My daughter's dog just died this morning. Fairwell, little Porter, sweet spaniel.

[Radio_Lady]

(File photo from Wikipedia)

He was the nicest Cavalier King Charles spaniel. He used to chase the squirrels on the telephone wires, but never bit or snapped at anyone that I know of. So, the grandkids will want to know: Do dogs have souls? Where do they go when they die? Grandma wishes that she really knew the answer to that. I asked them when I was eight years old and the telephone repair truck hit my first dog, Bambi. I covered my eyes and sobbed and sobbed.

Porter was born on my husband's birthday, June 23 -- what about that? Porter always got a special treat on his "shared birthday" with Grandpa -- and also on special Jewish occasions, like Friday nights. No telling whether he was actually Jewish -- but he was neutered, so something significant was done to him early in life, just like all the other Jewish boys. Maybe he was a convert... I'm just making myself try to smile now.

Porter from Portland would have been eleven years old this summer. He was the first born for my daughter Linda, just as my Buffy was my first born little Cocker Spaniel.

Porter had the heart problems that are endemic in the breed. His little heart must have just given out while he was boarding for the week my kids were in Spain. They brought him home from the breeders and he seemed a little tired last night. This morning, around 11 AM, he was gone. He had a good life and he didn't suffer -- Porter will be buried on the breeder's property in the suburbs.

I'm sitting here in tears... this just brings up the feelings of loss for all the dogs and cats I ever had. My granddaughter is just nine years old and she didn't want to see him in death (just like Grandma). My grandson, age 6, kissed him good-bye.

Please tack on a little message if you have time. Thank you so much.

Radio Lady in Oregon

[malta blue]

1. RIP Porter

What a sweet looking dog...and what a loving family he has.

I can't imagine what you daughter and your grandchildren are feeling right now.
:grouphug:

BTW - Little MB's birthday is June 23 too.
:shrug:

[Radio_Lady]

3. You know, I think I'm crying more for this cute dog than I did for

either of my parents.

The grandkids have lost their biological grandfather (my ex-husband) and their dog in the last few months. This life is so hard and cruel sometimes.

Is Little MB your child or your dog? It doesn't really matter, does it? June 23 is a beautiful day to have a birthday. This one will be a little sadder, though.

Thanks for your post.

[malta blue]

5. You are absorbing their pain to try and make it easier for them.

What a wonderful woman you are R_L.

Little MB is the child - Luna is the dog:

[Radio_Lady]

12. Oh, SHE is SO adorable, but that dog needs his eyes worked on (photographically, of course).

What old movie had those zombie kids with eyes like burn holes in their head?

I can't remember.

[malta blue]

16. LOL

I don't know the movie - and Luna has some serious cateracts to boot, but she can sear a hole through your soul when you are eating and she wants what you have.

I hope your grandchildren will remember Porter for years to come, and how much he loved them.

[Radio_Lady]

23. Thanks, Malta. You folks are so helpful in these situations.

[graywarrior]

6. Man, I hear you. I cried harder when my first cat got stolen than when my parents died.

I am so sorry, Radio_Lady. Pets should live forever.

[Radio_Lady]

13. "Pets should live forever." I wish I could believe that there really is a chance

we'll all meet up again.

Meanwhile, there are the memories and the hope that not too much scarring occurs with the transition to this youngest generation. I have two grandkids here, born in different centuries! How can we make this a better world for them? I'm sure as hell tryin'... sorry for the rant.

Thanks, Gray Warrior.

[deadparrot]

42. I know how you feel.

When my cat disappeared for two days, I was a mess. Couldn't stop crying, didn't want to eat or sleep. But when my grandmother died last fall (the first "big" death I've experienced), I was dry eyed. Funny how our pets do that to us.

RIP Porter, and best wishes to you, your daughter, and your grandkids, RL. :hug:

[Radio_Lady]

45. This particular dog was so sweet and adorable; however, all the health problems are

a continuing challenge.

Since the 1950s, when I was a teenager, I became interested in Boston Terriers. We purchased a pet quality female with AKC registration. (I had had one other Boston Terrier with no papers whom I named Bambi, but he was killed by a truck when I was eight years old. I think Bambi was purchased fairly early, maybe aboue 10 weeks, but I don't recall what year.)

I proceeded to breed "Dolly" to one of the top producing studs of the breed, the wonderful prize winner Ch. Regardless, who was already a small grey-muzzled pooch of 14 years old. The owner was Claude Fitzgerald and his wife, whose name I don't remember. We had to help the stud on to my bitch to complete the breeding.

The whole thing was sort of "slam, bam -- thank you, M'am." There was no "tie" -- a breeding term that describes the male organ's base, which swells during copulation, essentially hold them together for a little bit longer.

