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.
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 💔
I am so sorry for your loss. Nothing is harder than saying so long to our fur babies. Sending hugs from Nova Scotia.
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. 😢🐾🌈
He was such a good boy🩷 Hugs.
so very sorry…
Anne,I
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)
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.
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
Good morning from Niagara Falls, Ontario,I know I have sent my condolences
What a beautiful tribute to Bender. So sorry for your loss.
It is always hard to bid th
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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.
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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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
Sorry for your loss. bmartina
Passion, Preparation, Practice, Persistence, Perseverance & Pride
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.
Anne, I’m so sorry for your loss.
Marcia
Oh, Anne, I’m so very sorry. It’s just the hardest thing….
So sorry for the loss of your sweet doggy! My husband always said “when your dog can no longer be your dog, it is time to let go. Hard as it is, it was time. Sending hugs.
So sorry for the loss of your sweet doggy! My husband always said “when your dog can no longer be your dog, it is time to let go. Hard as it is, it was time. Sending hugs.
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.
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. 💔
so very sorry, the unconditional love is such a gift he will be missed but not forgotten
so very sorry, the unconditional love is such a gift he will be missed but not forgotten
Condolences. Bender had a wonderful, exciting life and I know he will be missed.Sent from my iPhone 10
My heartfelt condolences. Bender was the cutest pup.
His goofy “smile”.
Love on Rico a little extra as he will be grieving also.
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
I am so sorry for your loss of Bender. It’s just like losing a kid. I am glad you have Rico so you can console one another.
so sorry for your loss. So hard to say goodbye to a loved pet. May your memories of him be happy ones
I’m so very sorry about your beloved Bender. You gave him a great life. It’s such an act of love to let him go.
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.
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!
I’m so sorry. It is so hard to make that decision for a beloved pet. Bender was a beautiful dog!
Tina Blake
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
Anne. I am so sorry for your loss of Bender. It cuts to the soul to lose such a great companion. Peace to Bender.
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
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.
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.
I am so sorry for your loss. And I know Rico will miss him too. The comic you printed really teared me up and was so good. Take care of yourself.
I’m crying, I loved him from afar so much. He knows how much you loved him dear Anne. I pray for comfort and peace.
My heart is sad for you, the tears I have are for Bender and my sweet Izzy.
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
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..
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.
I’m trying to type through my tears. Bender was a beautiful dog and yes he was so photogenic! I know you will miss him and Rico as well. Thanks for sharing him with us! Hugs!
I am so very sorry.
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.
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.