Lost our family dogs last week.

[GreenLantern57]

Just posted some shots of our 2 beloved Shelties. The smaller one is Bridget, the larger one is Trevor. This April, Bridget would have been 16. In October Trevor would have been 13. Trevor is Bridget's one and only puppy.
This shot is from our final trip from Amarillo to Rock Hill, SC.  It is tough to watch such vibrant and sweet dogs hit the skids.
Trevor had a heart murmur and started having seisures. He also had started losing bodily functions.
Bridget was losing muscle and had started kidney failure a few months ago. She also had started losing bladder control. She had quit eating.
I know it was time,,,,,but it is such a hard thing to do. At the vets, they treated us with respect.
My wife cradled Bridget in her arms. Trevor laid his head in the wife's lap. After the first shot, Bridget laid her paw and head on Trevor. They went peacefully.  Still hard to think of those 2 without tearing up. Lots of great memories.

[BonS]

My heart goes out to you. We don't hold back when we give our love to our pets. I still miss all my cats, dogs and even my hamsters, yeah even my hamsters. The fish, not so much.

[ptgb]

Sorry to hear... especially losing two at the same time...  


Our Lucy is getting up there, she's 12 and starting to show her age. I am dreading the day where we have to make choices about her.

[Chrisj CMA]

Its tough....I had to put one down a while back......I thought I wouldnt be affected so much YA RIGHT......it rips your heart out, but you know down in there somewhere that you did the right thing.  Its our job as the master to do the right things while they are young and healthy and when they get older and or sick we have to do the right thing.  It gets better bro!

[Buda]

Very sorry to hear it......been thru it  they become family

[larswlvs]

I'm sorry for your grief I know my little Pom Cindy is getting  up in the years and dread the time she has to be put to sleep or passes on her own.



Over the years I have lost more pets then I care to think about  and it does hurt. You MISS them!!

[Disco]

Been through it several times.  It's a terrible feeling to have to do the right thing.  I don't think you ever completely get over it. 

[FloridaValkRyder]

You know... There just has to be a doggy heaven. 

[RiderNJ]

Very sorry for your loss of 2 dear family members.

Some of my favorite sayings about dogs.....
"If a dog will not come to you after looking you in the face,  you should go home and examine your conscience."

"Dogs are not our whole life, they make our lives whole."

"One reason a dog is such a lovable creature is that his tail wags instead of his tongue."

"The average dog is a nicer person than the average person."

"My goal in life is to become as wonderful as my dog thinks I am."

[RoadKill]

I have felt that same heart break. Hope a few more tears help,but only memories and time can make it any better.                                   For you, my friends

Rainbow Bridge	powered by Aeva

[hillbilly]

So sorry for your loss, i'm sure your lives were enriched having shared your home with Bridget and Trevor. We have lived the last 9 years with our JRT (Max), he has given way more than he has recieved.a dogs love is true, he doesn't care if you have money,what you look or smell like,or what you can do for him. He just wants to share his life with you.  

[The Anvil]

I know the feeling all too well. 

[rmrc51]

I know the pain you're going through as most of us who are responding to this thread do as well. We've all lost furry kids of our own and it's never easy nor will we ever forget them. I choose to believe in the RainBow Bridge and that we will be together again when our time comes. I love our furry kids more than most people. My most sincere condolences to you! 

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

Many of my best friends in life have walked on four feet instead of two. All of the four footed ones have passed on now except one and she's getting older fast. Losing two at once would be really tough.

[Fritz The Cat]

Sorry for your loss. 

"If there are no dogs in Heaven,
then when I die I want to go
where they went."

Will Rogers, 1897-1935

[TomT]

So sorry for your loss!! We lost 2 boxers within 2 years and I thought that was bad. I can't imagine loosing 2 at the same time!   
I'm glad rmrc51 said something about the Rainbow Bridge. If you haven't ever heard of it, google it and read the poem.
I can't imagine a world without my furry friends.
Again, sorry for your loss,
TomT

[Lyn-Del]

Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge...

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food and water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they miss someone very special to them; who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. The bright eyes are intent; the eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to break away from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. YOU have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

THEN YOU CROSS RAINBOW BRIDGE TOGETHER...


From Rainbowbridge.org

[Jakesboss]

Those Shelties make great friends, very sorry for your loss


This is my current shadow, JakeIII

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

Very sorry for you loss.  I have 3 Labs and cant even think about what it will be like when I will have to do the same thing.


