Sad day, my 13 year old dog passed in his sleep last night.

[bighart]

It truly is like loosing a member of the family. He has been a constant companion and most dearly loved member of the family and will be sorely missed by my wife and I along with our 3 now grown children. RIP Boo you brought much love and joy into our lives and we will always cherish the time we had with you!

[ceile]

1. So sorry bighart!

:hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. Safe passage to Boo...

I hope your cherished memories of him will help you in this time of grief...

:hug:

[FLyellowdog]

3. He's waiting at the Rainbow Bridge...

:hug:

[bighart]

24. Thanks.

I hope so.

[orleans]

44. i've read all these books about the medium george anderson

and he has transcripts from a couple readings he did for people in which a dog was present--one where the dog jumped up on the lap of the person getting the reading.

i believe your friend will still be close by for awhile, and will absolutely be happy to see you and great you on the other side.

and i know this is a very sad time for you and your family
i'm sorry you're going through this grief.
i was devestated when i lost my furry girl and it's taken about ten months for me to start snapping back from that--and even now i'm not "over it." i suspect i'll miss her forever until i can be with her again.

[Bryn]

4. You have my deepest sympathies

It's always so hard to lose your beloved animal companion who is so much a part of you. Many hugs for you and your family. :hug:

[EXneoCON]

5. Oh, just the most horrible feeling...

My heart goes out to you and yours at the loss of a great and true friend. I've got six special friends and I dread the day when they begin to pass on. I always try to remember all the love they've given me, without ever asking for anything in return (well, except for the occasional doggy biscuit.)

[old mark]

6. I'm sorry for your loss. Our dog has had a very tough year, surgeries and

lots of meds for infections. He just had an impacted tooth extracted last Thursday, and is on antibiotics again.
They are members of the family. I have outlived 3 remarkable dogs in my life, and will remember tham all till it's my turn to go.

mark

[driver8]

7. I'm sorry for your loss, bighart.

Our pets are such important members of our families -- losing them is never easy.

RIP, Boo...

[warrior1]

8. Light a candle at 7pm tonight

http://www.petloss.com/

Monday pet loss candle ceremony.

I actually do this everyday for my love Sara. I lost her 7/5/2007. I haven't missed a day.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[bighart]

187. You are truly devoted.

[Mz Pip]

9. So sorry.

It's really tough to lose a pet. He was a lucky dog to be part of such a loving family.

[rox63]

10. Condolences and hugs to you, bighart

I lost my 12 year old kitty last month, so I know the kind of hurt you are feeling.

[bighart]

188. Hope you are finding peace in your loss.

I am sure it will take some time for the wound to heal.

[lunatica]

11. ((((((((((((bighart and family)))))))))))))))

It's good to know that Boo passed peacefully in his sleep.

[spanone]

12. sorry, my gal tootsie is going on 15....

[joeybee12]

13. So sorry to hear this...but it sounds like he had a good life and went peacefully...

:grouphug:

[housewolf]

14. I am so sorry to hear that

I lost a dear canine friend of almost 16 years a few months ago, so my heart is filled with empathy, sorrow and compassion for the loss that you and your family are feeling. Our pets are such wonderful friends and companions, sadly their lifespans are so short.

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[bighart]

189. It is amazing how much they come to mean to us.

May your memories of happy times eclipse the sadness of your loss.

[wisteria]

15. I am sorry for your loss, but take comfort that he went peacefully in his sleep. n/t

[Blue Owl]

16. RIP Boo

Sorry for your loss, bighart

[polly7]

17. Very sorry. RIP Boo.

[Call Me Wesley]

18. Safe passage to Boo.

May he be free from suffering. Peace and comfort to you and yours, bighart.

[bighart]

19. Thanks all.

He was a very special pet and will be missed deeply. He loved and was loved by many.

[Ishoutandscream2]

20. I am so sorry!

Peace be with you and your family.

[sinkingfeeling]

21. I'm very sorry for your loss. Yes, they are just like family members. I loss my big girl, Crissy

Ann, at just 19 days past her 13th. birthday. Of all the ways to leave this earth, I think passing in one's sleep is the best.

[bighart]

190. I find some peace in the way he passed.

Thanks for your kindness.

[otohara]

22. RIP Boo

condolences to your and your family

[livetohike]

23. I'm sorry for your loss bighart

:hug: to you and your family on the loss of Boo. I hope you all will remember the good times you had with Boo and it will help to ease the sadness. RIP little guy.

[nadinbrzezinski]

25. I am so sorry

been almost a year since Tuky passed, our cockatiel... we miss him, and so does his brother, the Nanday.

[bighart]

191. Thank you so much.

Hope you and Nanday are doing well.

