OT: I Lost My Buddy Today

So sorry Doc, such an awful time, when a much-loved pet has to go. The words in your tribute are so loving; but the ones to remember are that he was healthy and active until just a couple of days before he died. Hang on to that, and remember that he didn't suffer long, he was in a loving home and thoroughly enjoyed the life he had (long for a lab). So many of us with pets know just what you are going through - doesn't make it easier, but we do understand. . In message , Dr. Zachary Smith writes

I am so sorry about Boomer. I grieved over our Sam for more than a year before we were able to get another puppy. Our 2 year old Reese's is a rescue dog, and so dear to our hearts. Barbara in SC

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, water and sunshine,

and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals that 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 each 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.

Her bright eyes are intent.

Her eager body quivers.

Suddenly she begins to run from the group,

flying over the green grass,

her legs carrying her 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....

Author unknown...

Oh Doc, I'm so very very sorry. I just hate this aspect of having a pet. They are so precious to us, then gone too soon. We've only had one dog...and he went much the same way. His name was ....Boomer. So I exhaled suddenly when I read your last line. I wish I could give you a hug....it's hard. Take care.

Your sadness is clear, Doc. Whenever we lose a love one it's so hard on both the heart and the mind. Your old Labbie had a good home and a wonderful master. Give yourself some time to grieve. I lost my beloved Dukie 9 years ago when he was

1. I held him as I let him go home but to this day, it still brings tears to my eyes. But I have a lot of good, fun memories of him.

Think of you,

Donna in WA

I am so very sorry. There are good dogs and there are very special dogs. Sounds like Boomer was both. My heart goes out to you guys. Hugs, Taria

Doc: Warm condolences to you and your family. When Boomer went to the Rainbow Bridge, I am sure he was pleased to meet my sweet Scruffy ... same lovely and loving characteristics. PAT in VA/USA

{{{{{{Doc & DW}}}}}}}} Since just about everyone who posts her has lost a beloved "baby", we all know what you are going through and are here for you whenever you want to "talk". I always say that sending our "babies" off on their final trip down the road to the Rainbow Bridge is that last loving thing we can do for them. Prayers and Kitty Kisses going out to you. CiaoMeow >^;;^<

((((((((((((Doc and your wife)))))))))))))))))))))

Boomer was a lucky boy to have you, and you two were fortunate to have Boomer. It's so tough to lose a beloved pet. You have many sweet memories of Boomer. One day you'll be able to think of them without the tears.

Michelle in Nevada, USA

What a sad time.... but so much better a quick decline than the lingering and painful way. It sounds like Boomer was an amazing and wonderful dog. I promise to hug Jo double when it's time to leave tomorrow. I'm already fretting about leaving him with my son. They are our babies. Give it time before deciding on another dog. You just never know what life has in store for you.

Sunny

Gentle {{{{{{hugs}}}}}} to all. It sounds like all were blessed to be in the presence of the other.

G> He was an eleven year old Labbie. =A0It was pretty sudden. =A0He hadn't

I am so sorry for your loss....... it hurts me. We have 2 labs - one who will be 12 in a month and is starting to feel her age. Sudden or slow, it is heartbreaking.

Embrace your memories and each other. You will know when the time is right for another pup to enter your life........

~~~~~~~ Laurie G. in CA

I'm so sorry. Animals are so much a part of us and it hurts so bad once we loose them. Hugs. Gen

i'm so sorry for your loss. its not easing losing those we love so much. i keep a close watch on my 18yo kitty. so far shes had good health all her life. i often think that means one day she'll just not wake up and be gone to find Tim. he'll be missing her i think. hugz to you and yours in your sorrow. j.

"Dr. Zachary Smith" wrote... He was an eleven year old Labbie. It was pretty sudden. He hadn't been acting himself - off his food and wouldn't come out of his crate for a couple days - so we took him in to the vet. Test results were inconclusive, but he was dehydrated so they kept him overnight. Today they called and said they had aspirated blood from his abdomen. We went into the clinic while they did an exploratory; his liver was loaded with cancer, so we had to let him go. There was no way to know and nothing to be done if we had. We have had many dogs, and known many more, but he had the gentlest soul of any I have ever known. In his entire life, he never barked, snapped, or growled at, or disliked anyone or any other creature... ever. Since I am disabled, he was more than just my buddy - he was my therapy dog and constant companion as well. The house is so empty tonight. I just don't know if I am up to raising & taking care of another one, and we miss him so terribly. Neither of us can stop crying. He was so healthy and active up until just a couple days ago we thought he would be with us for a few more years anyway. We talked about a project to remember him, but we don't need anything to remember him; I think it would just remind us of the sadness. We tried to work on another project to get busy and not think about it, but we just can't yet; the house, while so empty, is still so full of him as well.

If you have a pet, please hug them and pet them and scratch them and play with them extra for us and for Boomer.

Doc

Oh, Doc... there really are no words to console you. But I've known that grief. I wish you healing, and know that Boomer's memory will be a blessing.

--Heidi (and Muffin, Bibi, Molly, Amanda and Aidan over the Bridge)

{{{{{Doc}}}}}

gentle hugs coming your way. I, too, am still greiving over my Cricket. But, she will be at the Bridge to meet Boomer, I am sure.

amy in CNY

Doc, I am so, so sorry to learn of your loss. It's just beyond what anybody should have to bear to loose a precious friend like your Boomer. I have had several dogs that were super extra special- altho I have dearly loved every dog I've had the honor of being owned and loved by over my many years of dog-ownership. I send my sympathy to you and your DW. May the pain of your loss lessen and the happy memories of Boomer sustain you.

My precious HairyButt Gang- altho Teddy now lives with my ex I still adore him and consider him as 'mine'-