#trigger warning: pet death

[megpricephotography]

Apparently, today (2nd Tuesday in June) is World Pet Memorial Day, so I thought I'd share some pictures... My dear old Barney, who passed away in May of 2023 aged 16.5 years. Truly, the best of friends, who accompanied me on so many adventures & helped me through the worst time of my life. I cannot imagine any of my 20s without this dog at my side.

Barney's 1st dog-pal, Delilah (mostly known as Dilly) the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. She was born in 2002 & passed in 2013. She belonged to dad's family & Barney lived with her for the first few years I had him. What a fantastic little dog she was - the sort of pup who could go anywhere & was always so sweet & just happy. Those little paws of hers covered many miles over the years, although she was also entirely happy curled up on "her" chair all day.

Lyra & Hovis were border collies who belonged to my dad's SO. Lyra the little blue merle was very good friends with Barney, they loved running about together. Hovis wasn't the biggest fan of Barney, bless him but he was an absolutely sweet lad.

Tessa the German Shepherd Dog belonged to my best friend. She had been trained as a working dog for the military but seemed very happy to retire & spend her last few years as a pet! Excellent, 10/10 at scary barky faces but a lovely dog!

Not a dog... my little Elsie-cat, who we adopted in 2007 as an unnamed stray from a local rescue centre. She was such a great kitty & even came to live with me & my friends for my last year at uni. She helped us all write our final dissertations. She & Barney were good pals (she was The Boss of course!) for years. I was devastated to lose her aged 12.

And finally... Bertie, the border collie. He belonged to my beloved granddad (who sadly passed in 2011). Bertie was the unwanted "runt" of a litter born on a farm in the early '90s & he really should've been out working sheep but instead, he lived as a much loved but not much trained pet. He was wild! I was a small child at the time & I thought Bertie was the most fun animal in the entire world. By the age of 5 I knew I wanted my own border collie one day - because of Bertie. He's why I had Barney & have Flynn. Character wise, my Flynn reminds me a lot of old Bert, it makes me smile.

[sagescented]

Whisper has always been a super energetic, playful, happy, dog. She loved greeting my Husband when he came home from work, and her favorite thing to do was their regular roughousing; before I got my after work / welcome home kiss, he had to play with her for a solid 10 minutes or she'd pout (hell, she'd pout and pace if he was even 5 minutes late home from work) ... We knew something was wrong because it was the first time she'd ever not greeted him after work in 9 years.

Absolutely nothing at all about her behavior would have ever made any of us suspect she'd had Collon Cancer for God knows how long; long enough her whole Colon had turned black, apparently, and was covered in growths. We only knew because it was finally irreparably dead. Even the Vet was shocked to find it during the exploratory surgery today. Nothing suggested it.

We made the decision to let her go during surgery, rather than let her wake up and be in more pain and confused, just for one last selfish chance to see her again. And we don't have anywhere to burry her, or the money for cremation, so they're taking care of her body for us. Everything just kind of feels empty now.

My Husband was so excited things looked like they were looking up based on yesterday, too, and he may get to look forward to bringing her home today. But 3 days, and $1,000 later, only for her never to come home again- and for the last time I saw her to be complaining about her shedding all over the Vet and telling her I love her. We're crushed.

And on Erev Yom Kippur. There's no way I can emotionally handle going to services tonight. I'll have to try to muster the strength to go to service tomorrow instead ... My only real consolation is knowing that she had a great 9 years up till this point, and that everyone at the Vet dotted on her and adored her for how lovely and well behaved she was despite it all.

[writerlyhabits]

Hey friends 💛

I just wanted to hop on and say that I'm going through a little bit of a rough patch at the moment. My puppy passed away last night, and it's... to try and put it elegantly, it knocked the wind out of me and I'm still trying to catch my breath.

I'm not going on hiatus, and I'm not going to stop writing, but it might be a little bit longer than usual before I post anything for you guys.

I still have lots of stories to tell and a whole series to finish, and you guys have always been so wonderful to me. But as you stop by my blog, or check for a new update, just have a little extra patience, and a little extra kindness.

