Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

Let’s delete this post and never speak of this again.

You cannot shame the shameless.

Take your GOP plan out of the witness protection program.

We’ve had enough carrots to last a lifetime. break out the sticks.

When do we start airlifting the women and children out of Texas?

Everybody saw this coming.

It’s always darkest before the other shoe drops.

A lot of Dems talk about what the media tells them to talk about. Not helpful.

If senate republicans had any shame, they’d die of it.

Republicans don’t want a speaker to lead them; they want a hostage.

Shallow, uninformed, and lacking identity

If you are still in the GOP, you are an extremist.

But frankly mr. cole, I’ll be happier when you get back to telling us to go fuck ourselves.

Putting aside our relentless self-interest because the moral imperative is crystal clear.

People are complicated. Love is not.

Something needs to be done about our bogus SCOTUS.

Second rate reporter says what?

… riddled with inexplicable and elementary errors of law and fact

Give the craziest people you know everything they want and hope they don’t ask for more? Great plan.

Balloon Juice has never been a refuge for the linguistically delicate.

If you’re pissed about Biden’s speech, he was talking about you.

Nancy smash is sick of your bullshit.

I’d try pessimism, but it probably wouldn’t work.

Insiders who complain to politico: please report to the white house office of shut the fuck up.

You are here: Home / Pet Blogging / Dog Blogging / RIP, Strider

RIP, Strider

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Sad news. Commenter and good friend of the blog (and yours truly) JenJen reports that she lost her beloved Strider this morning, most probably to GME.

No one could Go Galt like Strider.

RIP, Strider. I think Lily and Rosie are getting a little ground beef with their dinner.

Reader Interactions

79Comments

  3. 3.

    Sue

    My heart aches…

    I have to warn you, the pain never, ever goes away. It’s been many years since I lost my precious furry love of my life… I can’t even think about him without losing it.

    Hugs,
    Sue

  8. 8.

    cmorenc

    What is “GME”?

    I understand about the dog – we have an Italian Greyhound (8 yo now) who’s slept with us under the covers every single night but a tiny handful her whole life, and been a joyful delight. She’ll hopefully be around for many years to come, but I’m not looking forward to the day after she’s gone, which will come someday as surely (and about on the same schedule) as a delightful 8yo elementary-school age child will graduate high school and someday soon thereafter leave home for a distant college, leaving a huge empty spot in the household.

  9. 9.

    Kathy

    I am so sorry for your loss JenJen. It is truly the loss of family member, a member who gives unconditional love.

  14. 14.

    stuckinred

    I am sorry but dogs, like people and every other sentient being, live and then die. Honor the gifts they give you and remember them always but don’t become paralyzed by loss. The love you shared is what is important in the long run.

  15. 15.

    Tom Traubert

    RIP Strider.

    I’m sitting here right now with lulu — my 10 year-old chi/terrier mix — on my lap, her breathing labored. She has pancreatic cancer that has been in remission for the past few months, but I have a very real fear that our Indian Summer together may be coming to a close. I’ll bring her to the veterinary ER tomorrow morning; I hope to hell I’m wrong.

  16. 16.

    Anne Laurie

    Condolences on your loss, JenJen. Strider certainly looks like a dog who will leave a HUGE hole behind him.

  18. 18.

    Cat Lady

    JenJen – I’m really sorry about Strider. I’ve always loved that name for a pet, and weirdly, I had a parakeet I named that. I’m quite sure though that we’ll meet up with all of our beloved departed human and animal family members when it’s our time – they’re just waiting to welcome us home again.

  20. 20.

    JenJen

    Thank you so much, everyone. If you’ve ever lost a beloved dog you already realize the numbness and pain, and it doesn’t get easier, ever, and I don’t intend to take anyone through that again, but here is what happened…

    About a year and a half ago now, he survived a terrifying bout of aseptic meningitis, and was never quite the same boy again, but was healthy and happy for the most part. A few weeks ago, he started pacing and was uncomfortable, my vet suspected a brain tumor, but I wasn’t willing to put Strider through yet another round of neuro tests since the suspected diagnosis was grim; I just wanted him to be comfortable. He responded well to prednisone for awhile. On Christmas Eve though, he became very disoriented, and although he wanted to eat, he wasn’t able to unless I hand-fed him. I wanted so badly for him to just hang on until Monday so I could get him back to his vet, but on Christmas Day he deteriorated rapidly, and in the wee hours of this morning, after staying up with him and comforting him as best I could, I knew it was time. You always just know. Bundled my sweet boy into a blanket, and rushed him to the emergency vet. I knew he couldn’t be saved, but I wanted him to pass peacefully and humanely.