[GreenPartyVoter]

26. I am so sorry. *hugs* I am glad he went peacefully in a home full of love, tho.

[xchrom]

27. The loss of a cherished and constant friend is very difficult.

May peace be with you and your family at this time.

[DirkGently]

28. Go in peace, Boo. Hang in there, BH.

[DainBramaged]

29. So sorry, all my best

these threads bring back memories of all my furbabies that have passed through the years. And they are always good memories.

May your memories of Boo always be good.

:cry: :hug:

[bighart]

30. They can't help but be good,

He was one of the most well behaved and lovable dogs I have ever seen. He just loved being around people and was never aggressive. When little ones came to the house and he didn't want to deal with them he would just go in the other room and lie low until they left.

[DainBramaged]

33. My big guy, 13 years, 7 months, December 27, 2007

I think of him EVERY day.

[Greyhound]

31. So sorry for your loss.

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 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 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. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run 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.... - Author unknown

[Fire1]

86. This makes me cry every time I read it. It's beautiful and so

full of hope.:cry:

[Inuca]

137. Me too

Literally.

[laundry_queen]

168. Same. nt

[Greyhound]

170. Me too. But I'm looking forward to being buried under a mountain of furry paws

and wet tongues someday.

[Fire1]

182. I call them, "sloppy kisses." n/t

[bdamomma]

179. oh my I had tears in my eyes reading that.

:cry:

[malaise]

32. I feel your pain

I cried for a week when my dog (Roots) died ages ago.

[mnhtnbb]

34. It's so sad to lose a fur baby. RIP, Boo, and may you, bighart, be comforted

by the memories of your dear friend.

:hug:

[Jamastiene]

35. I'm so sorry.

:hug:

[Booster]

36. So sorry, bighart, for your loss. It's just not fair that they go so soon.

[Stinky The Clown]

37. Deepest sympathy

Dogs are very much a part of the family. I know exactly how you feel.

[RamboLiberal]

38. I am so sorry to hear that Bighart

My best to you and your family. RIP Boo you've crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

I have a 13 year old fur baby myself and know that day is coming but I hope not for awhile.

They all have a special place in our hearts & bring us such joy! I know you & your family have a ton of good memories of Boo that will make you smile in the days to come.

[nosmokes]

39. You have my sympathies. my dogs and cats are definitely family and losing

one.It can sure leave a big hole in your heart.

[myrna minx]

40. I am so sorry for your loss.

:grouphug:

[get the red out]

41. I'm so sorry for your loss

So precious they are.

[Liberal_in_LA]

42. awww.

[Abq_Sarah]

43. My sympaties

It's tough to lose an old friend.

I've lost two of my sweetie-pies in the last two years and the remaining two are also old. :(

[suston96]

45. So sorry.......Ours is 11 years old today and we can only dread....

...losing her.

Really, very sorry. As others have said: remember the joy.

[bighart]

47. I honestly do not have a bad memory of him at all.

His shedding was annoying but we accepted it as part of the deal. He never bit anyone, did not tear stuff up, never and I mean NEVER had an "accident" in the house after he was house broken. He tolerated cats who thought it was their house and yard when everyone knew it was his. He was right there through all 3 of my kids teen years and never let them forget he loved them as much as we do.

[hlthe2b]

46. Those of us who have faced this (or soon to) understand all too well.

May you find a way to focus on the happy memories and lighten your pain each day just a bit more. There is no substitute for the unconditional love of a dog and every dog is unique. I'm glad you experienced that and hope you will again when the time is right.

[meowomon]

48. I'm so sorry

I have a rescued shi zhu who is probably 17-18 years old now and is stumbling around. She still eats (only people food now) so the best of all situations is for her to pass in her sleep. I am so undecided about when it is time to let her go. I am so sorry about your baby.

[Tammie]

49. My heart goes out to you and your family

This past weekend was the third anniversary that my dog Andy passed away. Still miss the little guy. Cherish the memories. :hug:

[Vinca]

50. I'm so sorry. There's something about the unconditional love of an animal

that is more special than anything else.

[blueworld]

51. My deepest sympathy for you & the rest of your family. They are family members. n/t

[southernyankeebelle]

52. Man I can relate. I lost my cocker spaniel after 14 yr. He travelled all over the united

sates with us. We buried under our tree and made a cross for him. I swear sometimes that dog could talk with you with his eyes.

[bighart]

58. I know exaclty what you mean about them being able to talk to you.

We are having him cremated and will bury the ashes in his favorite spot in the yard.

[foxfeet]

53. I'm so sorry for your loss.

I've been there and it hurts. A lot. I wish Boo a safe journey to the Otherworld and peace and comfort to all who love him.

