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”

  6. 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.

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  7. 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

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  13. 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.

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  16. 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.

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  17. 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….

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  18. 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💞

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  19. 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

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  20. 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

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  21. 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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  24. …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.

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  25. 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

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  26. 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.

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  32. 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.

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  34. 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

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  38. 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.

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  40. 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.

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  43. 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

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  44. 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!!

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  45. My heart is breaking for you. Such sad news. I know my words can’t help, but I’m so sorry. 

    Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer

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  47. 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.

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  50. 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…

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