    The staff at the emergency vet’s office were kind and compassionate. The vet told me Strider was exhibiting classic signs of Granulomatous Meningoencephalitis (GME), he was in the last stages, and as my heart already knew, nothing could be done for him. I hope so badly for all of you dog-lovers that you never hear that long, horrible diagnosis, because it is just an awful way to lose your best friend.

    Oh, he was such a wonderful dog. Always brought smiles to faces, because he was such a cute and funny-looking mutt. He was full of mirth and spirit, and had the heart of a little lion. Strider loved three things in this order: Food, Rocco (my Aussie Shepherd and Strider’s constant companion), and Me, but I loved him with the whole of my heart and will miss him every day, forever. He would have been 9 years old in March. I know I’ll feel better, but right now, I’m just destroyed.

    Strider in Autumn

  24. 24.

    Tom Traubert

    @JenJen:

    We all know the deal going in, that we will outlive the animals to which we give our hearts and who give us so very much more in return, and that we will have our hearts broken in the process. And yet we do it anyway — over and over again — because it is just so worth it.

    I’m so sorry for your loss JenJen. Truly.

  28. 28.

    JD Rhoades

    I’m sorry, JenJen. I know how big a hole it tears in your life. But his passing was made easier by knowing how much you loved him.

    RIP, good dog.

  30. 30.

    SiubhanDuinne

    JenJen, I’m so sorry for your loss. Strider looks like a wonderful dog! I love the autumn picture — thank you for posting it. Hugs to you and white light to Strider.

  32. 32.

    Shadow's Mom

    Oh, JenJen, I am so very sorry for your loss. Strider looks like he was a wonderful companion.

  33. 33.

    Laura W.

    @JenJen: Sweet Girl…My favorite photo of Strider was on the September page of the Pets of BJ Calendar…snoozing puppy Strider, bored to sleep by Newsweek. Now he shares a little memorial space with Uma, another September star, who also passed after the calendar was produced.

    Don’t rush yourself. Through or toward anything.
    xoxo

  34. 34.

    daize

    Ah, JenJen. So very, very sorry. As others have more eloquently said, losing a beloved furry friend hurts so hard. Loving thoughts are headed your way.

  37. 37.

    SIA

    Oh, Strider seems like such a sport. My sincerest condolences, JenJen. It’s the worst feeling ever to lose such a beloved, and loving, friend. Godspeed Strider.

  38. 38.

    ruemara

    So sorry JenJen, Strider was a beauty of a dog. And Tom, my heart goes out to you and Lulu. We do what we can when they hit this stage, so as long as you loved and cared for them, know you did what was right.

  40. 40.

    Alison

    So sorry for your loss, Jenjen. As many many others here, I’ve been there, and I know there’s nothing to say that will make it any easier, but please know we are all thinking of you.

  43. 43.

    JenJen

    @Tom Traubert: @Cat Lady: I hope you’re both right about that.

    And Tom, your post at #24 really captures what dog-love is all about. And of course when the spring comes and my heart is healed up a bit, Rocco and I will go find another friend to adopt. We sign on knowing our relationships will be but brief zooming comets, because, as you said, it is worth it. Peace to your Lulu.

    From the bottom of my heart, thanks to everyone here, you have truly moved me with your love and good will. See? The world doesn’t completely suck, even when it sure feels like it does.

    @Laura W. Baby Strider! Wasn’t he precious? He was so proud when I showed him that he made the Balloon Juice Pet Calendar. Or at least, I think that’s why his little tail was wagging. Peace to Uma and all the shooting stars.

  46. 46.

    JPL

    JenJen, I’m so sorry. Give that Aussie some special hugs because Rocco is going to be missing his pal.

  51. 51.

    PurpleGirl

    I didn’t have any pets while growing up. When I made friends with N&D from Peekskill, they came with pets. At first it was only the Doberman Pinscher (Hugo), a cat (Rowdy), and two parrots (Snaps and Quick Draw McCaw). Later they began to work in finding foster homes for retired racing grayhounds and kept several themselves. There was also three ferrets and some guinea pigs. (They had a nine-room house with fenced in yard.)

    Thinking about Hugo’s death still makes me tear up. I had become one of his humans and he was a wonderful friend.

