Songs for the death of a pet

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athane960

athane960

ISU class of 2013!
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I apolgize ahead of time for this thread being a little morbid.

My BF's dog (Deuce) just got diagnosed last week with osteosarcoma and due to age and other issues, we and our vet have decided to decline chemo/amputation and are going to keep him comfortable until the dreaded decision day.

When his mother had died, I had made a movie of pictures/videos of his mother with songs in it, and he wants me to do something similar for Deuce.

Anyway, I have been racking my brain for songs to put in the video and am coming up with blanks. I am not crazy about the song "shannon" which everyone seems to suggest right away. It is a nice song but not exactly what I want.

Does anyone have any suggestions or have done something similar?? The song does not have to be about dogs specifically, but I dont want too many 'human-like references' either . . . Just a generic goodbye/I'll miss you/ memories or something

I do like the song "memories" my within tempation
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"Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd.
 
And "Fire and Rain" by James Taylor (love him)
 
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athane960 said:
I apolgize ahead of time for this thread being a little morbid.

My BF's dog (Deuce) just got diagnosed last week with osteosarcoma and due to age and other issues, we and our vet have decided to decline chemo/amputation and are going to keep him comfortable until the dreaded decision day.

When his mother had died, I had made a movie of pictures/videos of his mother with songs in it, and he wants me to do something similar for Deuce.

Anyway, I have been racking my brain for songs to put in the video and am coming up with blanks. I am not crazy about the song "shannon" which everyone seems to suggest right away. It is a nice song but not exactly what I want.

Does anyone have any suggestions or have done something similar?? The song does not have to be about dogs specifically, but I dont want too many 'human-like references' either . . . Just a generic goodbye/I'll miss you/ memories or something

I do like the song "memories" my within tempation
Click to expand...

I JUST did something similar for my own dog as a bit of a tribute to her, to mark 1 year since she died. I would have done it sooner, but it took that long to be willing to go through all the photos.

Anyway, I had similar troubles finding a song, but settled on Brother Iz' Somewhere Over the Rainbow/Wonderful World combo and was quite happy with it. I was able to time some of the lyrics with appropriate photos, and just generally liked the tone of the song.

Sorry to hear about your/your BF's dog. Sounds like a very tough situation, but a very kind decision that you have made.
 
there is a line or two that wouldn't really fit but i think the song, tone, and overall message is really sweet for saying goodbye - Joe Nicholas "I'll Wait For You." That's my immediate suggestion. I just lost my childhood dog 3 weeks ago and this song makes me think of her. Sorry to hear of the diagnosis. I know this is very difficult. But the video will be a great thing to have.
 
Two songs that come to mind for me are "Magic" by Ben Folds Five and "Martha My Dear" by The Beatles. The lyrics in "Magic" always reminded me of a dog, although the tune is quite somber. "Martha My Dear" was actually inspired by Paul McCartney's sheepdog and although it's a bit more upbeat, I think the lyrics are very sweet and heartfelt.
I'm sorry about your boyfriend's dog. Those decisions are never easy.
 
Thanks for the suggestions . . A couple of those songs I am not familiar with so I will look them up.

It was a hard decision, we normally do everything we can do for the dogs no matter what the cost, but he is 13 years old with other health problems and amputation/radiation would have only bought him a couple of months according to the oncologist. Our private veterinarian said he would have made the same decision.

I have never had to put down a dog before, my first dog died of a seizure so this has been harder on me than my BF who has had to do this before. . . . But the dog is still in good spirits so we have a little time left with him yet.
 
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"Old Shep", or one of my favorites (I'm not sure the actual name, but the main line goes like this):

"If I die before I wake, feed Jake. He's been a good dog. My best friend right through it all."
 
2 suggestions:

"The Dream Within" - Lara Fabian (Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within Soundtrack)

"Never Let Go" Josh Grobin (Closer)
 
Im such a putz. Im so sorry for the circumstances. My thoughts and prayers are with your BF, you and your family.
 