I can't tell you how much you all mean to me. Thank you for understanding 💛

[inlovewithhisblueeyes]

In case you haven’t seen the other story that features Paris, she passed away this morning.

I’m glad that her antics and personality brought joy to you all. She was my baby and I only wish I had gotten more time with her. There were so many things I wish we could have done together namely taken her to namesake city.

She was my constant companion and always down for a car ride or trip to an antique store. We shared burgers and cheese. Paris got me through some rough patches and was a great big sis to Gizmo, my cat

This part is for Paris:

Thank you for choosing that depressed 18 year old all those years ago. You saved me just as I saved you. Please keep my grandpa company just like you used to.

I’ll love you always. 🩵

A Pup's Commendation

Pairings: Henry Cavill x Female Reader, Kal x Paris (puppy love)

Word Count: ~1.2k

Warnings: Mentions of pets being stressed out, Fluffy goodness

A/N: This past weekend was Independence Day weekend and fireworks were going on every single night with Sunday night being the worst. However, one of the houses on my street left out a sign with some treats, toys, and poo bags. Paris definitely appreciated it after the night we had. She was a bit of wreck. @sif-the-tsunami and had a discussion about how we hoped Kal was okay last night and thus this idea was born.

Attention! Pups of Cordova

As commendation for your perseverance through this treacherous weekend, please help yourself to a treat and a toy! (with your owner’s permission) (also, some poo bags)

Henry had first seen the sign as he left his lodgings for his morning run. He did not get too close to look at it in the low morning light and just assumed it was another garage sale sign. Plus, he was feeling rather ragged after a weekend of Kal freaking out over the firework displays. Three continuous nights of Kal’s carrying on and distressed pacing were three nights too many. Kal had been most disagreeable about getting up from his spot to join his master, preferring to have a nice lie in.

The man couldn’t fault his pup for his behavior for even Henry considered skipping his run. However, after the hefty portion of takeaway last night, he knew deep down that he needed to go for it. The only downside of being in Los Angeles was the availability of any cuisine whenever one wanted. He forced himself to continue on his usual route around the neighborhood with the promise of a nice cup of coffee once he got back. Maybe then the bear would deign it the proper time to get a start on with his day.

The side of Los Angeles was serene when it wasn’t under siege from the extravaganza of illegal fireworks. He was close enough to the studios so if he wanted a few more minutes of sleep, it wouldn’t affect how long it took to get there. On his next trip, Henry wouldn’t mind staying here again. There were plenty of places to walk Kal, the restaurants were dog friendly, and the people were amiable. The man supposed being a few minutes away from all of the studios had them used to seeing celebrities out and about.

Henry slowed as his home away from home came up ahead once again. Perhaps he had found a part of Los Angeles that wasn’t so bad after all. Had he known about it years ago he might not have been so willing to leave. He shook that thought from his head and he approached the front door, ready for a shower and some coffee.

The second time the actor had seen the sign was thanks to Kal dragging him towards it a few hours later. The bear had caught the whiff of something worth checking out and decided that the best method of investigation was to charge after it regardless of being attached to the lead. Kal had dragged his master 20 feet to the white gate two houses down and there lay his prize to the left of the sign.

Kal had scarfed down the first bowl and was attempting to move to the second when Henry finally caught onto him. He had been too busy getting a better look at what the sign said and laughing.

“Kal, leave it,” he ordered as he attempted to move the dog away,” They’re not all for you pig, no matter how much you want them.”

The bear huffed at his owner and followed his command but not before stealing a ball from the pile. It wasn't until the walk was over and two back inside that Kal revealed his hand. He dropped the spit-covered ball at the man’s feet, tail wagging and eager to play.

“Oh bear, you naughty dog,” Henry chuckled before tossing the ball.

The third time the sign made an appearance was close to sundown. Henry had made a point to go the opposite direction to keep Kal from being tempted to eat up the rest of the treats. There was a cool breeze in the air and they weren’t alone on the street. Some people were just getting home from the day, children were playing in their yards, and a few other dogs were being walked as well.

