I just lost a good buddy...

[floydpink]

Always get a pit in my stomach when I hear of a loss of a pet. I am nearing that day as me beloved Border Collie is nearing 14. I take comfort in something a dog owner told me. He said that dogs gain all the qualities humans desire in a much shorter period of time, thus live shorter.

This prayer also gave me comfort:


Treat me kindly, my beloved master, 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 the

blows, your patience and understanding will

more quickly teach me the things you would

have me do.

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

footstep falls upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me

inside, for I am now a domesticated animal,

no longer used to bitter elements.

And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of

sitting at your feet beside the hearth.

Though had you no home, I would rather

follow you through ice and snow than rest

upon the softest pillow in the warmest home

in all the land, for you are my god and I am

your devoted worshiper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water,

for although I should not reproach you were it dry,

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, beloved master, should the great Master

see fit to deprive me of my health or sight,

do not turn me away from you. Rather,

hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands

grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest -

and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew,

my fate was ever safest in

your hands.

[galaga]

Sorry for your loss.

[squid]

Jorge.....very sorry to hear of your loss, brother. I had two remarkable labs that I'd had for the last twelve years. Unfortunately....i had to put both of them down this year. I know how folks always say how they are better off....and they are, but it doesn't take away the pain nor the emptiness. Although they are here but for a short span of time....the pleasure they bring to us is immense. I have some extreme fond memories of both, as I am sure you do of yours. I look back at their picures and videos and get a huge laugh at some of their antics. The trips to the vet when they've gotten into something they shouldn't have. The greetings they gave our friends as they came into the house....because they just knew they were here to see them and not us! The wet kisses they love to give and of course, there is just NOTHING like a 100 lb yellow lab wanting to lay across your chest when he needed someone to pet him!

I know you have your own memories and they will, without doubt, last you forever. As you know, unlike those who just never get how a pet owner can love their pets as we all do or did, these pets are a HUGE part of the family!

Cherish those moments you had with a pet that you loved dearly. It doesn't take the pain away....but, the great memories you had will help you get through this tough time!

Again...I understand your loss and wish you the best in getting through this tough time.

[cp478]

my entire family is comprised of animal lovers.
just last month our horse, my wifes show horse that is colliced and we had to have him put down.
my thoughts go out to you and i know they arent just pets they are family!

[Cigar Man Andy]

I know haw you feel. I recently lost my Cocoa after 12 years.
I had Cocoa from
[SIZE=5]to[/SIZE]

The Rainbow Bridge that someone posted earlier was a big help. Keep good thought. You will be together again one day.

[cp478]

cocoa was certainly beautiful and i am sorry for your loss!

[macjoe53]

My condolences. I lost both my miniature dachshunds this past summer. One was 14 years old and the other was 12. It took a while to get use to the quiet but it gets easier with time.

[epyon26]

sorry to hear of your loss bro.

[RicoPuro]

To this day I still grieve the passing of my buddy Bombo. The good news is I got a new friend, she won't be replacing him but she is already getting all of my attention. she is an English bulldog girl. Her name: Sasha. Here's a pic.

[Cigar Man Andy]

Originally Posted by RicoPuro

To this day I still grieve the passing of my buddy Bombo. The good news is I got a new friend, she won't be replacing him but she is already getting all of my attention. she is an English bulldog girl. Her name: Sasha. Here's a pic.

Very cool. Just love each other. I couldn't replace Cocoa either, but we got an addition to the family as well. Meet Shiloh.

She is a sweetie. We rescued her at 14 weeks.

[SmokeyJoe]

Originally Posted by RicoPuro

To this day I still grieve the passing of my buddy Bombo. The good news is I got a new friend, she won't be replacing him but she is already getting all of my attention. she is an English bulldog girl. Her name: Sasha. Here's a pic.

Glad you got a new buddy... we did the same after our 16 year-old Black Lab mix left us last year. Went with another Lab.

Sasha is a beuaty!

[RicoPuro]

Thanks Joe!

Andy: Shiloh is a beauty, nice choice, and a humane thing to do.

[fiddlegrin]

Thanks for sharing Guys.

Someday I too will get another critter... your stories encourage me. So thank you.