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No problems! I know its unspoken. Actually, we are getting comfort in interesting places. Today we joined a yahoo group for support for people whose dogs are going through bone cancer or have lost their dogs to bone cancer. It is always good to know you are never the only ones.

All these suggestions are starting to spark some creativity, thanks all!
 
My condolences on news of this diagnosis. How about "Hey You" by The Clarks? Some pertinent lyrics:

"I won't forget today/the sun is bright, the sky is blue/the pain will go away in another year or two...in a hundred years or two"

"If you're gonna fly, hey you, don't cry/You gotta live to die, hey you, goodbye"

It was originally written for the victims of 9/11, but I think it can be well-interpreted by anyone who has ever experienced a loss of some kind.
 
First of all, I am sorry. Truly, totally and wholeheartedly sorry. I have been there far more times than I care to even think about, and will be again many times I am sure. As will we all. I carry the scars, both physically and mentally, and shall until the time when I too am able to join everyone waiting for me when I get beyond the rainbow bridge. The only tattoo I have so far is the death paw-print of my beloved Tara Sue, great love of my life, placed directly over my heart, anatomically correct of course. I am not a religious man, but for this I simply chose to believe there is something else out there, beyond this level of reality, and I only hope I can become a worthy enough person to be allowed to join them when my life is over. I would wish this on no one, not even my absolute worst enemy. I have to admit, this is the hardest part of the life I, and the collective we, must live.

Anyhow, my nominations are: "Desperado" by the Eagles, and "Somewhere Over The Rainbow", the Hawaiian version played on the ukulele by someone I cannot remember, but who died shortly after recording it. I think it was on the soundtrack for 40 days and 40 Nights, the Drew Barrymore movie that came out a few years ago. Anyone know the song i am talking about?

Thanks for listening to my sob story.
 
Oh jeez Fire and Rain makes me bawl like a little baby every time.

I like Desperado though, so I'll vote for that one 😀 it's sad and pretty but not too sob-inducing.
 
"Into the mystic" by Van Morrison. Played it for my dog when she passed a few years ago. Can't hear it without choking up now, though.
There's another one by neil young I'm having trouble remembering the name.
Oh! Not sure how it would fit but"If I fall behind wait for me" bruce and estreet band.
 
Just thought of another- "In dreams" by Roy Orbison, makes me think of my grandpa.
 
Caninerepro said:
... and "Somewhere Over The Rainbow", the Hawaiian version played on the ukulele by someone I cannot remember, but who died shortly after recording it. I think it was on the soundtrack for 40 days and 40 Nights, the Drew Barrymore movie that came out a few years ago. Anyone know the song i am talking about?
Click to expand...

Yes. You're talking about Iz (had to look up his last name) Kamakawiwo'ole. Beautiful version of the song. Here's a link to a version on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ltAGuuru7Q
 
This isn't a song but thought it might be somewhat helpful in your situation. I have this book that is full of animal related poems/prayer/etc. and I really like this one - I infer that it is about the euthanasia of a pet and when the time comes maybe you will find it helfpul.


Time to Say Goodbye

As we lay our hands upon you,
Before your final rest,
Our hearts surround to love you,
And thank you for your best.
Our home you watched and treasured,
Our lives you truly blessed.

Lessening now your burdens,
We tend your tired bones.
Let us be your pillow,
Then wings to take you home.
Listen for God's calling,
Sweet promises of peace.
Old friend, leap to Heaven,
Suffering released!

As far as songs go, The theme from Gladiator - Now We Are Free, no words but very powerful.
 
Thanks Ratbandit!


What is the name of the book that you got that from?
 
It's a book called "Animal Blessings -Prayers and Poems Celebrating Our Pets" by June Cotner. It's a great collection.
 
