Very sorry for your loss.

:(
I know why dogs are a man’s best friend (unconditional love)
Sorry to here about this, I have 2 that are well into their years right now.

im sorry. have much comfort in the peaceful way your friend went

went through this last year, only the poor dog choked to death because of tracheal collapse... absolutely horrifying and 1 year later the site of him suffering and scared with his little eyes looking at me confused, haunts my dreams.

ive sat with loved one's as the life support was pulled and felt their hands turn cold, and watching my dog friend die in such a manner was 1000000 times worse and brings me to tears and always will

Mike, I am sorry for your loss. I am not looking forward to the day I have to say goodbye to my Snappie girl. From the pictures you posted, she looks like a real sweetheart. Godspeed and dog heaven here we come.

So Sorry, I know you loved her so much.

Woof.:(

So sad to hear this and I did note your post on the other thread. I've seen so many dogs pass and human companions grieve over the years...some mine ...some others. It always sucks. Time does heal somewhat..

Mike - and Boomer - it's so hard to lose them isn't it? They take up huge spaces in our daily lives, and are so completely devoted to us. When they are gone they are soooo missed. I'm so sorry for your loss - both of you.

Sorry to hear about your loss.

So sorry to hear about (both of) your losses. At least you gave them great lives and they lived to a ripe old age. I had to put my dog down @ only 8 y.o. in Jan. '08, my only consolation is that I loved him every minute of those 8 years and he knew it. And returned it.

They are glorious creatures, their only downside is that they do not live as long as us.

Mike,
I'm sorry to hear about your loss. you and your family were fortunate to have such a good friend.

My heart felt condolences. It's never easy loosing a pet

I want you to know that my wife and kids have read through every one of your comments. It was a sleepless night at our house and your words and the kindness of you people are more help than you know.

ScoTT - I can't even imagine what you went through. It makes our loss seem easy by comparison. This morning over coffee, Cathy and I talked about the events yesterday. Abby was incredibly easy to live with...no need for a leash, no health issues and a kindness and soft heart that was beyond compare. She left us in that same way. You don't see it when you're living it, but some really unusual things happened that lessened the burden more than it should have.

For example...I was in town (unusual by itself). I drove the kids to school (a rare event). Cathy had to leave for work early, so the house was quiet. Instead of going back into the house after dropping off the kids (also unusual), I tinkered around in the garage...then my phone rang. Business associate with some pressing issues. Got wrapped up in that until mid-morning. Realized I had a con-call in 30 minutes, so I ran in the house, ate something and took a quick shower. In such a rush that I never noticed that Abby wasn't around (also unusual). Was back in my home office until 3 when Cathy got home. Went in to say hello to her and that's when we found Abby. After a long, quiet damp gray day. She was in her favorite spot and looked sound asleep...eyes peacefully closed. No saliva or any evidence of discomfort.

These seem like little things, but it got us wondering if things were intended to allow her a quiet peaceful uninterrupted day on the couch in the sunroom. Perhaps we're just looking for solace. I had been feeling guilty that I didn't spend any time with her during the day as I normally would if I was working from home. This turn of events may be nonsense, but it gives a bit of comfort.

Thanks sincerely to each of you dear people. From the bottom of my heart and from the hearts of three sad kids and a tearful wife. Thank-you.

A man's dog stands by him in prosperity, in health, and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground where the wintery winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only to be near his master's side. He will lick the wounds and sores that result from the encounters with the roughness of the world. When all others desert, he remains. When riches take wing and reputation falls to pieces, he is in his love as constant as the sun in it's journey through the heavens."
Rest in peace my loyal friend.

Our sympathies and thoughts to you and your family.

Buddy and Little Jack.

it was the single worst experience of my life mike. i know it sounds petty because there are so many serious problems in life and im a 37 year old man and not a child, but honestly...ive been through alot, and this was the worst thing ive ever been through for some reason

we had to take the dog in the middle of the night to the emergency hospital...the doctor on staff that evening, was a very kind and sensitive woman, but deaf...and read lips, but could not really communicate well, or, at least at the level that we needed at that urgent and panicked time. she took the dog and said, it "doesnt look good" for him, but that she would try to get his heart calmed down with meds and get him to breath normally....and even though the dog appears to be dying, you have to pay upfront for the intake charges, get out the credit card, sign waivers etc....awful

...and the worst thing, because of "insurance" rules, we could not go back in the examining and treatment area so our friend was alone, with a stranger, suffering in a cold cage.....and then died alone. and hour later. Had we known that our friend would die alone, without us in his most serious time of need, we would have just held him at home until the end came. i will ALWAYS regret this to my own dying day. even now as i sit here at work, im teared up

given the peaceful way your friend went away, your family will heal up quickly i have no doubt...and the very best thing for everyone im convinced is that you get a new puppy when the time is right. very few things can compare to the joy of a new puppy in the house !

all the best, thanks for letting me express myself. i dont mean to make this about me. gotta get some tissue now :-) bye

Mike, I'm so sorry. I know in the upcoming week, I am going to have to take my 16yo Husky Nacoma in. I keep putting it off, I know I shouldnt ,but Ijust cant get the guts to do it. Thanfully Abby went peacefully and painlessly.

I Remember
I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying. You found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times your hands reached down to me.

I was with you at the shops today. Your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care.
I want to re-assure you, that I'm not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said "It's me."

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.

It's possible for me to be so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."

You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew...
in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning
and say "Good-night, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out... then come home to be with me.

(Author unknown)

Lend Me a Pup

I will lend to you for awhile
a puppy, God said,
For you to love him while he lives
and to mourn for him when he is gone.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years,
or maybe for two or three.
But will you, till I call him back
take care of him for me ?

He'll bring his charms to gladden you
and (should his stay be brief)
you'll always have his memories
as solace for your grief .
I cannot promise that he will stay,
since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught below
I want this pup to learn.

I've looked the whole world over
in search of teachers true
And from the folk that crowd life's land
I have chosen you.
Now will you give him all your love
Nor think the labour vain
Nor hate me when I come to take my pup back again.

I fancied that I heard them say
"Dear Lord Thy WIll Be Done,"
For all the joys this pup will bring,
the risk of grief you'll run.
Will you shelter him with tenderness
Will you love him while you may
And for the happiness you'll know forever grateful stay.

But should I call him back
much sooner than you've planned
Please brave the bitter grief that comes
and try to understand.
If, by your love, you've managed
my wishes to achieve,
In memory of him that you've loved,
cherish every moment with your faithful bundle,
and know he loved you too.

- Author Unknown

so sorry...
fine looking friend..

lost Pascha (12 yrs ) and Murphy (15 yrs) this past Christmas..
no tree,and our house is still not the same.
Many here truly understand..

Rika

my ma sent me this yesterday..you dog lovers may have already seen it. if not, check it out....it cheered me up a bit

http://www.snopes.com/photos/animals/faithdog.asp