[AtomicKitten]

54. My condolences.

Fragile Circle :cry:

"We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own, live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached. Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live no other way. We cherish memory as the only certain immortality, never fully understanding the necessary plan."

* Irving Townsend

[jillan]

55. Sending you a big hug! I know how hard it is to lose a dog.

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

Be happy that he had a peaceful passing.

What kind of dog was he?

[bighart]

56. He was a Shiba Inu

I remember the day we got him. It was late fall and we went to look at him at a friends parents house. He was about 3 months old and chasing a leaf around the yard.

[jillan]

57. Oh - what a sweetie! I'll never forget what the vet told me when I put one of my dogs to sleep,

and I was hysterical - he said to me - thank you for giving your dog such a great life.

You have to remember that - you gave your dog a great life :hug:

[bighart]

59. I think he gave me a great life am grateful that my kids got

to know the unconditional love of such a great dog. I also remember him sitting by the front door waiting for the kids to get home from school. He would hear the bus when it was a block away and start getting excited. When he could see or hear them he would really get excited. I could tell he missed them when they each moved off to college.

[jillan]

62. Maybe after all of you grieve, and you are ready, you can get another dog.

I always end up doing that. And each dog has brought so much joy into my life and of my family.

I remember once when I took my dog to the dog park, there was a little old man there, he could barely walk, used a cane. It warmed my heart because I was thinking it was because of his dog that he went out and enjoyed the beautiful morning, and had he not had that dog, would he have been sitting home at that moment?


Dogs are the best friend anyone could ever have. They provide love, comfort, security and force us to get outside whether we want to or not.

[Obamanaut]

60. I can always count on a thread like this to put a speck in my eye. I'll

give my furkids extra hugs today for you.

I'm sorry for your loss.

[molly77]

152. Bighart

I am so sorry for your loss. I have been crying reading all the lovely sentiments on this thread. I lost my 16 year old Husky last week. Someone sent the rainbow bridge thought to me on FB. It meant a lot to me then and for you now. The love they teach us and we give to them is forever.

[bighart]

193. I hope you doig well in your loss.

I know it is hard and hurts very deeply. I am sure you will carry the love you shared with your Husky in your heart forever.
Thanks for your support and kind words. I have cried several times reading the messages here.

[derby378]

61. I am so sorry for your loss.

:hug:

[hobbit709]

63. So sorry to hear that.

This my Boo. I had to put her to sleep at the age of 17 three years ago

[kristopher]

64. The shiba inu is a beautiful and loyal dog.

We lost Annie, our shiba inu, about 2 years ago and I share your grief.

[bighart]

79. He was the perfect dog for us.

Beautiful, nobel, loyal, affectionate, engaged are all words I would use to describe him.

[kristopher]

85. In Japan, most people would have called him an akita.

I don't know why we draw the distinction here the way that we do, but there the "akita" breed comes in all sizes and the dogs that we call "shiba inu" are commonly just called akitas.

I say that to ask if you know the story of Hachiko?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3s11acb7Z8


PS: I'm sure Boo couldn't have had a better family.

[TBF]

65. It is so hard to lose a family pet -

We lost our Penny (above) in 2008 and finally got another from the Lab Rescue this summer.

Here is our new pet:


I'm very sorry for your loss.

[The Midway Rebel]

66. So sorry.

I know it hurts.

[JI7]

67. They are members of family, i still get sad thinking of my Dogs that have passed

one reason i haven't gotten another dog is because it is so hard when you lose them.

i wish dogs lived much longer.

[sobenji]

132. I know it's hard...but

That's the price we pay for such awesome companionship...

When the time comes, I'm sure you will find a dog again that will
tug your heart strings, and you will rescue him from his crappy
conditions and give him a great life.

[AnArmyVeteran]

68. I feel deeply sorry for you and completely understand your profound loss.

It's not 'like' losing a family member, it IS losing a family member. All of the dear pets I've had are infinitely better than my two older siblings. My pets all had hearts and spirits, my older siblings have neither.

[laylah]

69. I am so sorry

for your loss, bighart :hug:

jenn

[PAMod]

70. Heartfelt condolences bighart

[mikelgb]

71. hugs

[elehhhhna]

72. so sorry

lucky boy, dreaming about chasing something, just kept going

[Dappleganger]

73. It is so sad to lose your best furry friend...

so sorry for your loss. I've lost a great dog before and it still hurts to look through her pictures with all of our kids as they were growing up.

