Kirby
January 1994 – September 2009
As we feared, Kirby's injury was just too much for a 15-year old dog to tolerate. By today it was obvious that he was greatly stressed. The eye was not healing and he was essentially blind and deaf. It became obvious also that he was in pain. At 3:30 p.m. he slipped away peacefully. We will miss you, Kirby.
Kirby was the dog you never heard about on the blog because he didn't actually "do" anything. His mission in life, which he took very seriously, was to cuddle beside me in my chair. I chuckle to think how much of Kirby has been stitched into every sweater, sock, shawl and quilt that I have made in the last 15 years. I'm happy to know he is at peace. He gave us many, many good years of love and affection.
missouristar 
Oh, Dorothy, I’m so sorry to hear about Kirby. I wish Molly was more like Kirby. She thinks that if I’m knitting it’s time to play, even at 10 yrs old. I would much rather have a cuddly dog when I’m knitting. It is definitely the end of an era. I know you and Bill will miss him.
Deb
Gosh, I’m so sorry. I really thought he’d be okay. I know you will miss him. You are in my thoughts.
Oh, Dorothy, please accept my sincerest and deepest condolences on Kirby’s passing. I am so very, very sorry for you and your entire family. I know how much you must be hurting. Milo and I send our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Such a sweet prince, indeed. So sorry.
I’m so sorry about your long-time companion Kirby. Thinking of you.
Sympathy on the loss of your cuddly furbaby.
So sad that he was in pain at the end, but glad he passed peacefully and that you will have his doghair forever in your heirloom knitting to remind you of his love.
I’m so sorry. 😦
Grace just said her bedtime prayers and I overheard, “Jesus – please help Grandma Dorothy. Her friend Kirby died today and her heart is probably crying a lot of tears. Tell Grandma Diann to take good care of him.”
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Christall
I’m so sorry, Dorothy. I know Kirby was an intricate part of your family. Hugs to you and yours.
Oh I am so sorry for your loss. I will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts.
Thank you Kirby for being there right next to Dorothy through so many hundreds and hundreds of knitting & quilting hours. I’m gonna miss you buddy. I think Ben said it best… “Dad, God has a plan, even for every little dog”.
Hubby
Thanks Debbie. Yes, he will be missed. Sometimes it seems like pets can bring so much sorrow when they leave us, but it’s more than balanced out by the joy they bring when they’re here. We still have Maggie, although she’s a lot like Molly – not very cuddly and wants to play all the time. I have started agility classes with her and we’re having a lot of fun. I’m hoping we’ll have many, many more years with her before we have to face this again!
Dorothy
On Sep 22, 2009, at 4:59 PM, typepad@sixapart.com wrote:
Thank you Sue. I know you more than anyone really understands. We comfort ourselves with the fact that he had a good long run and a wonderful life! 15 years old for a dog is pretty good and during all but the last few days he was healthy and happy. Give Milo a huge hug for me!
Dorothy
On Sep 22, 2009, at 5:34 PM, typepad@sixapart.com wrote:
Thanks Anne. We had hoped so too, but his little 15 year old body just didn’t have the strength. The stitches were not holding and everything was inflamed and ugly. Apparently that must have also been is “good” eye because without it he seemed to be almost totally blind. Since he was also deaf, his world was completely shut off and he would just wander in circles. We had known his days with us were numbered anyway and we felt this was the kindest path. Maggie doesn’t seem to fazed by it all. There’s so much going on with the grandkids and two other dogs that I don’t think she even realizes Kirby is missing. Thanks for all your comments and advice!
Dorothy
On Sep 22, 2009, at 5:07 PM, typepad@sixapart.com wrote:
Christall – you have no idea how Grace’s prayer has comforted my heart. I’m sure you understand that it’s very hard for me to talk about now, but would you convey my gratitude to Grace? Tell her that her prayer has been answered and Jesus has indeed helped my heart – through Grace!
Dorothy
On Sep 22, 2009, at 8:35 PM, typepad@sixapart.com wrote:
I’m glad you had Kirby for your snuggle companion. I hope you will be finding his hairs in your projects… and that they will bring you comforting smiles. I’m sorry for your loss.
My sympathies are with you. I’m so sorry to hear about Kirby.
What a long, happy and wonderful life Kirby had with you. Thinking of you.
Thanks Li. Losing Kirby was probably a little easier than losing Hester just because he did have a very full, happy life. He was never happier than when he was scrunched into the little space between my right side and the arm of the chair. We spend many, many happy hours that way!
Dorothy
On Sep 27, 2009, at 9:29 AM, typepad@sixapart.com wrote:
So sorry, Dorothy. Our dogs are the best , aren’t they? I’m sure that Kirby was well loved and loved her people well.
Oh my dear. I’m sorry. I’m just getting caught up with blogs, got to the “M’s” and found this. He sounds like the best cuddle bug dog ever.