But that breeding produced SEVEN male puppies, "free-whelped" with no Caesarian section, a record which won my dog and me a photo in one of the leading Boston Terrier books! I wish I had that picture of me with the litter. I kept the most promising puppy, and named him Dark Dancer Regardless. We had his ears cropped (a necessity in those days) and "Danny" won the Best Puppy in Class award at one of the Miami dog shows. I DO have that picture somewhere in my belongings. The veterinarian didn't do the ears right (left them too long and didn't stand up.) Now the breed can be show with natural ears, which was not acceptable in the 1950s.

Danny was sold to other owners after I got to college (my mother told me years later he had died in a dog fight), and Dolly went on to live until age 12, but succumbed to breast cancer. After the other pet puppies were sold, I became interested in Obedience Training and took Dolly on to win her C.D. degree (Companion Dog degree).

More later if I have time...

[Karenca]

2. I'm sorry, RL.

It's so very sad.
I'm crazy for dogs - I wish they had a longer lifespan. It's so hard. :cry:

[Radio_Lady]

4. I've told my daughter not to rush out and get another dog. Her life is pretty hectic now --

with the two young children. I think she will take my advice, but I do know how strongly people are pulled in one way or another.

[Blue Diadem]

7. Oh RL, I'm so sorry.

Please tell your daughter and grandchildren that we at DU send our sympathy.

Maybe the Rainbow Bridge poem can help answer some of your grandchildren's questions.

http://rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm

When my granddaughter lost her dear little Sammy cat, a friend of my daughters purchased a stepping stone/memorial stone to place in the garden. My granddaughter plants flowers around it each year. At first she'd cry there, now she talks about what a beautiful kitty Sammy was and talks about all the fun memories.

[Radio_Lady]

14. Thanks for that link. I'll email this link to my daughter and her husband and the kids.

I've heard it referred to before.

Oddly enough, my radio name in Miami, Florida, was Ellen Rainbow. Just a few letters offset from my ex-husband's family name.

[Roon]

8. .

[Radio_Lady]

15. Porter would surely be chasing the squirrels (but not catching them) in that gorgeous environment.

"Are there other animals there, besides cats and dogs? Like in the movie "Jurassic Park"? What about the food chain?"

Sorry... just daydreaming...

[haf216]

9. So sorry for your lost.

and I firmly believe that animals have, souls.

[Radio_Lady]

17. Do any of the major religions believe that animals have souls? Is that why

the people in India let them wander around through the streets? And why there are so many feral monkeys there?

I took about 16 college units in World Religions, but I graduated in 1962 and forgot much of what I must have learned to get an honors degree (cum laude). Most of it is obsolete anyway, at least in radio-TV and film.

[Critters2]

25. Not all Christians believe animals have souls, but many of us do

and scripture is on our side! I know animals, and I believe it, I preach it!

But I still don't let 'em wander around the streets. After all, I think I have a soul, and I don't wander around the streets.

[Radio_Lady]

39. Good one! I always feel particularly sympathetic when I see a homeless person...

with a dog.

[philosophie_en_rose]

10. RIP Porter

:hug:

It seems that Porter had a good life and that he wanted to say goodbye before his spirit went to rest.

A dog's happiness reflects the love inside in their human companions.

I hope your daughter and grandkids can find another dog to share their lives with.

[Radio_Lady]

24. I've emailed this thread to her. Besides coming home from a European trip --

and hosting her in-laws in her home, she caught a cold and her dog passed away.

I think she's going to rest tomorrow. Hubby goes to work and the kids go to school. I've offered to take her to a preview of an upcoming movie, but she probably would be better to stay at home.

We all know the feeling.

[marzipanni]

11. Your heartfelt post brings tears to my eyes, Radio Lady

My old dog Billie-girl's heart failed late in the evening when we were camping next to Lake Tahoe. My son, 8 at the time, was comforted by the thought that she was in a place she loved when she died, and I was thinking how iconic the scene of the dog being a close friend of man, sharing the campfire over many millennia.
Two months later I couldn't resist having a look at the local SPCA websites's photos of foster dogs offered for adoption, and found the eyes of Sally-(Freckles-her name then)appealing to me; "I am your dog".
I hope that the love of Porter gives your daughter's family reason to have another dog pretty soon. Personally, I'd recommend a SPCA adoptee!:hug:

[Radio_Lady]

26. Taking the advice of author Jane Isay, I will probably keep my advice to myself.

Guest of my show on Monday, May 14 is editor, author and grandma herself -- I highly recommend her new book "Walking on Eggshells".

www.janeisay.com

[SeattleGirl]

18. RIP, Porter.

And big hugs to all of you on the loss of this beautiful animal, with a special big hug to your granddaughter. :grouphug: :hug:

[Radio_Lady]

28. Grandaughter was unable to face seeing the deceased dog.

I did the same thing each time my animals died.

