I don't see the point of arguing with a dying person about the difference between a funeral and a memorial service or whether or not her body will be accepted by any research institution. Don't have a funeral, do offer her body, hold a memorial service when you wish. It is difficult enough to face what this person is facing without making her feel anxiety about her last wishes.

Matthew, I am SO sorry for your loss. I can feel your pain in your words. My little old best friend, Beavis, a mixed terrier rescued from a shelter, has been my friend for 17 years now. He helped me through my divorce, has gone with me to work, out clubbing, on vacations, everywhere. He loved the restaurants in the Florida Keys that allow dogs, laying under the table to catch whatever crumbs might fall! He has slept on my bed every night of his life. He is showing his age now, sleeps most of the time and limps and coughs when he is awake. Inevitably, my thoughts increasingly turn to his last days. Something I don't want to think about. I know that soon, I will be feeling your pain, Matty and its just horrible. Like you, I do have other dogs at home to help to ease the pain, but my little Beav is my first, best, dog friend and I will miss him forever when the time comes. My thoughts are with you and with Idol. Rest in peace, good friend, knowing that you were loved.

Matthew, I am SO sorry for your loss. I can feel your pain in your words. My little old best friend, Beavis, a mixed terrier rescued from a shelter, has been my friend for 17 years now. He helped me through my divorce, has gone with me to work, out clubbing, on vacations, everywhere. He loved the restaurants in the Florida Keys that allow dogs, laying under the table to catch whatever crumbs might fall! He has slept on my bed every night of his life. He is showing his age now, sleeps most of the time and limps and coughs when he is awake. Inevitably, my thoughts increasingly turn to his last days. Something I don't want to think about. I know that soon, I will be feeling your pain, Matty and its just horrible. Like you, I do have other dogs at home to help to ease the pain, but my little Beav is my first, best, dog friend and I will miss him forever when the time comes. My thoughts are with you and with Idol. Rest in peace, good friend, knowing that you were loved.

Comment: #2
Posted by: Judie
Sun Mar 14, 2010 12:42 PM

Oops, it posted twice and also posted on Dear Margo. Just like the first comment here also posted over at Margo.

Dear Matthew, I'm so sorry for your loss. I had to put my Murphy down last June, and the pain is still so fresh. Idol knew he was loved, and you were him at the end. That is all that matters. But having a dog is definitely worth it. Be strong.

Matthew....your story stopped me in my tracks....I,too, lost my dearest "best friend" of 14 years....my beloved Pug,Otis. The grief was and still is so profound it defy s words....my condolences to you .

Matthew, I am really sorry to hear about your loss. I lost my beloved furry companion of 16 years, Arthur, in July and I am still grieving. It hurts so much to lose them, but the love does make it worth the pain. And we gladly endure the pain, again and again, for the gift of this love. My heart is with you.

So very sorry for the lost of your friend. We just lost one of our family members last week. He was 15 yrs old, deaf and almost blind. We were too selfish to put him down, therefore he went out his doggie door onto the deck , evidently , something scared him and he fell into the pool and drowned or he could have had a heart attack when he hit the cold water. We are not sure. But I can tell you that really hurt. We have other dogs and they help to ease the pain.