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.
So sorry to read this. What a dog! Deepest sympathy as you grieve.
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I am so, so sorry for your loss. May your memories bring you comfort always. 💗
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So sorry to hear about Bender! Your blog reduced me to tears – so hard to lose a beloved canine family member,
Robbi
So sorry for your loss, we have a mixed pit, he was 13 in July, has his good days and bad, hating the day we have to make a decision
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I sit here with tears in my eyes and an ache in my heart for you. When we lose such loyal companions it is so sad. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
I’m so sorry for your loss! I’m sure Bender had a safe trip over the rainbow bridge we’ll be waiting for you on the other side. Many hugs for you
Anne, I
I am so sorry for your loss. I just went through this in October. It seems like each time it gets harder.
Cathy Jenet
Dogs become such an intertwined part of our souls…there really aren’t words to describe that bond. You gave Bender a wonderful life.
I’m so sorry, he really did live a wonderful life, and yes, very photogenic!❤
I am so sorry to hear about bender but he is now with lots of playmates having a great time.
I’m so sad… With you, and Rico, and FOR you…
What a beautiful dog and happy life you gave him.
Heartfelt condolences ~ it’s so hard to lose our fur family.
Dear Anne,I
This just makes me cry, for you, and for me. My Standard poodle, Henri has lymphoma and is
Oh Anne, I have tears rolling down my face. I know you loved Bender so very much and he loved you unconditionally. What a tremendous loss. I’m so very sorry.
I am so sorry for the loss of your fur baby ours just returned from the vet – we had to let her go last month i was able to keep her overnight – bathed her in the morning and off we went what a terrible drive, just knowing … in my arms, she was as comfy as I could make her my baby 16 years i miss her….
Anne, I’m sitting here with tears in my eyes because I have been in your shoes so many times. I’ve been following you for a long time and have enjoyed seeing your beloved dogs almost as much as your inspiring quilting. Hugs to you and Rico💞
I am so sorry about Bender. We’ve had to do it many times during our lifetime and it’s never easy. Peace and love to you.
Debbie Ewing
I am so sorry for your lost, I had to do the same thing in August with my Husky Pennie Sou of 15 years.
You have to remember the good times that you had with Bender.
Take care and a big hug,
Rachel
I’m very sorry for the loss of your incredible, beautiful friend, and hope happy memories will see you through the coming weeks and months. Cheryl (you don’t know me but I follow your sewing projects)
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I am so, so very sorry for the loss of Bender in your lives.
I am so, so very sorry for the loss of Bender in your lives.
…it is never easy but having others in our lives makes life that much richer. I am sorry you will have to go through the deep feelings but so happy for you -that you had this amazing creature in your life for so long. Long walks, a cup of tea, and Rico will help.
So sorry for the lose of your friend. It is always difficult to decide when, but it sounds as though he had
the best life and was a wonderful companion. Lynda
I’m so sad for you, Anne. He was a beautiful, beautiful, funny, sweet, dear boy. His loss is heart wrenching. He had the best life ever and lived it well. Love to you and Rico.
I
I have forwarded your email to friends who have lost dogs. A lovely tribute.
I cried as I read this…..it’s so difficult to say goodbye to a pet but we have to do the right thing and let them go. Beverly
Oh Anne, I’m so sorry for your loss. I cried reading your message, as I lie
So very sorry for your loss, it’s such a hard and painful parting to go through.
I’m very sorry for your loss. I’ve had to let go of 3 dogs that way and it never gets easier. Snuggle with Ricco and have confidence that you did the most humane thing for Bender. Hugs.
This is so very sad. My heart break for you, as it did when my beloved Rizzo had to leave us. Your litt
My heart goes out to you. Saying good-bye to your best friend is so difficult. Actually, I had been thinking about you and your retirement and wondered when your final day of work will be/was? Congratulations on that! Barb Neiwert
Such a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. I am so sorry for your loss. Such a tough one. Loosing such a dear friend is hard. Hugs to you
My heart just breaks. I so loved hearing about his adventures. Please take care of your selves. We will miss him.
My heart aches for you. This is always the hardest thing to do even though it is right.❤️
Marion
I was saddened to hear about Bender. It is difficult to loose a faithful companion. The pics of Bender and Rico always brightened my day. He was a lucky pup to travel his life with you as his human.
May your wonderful memories of Bender throughout his life help you get through this difficult time. Julie
By the time I finished reading your post there were tears in my eyes. I am so sorry for the loss of your dear furry friend, Bender. Take solace in the fact that you did give him a wonderful life full of love and adventure.
It is very difficult to say goodbye but you listened to him when he told you it was the time. That was a kind and selfless thing to do.
Hugs to you and Rico.
I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s hard to say goodbye to our fur babies. Charlotte KnebelSent from my iPhone
I am so very sorry. It’s so hard to do the right thing. 🌈💔
I am so sorry that you had to go through this. We had to help our dog to the other side of the Rainbow Bridge some years ago, and it was peaceful as well. The vet offices really do know how to make it easier, if not less painful.
Thank you for sharing the photo of your lovely friend with us.
Diane Page
OMG Anne, I’m so sorry!! We’ve had to so this a few times and it never gets easier. But this is something we have to do. A pay back for all the wonderful times we were given. I am in pieces for you and Rico as I think about all of our dogs and cat. fyi, Rico and you need a new friend to heal your hearts. God Bless you!!
My heart is breaking for you. Such sad news. I know my words can’t help, but I’m so sorry.
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So sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing. I loved the “comic” from the animals perspective.
Our heart babies will always be near us❤️🩹. My prayers for healing of you broken heart. I pray for God’s peace, comfort and love.
so sorry to hear of your loss. Bender was a great companion…
hugs to you and Rico. Bender really was the “bestest” boy. i will miss looking forward to seeing his happy face in all his favorite places.
The words in your tribute to Bender and your expression of the joy he brought you are beautifully written. Perhaps he and Forrest can find each other and talk about the wonderful lives you gave them. Take care…