    JenJen — condolences and hugs.

  52. 52.

    bystander

    Ah… JenJen. I am so sorry. We just released a 17 yo border collie last week… there is that point when – as you say – you just know. A tip of the hat to all those courageous enough to share their lives with lives more fragile than their own.

    Tom Traubert, I’ll be thinking about you all day tomorrow. Hugs to both you and lulu.

  53. 53.

    cckids

    Condolences, JenJen. Hold on to your good times with Strider, & give Rocco some extra love. Many people are sending good thoughts your way.

  57. 57.

    asiangrrlMN

    @JenJen: I’m so sorry for your loss, JenJen. Strider is a beautiful boy, and may he journey swiftly to the other side. My deepest condolences.

    @Tom Traubert: Thinking good thoughts for you. Let us know what happens at the vet tomorrow.

    @bystander: My condolences to you as well on the loss of your beloved friend.

  61. 61.

    Lizzy L

    JenJen, I am so sorry. Been there.

    Big hug for you, and another for Tom.

    I’m going to go hug my dog and talk baby talk to my cats, now.

  65. 65.

    Tom Traubert

    Thanks to all for the well wishes. For what it’s worth, there’s about 12 inches of snow on the ground here in NJ already, and I drive a Prius. When I saw that the plow had done a first pass down my street, I tried to make it to the veterinary emergency room. I didn’t get much more than around the corner before I skidded through a turn and nearly ran into a tree. the plow guy had to climb out of his truck to push me out of a snowbank. Back to the house; it’s impossible to get anywhere right now.

    We’re on our own until tomorrow, but Lu seems to be doing marginally better than she was a few hours ago. Thank you all again; I really appreciate the good wishes.

  66. 66.

    Gustopher

    “RIP, Strider. I think Lily and Rosie are getting a little ground beef with their dinner.”

    That sends chills down my spine.

  68. 68.

    Bella Q

    JenJen, my heart hurts for you. We tell ourselves it’s worth the pain to have the love of our pets. And then find ourselves shattered at the end; yet when we heal a bit, start again with another.
    @Tom Traubert: My best wishes for your Lulu.

  70. 70.

    rickstersherpa

    My sincere condolences to you and all the others who have lost pets over the holidays. I think of my old friends who have passed on over the years and the warm memories I have of them. May those memories comfort you now.

  72. 72.

    WaterGirl

    @JenJen: Baby Strider was such a doll, I fell in love at first sight, even knowing that he’s gone. What a precious boy. My heart goes out to you.

  74. 74.

    Tom Traubert

    Well, I’m afraid I have bad news. After I tried — and failed — once more to get to the vet this morning, I stayed up with Lu all night until she passed away in my arms at 5:30 AM. It was a horrendous night, and I only hope that my presence gave her some measure of comfort. As for me, I’m devastated, and I miss her like hell. Haven’t been able to stop crying all day.

    My deepest thanks to everyone who offered their thoughts and support; it truly meant a great deal to me.

  75. 75.

    WaterGirl

    @Tom Traubert: Oh, Tom, I am so so sorry. My sweet kitty died a year ago, and even though the vet came to my house so he could go as peacefully as possible, it did not go smoothly.

    I came to understand the word horror that day in a different way than I ever had before, so it breaks my heart to hear you say it was a horrendous night, because I have some concept of what you might mean by that.

    I will share a quote by Washington Irving that gave me comfort through the days of tears after I lost my sweet boy. Maybe it will help you or JenJen or others who have lost their beloved friends of late.

    There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They are messengers of overwhelming grief, and of unspeakable love.

  77. 77.

    Sharl

    I’m so sorry Tom; please accept my condolences.

    Although I’d never claim to be able to get inside the head or heart of even the much loved dogs in my life – let alone a dog I never met – I have no doubt your presence provided comfort to Lulu in her final moments. It appears from here that you did as much as anyone can do for a fellow mortal. Peace, comfort, and best wishes for you.

  79. 79.

    JenJen

    @Tom Traubert: Oh, Tom. As you already realize, I know exactly how you feel. My heart is every bit as shattered as yours.

    I’m so very sorry. I’ve tried to take comfort in the fact that I was with Strider when he passed, that we were together, and I hope that you can find the same tiny slice of peace that in the end, you held each other. :-(

    I’m two days removed from losing my best friend, and I’m sorry to tell you that I’m still crying, and still just heartbroken.

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