It was a peaceful way to end the day. By the time the two circled back and around headed back home, streaks of orange, red, and pink pierced the sky. They were in the home stretch near the sign and its bounty when a little spotted pup ran into view towards the treats. Kal bolted towards the dog and his leash was ripped from Henry’s hands. The smaller dog ran towards the treats and Kal was quick to join them.

Henry sprinted off after his dog and a figure on the end of the street did the same.

“Paris! Get back here bubba,” the person yelled.

The two humans reached the house at the same time and were equally surprised at the sight before them. Both dog’s tails were wagging as they gorged themselves on treat heaven. Kal even went as far as to knock open the boxes of Milkbones for his new friend. What was left at their respective owners' arrival was soggy cardboard, empty bowls, and two equally pleased pups.

They looked up at their owners with innocent faces like there weren't remnants of treats dusted over their muzzles. Henry glanced over at the new arrival and saw that you had the same face of exasperation that he did. In your hands was a harness and leash sans dog, clears signs of a runaway pup. The two pups were none the wiser to their owner’s moods and got busy sniffing the other.

“Well it looks like two pups are in the dog house tonight,” you offered shyly.

“There’s no question about that. I’m Henry and that bear of a dog is Kal,” he offered, holding out his hand.

You shook his hand and replied, “Y/N and that spotted devil is Paris.”

The two of you attempted to approach your respective dogs, but Kal made quick work to tangle himself around Paris. The two seemed quite enamored with each other.

“I’m so sorry about that. Kal, let’s go!” Henry ordered, grabbing onto to Kal's leash and attempting to move him away.

"It’s alright. Paris needs friends of her own species. She’s rather fond of the cats at the cafe two blocks over,” You giggled and bent down to scoop up your pup.

Kal let out an annoyed whine at his new friend being taken away so soon, there were still balls that needed to be played with and dirt to get covered in.

“Come on Romeo. I’m sure you’ll see Paris later,” Henry teased as he patted Kal’s head.

“You definitely will. We live just over there,” You offered as Paris was wiggling around in your arms, trying to rejoin her friend.

“I think both of us will hold you to that. Have a nice night, Y/N. Try to stay out of trouble, Paris.”

“Same to you and Mr. Kal. Goodnight,” You said, giving him a small wave before turning and making your way to your house.

Kal let out a sad bork as the two of you left his sight.

Henry sighed as he looked down at his dog, “Yeah, me too buddy.”

Maybe being in Los Angeles wasn't so bad after all.

[certainwizardlady]

We wish we had more time with you. We wish you didn’t feel any pain. We wish we could go back and be with you all over again. We have a thousand wishes for you to be at peace.

This morning we lost our fur baby. I’m going to be gone for a bit. I’ll see you all when I see you.

[viktoriavika67]

TW! FAKE BL00D AND HEART

I want to call Kinito Kinitka SO BAD, you have no idea.

[bataddictedloony]

Today I had to bring my cat to the pet cremation centre. Leaving her there was one of the hardest things ive ever done. And thats saying smthn since i climbed up and down a mountain yesterday with 0 training.

it feels wrong for her to be there, with people she doesnt know, in a place shes never been. Its awful to think about what theyre gonna do to her. The fact that i’ll get her back tomorrow doesnt really feel like a comfort, cus she wont be herself, she’ll be ashes. But then i think “she’s never gonna be herself again, cus she’s gone.” And i have this pain in my chest all the time, that started the second i got the phonecall and hasn;t gone away yet.

they put her on a lil pillow and put some flowers next to her, and i pet her and held her lil paws and told her i miss her and i love her and tht she was the best cat and it just ripped me to fuckin shreds

I feel guilty that i wasn’t there. I was on holiday, my first relax holiday in ages, and i thought it’d be alright to go just a few days and have my parents check on her and by day 2 of vacation, she was gone. And she was mewing before i left, like she was telling me not to go, it’s almost time, pls stay with me. She had been more clingy than usual the past few weeks, and i just feel like i should’ve known and should;ve canceled my vacation. Like intellectually, i know it’s fine. My parents spent the evening with her, she cuddled with my dad, and then the next day they found her in her favourite sleeping position so we know she went painlessly and comfortable. And i still feel guilty that i wasn’t there to hold her.

i just feel sad. This overwhelming sadness that takes over the body. My back aches and i’ve been throwing up everything i’ve been eating. Though the muscle aches might be the consequences of climbing that damn mountain. Mom says the heat and the stress from pretty much grieving my best friend for 18 years prolly isn’t helping so there’s that.

i have to live with the reality that she’s gone and no longer in pain and that her living up to age 18 meant she had a fantastic life and all that is true. Mostly i just want her back with me, alive and annoying and cuddly.

