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”

  1. I am so sorry for the grief I know you and Rico are feeling. I’ve been following you for a couple of years now, so I feel like I know Bender. It’s just so damn hard to lose a family member, especially the ones with fur 💔

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  3. Anne, so sorry for your loss. It is so hard to say goodbye to the pets we love. He was a beautiful dog and I always enjoyed your posts. I’m in tears thinking about the last 3 pugs we’ve had to say goodbye to as a new 4-month old pug puppy sleeps in my lap. 😢🐾🌈

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  7. Feeling so very sorry for you, Anne, but I think Bender would have appreciated your kindness in letting him go.

    Best Wishes to you and Rico. Colleen (in Oz)

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  8. My condolences on the loss of Bender. I don’t know what is harder, watching them decline or letting go. Yes he was a charming gent and an excellent model. Very photogenic. I understand your loss.

    Our cat, Stella, passed the day after I got home from the hospital. She was 18 and even though it’s been 6 months, I still am heartbroken.

    Virtual hug.

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  9. Anne, I’m so sorry! What a beautiful boy and we could see how happy he was in each photo you shared. I understand your pain, a grief like I’ve never known before when I lost my Gus in April. I can’t bear to get another because there will never be another Gus. My thoughts and heart are with you and Rico today. -Cynthia

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  14. What a heartbreaking loss of a wonderful dog. Cherish those memories and all the pictures, the two of you enriched each other’s lives beyond measure. Love on Rico when he lets you, I’m sure he feels Bender’s absence keenly.

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  15. Good morning, I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your Bender. I can’t begin to tell you how much I have enjoyed hearing about him, and seeing him and his “brother” over the time I have been receiving your emails. He had a wonderful life with you, and I know he will be greatly missed. With love and a hug, Terry

    >

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  16. Oh Anne, I am so so sorry for your loss.

    Thank you for sharing Bender’s life with us – we too shall miss him dearly.

    My deepest condolences,

    Eileen

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  18. Oh, Anne! I have tears in my eyes as I’m typing this. I know you and Rico are walking around with Bender-sized holes in your hearts. I also know that Bender was very warmly welcomed to The Best Dog Park Ever by all the wonderful dogs who have allowed us to share their lives. My deepest sympathy to you both.

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  23. My heart goes out to you and your family for your loss. It has been such a joy to see your posts about your special companion. I know he had the best life. Go in love and peace, sweet Bender.

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  24. Oh Ann…I am so sorry to read this. What an incredible dog Bender was…one of those “once-in-a-lifetime” dogs. He could not have had a better life with you as his “mom.” I know the love of a dog like that…and I know you will miss him forever. 💔

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  29. so sorry to hear your news. I have walked this path myself and know it is not easy. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

    Gay Zigler

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  33. He was a beautiful dog as you say, he never took a bad picture. I love this picture you posted of him. With tears in my eyes and a heavy heart after reading your post, I pray for your comfort.

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  34. One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do..Say goodbye to my four footed baby. Sending hugs! Bender was the best. He always looked like the happy go lucky guy you described. You gave him the best life!

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  36. So so sorry to hear about your loss! What a tender tribute! Your compassion and care shows in all of your posts! I am always inspired by your Kaffe artistic eye (have made the blue swirly), but your compassion and kindness now inspires my soul. I wish you more happy memories than tears… Warmly, Cindy

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  38. Oh Anne, I am so sorry. This is the only downside to loving these beautiful creatures. We know it will come, and it hurts so much. My heart goes out to you. Donna

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  39. I’m so sorry Ann! I’ve enjoyed your pics over the years of your happy dogs! We have an aging Golden so we know our day is coming too with him too.

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  40. I’m so sorry to hear about Bender. Our fur babies are such important members of our families, and we feel great loss when they leave us. My thoughts are with you and Rico.

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  44. I am sorry for what you’re going through. Your farewell to Bender has me teary eyed. The picture is really beautiful. Run free in peace, Bender. Hugs to you. Lily

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  45. I’m very sorry for your loss. I’ve enjoyed seeing the beautiful pictures of Bender and I hope remembering the wonderful life you gave him gives you peace..

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  46. Farewell, Bender. I’ve enjoyed you from across the country in NJ, and wish you a carefree and happy life in your future travels. My Yoshi will be waiting for you – she won’t mind that you’re not a cat, but she will give you cuddles. Love to your Mom and Rico too.

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  49. I am so sorry for your loss. I have enjoyed hearing what you, Bender and Rico were doing over the years, especially the sheep herding. The pictures have been wonderful.

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  50. So sorry for your loss. We lost our dog of 14 years many years ago and it was then worst weekend of our young married life. If you haven’t lost a pet, you will never understand. If you have……no more words are necessary. Live for the memories.

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