"Bron Y Aur Stomp" by Led Zeppelin is about Robert Plant's blue eyed merle collie named Strider (whose name he calls out in the live version). Best dog song I know:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zISiQ6PqATI

I caught you smiling at me - that's the way it should be
Like a leaf is to a tree, so fine

All the good times we had, I sang love songs so glad
Always smiling, never sad, so fine

As we walk down the country lanes I'll be singing a song
You hear me calling your name
Hear the wind within the trees telling Mother Nature 'bout you and me

Well, if the sun shines so bright, or our way is darkest night
The road we choose is always right, so fine

Can any love be so strong when so many loves go wrong
Will our love go on and on and on and on and on and on?

As we walk down the country lanes I'll be singing a song
You hear me calling your name
Hear the wind within the trees telling Mother Nature 'bout you and me

My, my la de la come on now it ain't too far
Tell your friends all around the world, ain't no companion like a blue-eyed merle
Come on now, well let me tell you what you're missing messing 'round them brick walls

So, of one thing I am sure - it's a friendship so pure
Angels singing all around my door, so fine

Yeah, ain't but one thing to do - spend my natural life with you
You're the finest dog I knew, so fine

When you're old and your eyes are dim, There ain't no old shep gonna happen again
We'll still go walking down country lanes, I'll sing the same old song
Hear me call your name: Strider!
Click to expand...
 
Electrophile said:
"Bron Y Aur Stomp" by Led Zeppelin is about Robert Plant's blue eyed merle collie named Strider (whose name he calls out in the live version). Best dog song I know:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zISiQ6PqATI
Click to expand...


Damn you - Was so going to suggest that song.

I always thought it (the song) was about a chick (till about a year ago when i finally looked up what merle was) - which would make it a little weird, but not unusual for Zeppelin (g/f told me if I can find a (Zeppelin) song that paints women in a positive light, we can use it as our wedding song... So far Thank You is out as its too depressing and she is convinced that All of My Love is about 'lost love' - Think its gonna shock her when i give the band $100 bucks to just play Whole Lotta Love... 🙂
 
I totally forgot about that song and I live with not one but THREE merles, two with at least partly blue eyes, including the handsome stud depicted in my avatar. 😎
 
No Imagination said:
Damn you - Was so going to suggest that song.

I always thought it (the song) was about a chick (till about a year ago when i finally looked up what merle was) - which would make it a little weird, but not unusual for Zeppelin (g/f told me if I can find a (Zeppelin) song that paints women in a positive light, we can use it as our wedding song... So far Thank You is out as its too depressing and she is convinced that All of My Love is about 'lost love' - Think its gonna shock her when i give the band $100 bucks to just play Whole Lotta Love... 🙂
Click to expand...

I don't think Thank You is depressing, except for Robert Plant's relationship with his wife wasn't hardly monogamous, and we almost used it for our wedding song. I really like All of My Love as a song, but as it's about Robert's son that died too soon...eh...had to pass on that. We went with a different song instead reminiscent of our first date. But since we went to San Diego for our honeymoon, we used Going To California as our final song. 😎
 
Yeah, My g/f is more of a aural girl - If it sounds 'fun' its a fun song - if it sounds sad, its a sad song. Need proof? CCR's Bad Moon Rising is her 'happy' song...

I'm not going to win the Thank You debate with her...

And Edit: I THINK perhaps "All of my Love" is the so called depressing one, and Thank You" is the one about lost love... But I dunno - have to ask her and remind her... and I'll have to play both so she knows what the hell i'm talking about.

Thank You - "Little Drops of Rain whisper of the pain, tears of love lost in the days gone by..." Not gonna happen 🙁
 
I'm surprised no one's mentioned it,... maybe no punk fans here?
The Vandals- "Canine Euthanasia"

I know, i know, it seems like too much maybe,... and it IS real punk, so it's loud, fast, a shortish song,... but the lyrics are so up-front and honest, still makes me wanna cry. But I think a serious message is easier to swallow sometimes if it's wrapped in upbeat punk music. 😀
 
Although she no longer lived with me -- I had her for her first seven years before she went to her "retirement" home, I just learned that my very first homebred Champion passed over the rainbow bridge yesterday. :cry: RIP Ashley Exner-Howell. 😍
 
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