       TREAT ME KINDLY
Treat me kindly, my beloved friend,
For no heart in all the world is more
grateful for kindness than the loving
heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick,
For though I should lick your hand
between blows, your patience and
understanding will more quickly
teach me the things you would
have me learn.
Speak to me often, For your voice is
the world's sweetest music, as you must
know by the fierce wagging of my tail
when your footsteps fall upon my ears.
Please take me inside when it is cold
and wet, For I am a domesticated
animal, no longer accustomed to the
bitter elements. I ask no greater glory
than the privilege of sitting at your
feet beside the hearth.
Keep my pan filled with water, for I
cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.
Feed me clean food that I may stay well,
to romp and play and do your bidding,
to walk by your side, and stand ready,
willing and able to protect you with
my life, should your life be in danger.
And, my friend, when I am very old, and
I no longer enjoy good health, hearing
and good sight, do not make heroic
efforts to keep me going.
I am not having fun. Please see that my
trusting life is taken gently. I shall
leave this earth knowing with the last
breath I drew, that my fate was always
safest in your hand.
--- By Beth Norman Harris 1968 ---

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

        The House Dog's Grave
I've changed my ways a little; I cannot now
Run with you in the evenings along the shore,
Except in a kind of dream; and you, if you dream a moment,
You see me there.

So leave awhile the paw-marks on the front door
Where I used to scratch to go out or in,
And you'd soon open; leave on the kitchen floor
The marks of my drinking-pan.

I cannot lie by your fire as I used to do
On the warm stone,
Nor at the foot of your bed; no, all the night through
I lie alone.

But your kind thought has laid me less than six feet
Outside your window where firelight so often plays,
And where you sit to read--and I fear often grieving for me--
Every night your lamplight lies on my place.

You, man and woman, live so long, it is hard
To think of you ever dying
A little dog would get tired, living so long.
I hope than when you are lying

Under the ground like me your lives will appear
As good and joyful as mine.
No, dear, that's too much hope: you are not so well cared for
As I have been.

And never have known the passionate undivided
Fidelities that I knew.
Your minds are perhaps too active, too many-sided. . . .
But to me you were true.

You were never masters, but friends. I was your friend.
I loved you well, and was loved. Deep love endures
To the end and far past the end. If this is my end,
I am not lonely. I am not afraid. I am still yours.

Robinson Jeffers, 1941

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

This is my favorite and very True.

Almost as Good As Your Dog

If you can start the day without caffeine,
If you can get going without pep pills,
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food everyday and be grateful for it,
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time.

If you can overlook it when those you love take it out on you,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,
If you can ignore a friend's limited education and never correct him,
If you can resist treating a rich friend better than an poor friend,
If you can face the world without lies and deceit,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
If you can say honestly that deep in your heart you have no
prejudice against creed, color, religion or politics,
THEN, my friend, you are almost as good as your dog.
Then, my friend, you are Almost as good as your dog,

Almost, but not quite,
Because besides not having any of your hang-ups and vices,
He would without hesitation, give up his life for you if need be.

Author Unknown

[Robert]

The closer you get to them the more you realize the love acceptance and understanding they have towards us and life in general. It makes you miss them all the more, I am so sorry.   Like all have said Ive got one at home now and the thought of him passing is not something I am enjoying.

[Dragonryder2]

For those of you who have furkids waiting for you go to RainbowBridge.com 

Very nice poem about what will happen when we pass to the other side

Really sorry for your loss.  I have a Little Old Lady dog "Sophia" who will be going soon.  She is an Aussie and is almost 13. Pretty old for that breed.  I shall really miss her as she is the last of the ones I bred.  Lost her mom 2 yrs. ago.  About killed me.  She was my favorite.

GOD Bless you and keep you safe.

[FloridaValkRyder]

I have felt that same heart break. Hope a few more tears help,but only memories and time can make it any better.                                   For you, my friends


Rainbow Bridge

Thank you RK  

[Lyn-Del]

A couple of times I've lost three dogs in a year.  One year I lost 4 - a 4 month old, an 18 year old, and 2  8 year olds.  I was "prepared" for the 4 month old (birth defects) and the 18 year old (obvious), but they hit me just as hard as the unexpected losses of the 8 year old dogs.

The pain of each loss eases, though I still miss each and every one of them, but the losses don't get easier with "practice."  We've recently lost our oldest dog, Jenny.  She was 15 or 16, and is greatly missed.

