Mary

Mary’s official passport photo taken by Cameron 7 years ago

 She has progressive heart failure 
The Spanish Vet told me nothing I didn’t know. 
Mary sat blinking between us her cataracts evident under the surgery lights and she coughed heavily on cue
We talked about options and settled for medication only 
Take her home and love her the vet suggested
We were out of the door before she had finished her speech.
Roger tottering dutifully behind, fully aware of the seriousness of the visit.

I met Chic Eleanor for lunch and before we parted she asked me what was bothering me
I told her about Mary as she busied herself rearranging my scarf and before I could make light of things she wrapped her arms around my neck in a hug which almost broke my heart in its care.
Darling man I so understand she said 


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74 comments:

  1. JayCee2:38 pm

    The loving her will be easy. Dear Mary.

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    Replies
    1. John Going Gently7:56 pm

      She’s curled up next to me on the couch , after being hand fed some chicken

      Delete
  2. happy hooker2:44 pm

    Oh, John, we also understand. It never gets any easier does it? Sending hugs and love to you and all the furries, but especially to a darling old lady. xx

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    1. John Going Gently7:57 pm

      I’ve been here many times and all my choice , I can hardly complain

      Delete
  3. Anonymous2:54 pm

    I know you will love and spoil her but it is hard to hear. Hugs to you both. Gigi

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    1. John Going Gently8:01 pm

      She’s looking mighty comfortable right now ….riast chicken for her tea

      Delete
  4. Anonymous2:57 pm

    Dear Mary ... It's so hard to say good-bye to a staunch friend of years and years. Rest assured that you've given her the best home, the best love, the best food, and the best pack-mates she could have ever hoped for and best of all, safety and warmth. It's time for hospice care for her.
    Remembering our Punkin, Tobey, and darling Daisy.

    Huge hugs and tears

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    1. Anonymous2:58 pm

      That Barbara Anne. So upset I didn't sign in.

      Delete
    2. John Going Gently8:02 pm

      She’s not going quite yet dear babs

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  5. Pixie3:02 pm

    My beagle died of CHF, it's heartbreaking. Sending more hugs.

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  6. Debra She Who Seeks3:06 pm

    Hugs to you, John. Pamper her well. She is so loved.

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  7. Ellen D.3:24 pm

    You and your pets share so much love. xo

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  8. Raybeard3:24 pm

    Times like this are totally horrible, JayGee. Wishing you all the best in being able to bear it, and to see through whatever comes with equanimity. And Mary, bless her little soul, to facing coming days in comfort.

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    1. John Going Gently8:03 pm

      Months to a year I’m hoping

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    2. Babs9:43 pm

      Joining in your hopes. Hugs!

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  9. Anonymous3:31 pm

    Sweet Mary … give her lots of love and hugs. Cali

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  10. Anonymous3:43 pm

    You knew already, but hearing the words is so painful. I'm so sorry, John. Loving Mary will be simple.....you have already loved her for so long. My heart goes out to you
    Susan M/. Calif.

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    1. John Going Gently8:05 pm

      Thank u …I’ve been here before xx

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  11. Andi's English Attic3:51 pm

    We love you, Mary. You're in the best hands. xx

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  12. Yorkshire Pudding3:57 pm

    Chic Eleanor sensed that something was wrong in the same way that Mary might have done in the past.

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  13. Anonymous4:02 pm

    Sending you each a hug. Animals bring such joy (and sadness) to our lives.
    Bonnie in Minneapolis

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    Replies
    1. John Going Gently8:07 pm

      Mary will be immortalized here, which is a comfort

      Delete
  14. Lizzy D4:20 pm

    I'm so sad and sorry about Mary. Is she in pain, labors to breathe? It's good you have CE to give you a hug and support.

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    Replies
    1. John Going Gently8:08 pm

      No pain , a cough and some dyspnoia , but comfortable lizzy

      Delete
  15. Moving with Mitchell4:22 pm

    So painful. Sending love to you both. Enjoy every minute.

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    1. John Going Gently8:09 pm

      She’s on my knee as I write this x

      Delete
  16. Travel4:23 pm

    Hugs from afar

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  17. Nell5:05 pm

    I am sorry. You already know how much I understand this.

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  18. Susan5:30 pm

    Sweet, sweet, beloved Mary.
    I am so sorry JG. This is never easy.
    I know you will be there for her every step of the way.

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    Replies
    1. John Going Gently8:10 pm

      She will carry on , until a crisis happens

      Delete
  19. Jennifer5:39 pm

    I'm so sorry to hear this. I know you'll love and spoil her for as long as you can.