Either my father -- or my husband -- had to do the final burial or be with the animal for euthanasia. On "Animal Planet E-vets" the other night, they showed one doctor giving a dog the final shot. I couldn't watch it. I am freakishly squeamish about death, dying, and corpses.

[Ishoutandscream2]

19. Bless your heart. I am so sorry

I know the loss must be heart wrenching. My best to you and your family in this time of sadness.

[Radio_Lady]

29. Appreciate your message very much, ISAS2.

I got up at 2 AM this morning, not knowing it was going to be such a difficult day.

National news is tragic and abominable, mall shooting, freeway crash, and George Tenet crying the blues on "60 Minutes" tonight. The front page of the Portland Oregonian has a story that wrenched my heart earlier.

I'm thinking about missing all of it and going to bed. 5:30 PM Sunday.

Over and out... I like my new signature, but what happened to the comments? I must be doing something wrong.

[Ishoutandscream2]

32. All the bad news in the world doesn't diminish your personal loss

I know it's got to be overwhelming -- get some good rest. Things will get better with time.

[Radio_Lady]

46. RL's Monday 4/30 update: Yesterday was one of the worst days of my life.

When personal and worldwide matters combine, it can just be devastating. However, I am refreshed this Monday morning after almost 12 hours of sleep.

As a matter of fact, this whole month of April has SCREAMED by. It seems just yesterday we were returning from Hawaii on April Fool's day. Maybe it was meant to be April Fool's month!

The only thing driving me back from the edge is the beautiful spring scenes in sunny Portland, Oregon, and the fact that around this time next week, we'll be in Paris, France!

Thank you for your comments.

[LostinVA]

20. I believe every living being who can feel has a soul

I used to teach CCD, and I told the kids that, too.

If there is an afterlife, I think our pets will certainly be there.

[Radio_Lady]

30. "If there is an afterlife..." is where I cut it off. I dare to hope, but really do not know.

Ellen Rainbow

(My former radio name after my divorce -- when I took over Larry King's all-night program after his arrest.)

The rainbow is G-d's promise to Noah that the floods would not happen again.

However, Andrew, Katrina and Rita -- as well as the December tsunami -- put kind of a damper on that belief. Oh, well.

[Zoigal]

21. Shalom,

little Porter....the thoughts at rainbowridge.com may be of help to your grandchildren.....at least he went gently
into the night.

[Radio_Lady]

31. He is being buried on the breeder's property with others of his lineage.

Purebred dogs are particularly prone to genetic problems. But they can also have qualities that can be counted on generation after generation (size, color, temperament, adaptability to their environment.) You may know less about what you are getting when you adopt a pet, especially an older one, from the humane society.

I like to start with puppies at about eight weeks old. Development and integration into the home are set down at that time. There are good arguments for enjoying purebreds artificial but dependable confirmation and personality.

I raised two Boston Terriers (one was registered and one was not) in my teens, but when Dolly died of breast cancer, I didn't get another dog quickly. I was dating then and was pretty much away from home and living in the U. of Miami dormitories. I did have one "mutt" -- Toby, a part-collie part-??? puppy I picked up in the Florida Keys. He must have been about eight weeks old. But I left Toby with my mother when I went off to college in California in 1959. She found a good home for him. He was the biggest dog I've ever owned.

[Coyote_Bandit]

22. No words just a

:hug:

And, yes, I believe dogs have souls.

[Radio_Lady]

33. Wow! There are so many of you who believe in the soul.

I guess I didn't absorb that from my religious upbringing or my college courses.

[Coyote_Bandit]

47. To be sure

the religious zealots are a bit reluctant to talk about whether pets or other animals have soul or spirit. Heck, they're even divided on whether babies that die go to heaven.

Animals clearly have mind, will and emotions - and that is the essence of having a soul.

I also believe that animals have a spirit. The Christian tradition teaches that Jesus can command even inanimate objects like stones to praise him. It also teaches that worship is a product of spirit and truth. It would certainly seem that if humans and inanimte objects can worship that other living beings can as well. The ability to worship implies that there is a spirit. Traditionally, life, breath, and spirit are God given. Is that less true of animals than of humans?

[Critters2]

27. I'm so sorry.

They are great dogs. A good friend had one--a real cutie--who died at 6 yo from the heart trouble they get. Her dog was quite ill for a while, before she had him PTS. I'm glad your little friend went peacefully. But I know you'll miss him.

I hope for the day when you'll simply remember him with a smile.

:hug:

[Radio_Lady]

34. I hope my daughter has some .jpg files of the little guy when he was small.

Maybe we can scan them in and keep him as a screen saver.

Especially, we'll remember him when it's Grandpa's birthday -- June 23rd.

[wildhorses]

35. safe passage porter may you rest in peace

:hug:

[Radio_Lady]

37. I will think of him whenever I see a spaniel. Porter gave all of us love, without

hurdles or conditions. A perfect love...