[honeycombhank]

Well, I have sad news

⚠️ Pet death trigger warning ⚠️

3/14/24

I was holding my rats how I always do, sometimes one or many at once until everyone has had some good quality time and if I don’t get to everyone then I start the next day with who ever was up next.

Today I had been holding TipToe and Apple pie and then went to feed everyone because it was far past bedtime and I needed to start bedtime routine, this means I make sure I at least look at every rat making sure they are doing well and ensures I never miss something like a new health issue or injury that could have popped up that particular night, I saw everyone, everyone except mama moony, she had not come out for dinner, and even in her old age she always came out to eat dinner and say goodnight, tonight she did not, I knew what this most likely meant and moved boxes and bedding very carefully to try and find her, she was in their fizzy water box house and had passed away sometime this evening. My love helped me move her.. the ants had come to try and salvage her body and I couldn’t handle seeing it.

I won’t describe it but I will say it was really frightening and made me feel so uncomfortable and sad. I couldn’t have kept that from happening because even though I am taking steps everyday to keep the ants at bay they still are coming out immediately at even a thought of something worth it to them. I’m doing my absolute best at keeping things clean..

We quickly found something to put her in and removed her three daughters as well and placed them into a small cage with fresh bedding and water. I will clean their big cage tomorrow.

I have more to say but I just wanted to share what happened with you guys, I hope what I did share wasn’t too scary for anyone.

I am missing our sweet Mama Moony, she was so good at caring for all her babies and really showed such emotion and empathy towards other living creatures, she was always so kind and gave me one of the best experiences getting to watch her give birth and become a mother and seeing her navigate the way of the world.

Rest in peace Mama Moony Pooh. Don’t forget about us up in ratty heaven.

[dockofshame]

Some Quick Headcanons of Duncan x Reader Who’s Grieving

TW: Death, grief, death of a pet.

Duncan would totally be that pet owner who’s like “I don’t want a dog!” and then six months later the dog is his best friend. Not that he’d let onto it, but it would hit him hard when your pet’s health is declining.

If you want to be in there when your pet is put down, Duncan would be by your side either hugging you while you cry into his chest or he’d be squeezing your hand reassuringly, and if you wanted to be in the waiting room while your pet is put down he’d be there with you.

Eventually, down the road, he gets you something with a rainbow on it in honor of your pet crossing over the rainbow bridge. Just don’t let other people know he was the one who got it for you, okay? He doesn’t want anyone thinking he’s soft.

Duncan would want another pet but not for awhile.

[silvereternitywrites]

My Monarch!

Prompt: Ever since first contact, many alien races have considered humans to be primitive, to the point where we are seen as intelligent animals over our own race. Because of this, many aliens have humans as pets. You are the pampered pet of a very rich alien monarch. Prompt Source: userSuperaptorminion ; subreddit “Writing Prompts”

Most of the time, my life is fantastic- there's a pretty big faction of us, though no one seems to agree on a name except "species traitors". I, however, am of the opinion that if I can live a life of pampered luxury, with no responsibilities, every need taken care of and the only thing asked for in exchange occasional companionship, give me the fucking collar. Fuck capitalism, fuck the grind, fuck all of that shit from back on Earth.

Some kind of Monarch bought me, too, so when I grabbed my mates of choice by the hand and bared my teeth, they laughed, called me cute, and bought them too.

They haven't the slightest clue that we aren't tame, aren't 'just copying them'; like a housecat back home. Sure, you know that your Pomeranian or fat tabby is capable of killing you, if pressed, but you never expect it, because if you treat them well, why would they?