[chuckinVA]

Very sorry for your loss.  I've lost many a furry critter over the years and it just doesn't get easier.  We currently have a big ole tomcat who is getting on in years and won't be with us much longer, I'm sure.  They say cats pick their "owners" and that happened with this one.  Out in the field working one day, and this kitten comes out of nowhere, plops on my coat and goes to sleep.  He did that 2 days in a row, so I had to bring him home.  He gets me up every morning for his food and I think I'm going to miss that the most. 

[highcountry]

My condolences.  I have lost some number of them over the years and losing each one hurt.  In fact, one of my current 8-yr old dogs is dying of lung cancer as I type and we will lose her in a couple of months.

[GreenLantern57]

Yall are the best. Love the Rainbow bridge. I have had dogs most of my life. True friends. My 2 sons only had 3 dogs most of thier lives. Bandi and Cain, blue heelers, and Precious, a mini Schnouser. Bandi and Precious were  in thier teens when we lost them. The toughest one to lose had to be 8 yr old Cain. He was dying of cancer and the pain he was in must have been bad. Took 3 injections to get him settled down. He fought the drug effects. That took a lot out of me.

They are true friends, they fill your heart when it feels empty, they can make you feel better just by sitting at your feet, you know they feel safe with you because you hear that sigh as they lay in your lap.  You do not feel like you have come home from a trip until you have them out of the kennel. No matter how small they are, you feel safer just by them being there. Takes a long time before you come in the door, they are not there to greet you, and you don't have a heavy heart. 

Thanks everyone.

[Big Tom 10628]

My condolances on your loss...

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

So sorry for your loss. We lost our pup 2 days before Christmas this year so we know some of what your going through. We had her for 15 yrs so she was a huge part of our family. It will get better but you'll never forget and that is the way it should be. Keep the memories of the good times. Again sorry for your pain.

[czuch]

I'm so sad for your losses.  You'll refill the void and make another doggies day.
As bad as it hurts, dont put off what you must do. I did, and watching my friend suffer was worse than all the rest.  I found him. The Vet said he had been on the road for about four months and was in very poor shape. His poo looked like a bowl of ramen, he had worms so bad. The Vet was an honorable gent, gave him shots and antibiotics with no charge as the dog was shutting down and wouldnt see two weeks.  I named him Buzz because the Vet said every fiber of his being was on fire and all he could hear was a constant buzz. I had a damn good Buzz for twelve years. Miss ya.

[GreenLantern57]

I'm so sad for your losses.  You'll refill the void and make another doggies day.
As bad as it hurts, dont put off what you must do. I did, and watching my friend suffer was worse than all the rest.  I found him. The Vet said he had been on the road for about four months and was in very poor shape. His poo looked like a bowl of ramen, he had worms so bad. The Vet was an honorable gent, gave him shots and antibiotics with no charge as the dog was shutting down and wouldnt see two weeks.  I named him Buzz because the Vet said every fiber of his being was on fire and all he could hear was a constant buzz. I had a damn good Buzz for twelve years. Miss ya.

Special place in heaven for you buddy!  I love those stories. Gotta go, I got something in my eyes.

[GreenLantern57]

So sorry for your loss. We lost our pup 2 days before Christmas this year so we know some of what your going through. We had her for 15 yrs so she was a huge part of our family. It will get better but you'll never forget and that is the way it should be. Keep the memories of the good times. Again sorry for your pain.

Funny how we alway say pup for our dogs. Even though they have been with us so many years. I feel ya man!

[Thulsa Doom]

I'm sorry for your loss.

I hope this brings you peace.

Gentlemen of the Jury: The best friend a man has in the world may turn against him and become his enemy. His son or daughter that he has reared with loving care may prove ungrateful. Those who are nearest and dearest to us, those whom we trust with our happiness and our good name may become traitors to their faith. The money that a man has, he may lose. It flies away from him, perhaps when he needs it most. A man's reputation may be sacrificed in a moment of ill-considered action. The people who are prone to fall on their knees to do us honor when success is with us, may be the first to throw the stone of malice when failure settles its cloud upon our heads.

The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is his dog. A man's dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near his master's side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer. He will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounters with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings, and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens.

If fortune drives the master forth, an outcast in the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him, to guard him against danger, to fight against his enemies. And when the last scene of all comes, and death takes his master in its embrace and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by the graveside will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws, his eyes sad, but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even in death.

George Graham Vest - c. 1855

[YoungPUP]

Sorry to hear this. Damn nats, keep getting in my evey when I look over at our sheltie (Molly) sleeping on her back, all four legs in the air, on the ottoman in the middle of the room.   

[john]

just love the doggies ........