A Sad Day

Ron Niebrugge Alaska, Photos 11 Comments

McCarthy Skijoring with Janine

McCarthy, our Yellow Lab and faithful companion for the last 13 years past away last night.  We were sorry we weren’t there for his last days.  Fortunately he did have the companionship of our wonderful house-sitter and some good friends.  He past away 10 minutes before the vet arrived to the house sparing us a difficult decision.  We are so grateful to have such a wonderful vet as Matt Hall in a town as small as Seward.

When you don’t have kids, you become very attached to your pets.  Ours are probably treated better then many kids.  We will miss the times we spent skijoring and mountain running, but what I think I will miss the most is having him curled up at our feet while we work in the office.  We lost our cat to old age this past year as well – the two of them were always at our feet.  We will be coming home to a quiet house, I’m also going to really miss that greeting when we walk in the door.

Comments 11

  1. Ron and Janine,

    I am so sorry to hear about your loss of McCarthy. I’m sure he’s up in doggy heaven running through the moutains and streams….

    Take Care.

  2. So Sorry to hear Ron. Best thoughts being sent your way. I’m sure someday down the road, you’ll hear the little pitter pat of pet paws in your home again. I remember how it was as I was around when Galen’s dog Khumbu had to be put down while they were out of town. No matter who how or when, it’s always heartbreaking. As with everything, give thanks and take solice in all the memories and good times shared.

    Of course, if you feel a desperate need for a distraction, and would love to have the sounds of temper tantrums in your ears, I’ll happily discuss loaning my kids to you for the summer!

  3. Sorry to hear of your loss. Dogs are truly incredible creatures, and incredible friends with unending loyalty. Remember all the good times. Take care.
    dt

  4. Sorry about your loss Ron. It’s unfortunate timing for you. Hopefully the good memories will help you through this. I put my 13 year old Jack Russell Terrier to sleep about five years ago due to a cancerous tumor and I could barely drive home afterwards. I don’t want to even think about the next time I’ll have to do that.

  5. Ron & Janine, Sorry to hear about McCarthy, I think we got our labs around the same time. Our thoughts are with you. Mike

  6. I’m very sorry to hear that, Ron. I can certainly understand your sadness. Our dogs and cats are our family too. I think you and Janine should head to the local shelter to pick McCarthy’s heir and help save a beautiful life in his name.

    Guy

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    Author

    Thanks everyone – I sure appreciate the support!

    Gary, I don’t think I’m ready for kids for the summer lol

    Mike, we were just talking about that – I think Ruger is about the same age.

    Guy, we are gone so much, I don’t know if we will get another dog – but the animal shelter is a half block from the house, so it would be easy to change my mind if we walk by and saw something cute calling our name!

    Ron

  8. Ron, I am so sorry to read about this. We don’t have kids either, and our malamute is definitely part of our small family. I hope that you are able to get comfort from the good memories.

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  10. Hey Ron and Janine

    I’m so sorry to hear the news. I just now checked in on the blog. My deepest sympathies to you guys. McCarthy rocked – what a lovely fella he was.

    Best Regards

    Carl

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