I don't love the Monarch, not really- not like some of the other pet humans do, at any rate. I appreciate that they tend my every need and those of my mates, I pay them with cuddles for providing treatment for my mate's chronic conditions and making them able to pursue what gives them joy again, I tolerate their checks of my own person for such issues (and don't hold it against them when my mates rat out my old injuries), and I enjoy my life of ease. I speak their language- all of us do, because honestly it's funny to watch them lose their shit every time we say intelligible words to them.

Today, however, a threat came to my Monarch- and my Monarch is folding, fearing for the safety of their people and us, the pets, since the challenger is not one of the ones who thinks we are "cute".

This is not acceptable. You see, my Monarch is mine.

Sacrificing themselves for the good of their people is very well and good- but no one is allowed to steal what is mine away from me.

So it is without preamble that I get off my cushion, where I spend most days absorbed in books or writing my own, pressing a button on my wristlet to send a pre-established signal to my mates. One is down in the combat arena, as they always are this time of day, training now that their body obeys them again; the other has been studying intergalactic law, including treaties and declarations of war. In our own language, I consult with them first; I am the culture expert between us, so we have a fairly well-rounded plan when I reach into the side compartment of my Monarch's throne, remove the blaster there, flick it to 'lethal', and shoot all three aliens at the front of the enemy formation.

The clamor and the screaming is enough to give me a migraine, so I am scowling when I step forth, in front of my Monarch, and give them the same hand signal they give me when they want me to move- pointing, paired with a word. They sit.

I turn to the enemy formation, which has sloppily formed up again, though the front three spots, reserved for the leaders, are left conspicuously empty. Good- they had no contingency for if they fell, and no designated people to step into their roles, and without that being pre-established, their culture did not allow for a common soldier to seize command.

It DID allow for 'theft' of the battalion by a conquering commander, though.

"You answer to me now, by right of conquest," I snapped out in their own tongue, prepared to be challenged. The galaxy at large saw us as pets, or PESTS, not as people- someone would challenge that I had the right to claim by conquest at all.

They looked among each other- which was their right to do, to confer if they wanted to challenge whoever had taken out their commanders- before one stepped forward, and I kept my body loose, balanced on the balls of my feet like my mate taught me, but no challenge had been called so I kept still. This one must have been a former commander- a right hand, certainly, because despite not really being able to judge age on their species this soldier was thick with scarring, and though their march never fell out of step, there was the slightest of limps in one of their four legs.

That one knelt down, folded hands on knees, and bent forward, baring the back of their neck in the sign of obedience.

"We are conquered. We answer you."

Oh good.

"I live the life of a Queen, given everything my heart desires, tended to by my mates of choice, given entertainment, food, leisure, and all the time I require to enjoy all of these things. I will not have need of a battalion often- and you are soldiers, loyal and true, battle-tested and strong, so I would not insult you by setting you free. But I have no wish to go out and conquer more, and would not hold a good soldier back from serving honorably elsewhere, for all I can offer is drills and defense should enemies come to invade my holdings, which is rare. If any wish to leave, they are free to find a battalion that fits them better," I told them in my best formal tones. After all, conquering them for my own was only the first step- and if they wouldn't be content to stay, there was no point in keeping them, fostering resentment all along the way.

"A Queen should have guards," the Lieutenant answered, just as formally. "And should a soldier cease to function well as a guard, they may serve perhaps elsewhere."

"As they should, in accordance with their most skilled performance ability," I replied.

"I will stay. My battalion will follow, until they are drawn elsewhere."

"Then be welcome to my service. Your right and left hands?"

Two younger ones with impeccable posture stepped forth, bowed their heads, and held position in the traditional commander's triangle.

"Then it is done. Tend your wounded, honor your dead, then the hale are to report to the combat arena- that is where my right hand trains, and they will know best how to schedule rotations for guard posts. They are my shape and limb arrangement, but with a darker carapace and with the strength of a Soldier apparent in their limbs. My left hand is my shape and limb arrangement as well, but of the same carapace color, and poison-warning blue headfur. His tongue is as dangerous as his color suggests."

