Post Mortem Grief

I was not prepared by the death of our cat, CC, for the level of grief that would be displayed by our dog, Bailey.

CC was originally adopted as a "pet" for our previous dog, Teddy. When Teddy died, CC grieved. She walked around for months looking for Teddy and even sleeping in the same areas where Teddy slept. I was not prepared for CC's grief and should not have been surprised about the events that followed the death of CC.

Bailey and CC, however, never seemed to click like Teddy and CC did. After Teddy died, our daughter asked for another dog right away. Although my husband and I were still grieving over the loss of the first dog we had together and never thought we could have another, we brought Bailey into our home. Bailey was a Golden Retriever pup with boundless energy and enthusiusm. So much so that CC seemed to hate Bailey and his exuberence as much as a cat could possibly hate a dog.

Over the past couple of years, however, as CC continue to age, she seemed to grow closer to Bailey. They could often be seen, especially in the cold weather, snuggling with each other near the fireplace on a cold winter's night. Neverthess, CC always seemed to keep her distance and never seemed to have a very close connection to Bailey.

When CC stopped eating a couple of weeks ago and it was clear the end was near, Bailey seemed to know that CC was in distress. Although he had spent a lot of time over the years chasing her around, pawing her and basically having his canine way with her, he seemed to know it was time to let up and that something was not right.

When we packed up CC into the cat carrier for her final trip to the vet, Bailey was upset and wanted to follow us out of the house. Since our return, Bailey has not been the same. He sulks around, sleeps more and appears very sad and depressed that CC has not been at home.

I feel bad for my child who has lost a pet she loved. I feel bad for my husband who lost a pet he loved more than he thought he would. I feel bad for my dog that lost a pet he thought he would never miss. And I feel bad as a mother whose responsibility to to make everything all right and who cannot make this right for anyone in my house.

Best.Cat. Ever

We loved you, C.C. Rest in Peace. 1988-2007.

My Dog's Holiday Countdown - Day 13

Yessssssss! There is a Santa Claus afterall! The end of the Bush Evil Empire is at hand.

My Dog's Holiday Countdown - Day 12

If I got a report card like this, I would hang my tail in shame.

My Dog's Holiday Countdown - Day 11

My Dog's Holiday Countdown - Day 10

Well, we put up the Christmas tree this past weekend and it's quite a beauty. I knocked off a couple of ornaments with my tail and they shattered all over the floor. Luckily, the Cat was blamed for the mess. Sweet.

We watched Frosty the Snowman the other night on television. Apparently, the plot involves children leaving their homes without their parents' permission, getting on a train and taking a melting stranger to a fictional place - all without an Amber alert going off. Great message for the kiddies.

Only 12 more days left for the peeps to load up on gifts for me. I've been sniffing around looking in the usual hiding places, but haven't found anything yet. They better not have forgotten or else I may have to suddenly "forget" I'm housebroken.

Happy Holidays! TTFN, your friend, Bailey.

My Dog's Holiday Countdown - Day 9

Yes, it's me again. The Cat. As you can see, Bailey hasn't posted lately because he's been too busy eating my food, chasing me around the house and otherwise being preoccupied with being a selfish, slobbering beast.

Now he's out at the dog beauty parlor because he rolled in some deer poop and smells like deer poop. How brilliant is that?

I bet no one has even started looking for a present for me. I'm sure I'll get the usual package of dried up smelly salmon treats and some idiotic stuffed mouse cat toy. What am I supposed to do with that? Chase it around when it doesn't even move? What do they think I am? A dog?