"A dog is the only true love that money can buy."

Will Judy, editor, "Dog World" magazine (quoted in the 1950s).

[fortyfeetunder]

36. My condolences on your grand-fur-baby's passing

He sounded like a little sweetie pie. Thank you for sharing the memories

:hug:

[Radio_Lady]

38. 40 Ft. Under, I appreciate your thoughtfulness.

[femmocrat]

40. So sorry about Porter, Radio_Lady. Cavaliers are such sweet , lovable dogs.

I've always wanted one, but was afraid of the genetic heart problems. Didn't want to have my heart broken again so soon after losing one of my corgis.

All dogs DO go to heaven, I'm sure about that. Porter is up there waiting for you all.

[Radio_Lady]

43. I bred Boston Terriers in Miami in the 1950s; didn't know about Cavaliers...

But you're absolutely right: This is from the article in Wikipedia re: Cavaliers

Cavaliers can suffer from a number of severe genetic defects. Unfortunately, two possible genetic conditions, mitral valve disease and syringomyelia, can be both severe and very common. If considering a puppy, ask to see its parents' heart and eye certificates, and consider seeking a breeder who MRI screens dogs for syringomyelia, to reduce the chance the puppy will have the defects described below. Breeders who breed for health willingly supply health clearances for their breeding dogs, and responsible breeders choose pairings to try to reduce the incidence of all these defects in the breed.

Mitral valve disease

Virtually all Cavaliers eventually suffer from mitral valve disease, causing progressively worsening heart murmurs leading to heart failure. This condition, in which the 'hinge' on the heart's mitral valve loosens and can gradually deteriorate, causing a heart murmur (as blood seeps through the valve between heartbeats) then congestive heart failure, can begin to emerge at an early age, and is present in more than half of all Cavalier King Charles Spaniels by age 5. It is rare for a 10-year-old Cavalier not to have a mitral valve heart murmur. While heart disease is common in dogs generally -- one in 10 of all dogs will eventually have heart problems -- MVD is generally (as in humans) a disease of old age, but unfortunately, the cavalier is prone to early-onset heart disease, at as young as age one or two. It is the leading cause of death of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the reason the breed's expected life span is only between seven and ten years. Veterinary geneticists and cardiologists have designed breeding guidelines to eliminate early-onset mitral valve disease in the breed, but it is unclear if a statistically significant number of breeders follow these guidelines. Reputable international CKCS clubs all recommend that puppy buyers seek breeders who have cardiac clearances for their breeding dogs from a vet cardiologist, and who follow the MVD breeding protocol (parents should be at least 2.5 years old and heart clear, and their parents (e.g. the puppy's grandparents) should be heart clear until age 5).

[SammyWinstonJack]

41. So sorry!

:hug: RIP sweet Porter O8)

[Radio_Lady]

44. Blue State Native, your yorkie is SO sweet! Heartfelt thanks for your comment.

[zonkers]

48. Sounds like Porter had a nice life. It's alway hard RL. You know, the

older I get, the more dogs mean to me. I especially like the littler guys. Dogs seem to know I like them, too. Owners are amazed when their supposedly mean dog lets me rub his/her ears. I have a 15 year old shih tzu -- blind, deaf and almost toothless -- who sleeps most of the time and takes three medications a day. Though she probably has little time left (boohoo), she still has an awfully good time eating and getting her head scratched. She loves baths too. Dogs are the best. Cats are a close second. (no flames please!) Good luck Radio Lady.

[Radio_Lady]

51. The Cavaliers are particularly hard hit by genetic defects.

You're a real love to keep your Shih Tzu.

Yes, I'm a dog person, too. I had cats when I was young -- what did they say? You own a dog; you feed a cat. Plus, I'm allergic to the dander now. Eyes itch and water... 'nuf said.

I'm going to pick up Porter's dog bed and wash it somehow, then dry and store it.

I think they will get another puppy, but not yet, I hope.

You can't replace a dog, really. Even a dog of the same breed would be different in many ways. The scientists even say if they are able to clone dogs or other animals, they will not exhibit exactly the same characteristics. It wouldn't exactly be like identical twins, but it could be more like fraternal twins. Some traits similar, some different.

[soleft]

49. Safe travels, Porter

Sorry for your loss.

[Radio_Lady]

52. Hi, SoLeft. Daughter, husband and children doing well. See final post, below.

Thanks for your support.

[Radio_Lady]

50. UPDATE: My daughter's response to me -- and all of you, too.

"Thanks for sharing Porter's story. I know will think of him often and eventually, the tears will turn to fond memories. Love you."

[Kajsa]

53. I'm so sorry, Radio Lady.

Porter was a great dog and a member of your family.

It's so hard to lose them.

You, your daughter and family are in my thoughts
and prayers.

:hug:

RIP Porter.