RIP Munchie

by 39 replies
49
Muncher Boy Von Hausen
8/12/97 - 9/27/09

He's gone. He just left me a few minutes ago.

We went to the Canyon Dam today and walked and waded. He loved the park there. We came home and I worked on the computer with him lying down resting a few feet away. We'd just taken a break to go outside and had just come in. I posted my video thread and he cried, so I went to him and he was taking his last breaths. I got to hold him on his way out.

For those of you who remember my wish this spring when he went through congestive heart failure...........we had a great summer. He picked an incredible day to start a new journey.
#off topic forum
  • I'm sorry, Sal. We know that everything ends eventually, but it still hurts like hell when it happens.
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    • Sal, you have my deepest sympathies. I'm sorry for your loss.

      Bill
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    • I know how much Munchie meant to you, and sorry to learn of your loss. But this short time alloted together still lives within you as memories to cherish forever.
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  • Well I don't know of "Munchie", as I am new here, but I hope his memory lives to be a strong one and happy one for you in the end.
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  • So sorry Sal - but I'm glad that you had a good Summer together. My prayers are w/ you.
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  • Sorry for your loss Sal, I know how hard it is to say good bye to a furry friend.

    Donna
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  • Thanks guys.

    Munchie outlived his expected lifespan by two years. And he only had a few minutes of pain before he went. He was sick for a week this spring then bounced back with the meds. I knew we were on extra innings already - and was so blessed to have a summer that we were able to make special in every way. I am doubly blessed as he decided it was time to go instead of leaving such a decision to me.

    I knew he was getting ready to go. He had been slowing down the last few weeks. His last day was such a good one. I could not have asked for a better ending and he had a very exciting life by anyone's standards. I was also able to hold him at the last so he was not alone.

    And you all know my position on death.......I have no doubt that I will see him on the other side.......but not just yet.

    God I loved that animal.
  • Sorry for your loss Sal. I know how hard it can be. You're in my prayers as well.
    Locpic63
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  • oh sad news, really sorry for your loss.

    Takecare
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  • So sorry Munchie is gone, Sal.

    There will be a void, but you obviously have many good memories.

    He was/is lucky to be so loved and so are you.

    RIP Munchie.

    Pat
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  • So very sorry for your loss, Sal. You're right though, he did have the best last day he could have had.
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  • Yeah Pat - we both know we were lucky. No doubt about that one.

    Ya know - Munch and I saw woods, Mountains, and waterways of 17 states together. Life was never more complete than being in the car with him going somewhere and seeing something new together. He's the only creature I evver met - including human, that liked to explore as much as I do. I'm just grateful that when the end came it came in the right way, a rest after a terrific trip out. He was getting so tired.

    I'm gonna have to mend for a little bit - but I'm thinking that there'll be a little guy out there that needs someone like me before too long.
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    • Just saw this thread - my deepest condolences for your lost. Our furry pals always leave pawprints in our hearts.
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  • All dogs go to Heaven.
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  • Hey Sal!

    Doggies have been a big part of my life, as has the passing of each one of them...

    It's not easy...

    Hopefully, in the near future, you can find a new doggie that will become a part
    of your life, much "like" Munchie did.

    Be Well!
    ECS Dave
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    • I lived through losing 20, yes, 20 cats.

      It hurts like hell.

      My prayers are with you Sal.
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  • Always so sad to hear when a pet has started a new joirney,but he will always be with you,so treasure that.
    Kim
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  • that sucks. sorry to hear that sal
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  • RIP Munchie, I am sure he was grateful to have had a friend and keeper like you.
  • Sal, it sounds like Munch went out in the best way possible, lucky dog. And you were really lucky to have had so much time together, but I'm not telling you anything you don't already know.

    Consider going for a walk on the same paths 'for old time's sake', eh?

    Take care and keep dancing

    Three cheers to Munchie! Old friends shall not be forgotten.
  • Wow - my thanks button just hit it's limit - but my thanks didn't.

    Your posts have been comforting. I am imagining a lot of little fur balls etting an extra dose of attention today - and that really makes this thread work - it's not all about me, its about the little guys that make our lives so great and deserve every pat we give them.

    Have you hugged your pet today?
  • Hi Sal,

    I'm so sorry to hear about Munchie! Damn, even when we know and think about the inevitable (most of us will outlive our pets), it doesn't make it any easier when they pass on. They leave a big hole. But it sounds like you guys had a hell of ride during this lifetime.

