn't know him, but I'm so glad Jake had such a peaceful and well-loved end--and glad for you too, because being able to provide that brings a little comfort. Wishing you peace in the coming weeks and months.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

bclibrarydir says:

When my cat died from kidney failure about 22 years old. My vet sent me this quote: "We who chose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own, live within a fragile circle easily and often breached. Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live no other way. We cherish memory as the only certain immortality, never fully understanding the necessary plan," Irving Townsend.

So sorry for your loss.

Sue , librarian in Brigham City Ut
bclibrarydir@yahoo.cocm
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Pretty Hip Librarian says:

This is an absolutely beautiful photo. It has brought tears to my eyes.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

pagrovian says:

two stanzas from a poem for my last dear dog

When I brought my dog in, dark morning to end a bright life,
I knew it was time. The right thing. I helped her heavy, living body
onto the table, held her head and beating heart within my arms,
said yes to death. The last words she heard were of praise.

I see you now as I see myself;
teeth, tongue and soul. We are what we grieve:
lives that were held, danced and lost.
We are what we love, what we leave, what is left.

May your hearts be healed.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

Multitype Librarian says:

I'm crying for you all. Hug Charlie extra hard. We lost Jack last December and Lucky is still so lonely.

from Barbara
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

scoutbear says:

My thoughts are with you, Michael. What a good dog. You were lucky to have him in your life, and he was lucky to have had you.
Posted 31 months ago. ( permalink )

tkoltz says:

Michael,

I'm so sorry! Take care and remember the bond you had and that you will carry with you.
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

cblounge says:

I am so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is to lose such a good friend. It looks like you gave him a wonderful life and that he was a very happy and lucky dog. God Bless you.
Posted 30 months ago. ( permalink )

Michael Casey says:

This is such a comforting and wonderful photo -- I find myself coming back to it often.
Posted 21 months ago. ( permalink )

oneillg says:

I read your description of your last day with Jake and cried my eyes out, remembering saying goodbye to Tana in much this very same way. Thank you for your comment on my photo of Tana, and for sharing your grief and love of Jake. He was a beautiful dog, and was clearly dearly loved and cared for.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

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Taken on June 18, 2007
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