Neil's dog, Cabal.

[Mouse]

Urgh, this broke my heart. http://journal.neilgaiman.com/2013/01/the-power-of-dog-cabal-2003-2013.html

 

[HoopyFrood]

I had a bad feeling the moment I saw this thread title. I've seen a fair bit of what he posts about his dogs, they're so lovely. So sad

And it reminds me of how my rabbit went, my best furry pal. Asked how he was on my usual phone call home and he was fine. Then the next day he was gone and all I could think about was that I hadn't been there with him.

 

[Mouse]

...all I could think about was that I hadn't been there with him.

That's the worst thing isn't it! I know exactly how Neil feels. My bestest rat tried to wake me up in the night, I could hear him and I didn't get up. He was gone by the morning. I should've got up!

 

[Mischov]

Good heavens. That is a tearjerker of a post (in my case, literally speaking).

I've both been there and not been there for the deaths of cats I loved, and to this day I couldn't tell you which haunts me less.

 

[Harpo]

http://journal.neilgaiman.com/2013/03/princess-and-some-thoughts-on-writing.html

When I met Neil Gaiman in the late 90s, I told him "I like your cat".

 

[zlogdan]

It seems that Neil has become a "dog guy" and mostly due to his experiences with his deceased dog Cabal. Of course he was the one who wrote the greatest homage to cats I am aware of, at his "Dream of a Thousand Cats", but now we - dog's fans- could ask him for a similar story about Dogs. I really was touched by this blog post by Neil.

 

[thaddeus6th]

Just read this now.

Different circumstances, but when my first dog died that was extremely sad. Sometimes (well, about 97% of the time) I think I prefer dogs to people.

I suppose the counterpoint is that if you're never saddened by such loss that means you were never enriched by such love.

 

[biodroid]

So sad, its like losing a family member. They really love us unconditionally. I have had to let 2 go in 2 years, one old and one had cancer. Be strong Mr. Gaiman, the memories will be with you forever.

 

[biodroid]

Just read this now.

Different circumstances, but when my first dog died that was extremely sad. Sometimes (well, about 97% of the time) I think I prefer dogs to people.

I suppose the counterpoint is that if you're never saddened by such loss that means you were never enriched by such love.

Besides my wife and very close family your statement is true! Dogs dont think they are deities like cats. My parents had to let go of our cat after 21 years. Thats a long time for most cats. But like you I prefer dogs, more emotionally responsive.

 

[svalbard]

I have a rescue dog at home and he was a godsend when he entered our family home. After reading Neil's blog I was in bits and hugging Marley(named after the dog in the movie) like my life depended upon it. Needless to say he was loving all that extra attention. The cat even got a big hug. Tiger took that with indifference, although I could swear he was smirking across at Marley the whole time.

 

[strawberry]

Oh no, that made me cry! Poor Neil.

Losing pet's is one of the worst feelings in the world, I can't even imagine how horrible that must have been for him to have been apart from Cabal friend when he needed him

 

[tangaloomababe]

Very sad. I am sure most of us have lost a much loved pet whether it be a dog, cat, rat or rabbit. It's awful, they worm their way into our lives and hearts without really trying. I've lost two dogs now and both times it's awful but why do we go out and get another one, because the love and companionship of our previous friends makes us want it over and over.

I have a sweet young crazy dog at the moment and two glorious cats, my life would not be as much fun without them. I love watching their antics.


Cabel obviously brought much joy and happiness to Neil's live and his life will seem so much emptier without him.

 

[BenSt]

I just read this Mouse and it made me chocke up reading it. It is exceptionally hard to lose a pet you love so much, and the feeling never really goes away. It'll be 9 years since I lost my sheepdog Boo to one of our own delivery drivers in May and even after such a long time I still choke up every now and then. I'm glad he was Mr. Gaiman was able to use writing as his outlet.