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    Replies
    1. John Going Gently8:10 pm

      Already done..she’s stuffed with chicken 🐓🍗

      Delete
  20. Anonymous5:53 pm

    John, I’m so sorry about Mary.
    I’m sending a huge, tight hug and lots of love to you and Mary. Carol in Atlanta❤️❤️

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  21. Jim Davis5:59 pm

    So sorry to hear this John, do take comfort in the fact that she has had her best life as your friend & companion.

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    Replies
    1. John Going Gently8:11 pm

      She’s been with me over 11 years

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    2. Anonymous9:21 pm

      Oh lord John , one drama after another …

      Keith

      Xx

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    3. John Going Gently9:52 pm

      Indeed my old mate

      Delete
  22. Elle Clancy6:08 pm

    I'm so sorry to hear this. Hugs from Ohio. ♥

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  23. Steve Reed6:40 pm

    I'm so sorry to hear this news. This is the downside of owning multiple animals -- multiple instances of grief.

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    Replies
    1. John Going Gently8:12 pm

      You understand more than many others Steve xx olga was a tour de force

      Delete
  24. Kippy6:51 pm

    Dear sweet pup, so beloved and a great companion. My 13 1/2 year old dog had a cervical injury three years ago. Got over that . Then she got big cysts and had to have surgery. Then pancreatitis. She did her best, It was osteosarcoma that got her. She is greatly missed and always will be. Still find myself calling the new puppy by her name and not Archie😭❤️❤️

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    Replies
    1. John Going Gently8:12 pm

      I’m always calling Mary Meg, even now

      Delete
  25. LisaH6:54 pm

    My Bull Terrier had this and we chose a similar route. We had him another 2.5 years until he was 11 and died in his sleep. Sending love and hugs for Mary x

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  26. Yorkshire Liz6:55 pm

    With you both all the way. Exactly the same with my soul dog: an elderly neglected Sheltie rescue who was so poorly the rescue would not take a donation for him as they thought he would only last a week, and we were just taking him home to die in comfort. But we got him better, and he was our treasure for almost four years, one of many rescues that enriched our lives. Still miss my Jack, who finally faded gently but surely just like Mary is doing. Grieving like this is a long, steady, heart aching process. And I am still looking for another rescue sheltie to fill that void. Mary is special. Cherish your long goodbye.

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  27. Damselfly7:31 pm

    I'm so sorry to hear this, John dear. Thinking of you, Mary, Roger, Bun & Weaver.

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    Replies
    1. John Going Gently7:41 pm

      Mary is comfortable. She’s eating and unaware of her illness. She will carry on as she is able .
      We’ve been here before

      Delete
  28. Ulvmor7:48 pm

    Oh Mary. They do break our heart, every time.

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    Replies
    1. John Going Gently7:55 pm

      My heart as Celine would say, goes on

      Delete
  29. kylie8:15 pm

    I remember when Mary arrived, not nearly long enough ago.
    Take her home and love her is all you can do. And all you'd want to do.

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  30. Anonymous9:08 pm

    I don’t do pets , never have
    But I’ve loved that dog ever since I “met” her here….a gentle girl who loved your village girl Hattie

    Lee

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    Replies
    1. John Going Gently9:20 pm

      Nicely remembered , Mary , like Meg , always has been attracted to female visitors,,,especially Hattie ( hatties daughters middle name is Mary btw)

      Delete
  31. gz9:12 pm

    Nothing to add..as it has all been said.
    Sending ((hugs)) , and scratches and strokes to the 4 legged members of your family xx

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  32. Michael9:23 pm

    I am so sorry to read this John. My heart breaks for you. The same thing happened to one of my sister's dogs two years ago. "Dogs lives are too short. Their only fault, really."

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  33. Kath9:48 pm

    Losing my soul dog suddenly, was the worst day of my life. I hope you and sweet Mary have many more months together to say long gentle goodbyes xx

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  34. Sue P9:52 pm

    Sorry to hear this John. Sending hugs to you & Mary. Sue P x

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  35. Lizzy D10:21 pm

    Off topic, but beautiful: https://www.instagram.com/p/DUBM1H8klyZ/

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  36. Anonymous10:52 pm

    All the best wishes for sweet times with Mary this year.
    I lost my cat of 17 years Emma last year. I treasure the memories. Linda from Alabama

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  37. Anonymous10:53 pm

    Some Vets do home visits for the final "sleep " much calmer and kind at home, maybe worth looking into when the time is near.

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