Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Webster Is, I Think, Dying

Webster, who never liked to have a camera pointed at him, is in what has been described as "hibernation mode" since midnight. I took him to the vet yesterday for tests but I don't need to know what they're going to say. The only time he appeared to be in pain was just now when I tried to pet him and talk to him. So I guess we're beyond that point now. He has one of my shirts next to him so he knows he's not alone.

9:25 am - The vet called with the lab results and it's as bad as can be.

Webster's not going to make it.

9:35 am - Fourteen years ago, when the animal rescue people brought Webster to my house he immediately jumped up on the sofa next to me and went into his first of many naps. A Ben Webster ballad was playing so giving him a name was easy. Now, the same cd just came on the stereo. Seems like fourteen minutes ago.

11:10 am - I just found out its a lot easier to write "Webster's Dying" than it is to say it out loud to a neighbor.

1:02 pm
- Webster's gone.

35 comments:

Anonymous said...

Mr. Webster, noble butterscotch lion...it's so hard to see a pet, a friend, suffer - and so hard to say goodbye.

Scott Roeben said...

Very sad to hear that, Kevin. Don't be shy about reaching out if you feel the need.

Anonymous said...

So the rose.

Alex Gildzen said...

I'm so very sorry Kevin.

Unknown said...

That was the most beautifully written goodbye I've ever seen, so sorry.

Debi said...

That is sad news, Kevin. Webster's passing is losing a friend, a roommate, and someone who loved you unconditionally. I know.

I'm thinking of you both, during your time of grief.

Janet Kincaid said...

Kevin, I'm so sorry. Here's to Webster. And here's to you.

Virginia said...

Kevin, I know I hardly know you , but oh my. Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is so very hard. My Baxter died 8 years ago and I still have tears.Bless you and may the memories of this dear friend bring comfort.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad Webster was with you until the end.

So, sorry.

Godinla said...

I'd like to say that something has been invented to say in times like these but the words have not yet come together in the proper order. If those words ever come together, know that I would have said them to you had I known them today.

Jenny Lerew said...

It sounds trite to say "I know how you feel" as every relationship with a dog is unique, but--I know how you feel.

Your few words are eloquent and say it all. It's true, it is easier to write. And the writing is pretty unbearable. That you were there to comfort him all these years and especially at the end is a wonderful, important thing. There's just no getting around the pain of it.
Like these others, my heart also goes out to you.

celia said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
celia said...

i'm so sorry for your loss.

spacedlaw said...

Sorry that you have lost your furry friend. It is easier - dryer - to write than saying out loud.

The Artful Eye said...

Kevin,
I am saddened by your loss. You've given Webster a wonderful long life.
It's hard to lose such a cherished friend.

My thoughts are with you.

Kris Cahill said...

I am so sorry, Kevin. I am sad for your loss. I love the words you wrote about when Webster was first brought to your house, and Ben Webster was playing.

I wish you peace.

Anonymous said...

As one whose dogs are indeed angels from heaven I know the pain you feel...my heart is with you...

New Kid said...

I've been seeing your blog for ages and read the posts about your baby, my condolences. Let NO one tell you he was "just a dog." Let NO one tell you you'll get over it, get another. There will never be another just like Mr. Webster.

I look forward, should you feel up to it, reading about his memorial service.

Anonymous said...

Kevin, I am so sorry for your loss.

There is nothing like the unconditional love of a pet. The loss of that love leaves a huge hole in one's life and heart.

It's so hard to say goodbye. But please take comfort in knowing that Webster lived and loved well, and that he was loved. He knew it, too.

Ellen Bloom said...

Long-time admirer of your blog and lurker here.

So sorry for your loss. Sigh.

Yvonne Beltzer said...

Having lost my beloved Homer --a Saluki-- three months ago --I feel your pain. It is hard to say good-bye, even more so to a beloved pet.
You have our sympathy.

Ken Mac said...

Kevin, your dog had a great dad who would play him Ben Webster. He no doubt felt loved and comforted from Webster's sweet sounds and your unconditional love. He's happier now and at peace. Hang in their bro.

Paul L. Martin said...

Sorry for your loss, Kevin. The good thing about rescued animals is that you can give them a good home and comfort for the remainder of their lives and hopefully, undo the damage that has been done to them. I have a rescued dog, Stone, and I dread the day I must face what you are facing now. I will keep you and Webster in my thoughts.

