CarrieAnne
Life at Golden Pines
In 2007 my dream of living in the country and sharing it with senior Golden Retrievers came true when we moved to a small town in Northern Virginia into a home that would become ‘Golden Pines.’ Our lives are now filled with more rescued Golden Retrievers than I’ll admit to, a Wheaten Terrier, a lively little Scottie and a very tolerant cat. This blog chronicles snippets of a life in the country that has truly ‘gone to the dogs!’
—Kim, Life at Golden Pines
People who love dogs are bound to have their hearts broken — dogs’ lifespans are so much shorter than ours. That’s especially true for people who take in senior dogs and give them love and care in their “golden years.” So Kim at Golden Pines is one of the most courageous people I know. At the moment she’s mourning the loss of CarrieAnn, who didn’t survive surgery for a mast cell tumor.
As usual, Kim, bless you!
September 6, 2014
Caring for pets and they getting attached to you is a high emotion sapping phenomenon. Please read my latest post on Brin.
I agree, but that deep connection is the reason we love them.
“who didn’t survive surgery for a mast cell tumor.
Our son’s best friend here, is a vet in Hollywood. He makes a lot of money off people giving old dogs operations when they’re going to die soon anyway.
Yes, and doctors, too, make a lot of money trying to fix up old us folks who are going to die soon. 😀
Yes I’ve heard theories. Like we all need a chip in our bodies, which does us in (okay kills us) at age 75. That’s if we haven’t already done that ourselves with poor heath habits, alcohol, accidents & such.
I know I keep saying it, but to you, it truly bears repeating that I am touched by your thoughtful words on the loss of our precious CarrieAnne. You’ve known exactly the right things to say, and I’m humbled that you would post about her on your blog. Thank-you doesn’t seem like enough to say, but it’s all I can say–You’ve eased the burden of CarrieAnne’s loss and that and your friendship means so much.
I’m glad it helped. I think you’re doing wonderful work.
Having loved, and lost, darling dogs and other animals – my sweet goat Ella was a deep loss – my heartfelt condolences go out to Kim and family at the passing of their beautiful CarrieAnne.
With that special silver threaded etheric bond that binds us with them, I do feel they never really leave us…
Yes, it really hurts to lose them. But the alternative — not having them at all — can be even worse.
What pulls at my heartstrings when it comes to animals how, on one side, they are totally self reliant yet often do depend on a human’s kindness (I can’t bring myself to respond to Ramana’s account of that ‘street’ dog).
I sometimes wonder what it must feel like to be an animal. They appear to live in the moment. Though elephants (bless them) will remember. Which is, no doubt, why they have hooves as to crush you. I once sat on an elephant (Hamburg Zoo). It was awesome. Far more awesome than being put on one of those snooty camels in Cairo. Makes me think of pride. An elephant will endure whatever its fate. Not giving away much. A camel – obviously not given choice as to its employment either – will also “endure” being put to use but, by golly and I empathize with them, they do so with disdain. Only Llamas do better. First they look down on you. Then they spit.
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My camel kept turning around and glaring at me. I was afraid he was going to bite my knee!
Elephants in zoos especially break my heart. They’re intelligent, social animals and their psychological and social needs are seldom met in captivity.
I liked the camel ride better than the elephant one. In the middle of the forest I was suppose to buy bananas for him. I didn’t & he stomped & thrashed around.