Good Bye To My Dear Friend

Posted on Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at 05:58

On January 2nd, I lost a dear friend - my dog Simba. We had Simba since he was 7 weeks old and he just turned 10 on November 12th. In many aspects he was my baby - I loved him so much.

Unfortunately, 4 years ago we discovered a malignant tumor on his left back hip. We had it removed (will be 4 years ago on Jan 9th), and proceeded with holistic treatment. Simba, was cancer free for about 3 years. Then last year the tumor returned. The vet was reluctant to do surgery and we decided it wasn't fair to put him through all this again. So we decided to let the tumor run its course.

And it did - I knew around Thanksgiving that we would lose him soon. I prayed that it wouldn't happen during the holiday season - that we'd have one last Christmas with Simba. God answered my prayers literally - seeing as how the holiday was over on the first.

Still it was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. Long story short, the tumor was starting to breakdown and would slowly poison him over the next few days and weeks. So we decided to put him to sleep. That sounds so odd to me, he's not sleeping and I miss him greatly.

He truly was one of my best friends. My husband being my other best friend. When I had a bad day it was Simba that cheered me up. I love my husband dearly, but when it comes to bad things his attitude is you pick yourself up and move on - don't let things get to you. That's a great philosophy, but I'm a more emotional person and Simba picked up on that. He would bring me toys and get me to play with him, or just put his head on my knee and look at me. After a few minutes with him I always felt better and could pick myself up and move on. Unfortunately, he's not here to pick me up from this.

But I'm trying to focus on the great memories of him. For example, Simba loved Christmas, especially opening gifts. Might sound crazy but he was an odd dog that way - almost human in some aspects. I wrapped his gifts in tissue paper and he would open them. But he never touched anything under the tree - he waited until I gave it to him.

Another memory along that line is about 2 or 3 years ago, my nephew's birthday. All the kids sat on the floor in a circle to watch my nephew open his gifts. There was Simba right in the circle like one of the kids. Too funny.

A couple of other neat things that Simba did - when he wanted to go out he would make this sound and it really sounded like he said out. Oh and if you asked him if something he ate was good he would lick his lips. Could even be 10-15 mins later and he would still do it. I often wanted to send video of Simba to Funny Home Video.

He also knew many words for example you couldn't use the word bath in our house, he would take off running to another room. Another word with a different reaction was chicken - he loved chicken, the smell of it, the word, and he was there. Then of course there was his favorite pass time "cat". He loved chasing the cats outside - and he also learned that word.

I will tell you just writing this makes me feel a little better - I still miss him and the house seems so empty without him. Last night it hit me again, I came home late after teaching youth group and he wasn't there to meet me. He always waited by the front door for me. Those are the things that are hard.

So hears to Simba a great dog, a loving companion, and one of my dearest friends:  Nov 12, 1998 - Jan 2, 2009.


Remember to give your pets an extra hug tonight

Sandy

Untitled Comment

Posted by Abiga51 on Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 02:09 - Link

So sorry to hear about Simba. It is hard to lose a beloved pet. I lost a cat years ago and had to put her to sleep because the prognosis for her illness was suffering to the end with it even with medicine. I kind of hardened my heart to animals and keep myself from getting to close to my current pets but I am starting to soften again. I haven't had my own dog for awhile only more cats but would like to get a good one. I have had some mean snapping at children ones in the past but my daughter's dog is an angel so calm and sweet. I want to get a dog but not sure what kind so I am praying God sends one my way somehow. I would like a Great pyrenees but my daughter says its too big. Blessings.

Untitled Comment

Posted by solodeogloria on Thursday, January 8, 2009 at 04:30 - Link

So sorry to hear of Simba's passing. I know how hard that can be. To loose a best friend like that leaves a void that just can't be filled. But as you said, your memories will be with you always and it sure sounds like you have a treasure box full of those! What a special friend Simba was!

Blessings to you - my heart and prayers are with you.

Laurie