:hug:

[me b zola]

74. So sorry for your loss

It is so hard to lose a four legged family member. :hug:

[itsrobert]

75. So Sorry. My dog is 12 and she is not looking good

I hope she passes silently in her sleep and not suffer too much. She has cancer which I can't afford to treat. Also, chronic hip pain which she has a pill for.. The good news is we switch to Kirtland (Costco) Brand dog food and she is looking better. No more crappy dog food (Alpo, IAMs, Purina, Etc) for my dogs. I have learned my lesson, too bad my dog had to suffer for my thriftyness.

[WVRICK13]

76. So Sorry To Hear This

I could say all kinds of things like he went in his sleep and other such comments. But the truth is you lost a valued member of your family and I wish you comfort in his memories.

[bighart]

77. Thanks to everyone for your kind words.

To love and be loved is what life is really all about and a treasured pet can really drive that point home. We have one child away at college, another in a different city working and one that just completed Navy basic training. I really feel for them as a part of "home" is now gone. He always loved it when they came to visit, you could just tell. We were gone over the weekend, he just wan't up to travel anymore, and had a family member taking care of him. I believe with all my heart he waited for us to get home, said his goodbyes last night and went to sleep in peace, knowing he had people that loved him here.

[rustydog]

78. I am so sorry for your loss...

It sounds like Boo passed at home where love was abundant.

[alterfurz]

80. condolences

"A dog is the only friend you'll have who will break your heart just once."

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

[bighart]

83. So true.

[Ikonoklast]

81. Peace to you and your family, bighart.

Boo will be waiting for you on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge.

[baldguy]

82. I lost Zelda a year ago.

You can get another dog, but you can't replace a member of your family.

[bighart]

88. Yep. Another dog is not a replacement, they are an addition.

We'll see done the road. Wouldn't be the same with no kids in the house now. It was so much fun to watch them play when he was yound and so were they.

[bighart]

84. Wife and I just decided to donate to a local animal shelter in his honor.

[Fire1]

87. I'm so sorry, bighart. I know the feeling all too well. n/t

[Whisp]

89. so very sorry, bighart. ;(

I lost my dear dog friend not so long ago as well. Boo and my milo are dancing around doggie heaven right now. I like to think. not a care in the world, no pain, just lots of romping and eating raw rib eyes ;)

[bighart]

194. Thinking of him romping and playing like heused to

makes me smile. He and Milo are probably having a lot of fun now!

[Douglas Carpenter]

90. I know the feeling very well

An Eulogy To A Dog

Senator George Graham Vest - 1869

.
"The best friend man has in the world may turn against him and become his worst enemy. His son, or his 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 good name may become traitors to their faith. The money 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 when success is with us may be the first to throw the stone of malice when failure settles its cloud upon our head.

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 poverty, in health and in sickness.

He will sleep on the cold ground when the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only to 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 wing, and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens.

If fortune dries his master forth, an outcast in the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege that that of accompanying him against danger, to fight against his enemies. And when that last scene 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."

.

...

Senator Vest, speaking to a jury about Old Drum, shot in 1869. George Graham Vest, a lawyer from Sedalia, Missouri who later became a U.S. Senator, gave this eulogy in response to a lawsuit on behalf of "Old Drum", a foxhound who was viciously killed by a human neighbor. His owner brought suit for damages. When Mr. Vest concluded the case with this speech below, the courtroom was filled with tears. Old Drum's master won this law suit .

http://www.milwinkennel.com/poems/FaithfulFriend.htm

[bighart]

94. No truer words have ever been spoken.

He was always there with a happy greeting no matter what the day brought.

[littlewolf]

91. very sorry for your loss

very sorry for your loss ....
you had 13 good years and lots of memories ...
I remember when my Heidi passed (a red dobie) she was 16 ...
she fell asleep in front of the TV ... ( I wasn't home .. was at work... wife was home alone ...)
she gave a big sigh and that was it ... she was gone ....
(scuze me ... got something in my eye ....)
anyway .. Back on topic ...
remember the good times .... it will help ...

[pgodbold]

92. I am so sorry for your loss. Your friend's gentle spirit will always be near. nt

[MadMaddie]

93. I am sorry for your loss Bighart

they truely are a member of the family.

May Boo RIP!!

[Cetacea]

95. (((( ))))

Sorry for your heavy loss.

[NanceGreggs]

96. Safe passage to the Beloved Boo ...

We lost our companion of fourteen years in 2007 - and I am still teary-eyed in remembering his passing.

Those damned dogs really have a way of insinuating themselves into our lives, to the point where we sometimes wonder how we will survive without them once their time with us is at an end.

My thoughts are with you and yours this night.

[stevedeshazer]

97. Sorry to hear, may Boo RIP. I lost my 17 yr-old dog recently.

I know how much it hurts.