My new Commander dipped his head deferentially as he rose to his feet and started directing the battalion. "Understood, my Queen."

Ah. The hazards of using 'queen' with an insectoid species.

Everything settled, I turned my blaster back to stun, put the safety on, and put it in the cubby before climbing up into my Monarch's lap and laying full-body against them in the way they understood meant "I desire my hair and back petted and scratched, NOW".

"I think perhaps our opinion of human pets may be outdated," they said, even as they provided the scratches.

I smiled. "Not really. I'm just a felidae-type human. I don't tolerate people messing with what belongs to me. That includes you. That's how it works, with cats. You don't own us- we own you."

my Monarch looked a little alarmed at that.

I just laughed, and said a joke I knew they would never get until they met an Earth cat: "Meow."

[penandswords]

Small Hiatus / Continued ( + Update)

Tldr / I'm just not here mentally. I need time to adjust to this new chapter in my life.

I might answer small stuff, but large things and angsty are off the table until my brain can recover.

If you need me I will be on discord, but that's about the only place you'll find me.

(Longer Explination under the read more)

Trigger Warning (pet death) Past the read more.

WE said goodbye to my Fur Baby today. And the sting is still fresh.

This dog played such a big role in my life from the start of my college career, and all the way until now. Well into my current career.

When I played games he was the council who decided if we played chaotically, or with Caution. He was the finaly decision maker anytime I felt confused or unsure of what to do.

I still look over, expecting him to be next to me eagerly waiting to hear about our latest Minecraft plans, or whatever hobby or writing project I was doing.

This is going ot take time... To move past. and my only peace of mind is that He is no longer in pain. No more cancer, NO more Discomfort.

But I will be lying if I said it didn't sting. If I could trade anything just to have him flip the deadbolt to the front door, or Knock a drink out of my hand. I'd do it in a heart beat.

I'm going to take a few days to adjust. To get use to the silence, and heal.

But his fight is over... He isn't suffering anymore, and that's what brings me peace.

[megpricephotography]

Barney is gone. 

He & Flynn both had some kind of nasty stomach bug around Easter & sadly, it was just too much for my dear old Barney. We tried to help him feel better & he tried to keep going, but the poor old pup went into kidney failure & was just very poorly & sore & tired, so I decided to let him go. He had a nice morning today & even managed to eat a little bit & have a tiny walk in the park, in the sunshine. He passed away very quickly & peacefully, while I stroked his ears once last time.  

My heart is completely broken, the house feels so empty & wrong without him here. When Barney came to me, I was 19 & at university... He helped me get through difficult cancer treatment in my early 20s. He’s been a constant, steady, sensitive, loving & joyful presence at my side, for my entire adult life. I am so unbelievably lucky Barney found his way to me & was here for so many years, but it could never be long enough. Such a good, good boy.

RIP, Barney 31st October 2006 - 19th May 2023

[sagescented]

We lost Whisper. I'm so heartbroken right now.

[atomic52]

RIP Gozer 3/12/2023 to 11/2/2023

"i loved you, i lost you. i didn't know you for as long as we should have but i know you loved me and i loved you. fly high my little limp noddle." 

Gozer was a very special cat, i had been keeping tabs on him since before he was born and i got him from and longtime friend so losing him so soon just makes it hurt that much more. 

[iamat0m]

Jan 2 2002 - Feb 4 2024

[meret118]

Nicholas hadn't eaten or had a bowel movement in at least three days. I took him to the animal ER on advice of my vet. They whisked him off for tests, and wanted to keep him overnight because the vet couldn't feel an obstruction, even though I thought he was just badly constipated.

They wouldn't let me say goodbye, but said I could see him tomorrow. The vet called, and said he was indeed constipated based on the x-ray, and dehydrated so they would give him IV fluids, and an enema, but otherwise he looked really great for his age.

I got a call at 2 AM that they went to check on him, and he had passed away. So he spent the last hours of his life in a cage given awful procedures thinking I had abandoned him. I am heartbroken.

ETA - I have a really long queue/scheduled list of posts that will show up, but I may be offline for awhile.