Take care,
Paul L. Martin

Anonymous said...

i'm sorry about webstar! He was a special kitty...but at least he didn't suffer.

Love Michelle

VeeKaye said...

I echo Anonymous above. I'm sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

Take solace in the knowledge that Webster's life was better because of you.

Laurie Allee said...

Oh, I'm so sorry, Kevin.

When Elizabeth Barrett Browning lost her beloved cocker spaniel, she wrote just one line:

"His ears were often the first thing to catch my tears."

That summed it up for me, too.

Kathleen Riley said...

So sorry to learn of your loss. Webster was fortunate to have you and you to have him.

Tash said...

Oh, K. I'm so very sorry. It's wonderful that he was so well cared for. Sigh.

Jonderson said...

Hey Kev.

I wish I could say I don't know how you feel, but I do. Which is precisely why it has taken me this long to say anything at all. I just don't like thinking about it much, so I have really been procrastinating. I am deeply saddened for your loss, and am grateful that you were able to provide such a wonderful life to a cat who otherwise might not have had one.

Anonymous said...

[url=http://firgonbares.net/][img]http://firgonbares.net/img-add/euro2.jpg[/img][/url]
[b]windows vista drivers, [url=http://firgonbares.net/]sell softwares online[/url]
[url=http://firgonbares.net/][/url] coreldraw 3d cylinder professional software discount
cheap software review [url=http://firgonbares.net/]educator discounts on software[/url] oem software support
[url=http://firgonbares.net/]educator software discounts[/url] adobe meeting software
[url=http://firgonbares.net/]purchase system software[/url] buy software windows xp
autocad for mac [url=http://firgonbares.net/]discount software uk[/b]

Anonymous said...

[url=http://sunkomutors.net/][img]http://sunkomutors.net/img-add/euro2.jpg[/img][/url]
[b]filemaker pro 9 hybrid academic, [url=http://sunkomutors.net/]microsoft office 2007 enterprise publr.cab fehler[/url]
[url=http://sunkomutors.net/][/url] 2008 software purchase adobe creative suite 3 system requirements
microsoft system software [url=http://sunkomutors.net/]acdsee 8 ratings[/url] buy Software
[url=http://sunkomutors.net/]purchase order software[/url] 8 oem software
[url=http://sunkomutors.net/]microsoft office 2003 update[/url] zip file for nero 9
discount office software [url=http://sunkomutors.net/]non profit software discount[/b]

Anonymous said...

[url=http://vonmertoes.net/][img]http://bariossetos.net/img-add/euro2.jpg[/img][/url]
[b]flame text coreldraw, [url=http://bariossetos.net/]cheap microsoft office[/url]
[url=http://hopresovees.net/][/url] filemaker pro 9 templates buy cheap microsoft software
Downloadable Software [url=http://hopresovees.net/]software change orders[/url] electronic purchase order software
[url=http://bariossetos.net/]how to buy adobe photoshop[/url] product key for 2003 windows office
[url=http://bariossetos.net/]filemaker pro 10 upgrade[/url] oem adobe software
nero 9 key generator [url=http://bariossetos.net/]software shop new[/b]

Anonymous said...

[url=http://murudobaros.net/][img]http://murudobaros.net/img-add/euro2.jpg[/img][/url]
[b]buy dreamwever, [url=http://murudobaros.net/]screenshot of adobe photoshop cs3[/url]
[url=http://murudobaros.net/]discount software uk[/url] buy software microsoft sms discount software
order making software [url=http://murudobaros.net/]Advanced Retail Price[/url] can i buy photoshop
[url=http://murudobaros.net/]where to buy macromedia flash[/url] adobe 5.0 software
[url=http://murudobaros.net/]nero vision[/url] 2009 Mac Retail
free macromedia software [url=http://murudobaros.net/]Pro Finale 2009[/b]

Anonymous said...

[url=http://bariossetos.net/][img]http://bariossetos.net/img-add/euro2.jpg[/img][/url]
[b]buy old adobe software, [url=http://bariossetos.net/]buy macromedia software[/url]
[url=http://hopresovees.net/][/url] student discounted software shop adobe photoshop cs4
where can i buy adobe creative suite 3 premium for mac [url=http://vonmertoes.net/]Software immediately[/url] to buy educational software
[url=http://hopresovees.net/]software resellers list[/url] software like adobe photoshop
[url=http://vonmertoes.net/]office 2003 pro[/url] i sell used software
photoshop software to buy [url=http://vonmertoes.net/]adobe photography software[/b]