Saying Goodbye — A Tribute to Asia

Saying Goodbye to a Pet -- A Tribute to AsiaMom has the sads today. Her best friend, Kelly, and she will be saying goodbye to Kelly’s much loved woofie, Asia, this afternoon.

Mom has known Asia for almost eight years. Mom and Kelly were friends in Southern California before Kelly moved up north here about three years ago. Mom would take care of Asia when Kelly traveled for business so we met her a few times. She was always such a sweet woofie who never, ever chased us or had a cross word for us. Mom has even been on road trips and camping trips with Asia and says she was always a happy, easy going traveler.

Asia with foster kitten Ollie
Asia with foster kitten Ollie

Foster kitten, Ollie, snuggling up with Asia in 2011

Back in February, Kelly brought Asia over for a visit. She was still the sweet woofie we had met, but even then she was mostly deaf and blind. She got around pretty well back then, but not so much anymore and, recently, she has begun to develop what the vet says is dementia. Mom says she didn’t know dogs got dementia, but now Asia is always confused and easily frightened. This has brought with it some new, difficult issues and Asia is no longer a happy woofie.

Saying Goodbye to a Pet -- A Tribute to Asia

Mom says it is hard for pet parents to know when it is the right time to help us on our way to the bridge. They all hope we will pass peacefully in our sleep from old age, but all too often, that is not the case. When they have to make the decision, they constantly second guess themselves. They wonder, did I do everything I could or should do? Am I being selfish and putting it off just for me? We know when it is time to go but, sometimes, we hold on for you because we know how sad our leaving makes you.

Since we moved next door, mom has gotten even closer to Asia and loves her very much. I know she will miss her. I’ll take care of mom and try to make her smile today. I’ll remind her of the good memories she has of Asia.

Fly free, sweet girl.

Christy Paws

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25 Responses to Saying Goodbye — A Tribute to Asia

  1. This is so sad. Nobody likes to hear of anyone crossing over to the bridge. Our hearts go out to your mom but just think your friend is out of any pain and discomfort. Chin up…Christie needs you now.

    (((Shoko and Kali)))

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  3. LP says:

    We know only too well how difficult it is to make that decision! What has carried our Mama through it every time she has had to make it, is knowing that it is the kindest gift she could ever give her loved one. Animals don’t understand pain or dementia and since we can’t explain it to them , the kindest thing we can do is to let them go surrounded by our love for them . That is what Kelly and you have done for Asia . It is your kindest and final act of love made for your beautiful Asia . May she rest in peace . We are sending you and Kelly our love and heartfelt condolences.

    the critters in the cottage and their Mama too xo

  4. We are so sorry to hear of your mom’s loss. It is always hard for the humans to let go of fur friends. We send purrs and hugs and hope that your mom can find some comfort in the memories she has of Asia. <3

  5. We’re so sorry to hear about Asia. Purrs to her mom….and all of you, too. It’s never easy saying goodbye.

  6. Michelle says:

    Oh Kelly I am so sorry for your loss. Asia was such a sweet girl and I know you will miss her dearly. Sending puppy loves and hugs from down south!

  7. Bev Green says:

    Oh what a sad day for Asia’s family and friends..yes that decision is always hard..always..our old vet used to say sadly they seldom go in their sleep and it leaves us with the decision.Christy all th guys here are seniors..and Doc is having some nightly funny issues which i think may be dementia related..he is happy and healthy and apart from strange behaviour at night he is still Doc..send our love as soon for us here we will be travlelling towards that decision..aged pets are wonderful but they also remind us that time is not on their side..fly free sweet Asia..<3 <3 loves Fozziemum xx

  8. Bill says:

    Very few people know about ‘doggy dementia’ and unfortunately it’s true. Had to say goodbye six months ago to our 18 year old Golden Retriever, Radar, because of it.
    Hugs to you and your Mom, Kelly! Hopefully we’ll see you soon.

  9. How sad. It are so tuff when it are time for them to go.

  10. Summer says:

    Purrs to Kelly. My human’s boyfriend recently lost his aging dog too, and it was very sad around here for a while.

  11. Fly free Asia. You were obviously loved….

  12. May Asia run free in Summerland; restored to perfection! She will look down on Mom Kelly & always keep an eye on her.
    I know it is difficult to make THAT decision…what Kelly did was 150% unselfish & I admire & respect her for helping Asia to the ‘other side’.
    I remember a few people in my face 2 face life saying I should not have let Nylablue go when I did. I KNOW I did the right thing because Nylablue never struggled at all….she was so ready.
    Sending love to all who mourn Asia…
    (((hugs))) Sherri-Ellen & Siddhartha Henry =^,.^=

    • Christy Paws says:

      Thank you so much LadyMum and Siddhartha. Shame on those people who did not support you when you had to make that decision for Nylablue. Asia was ready too.

      • Christy it is all so subjective…when to put a beloved 4 legged to sleep.
        People here said I should have just continued to give Nylablue Insulin>>>but one dose daily was not bringing her number down properly. 2 injections daily would have cot $16. & I could NOT afford that. So financially it was not feasible & emotionally I was exhausted & so was Nylablue.
        I asked her if she was ready to go & she meowed a very sad ‘meow’ & I knew she was ready….
        My 1st concern had always been Nylablue’s well-being. And letting her go was the only way to remove her suffering. I have never 2nd guessed my decision. I support Kelly’s decision 150%. True unselfish love is knowing when to let go……
        {{hugs}} Sherri-Ellen

  13. I am so sorry about Asia! It is heartbreaking when they have to leave us. Please give our condolences to Asia’s mom. Sending purrs xoxox

  14. Sammy says:

    What a pretty girl Asia is…….but when we no longer feel well, or hurt, or don’t know where we are, or can’t see it’s not fun for us or our humans……it’s a sad thing but really we are heading to a beautiful place where we’ll be free to run again and see everything again……and one day will be reunited with our human family. I believe that……my Mom does too……sending your Mom and Asia’s Mom BIG hugs.

    Love, Sammy

  15. Ellen Pilch says:

    Asia is very pretty, I am so sorry.

  16. da tabbies o trout towne says:

    guys…please express our sincerest sympathies to Kelly. Asia, you are and always will be a very beautiful girl; Godspeed your journey; HIS strength to your mom during this difficult time ♥♥♥♥♥

    boomer, dai$y, tuna…and dude and sauce too ~~~

  17. We’re so sorry about Asia. We’re sending lots of purrs for the humans.

  18. Marg says:

    WE are so sorry about Asia. Please tell her owner that the best gift she could give to Asia, is to let her go. That was such a nice tribute to Asia. She looked like a wonderful Dog.

  19. oh my heart is just aching for all of you.
    I am so deeply, deeply sorry.
    I think Asia was a Shiba Inu? (Brilliant dogs)
    What a gorgeous, gorgeous face.
    I am so deeply sorry, please extend my sympathy to your dear friend too.
    (((hugs))))