[glinda]

98. I am truly sad for your loss. Amazing that he was blessed in how he went.

[bighart]

101. He had days where he couldn't get around well.

We had at the vet a few times and were told not much could be done, he was just old. Had discussed euthinasia but were dreading the day we had to make that decision. I am so greatful he went peacefully and in his own time.

[glinda]

110. Yes.

[akbacchus_BC]

114. I understand how some people love their pets and am so sorry again

for your family's loss.

I want to tell you all a little story. My ex-husband passed away in 2008 in Barbados of a massive heart attack and his GF at that time promised to take care of Nirmala (Alsatian dog) and Pooches (the cat). Lo and behold, six months later, she contacted us to let us know that she had met someone new and could not take care of the pets. Within one week, we had to arrange for Nirmala and Pooches to come to Canada. Pooches was ok but Nirmala was riddled with fleas, I still thank Customs to let her through. After spending thousands of dollars in transportation fees and getting Nirmala to the vet immediately on arrival for the flea problem, now Nirmala is suffering from Arthritis. Not sure how long we will have her, she is a big dog and have problems standing up but she is on medications.

I am not good at expressing myself here but all I wanted to say is that some people will go to all lengths for their pets. And do not even let me tell you about the little runt we bought 10 years ago, puddle terrier, she was our baby, but she had to be put down in December 07 of skin cancer. We tried everything possible including Chemo, but she only got worst. Now am in tears!

Thanks for listening

[Inuca]

139. One last act of devotion n/t

[live love laugh]

99. I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. nt

[Vehl]

100. I'm so sorry for your loss

As someone who lost his own dog a few years ago, I can relate to your loss.
A good dog can never be replaced...but rest assured that your dog will always be alive in your heart.

[lonestarnot]

102. ahhh. I'm sorry.

:hug:

[Canuckistanian]

103. That's so sad

I'll always remember exactly what I was doing when each of my pets died.

It really is a death in the family.

RIP, Boo.

[blondeatlast]

104. God bless you all and may Boo rest in joyful peace. I'm so sorry. nt

[KurtNYC]

105. They are members of the family. My heart goes out to you.

I lost my 11 yr old Boxer, my son, 9 weeks ago. They steal your heart early on and then just get sweeter. To be on the receiving end of the love generated by the dog pictured below was a gift I will miss and thank God for every day. :cry:



Hopefully we'll see them all again on the other side. If so then I look forward to meeting Boo. :hug:

[classof56]

154. What a beautiful guy!

How blessed you were to have him in your life, and how blessed was he to have you as his loving, caring parent. It has been five years since I lost my beloved Cammy dog, who had been my friend, companion and source of unconditional love for 13 years. I still choke up when I think about her--which is often. She meant more to me than I ever could have imagined, and if my tears are an indication, I still have not recovered from her loss. I know there are puppies out there who need a loving home, but thus far, my Cammy has been irreplaceable. I planted a rose in her honor, and she continues to bless me with their lovely blooms, a constant reminder of how special she was and the joy she brought me. I am so sorry you lost your guy, but his memories will never die.

[bighart]

196. Love that picture!

He looks like he had a great personality. Hope you are doing well, I know his passing has left a hole.

[Oilwellian]

106. I'm so sorry for your loss

We're expecting the same experience with our dog Felix. She's pushing 15 now, can barely walk due to arthritis, and I'm hoping she too will just pass in her sleep rather than having to make the painful decision of putting her to sleep. It's agonizing to say the least.

Happy trails to Boo. :grouphug:

[mrs_p]

107. i'm so sorry - losing our animal babies is always so hard

:hug:

[sohndrsmith]

108. oh damn, bighart... please accept infinite ((((((hugs))))))...

Your memories of Boo and the untold enrichment (he?she?) brought to all your lives is something so valuable that will never be takenf from you. Nor is the fact of what you did to enrich and nurture Boo's (long) life that only you and your family could have given (him/her)....

Still - damn. I just discovered my old rescue boy is in double digits (I knew he was an old man, but I wasn't prepared for 10+) and I'm already mad that he's not immortal.

Same with my lovely St. Bernard I grew up with who died at 13 - and like Boo - her age a testament to a life full of love and having her part of my history is something more valuable than I can ever describe.

I hope you and your children are okay.... my hugs go out to all of you.

take good care...

[Lifelong Protester]

109. I'm so sorry for your loss. I know how you feel, and it IS a

member of the family who has passed. Makes me cry just to remember our Leon, and having to take him to the vet for that last time. I still get teary-eyed when I see his leash by the back door.

RIP, Boo, and I am sure your 'people' gave you a great life as you gave them great joy at being a true friend.

[Swamp Rat]

111. .

:hug:

[vanbean]

112. Losing a dog can be tough.

[akbacchus_BC]

113. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the passing of

your precious Boo, bet Boo had a wonderful life with you all.