    Becky

    ETA: Tim, sorry to hear about Spanky. My sympathies to you too.
  • So sorry Sal. It's terrible losing a long term pet as they become part of you in many ways. Hopefully you can reflect on the good times and the funny things he did.

    RIP Munchie

    Rich
  • While I couldn't have hoped for him to go out in a better way, I'm not going to be able to give him the final freedom. I'm 200 bucks short of being able to cremate him and so won't be able to let his ashes go over the canyon. Not sure of what to do at the moment. Have to do some quick thinking.
  • I forgot all about the warrior forum, to focus on higher priorities in RL (real life) instead, but I got the email and just wanted to offer my condolences. I remember back when Munchie was on his "death bed" and you were able to buy him meds so he could live longer and live a fuller life. I know he went everywhere with you and meant so much to you and you to him. I know you'll miss him like crazy but you did have a lot of good times together. You might have room in your heart for another dog, it won't be Munchie but you'll love him/her too. I hope the grieving isn't too hard, you had a lot of good adventures together.
  • That is sad news, Sal. I'm so sorry to hear that. My heart goes out to you because I know what your going through right now. I have lost more than one great friend like that and it never gets any easier. All we can do is let time mend us and cherish the memories they left behind.
  • I'm so very sorry for your loss. RIP Munchie.
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  • I'm very sorry to hear of your loss, Sal.

    While it probably doesn't help right now, consider how great a life you gave Munchie - love, attention, good scratches behind the ear, wandering around the woods (all the great smells he experienced!), probably plenty of yummy treats and good food. Your dog lived a great life, and he gave you a great life too! That is all we can hope for in this existence.

    My dad's rottweiler died a few weeks ago. He was (still is) devastated. I can imagine your loss - it is hard losing a close companion.

    Sorry again for your loss. Don't worry about cremation - I doubt Munchie will mind. Being buried in the woods is my hope for myself, and would be a very honorable and respectful end for your dog too, I would imagine.

    Regards, Georgetta
  • Tim....I'm sorry you lost your friend, too. It took me bit for that to register.

    Georgetta, Munchie isn't in his body now so it is all just symbolism at this point. It is to make ME feel better. He is already free. His spirit is in the wind no matter what happens to his body.
  • Sorry for your loss Sal - if there's anything we can do just let us know. Our thoughts are with you.
    regards,
    --Jack
  • Munchie will be taking his final "big go" to a very special place he loved to go along the shores of Anderson Ranch Reservoir where we were always happy and at peace.
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    • I'm reminded of a line in the film Little Big Man where the Indian Chief who was preparing to die sniffs the air, looks around and says something like "today...is a good day to die". That line has always stuck with me.

      Looks like Munchie decided to pick a good day to die. A last fabulous summer, one final wonderful day, then a quick passing with the one he loved to hold him close. Doesn't get much better than that!

      Doesn't make it any less painful I know.

      I got forwarded this in an email recently, and I figure it sums up dogs well. Yeah, it's syrupy and probably not a true story, but it sounds right.

      *************

      ? (from a 6-year-old).

      Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

      I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

      As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

      The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.



























































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  • Lee - it's just so right. Almost anything I know of true wisdom, I learned from my dogs.


    Frank - I think Munch would have liked you. Here's one that will make you smile.

    Munchie was extremely protective of me. Whenever a man would enter the house, Munch - whose head was waist high on me - would walk over, stick his nose in the man's crotch and growl. Then he would stroll back over and stand in front of me and just stare at the guy. Of course the guys always turned several variant shades of white. I'd just laugh and translate for him "He says, You're okay as long as I'm okay".

    Munchie shouldn't be mourned even though I'm saddened by his departure. He was an incredible, Joyful friend, and for 12 years he was a walking celebration of life. His life and death were both marked with blessings beyond what all but few are awarded. I was lucky too - I was the one who was put by his side. Can't ask for more than that no matter who you are.
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  • Haven't been online for a couple days and sure wasn't expecting this thread.

    So sorry Sal...and glad you got that last summer in like you were hoping.
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    • Thanks Dave. Yeah the summer was awesome -- one of those live each day like it's your last kinds of seasons. One of those kinds of last days, too.
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