Saturday, November 13, 2010

Remembering my boy Mooch

November 13, 2009

I know there are a lot of things far worse than losing your pet.  But I had to post him today because it was one year ago that we lost him, and even though it's been one year (he died on Friday the 13th)
 I actually miss him every single day.  And I think Gracie does too.

When we got him, we didn't have a name.  He was such a lazy puppy, lounging around all day and mooching for food constantly, someone said "he's just such a big mooch." 

And Mooch it was.  The laziest, cuddliest, sweetest, moochiest dog there was.
I used to love it when the vet called his name.
"Mooch Allen"

He had leukemia.  He lived 2 years longer than expected.  He didn't have symptoms until the end, he was just a very sleepy dog, still enjoying a dip in the lake in his last week or two.
 His last day is so etched in my mind. 
My daughter coming over to kiss hin goodbye. 
Calling my son to tell him, him too far away to say goodbye, although for the past 2 years when he visited, he always said goodbye like it was the last one.
Mr. Raz and I being so gutted and crying so much the vet sent us flowers.
 Wishing I had another day with him, to watch him lift his leg on my chives or cover his eyes with his paws when we played with him.

 If my kids had something important like a job interview, exam or hockey game, they thought it was good luck if Mooch licked each hand before they left the house. He always obliged, sending them on their way with a bit of slobber.
 My daughter tried it with Gracie yesterday before an interview.  Poor old senile Gracie just wouldn't lick her...we had to put biscuits in her hands...she could hardly go to an interview with no lucky licks.

When I tuck old Gracie in for the night tonight, rubbing her poor old achy back, and kisses on her head, we'll have a little moment for him.

24 comments:

  1. Chania - a much loved pet is so much part of your life. I don't think they can ever be just 'only'. It is a raw empty feeling without them. Love Molly xx

    ReplyDelete
  2. Gosh, this brings tears to my eyes, I'm such a sook for a beautiful pet. He sounds like he was a wonderful wonderful family member. No wonder you miss him x

    ReplyDelete
  3. Mooch was gorgeous, and I'm glad that you're remembering him, as animals are a part of the family. I miss my first dog too, and that was two decades ago since she passed. I look forwardd to my new fence, as then I'll have a dog friendly yard. Glad you have Gracie. x

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am so sorry for your loss. My cat went missing a year ago and I say a prayer every evening for his safe return. It drives me nuts I don't know what happened to him or if he is ok etc. Just reading about the loss of your dog brings tears to my eyes. I hope you have the comfort of knowing he had the best possible and wonderful life at yours. Sending hugs. Elsina

    ReplyDelete
  5. I had tears and laughs with this. Good luck slobber - never heard of it. Must add one dog to my groceries list.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Good old Mooch. I still miss my Widdy the cat, about 19 years after he disappeared.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Here's to Mooch.. who made your life rich with love... and gave you fond memories that will be etched on your heart forever.
    Our animals are our family.

    Love to you, hugs to Gracie and happy day!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Such wonderful memories of your loved dog. Animals have a way of getting inside our hearts. Thank you for sharing with us.

    ReplyDelete
  9. It's a shame we call them pets, when really they are members of our family. Of course you miss him.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Staring my day with tears :) God bless Mooch .. I read once that someone thought pets were angels, living with us, comforting us, making us cheerful or giving us hope .. I believe it !
    My sweet Pup is 11 years old and I cannot imagine my world without him.
    Here's to our pups and kitties and birds and all the sweet pets who make our worlds that little bit sweeter, funnier and better.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm so sorry about Mooch. I don't care what people think, but they are just like another child in the family. You can't help but miss them and mourn for them.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I don't know if I am weeping because you are hurting today, or if I'm weeping because this brings up so many memories and I miss our Libbey just the same.

    They fill spaces in our hearts that nothing else can.

    Dear ole Mooch, you are loved, you are sorely missed.

    xx

    z

    ReplyDelete
  13. Of course you miss your darling Mooch........so sad.......biggg hug darling...........love love love......Ria....

    ReplyDelete
  14. These animals touch our lives in different ways than people can and when they leave us, we miss them on a different level than we miss our departed human family members. No more, no less, just different. Not everyone understands this. Mooch sounds like he was a sweetie. As does Gracie. Ann

    ReplyDelete
  15. I know what you mean. I used to have 2 cats and not one day goes by that I don't think about them. Beloved pets really do take up a significant amount of room in the heart.

    Thanks for your nice comment on my blog, too :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. I understand your pain and sorrow and you don't have to apologise by saying "there are worst things" because really loosing a pet is like loosing a baby. It is the same grief. Raw and painful. I have lost a dog and 2 cats , one just recently and I miss them all.
    Hopefully one day another sweet pup will find you. There are so many waiting to be loved. He was a lucky guy having a family that loved him so!
    Pamela xo

    ReplyDelete
  17. They are just so much a part of the family aren't they. I love the good luck slobber!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I know what it's like, I've been here. <3

    ReplyDelete
  19. I know just what you mean. We had a beloved cat named Dolly. When she passed about 8 years ago, I was devastated. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of her. Think fond memories of your Mooch. And remember him each and every year. Kit

    ReplyDelete
  20. I stumbled upon your blog and I think poor old loveable Mooch is what caught me. My daughter and son-in-law had to put down their dog George today. He was rescued from the pound. He had advanced liver disease and there was no hope for him. But, my daughter and son-in-law and grandsons gave George a home and lots of love and care he needed before he died. He was a good boy. We are all just torn up up over it. Some people don't understand how humans can grieve over the loss of an animal. Dogs are loyal and give us years of love in return for a home, a little food and kindness. That's not asking much for all they give us in return. Blessings to you and yours on this sad anniversary. ~Ames

    http://rivahchick.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  21. Oh dear Chania. That was the most endearing eulogy ever.

    I can empathize with you completely. Enjoy, Gracie now and I know you will carry the both of these wonderful pets in your heart forever...

    ReplyDelete
  22. I think loosing a pet is one of the hardest things anyone ever has to do. It's painful beyond words. Pets are our family, our friends, a kind soul when the world seems full of unkind souls.
    I'm sorry for your loss.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Oh Chania....I'm SO glad Mooch was able to share his time here with you & your lovely Family....!!

    Losing a 'Friend' IS painful beyond words & this is not lessened simply because they walk on four legs....I dread the day I have to say goodbye to Baxter....I pray I have the strength to let him go & not 'hold on' for selfish reasons....Mind you....He's ONLY 12....I tell everyone he's going to be around until he's 32....PEOPLE years that is....!!

    Jaqueline said it best & I SO AGREE....I never refer to Baxter as a pet or, heavin forbid, the cat....He's our furr baby, my boy or simply....My Friend....!!

    I hope Gracie's been more relaxed since your visit to the pharmacy....!

    Take care Lovey....!

    Cheers,
    Tamarah :o)

    ReplyDelete
  24. Chania, this brought tears to my eyes. It's amazing how pets leave their paw prints on our hearts forever!

    Thank you for your wonderful words on my blog!

    Kat :)

    ReplyDelete

I love to read each and every comment and are thrilled that you take the time to send one. Thank you so much. Chania