Saying Goodbye to Harley

[jhynesrockmtn]

Harley was adopted through a shelter program near Seattle called Old Dog Haven. She succumbed to old age Thursday night. This dog impacted me in a unique way. Despite her blindness, her tail never stopped wagging as she bumped her way through life like a Roomba Vacuum. She was truly a role model for not letting the small crap get you down. Most significantly she was my step daughters buddy while recovering from serious injuries and surgery after being hit by a car as a pedestrian. She wrote this yesterday.

The earth lost a wise, sweet soul last night. Harley was there for me after the accident, which sounds a little weird to say about a dog. She was always laying under my feet or next to my bed, she sat with me all day when I couldn't get off the couch and she didn't get out of bed until I did. As healing progressed and I became depressed she would come find me when I was crying, even if it was all the way in the back room of the house. Instead of being defeated by bumping into the same wall 5 times she would get extremely excited when she found her way around the wall. Her tail never stopped wagging and her excitement for the little things never faded. I would tell myself regularly, "Be more like Harley." You were an inspiration and the sweetest thing to ever walk this earth. Thank you for being there for me when I felt too weak to be there for myself. I love you Har ❤

[billybek]

Damn, must be some dust or pollen in the air...

Sorry for the loss of your Harley.

[Seahawk]

Holy cow that was beautifully done.

[widgeon13]

What a touching story. Dogs just don't give up.

RIP Harley! always to be remembered even by those who never met you.

[cstreit]

Dang, sorry man. I hope he's chasing rabbits in the sky.

[RANDY P]

sorry to hear that, you gave her a good home, that's the best.

I know my day with Logan is coming soon as well. Gonna be ****ed up for awhile when he goes.

rjp

[911boost]

Having just gone through this withCasey Jones, you and your family are in my thoughts.

[pwd72s]

Rest in peace Harley. You did your job well!

[Danimal16]

What a beautiful eulogy for an obviously beautiful soul. RIP Harley.

[Baz]

Hey Jerry....tough situation to go through but appreciate your sharing with us as a reminder of why we all need to hug our loved ones every day and be thankful for every second they are in our lives.

Your step-daughter's words are as heartfelt as they are bittersweet.

Godspeed Harley....we will see you on the other side.

XO

[syncroid]

RIP Harley.

[Jeff Higgins]

What a touching story, Jerry. You guys were truly blessed to be able to share time with a soul like Harley. Dogs are some of the best people...

[crustychief]

RIP Harley.

[speeder]

Sorry to hear but you can chalk this one up as a 100% victory as a dog owner and good man. We have to remember that most dogs in the world are not as lucky as this one to live w you and your family. I feel so lucky to know you, I even got to meet this dog!

I was going to write this in Higgin's thread but did not have time. When my white GSD, "Monster", died in 2000, I was a wreck. I mean I could not go out in public for a few days w/o dark glasses, never knew when the sadness would just come over me like a wave of grief.

I finally had to go back to work on some film production job. I remember I was dealing w some Teamster transportation guy when I felt it coming on like when you're about to vomit and there is absolutely nothing you can do to stop it. A little context for non-Hollywood people; the crew guys who handle transportation, stunt people and certain other jobs are not your stereotypical Hollywood liberals. More like they came from Wyoming--drive dually PU trucks, wear cowboy hats, live out in horse country and maybe attend the rodeo.

Anyhow...I had to tell this guy out of the blue that I was falling apart and apologized but my dog just died and I'm losing it. To my surprise, (but I shouldn't have been), he threw an arm around me and said, "that's alright, man. I understand. Dogs are better than people. People deserve to die, often, but not dogs."

[Baz]

I learned a long time ago it's OK to hug a buddy if he needs one....even if he's another guy.

Losing a companion certainly qualifies for this gesture of fellowship and goodwill....and yes...love.

[sixbanger]

I know how you feel. I've lost dog's in the past. I have two German shepherds now that are pushing 11 and 8 years old. I've thought about getting another puppy but don't want to have health problems and not be able to take care of it for life. Some of us are getting old.

[Don Ro]

Originally Posted by speeder

When my white GSD, "Monster", died in 2000, I was a wreck. I mean I could not go out in public for a few days w/o dark glasses, never knew when the sadness wound just come over me like a wave of grief.

I remember you posting photos of your pup, Denis. You sitting in a chair and your 'Monster' in your lap. As big as you were.
Post it again, if you're inclined...it's a great photo.
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God Bless you, Jerry, and your heartful daughter.
RIP Harley
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A unique pain...the loss of a loved pet.
"God lives in the hearts of puppies." - - Roger Miller

[Chocaholic]

Godspeed Harley. I watched "A Dogs Purpose" on my flight home yesterday. I don't recommend that any grown man watch it on a crowded flight unless you don't mind being caught sobbing.

A beautiful eulogy by your daughter as she describes a dogs purpose perfectly. Harley was a lucky pup to have your family. Yours is a lucky family to have had Harley. But you know that.

[86 ssinit]

Sorry or your loss. Sounds like a beautiful dog. For those who have nevered owned a dog they will never know the love they share.

[masraum]

Looks like a real sweetie. You were all lucky to be part of each other's lives.

My condolences.