I really understand how sad you all are, been through that two years ago. The Rainbow Bridge comes to mind!

Hang in there

[KT2000]

I'm sorry for your loss

yes, it is losing a member of your family.
My condolences to you and your family.

[snappyturtle]

115. I'm so very sorry. nt

[jtuck004]

116. Sorry Bighart. But I am happy for the time that Boo could give you.

And that is what you will always remember.

[Skittles]

117. so sorry bighart

:cry:

Grieve not,
nor speak of me with tears,
but laugh and talk of me
as if I were beside you.....
I loved you so --
'twas Heaven here with you.

--by Ilsa Paschal Richardson

[Iwillnevergiveup]

118. Dear Boo

A blessing to you and your family as you were to him, bighart. May I call you "bigheart?"
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your beloved pet. We animal lovers and owners share your sadness tonight, but admire your care and devotion to Boo.

:grouphug:

[Vidar]

119. I'm sorry you last your friend.

[Granny M]

120. So sorry for your loss.

These beloved companion animals truly are members of the family. Condolences to all of you.

[OneBlueSky]

121. Pet Loss Grief Support . . .

so sorry for your loss, bighart . . . my companion of 16 years passed on a few years back, and this message board was really helpful at the time . . . might want to check it out . . .

Pet Loss Grief Support
http://www.petlossmessageboard.com/

remember the good times . . . :)

OneBlueSky

[reggie the dog]

122. broo rooo :(

[snagglepuss]

123. What sad news. I am sorry for your painful loss. It sounds like he and

your family had very happy life together. RIP Boo.

[TheEuclideanOne]

124. I love my dog!

I would hate to think of losing him. I like him more than most people. My condolences for your loss.

[nicky187]

125. Terribly sorry for your loss.

I'm glad that he went peacefully. He knew that you all loved him.

[madmax]

126. A major big hug for you bighart

They take a piece of hearts with them.

My 4th dog, Max was suffering from renal problems. I was giving him IV's everyday to help flush his kidneys. One night he decide he'd had enough and jumped into the laundry basket of clothes and peacefully died.

:hug: You were both lucky to have each other.

[Ferretherder]

127. Heart-felt condolences, bighart.

RIP, Boo.

[pruple]

128. so sorry for your loss

our pets are family members

[sobenji]

129. RIP Boo

I feel your pain. Lost my siberian husky in April, and my yellow lab 2 years ago.
He sounded like a great dog...RIP Boo

[polmaven]

130. I am so very sorry, bighart!

You're absolutely correct - our pets are members of our families, and losing them is very, very difficult. My thoughts are with you.

[lisa58]

131. That is so sad, I'm sorry for your loss.

[mmonk]

133. "Until We Meet Again At The Rainbow Bridge".

My condolences. I lost my dog (pictured in my avatar) George the same way in 2007. The next morning, I took him to be cremated and then attended a fundraiser for an animal shelter given by Stephanie Miller and a radio station. But he still overlooks our den as his ashes sit on my bookshelf.


Until We Meet Again At The Rainbow Bridge

[bighart]

141. That is what we are doing as well.

I took him to the vet yesterday morning. Wife and I spent the evening looking at pictures and laughing and crying. He blessed our lives in so many ways. Our last child moved out for probably the last time just 2 months ago and now the house feels even more empty than it did before.

[SalmonChantedEvening]

134. Good night. Good boy.

:cry:

So sorry for your loss bighart. :hug:

[nradisic]

135. Oh, Man....

We have an older pooch too and I cry every time I even think about loosing him and I pray to God he sticks around another 3-4 years...

My heart goes out to you...

[SkyDaddy7]

136. I truly sorry!

It is losing a piece of the family! My brother has a 13yr old lab that has traveled the country with him through his military career into civilian life & he just now got married...My brother knows that day is coming & so do the rest of us.

I am sorry for your family's loss!

[cecilfirefox]

138. Hugs. He's at Rainbow Bridge!

[Inuca]

140. I understand

:hug:

[Lost4words]

142. You gave Boo a great life, Bless you nt

[bighart]

144. He gave us a great life as well.

I would give anything for one last game of fetch, one last walk around the neighborhood with his nose either straight up in the air or down on the ground moving rapidly from side to side. He wasn't there to get up with me this morning and hop around while I made coffee telling me to hurry up and let him out. He didn't greet me when I got home from work last night nor was he there to look at me like I'm nuts when I yelled at the TV while watching football.

