My Best Friend’s Passing
Aug. 20th | Posted by Nicky
21 comments
Two weeks ago we wrote that our dear dog, Hamish, was diagnosed with cancer. It was a Tuesday when we discovered it, and Wednesday we learned that it had spread to his liver, lymph-nodes and spleen – making it inopperable. The type of cancer couldn’t be helped by chemo. He had been exrayed just two months before, and there had been nothing – it was really fast growing. Really fast.
On Monday he felt fine, on Tuesday he started to feel a little off, but by Saturday he was not himself anymore. Despite all the painkillers and other meds, he couldn’t keep anything down, couldn’t walk much, and wasn’t even barking at skateboards or motorcyles. His last few days I took him for long walks in the chariot stroller down to the beach – he always loved the water and the wind. Couldn’t swim worth a damn! but still loved fetching sticks with his knobbly little legs knee-deep in the water.
Saturday, only five days after his diagnosis, he passed away in my arms. Jrock and I were stunned and heartbroken. We couldn’t write about it here – we sent an email to a few friends who would understand, and left town. We took our very sad and confused cocker spaniel Maggie, who had never spent a day in 7 years away from Hamish, and left in our little RV trailer for Oregon. It was our first vacation together (more than 4 days long) in 2 years, and we really really needed it, but we cried every day. I don’t know what we would have done if we had stayed home afterwards… memories of Hamish are everywhere. I work at home, and there is such a silence right now, since we’ve been back… Maggie is a really wonderful little trouper but she’s so quiet, and quite depressed herself.
I miss his barks, his grin, his wagging tail, the smell of his fur, his tender little soul that would comfort me whenever I felt bad, and his crazy tongue licks that would somehow find your nose every time.
He was my best friend. I think this will hurt for a long time.
Oh you guys, I’m so sorry to hear about Hamish. Your heart is so hearting right now, I wish I could make it better for you. When our dog Max passed away, I was a mess for a long time. And then Ryder came in my life. It will get easier, but I’m sending big hugs your way to get you through this hard time.
Nicky,
There are no words…I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet Hamish. Your touching post made me cry…Hamish was well loved that is for sure and will be missed forever.
Thinking of you
Rana
My heart breaks for you both. I am so sorry to hear this news. Pets are important family members and its is so hard when they leave us.
Hi guys,
I just read your post about Hamish Passing.
Your post brought me to tears, I am so sorry for your loss.
I know there is nothing like the love of a pet, a member of our family and cherished friend, and I am sure this is and will be a difficult time for you.
Please accept my sympathies and know that I am thinking of you, Maggie and Hamish at this time.
Laura
I am so, so sorry. It does get a little easier (one year out). My heart truly goes out to you guys.
Godspeed, Hamish. You were a loving, faithful companion and so very much loved by your family. And they miss you tons.
Nicky, I am so sorry to hear the sad news. Our thoughts are with you guys as you mourn your dear little pal.
I’m so sorry Nicky. I wish I had words of wisdom to share, but can only say that I know your pain. One of our dog passed away in June and if anyone mentions his name I still cry. It sounds like Hamish had a wonderful life and that he was able to spend his last days doing what he loved with those whom he loved most.
I send our sympathies your way, thinking of you,
Courtney
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve been thinking of you since you posted about Hamish being ill.
Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers during this really awful time.
Thanks guys.
I’m sorry about Hamish. Even harder I’m sure that it went so fast. Dogs are great sources of comfort and affection, and they love you no matter what. They are family, no doubt. I don’t know what I’d do without my Davis. I really am sorry. I’ll pray for you and your broken heart.
Please accept my deepest sympathies. Sweet Hamish may have earned his doggie wings but he will always be a part of your family. I’m glad he didn’t suffer for too long.
Aw. I’m so sorry to hear Hamish is gone. The worst part is always the confused pet left behind, give poor Maggie extra pats from me.
I’m so sorry to hear about Hamish. I know that you will miss him deeply for a long time and even after that, you will always miss him a little. I do hope that the days get a bit easier as time goes by and I am glad that you were able to get away and mourn this loss together.
Nicky,
I am so sorry, so absolutely heartbroken for you! As soon as I saw the heading on your post I was in tears. It sounds like you made his last days so peaceful and comforting. It sounds like you gave Hamish a wonderful life and in return he has given you lots of beautiful memories to look back on. I am wishing you both (and little Maggie too) peace and strength as you go through this sad time.
(((Hugs))) Andrea & Rob
I am really sorry to hear that. *Hugs*
I’m so sorry.
From your posts, it was obvious Hamish was a great dog and a great friend.
As awful as it must have been, I’m glad you were with Hamish when he passed away.
I hope you and your family can start to heal soon.
Karen T.
So touching & sad to read about your pet. Our basset was diagnosed with cancer almost a year ago, and spent nearly 5 more months with us until his final few days showed that he was not himself anymore. Two months less a day later our greyhound died, after a very unexpected 2-week period of inability to eat & pain in his spine that turned out to include liver failure & some other unknown disease process. So I feel your pain. Hope peace & joy return to your home quickly.
I’m so sorry guys. Best wishes
I have been there. I am so, sooooo sorry. ((hugs))
I am truly so sorry. I have tears running down my face as I write this.
My thoughts are with you and your family as you mourn the loss of Hamish….I will always remember him getting into the box of brandy chocolates and getting drunk, how funny was that.
Hugs,
Ricki
It was very funny. We miss him – especially his sense of humour and his love of play.