Posted on by agilejack

Farewell Bender

I said my final farewell to Bender on Tuesday afternoon. The house is terribly quiet. Rico and I are sad.

Redsky Bender 4/9/13 – 12/9/25

He had gone downhill so quickly since his 12th birthday in April. He was almost totally deaf and blind. He had increasing dementia that was so puzzling to watch. He was more and more wobbly and fell down several times a day. I had to help him stand up pretty regularly.

Bender was the happiest dog I’ve ever owned. Absolutely nothing phased him. Throughout his life with epilepsy, he never let it bother him. He never let it negatively affect him. I was the one who carried that burden. But his refusal to be affected by it helped me deal with it as well.

He was also the most photogenic dog on earth. He really never took a bad photo.

I knew this time was coming. When my friends saw him at Thanksgiving after not seeing him for 8 months, all three of them said, “Anne, it’s time to let him go.”

On Tuesday he told me it was time. I called the vet with tears in my eyes and asked if they could get him in. They had an opening. We had a couple hours to cuddle on the sofa, eat lots of cheese and some ice cream, and just enjoy hour last moments together.

He loved al the attention he got at the vet. And the staff there was so amazing. I think that letting a pet go is a generous gift we can give them… a peaceful, dignified, quiet passing with their favorite people helping them on their journey.

It’s such a difficult deicision to make. But I know it was the right one.

211 Replies to “Farewell Bender”

  3. I was sad to read about Bender but as you and I both know, euthanasia when your pet’s life has no quality anymore is the most loving them you can ever do for them. It’s also the hardest thing you’ll ever be required to do. From the book Animal Blessings:

    My prayer book’s unconventional, An album scarred with age. The dogs who shared their lives with mine Stand out on every page.

    Though some folks picture Heaven’s gates Atop a golden stair, The precious photos in my book Inspire this humble prayer:

    Sad eyes so pleading, paws that beg, A symphony of barks Invite a romp in fragrant grass To songs of meadowlarks.

    This Heaven that I pray for, Lord, Where lilacs scent the air, Is blessed with all the dogs I’ve loved Who come to greet me there.

    My sympathies. Mary ETHERINGTON, someone who understands this loss

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  8. Wonderful! You could come and play in the snow yet too (live southwest of Toronto). My son, daughter in law and 3 year old grandson arrive from Switzerland this evening for 3 weeks with grandpa and grandma.

    I really enjoy your blog – I do patchwork/quilting and always look forward to your quilts – no matter what stage they are at. LOVE the fabrics that you use in them.

    Keep on enjoying Retirement – I am 80 and busier than I have ever been but am slowing down – abit!

    Just felt like writing you from Canada.

    Linda Frey

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  9. My heart goes out to you. We had a border collie mix from 2006 to 2019 so I have a little idea of your sadness at seeing him go. Ours was also happy and an ‘outdoor’ dog – slept in the car garage with his own door. He loved the cold weather and we went romping across the fields, I with my snowshoes and Siggy way ahead but waiting for me, too.

    Bender brings back happy memories for me.

    Linda

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