[Lost4words]

143. You gave Boo a great life, Bless you nt

[raccoon]

145. Awww...sorry to hear that. nt

[nuxvomica]

146. So sorry, bighart

Peace to you and yours. :cry: :hug:

[disillusioned73]

147. Sorry to hear,

I sense I near this point with one of mine

[SlipperySlope]

148. Our girl is getting close.

We've had her 11 years and she wasn't a puppy when we got her.

It will be sad soon, but her health is failing a little more every day and I know the time is coming.

[HillWilliam]

149. So very sorry for your loss

There's not a day that goes by that I still don't grieve for my buddy Sadie and princess Ashley-Marie the first. They take a piece of your soul with them when they cross The Bridge. We have four furbabies of our own, the eldest is eight and a half, just hitting her prime.

Since this past week we've been fostering a sweet-sweet little beagle boy who desperately needs a forever-home of his own. It will be almost as difficult to launch him into his new home, but it will be mixed with great joy when he gets his own new loving mom(s) and/or dad(s).

The grief doesn't ever go away, but in time we learn where to put it and the best way to honor their memories. Cry for yourself when and as much as you need to. Once you've been loved by a dog, you've been loved forever and ever. Nothing will take that away.

:hug: :cry: :hug:

[Honeycombe8]

150. Ohhhh, I'm so sorry. I had to put my dog down a few years ago. It almost killed me.

Well, it didn't literally almost kill me, but you know what I mean. I hadn't cried that long and hard in years.

I know how you feel. Really.

Take solace in the fact that you gave your dog a loving, secure environment. Many dogs aren't so lucky. Your dog was very lucky to have you as a companion (and vice versa).

It sounds like he went peacefully, and who can ask for more? We all know that our beloved pets will likely go before we will. The best we can hope for is a peaceful passing.

RIP, Boo. Say hi to my dog, Buddy, when you get to doggie heaven, if you don't mind. You can't miss him: he's a precious black cocker spaniel who poops all over the place, has no tail, and is very shy around other dogs (he was a rescue dog). Tell him I hope he's waiting for me, and that my heart still aches for him.
:hug:

[border_town]

151. R.I.P Boo

So sorry to hear of the passing of your dog. Dogs are the most amazing creatures and truly man's best friend.

Rainbow Bridge

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 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 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. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run 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....

Author unknown...

[ejpoeta]

153. i know how you feel. we lost our 12 year old german shepard

a few years ago. it is like like losing a child. we still miss him terribly. my thoughts are with you.

[proud patriot]

155. I'm so sorry for your loss

13 years years is a long friendship .

Last year late Nov. our 14 yr old Golden retreiver
had to be put to sleep. I know your loss and have an eyeful
of tears thinking about it .

:hug: Hugs to you and your family

[urgk]

156. How lucky would any dog be...

...to be loved like that for an entire lifetime?

My 1yr., 2 mo. old poodle-mix pride and joy and I would like to simultaneously offer our sympathy and our congratulations on giving a dog the best gift imaginable.

[DeschutesRiver]

157. Am so very sad for your loss:(

I have a 15.5 year old who is having trouble getting around/appetite and we are just days behind where you are - there is nothing more we can do. His sister passed away in her sleep at 13, and if they must leave us, passing away in their sleep is far better for us and them than making a trip to the vet's office for the final act.

Here is a poem, not about the passing of a beloved dog, but of all the good things you gave Boo by sharing your love and your hearts with him over the last 13 years. There is no bigger gift we give our dogs than security and peace of mind in knowing they are truly family members. After reading your thoughts on losing him, I offer this in rememberance & celebration of Boo's long life with your family.

Here in this house...
I will never know the loneliness I hear in the barks of the other dogs 'out there'.
I can sleep soundly, assured that when I wake my world will not have changed.
I will never know hunger, or the fear of not knowing if I'll eat.
I will not shiver in the cold, or grow weary from the heat.
I will feel the sun's heat, and the rain's coolness,
and be allowed to smell all that can reach my nose.
My fur will shine, and never be dirty or matted.

Here in this house...
There will be an effort to communicate with me on my level.
I will be talked to and, even if I don't understand,
I can enjoy the warmth of the words.
I will be given a name so that I may know who I am among many.
My name will be used in joy, and I will love the sound of it!

Here in this house...
I will never be a substitute for anything I am not.
I will never be used to improve peoples' images of themselves.
I will be loved because I am who I am, not someone’s idea
of who I should be.
I will never suffer for someone’s anger, impatience, or stupidity.
I will be taught all the things I need to know to be loved by all.
If I do not learn my lessons well, they will look to
my teacher for blame.

Here in this house...
I can trust arms that hold, hands that touch...
knowing that, no matter what they do, they do it for the good of me.
If I am ill, I will be doctored.
If scared, I will be calmed.
If sad, I will be cheered.
No matter what I look like, I will be considered beautiful and known
to be of value.
I will never be cast out because I am too old, too ill, too unruly,
or not cute enough.
My life is a responsibility, and not an afterthought.
I will learn that humans can almost, sometimes, be as kind and as
fair as dogs.

Here in this house...
I will belong.
I will be home.

(Author unknown)

[bighart]

161. Thank you so much!

He knew he was loved and so did we.

[DeschutesRiver]

164. The love of a dog is a great thing - take care, Boo's family. nt

[Lugnut]

158. I'm so sorry for your loss.

It's so tough to lose a buddy. :hug:

[MissDeeds]

159. I am so sorry for your loss, bighart

I'm in tears just reading your post. We lost our first bichon ten years ago, and I still think about him and miss him every single day. Losing a pet is like losing a member of the family, and it takes a long time to work through the pain. Wish there was something I could say to make it easier. Just take comfort from the knowledge that he was loved by a good and caring family.

RIP, Boo.

:hug: :cry:

[irislake]

160. I am still heart-broken and miss my wonderful

dogs. Two sisters that had to be put to sleep when they were twelve -- one in April the other in May 2009. I live alone and they were my best friends.

[bobburgster]

162. Ohhh, sorry for your loss!

I feel for your loss. It is amazing how much love and joy they bring to the home. My dog is getting up there....I try not to think of the day she will leave us.

[Demeter]

163. It's much better if the dog dies on its own, than having to decide for it

That was the hardest day--but I couldn't see any hope that Mikey would ever have a quality of life. His arthritis was untreatable, and you can't carry a Labrador.

[Enthusiast]

165. So sorry about your doggie.

Our little dog is very old. She is confused and she can't hear. But she still loves us to pieces. And we love her.

[woofless]

166. Saw a bumber sticker yesterday

in the shape of a pawprint, "Who Rescued Who?"

Sorry for your loss. We just put down our 13yo Sammy too.

Woof

[bighart]

180. Sorry for your loss as well.

I knew it was going to be difficult when this day came but it is way harder than I expected.

[laundry_queen]

167. I'm so very sorry.

Yes it is just like losing a member of the family, I know. They will always be with you, in your heart. {{hugs}}

[renate]

169. I'm really sorry

Dogs are so special. If only humans were anywhere close to being as good as they are....

Boo was a lucky boy to be so beloved, and you and your family were lucky to be so beloved too.

:hug: :cry:

[stuart68]

171. my deepest sympathies

[femrap]

172. I lost my dear cat, Joe

(named after Joe Montana of the 49ers), last month. He was going on 18 years old. He had renal disease, but through hydrations and baby food (He loved Gerber's mac n' cheese), he blossomed and gained close to 3 pounds. Then jaundice set in....and I had to have him put to sleep.

I cry as I type. It's like I lost an arm or something. Nothing feels right. I feel as if I just go through the motions.

I love animals.....people, not so much.

Boo is with good company. I love you, Joe.

[bighart]

186. Sounds like you did all you could for him.

He was lucky to have you for a friend.

[benld74]

173. Sorry for the pet loss, 91 years in human terms

My only dog, I got him on my first christmas, chewed his rope in half and was never seen again
when I was 21.

[onlyadream]

174. so sorry.

I remember when my dog died - it was exactly like losing a member of the family. :(

[DesertFlower]

175. so sorry. nt

[CitizenLeft]

176. big hug for you and your family

I had to put down my 15-year-old Dal back in February. Now my other 15-year-old Dal is about to go too. Can't stand it. You never stop loving them. And they never stop loving you.

[bighart]

181. Sorry you are facing another painful loss.

May you find grace and comfort when that day arrives.

[CitizenLeft]

183. thank you so much for the kind words

And may you find the same now.

[man4allcats]

177. My thoughts are with you.

I went through one of these sad situations just over a year ago with my cat, Myra. I don't know how I would have managed were it not for so many good people here on DU to offer their condolences and kind thoughts. You are right - they truly are a part of our families. Best wishes to you and yours in this sad time and my prayers for Boo as he romps through eternity.

[bdamomma]

178. oh so sorry

it is always hard to lose a pet, my sympathy to you and your family

[Name removed]

184. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[bighart]

185. I have been responding as I can.

Never implied my pet was better than any other.

[JanMichael]

192. self delete

nt

[DainBramaged]

195. For everyone in this thread and for your beloved furbabies.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1bFr2SWP1I

[Amaril]

197. So sorry for your loss!

RIP Boo. :-(

[bighart]

198. Many heartfelt thanks to all.

I have shed many tears and found much comfort in the kindness expressed here.

[mod mom]

199. So sorry for your loss. It's so difficult when you lose a true friend.

:hug: