Buried my Buddy this morning
- Thread starter alderman
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sdt7618
ArboristSite Guru
Sorry to hear about your loss, loyal friends are hard to come by.
USMC0802
ArboristSite Guru
Sorry for your loss, you never forget the good ones.
We rescued a dog when I was a teenager...didn't have a name, didn't know any rules...just a lab/husky mix we brought home from the humane league.
Dog slipped out the first evening we had him and wanted to run all over the neighborhood. Everyone was out chasing this dog, throwing dog treats, calling the dog's name he didn't know, and it got dark and we lost him. My parents were like, "that was $75 down the drain." When we got back home, he was sitting on the front porch leaning against the door waiting for us.
That dog and I instantly clicked and he followed me everywhere. Parents said he'd look out the window for about a half and hour after I left for school and went back to the window to wait for me about 30 minutes before I got home every day. They said he seemed so depressed when I went to college.
When he got to the point where his quality of life was suffering and it was time to have him put down, it was one of the hardest things I had to do. I came home from college to carry him out to the truck and into the vet since he had recently started having serious problems with even walking. I held him as they gave him the shot and as he drifted off. I'm getting choked up writing this and that was like 6 or 7 years ago. It was tough on my parents since their other dog had some sort of crazy infection out of nowhere and they lost that one, too. Two dogs in the 3 days.
I haven't owned a dog since then. My parents have a couple labs, but since I don't live with them, I'm not nearly as attached. I see my parents dogs a lot since I live close by, but they're not my dogs.
After my daughter is older, we'll get a pup, but I'm not crazy enough to deal with a puppy and a 5 month old at the same time.
We rescued a dog when I was a teenager...didn't have a name, didn't know any rules...just a lab/husky mix we brought home from the humane league.
Dog slipped out the first evening we had him and wanted to run all over the neighborhood. Everyone was out chasing this dog, throwing dog treats, calling the dog's name he didn't know, and it got dark and we lost him. My parents were like, "that was $75 down the drain." When we got back home, he was sitting on the front porch leaning against the door waiting for us.
That dog and I instantly clicked and he followed me everywhere. Parents said he'd look out the window for about a half and hour after I left for school and went back to the window to wait for me about 30 minutes before I got home every day. They said he seemed so depressed when I went to college.
When he got to the point where his quality of life was suffering and it was time to have him put down, it was one of the hardest things I had to do. I came home from college to carry him out to the truck and into the vet since he had recently started having serious problems with even walking. I held him as they gave him the shot and as he drifted off. I'm getting choked up writing this and that was like 6 or 7 years ago. It was tough on my parents since their other dog had some sort of crazy infection out of nowhere and they lost that one, too. Two dogs in the 3 days.
I haven't owned a dog since then. My parents have a couple labs, but since I don't live with them, I'm not nearly as attached. I see my parents dogs a lot since I live close by, but they're not my dogs.
After my daughter is older, we'll get a pup, but I'm not crazy enough to deal with a puppy and a 5 month old at the same time.
Gap Goat
ArboristSite Lurker
Been there too
I knew what this thread was about when I started reading it but I just had to look. Now I am sitting at the computer with the sniffles (must be a cold) and something is in my eye. I feel what you are going through, my experience was on New Years Day in 2001 and I still miss old Suzie. I have other dogs now and one is my special mutt but I doubt there will ever be another “Fat Cow”. Anyway I hope you can see your way clear to get another one. The local animal shelter will be full of dogs just waiting to make someone feel better.
I knew what this thread was about when I started reading it but I just had to look. Now I am sitting at the computer with the sniffles (must be a cold) and something is in my eye. I feel what you are going through, my experience was on New Years Day in 2001 and I still miss old Suzie. I have other dogs now and one is my special mutt but I doubt there will ever be another “Fat Cow”. Anyway I hope you can see your way clear to get another one. The local animal shelter will be full of dogs just waiting to make someone feel better.
CrappieKeith
Addicted to ArboristSite
There's one thing I know about loosing your friend...get a pup.
I have had the blessings of having Buddy,Buck,Babe,Bullseye and Bullseye's son Buck Henry.
Buddy ,Buck & Babe were all Springer's.Bullseye was a lab and of course so is his 1st son Buck Henry.
The story of a mental life saver can be told many times over with those dogs but the real life saver was a day when Bullseye and I were playing with his bumper in the river. It was a summer day. We had just recieved a bunch of rain over a few short days. This rainfall really raised the river and created a very strong current. Normally this would not have phased Bullseye. He was a worker for sure. I've had him out duck hunting late ice and he would break 1" ice all day retrieving birds without a second thought and he was always ready for the next command to hunt it up.
Anyway we were running the soo grade...after several miles of him averaging 15 mph behind my quad I decided to give him a rest in the river for a drink and some bumper fetching.
I could tell he was tiring...finally so on the last retrieve I made it a good one. I had him on heal while that bumper went down river. I gave him the fetch and away he flew. Down river he made the retrieve and was making his way back...straight to me. He did not cheat and go to the river bank...he swam straight back to me.Halfway back there was this floating logjam filled with tree debris. He tried to get around it but as he did the current was so strong he got pinned against it. I could see him swimming but not making any head way. After about 20 seconds I ran down to the bank,emptied my pockets and tossed my glasses. When I hit that water it was deep. I had to grab the logs and pull myself out to him.The current was sucking me under the jam,but I kept pulling myself out to him. As I got close he went under. I shot my hand into the water.Luckily I hit his collar. Now the task became to do a forearm press to get him up on top of these floating logs. Once on top and safe I was able to bark at him to lay down .Never letting go of that collar I was able to use him for leverage to roll myself up on top. The was no putting pressure down to just hop up.Everytime I tried the log would just sink away. I had to start with a leg ,then hip ,then torso eventually rolling up out of that wicked current.
I doubt any survival with as wide as the jam was had I gone under.
We layed on top for several minutes regaining our composure. I knew that one or both of us could have died that day and I will never forget how he looked at me while laying there side by side...my best pal in the world is now in heaven and I have his son who is every bit as good as his dad was especially when it comes to making my day a bit brighter when I'm down.
Our pets are just like family members. They will always be held near and dear . You just can not put a price on the loyalty they give nor the joy they provide.
Buck Henry is now 5 years old and I've thought about what happens when he passes. I'll be about 60 or so and I'm thinking I've got enough years left to get 1 more final pup.
Here's the Meathead..
I have had the blessings of having Buddy,Buck,Babe,Bullseye and Bullseye's son Buck Henry.
Buddy ,Buck & Babe were all Springer's.Bullseye was a lab and of course so is his 1st son Buck Henry.
The story of a mental life saver can be told many times over with those dogs but the real life saver was a day when Bullseye and I were playing with his bumper in the river. It was a summer day. We had just recieved a bunch of rain over a few short days. This rainfall really raised the river and created a very strong current. Normally this would not have phased Bullseye. He was a worker for sure. I've had him out duck hunting late ice and he would break 1" ice all day retrieving birds without a second thought and he was always ready for the next command to hunt it up.
Anyway we were running the soo grade...after several miles of him averaging 15 mph behind my quad I decided to give him a rest in the river for a drink and some bumper fetching.
I could tell he was tiring...finally so on the last retrieve I made it a good one. I had him on heal while that bumper went down river. I gave him the fetch and away he flew. Down river he made the retrieve and was making his way back...straight to me. He did not cheat and go to the river bank...he swam straight back to me.Halfway back there was this floating logjam filled with tree debris. He tried to get around it but as he did the current was so strong he got pinned against it. I could see him swimming but not making any head way. After about 20 seconds I ran down to the bank,emptied my pockets and tossed my glasses. When I hit that water it was deep. I had to grab the logs and pull myself out to him.The current was sucking me under the jam,but I kept pulling myself out to him. As I got close he went under. I shot my hand into the water.Luckily I hit his collar. Now the task became to do a forearm press to get him up on top of these floating logs. Once on top and safe I was able to bark at him to lay down .Never letting go of that collar I was able to use him for leverage to roll myself up on top. The was no putting pressure down to just hop up.Everytime I tried the log would just sink away. I had to start with a leg ,then hip ,then torso eventually rolling up out of that wicked current.
I doubt any survival with as wide as the jam was had I gone under.
We layed on top for several minutes regaining our composure. I knew that one or both of us could have died that day and I will never forget how he looked at me while laying there side by side...my best pal in the world is now in heaven and I have his son who is every bit as good as his dad was especially when it comes to making my day a bit brighter when I'm down.
Our pets are just like family members. They will always be held near and dear . You just can not put a price on the loyalty they give nor the joy they provide.
Buck Henry is now 5 years old and I've thought about what happens when he passes. I'll be about 60 or so and I'm thinking I've got enough years left to get 1 more final pup.
Here's the Meathead..
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avalancher
Arboristsite Raconteur
Although I expressed my condolences earlier in this thread, I have avoided this thread because of the memories it brought back for me.For one brief minute I will share my experience with you all.
When I was nine,my mother bought me two collie dogs to keep me company while she worked long hours.Indeed,they were not only my best friend,but for some time they were my only friends.We lived at first in a very rural area,and there wasn't any kids anywhere around for me to play with.We slept together,hunted,fished the river,and ate our meals together only as a kid and his dogs can do.
When I was 18, I joined the Navy and left home.After boot camp I was sent to Great Lakes Naval Base for schooling and called home each and every Sunday morning to assure my mother that I was still alive and doing well.
One Sunday morning when I called,my mother was very quite.After a little prodding,she told me that Jenny had gotten an infection,and by the time she got her to the vet she was so bad off the vet advises her to put her down.
Mom buried her alongside the apple tree in the backyard, and Missie my other dog refused to leave the grave.She stayed under that apple tree through several rains storms,refused to eat, and had no interest in any treats what so ever.
The following Friday I had my weekly test, and bombed it so big time that my chief called me into his office to ask what was going on.It was hard,telling that grizzled old man that had seen not only the world but also two tours in Vietnam that i was broken up about one of my dogs dying and the other one wasting away,but I did my best expecting a good tongue lashing after wards.
I sat there at his desk while he leaned back in his chair and stared at the ceiling for what seemed like hours.Finally, he leaned forward and with a whisper that I could barely make out he said,"you need to go home to say goodbye."
It was only then that my grief took hold and I cried like a baby.He patiently waited until I could compose myself, then told me to go back to the barracks and pack my stuff and arrange for a flight home.I told him then while I appreciated his gesture, I really didn't have the money to make the trip at that time.
With a tear in his eye, he withdrew his wallet,pulled several bills from it and tossed them on the desk with a nod.Although I refused the money, he simply said take it or he would write me up for disobeying a lawful order.I complied.
After I got my bags packed, I headed down to the area where the taxis hung out by the BX to catch a ride with my leave papers in my back pocket.I had only gone a block when a car pulled up alongside.
"Are you Petty Officer Klaus?" the man inside inquired.
"Yep,that's me,why?"
"Well,I have been instructed to take you to the airport."
After dumping me off at the terminal, the driver leaned out the window and handed me an envelope.He had been instructed to give it to me only after getting to the airport.While waiting in line to buy my ticket,inside was almost $500 and a brief note.
"Thank you for reminding me what is important in this life Petty Officer Klaus.In my life I have seen far to much death and grief, and I was gone off to war when my own dog died alone in the barn.Since I wasn't there to say good bye to my own pal,maybe I can make up for it by sending you home.The money in this envelope was taken up from all the officers and instructors, you can thank them in person when you return."
Two days after I arrived home, Missie went to her final resting place, I buried her alongside Jennie under that apple tree.
I still have that note, written so many years ago,to remind me what is important in life.Sometimes its compassion.
When I was nine,my mother bought me two collie dogs to keep me company while she worked long hours.Indeed,they were not only my best friend,but for some time they were my only friends.We lived at first in a very rural area,and there wasn't any kids anywhere around for me to play with.We slept together,hunted,fished the river,and ate our meals together only as a kid and his dogs can do.
When I was 18, I joined the Navy and left home.After boot camp I was sent to Great Lakes Naval Base for schooling and called home each and every Sunday morning to assure my mother that I was still alive and doing well.
One Sunday morning when I called,my mother was very quite.After a little prodding,she told me that Jenny had gotten an infection,and by the time she got her to the vet she was so bad off the vet advises her to put her down.
Mom buried her alongside the apple tree in the backyard, and Missie my other dog refused to leave the grave.She stayed under that apple tree through several rains storms,refused to eat, and had no interest in any treats what so ever.
The following Friday I had my weekly test, and bombed it so big time that my chief called me into his office to ask what was going on.It was hard,telling that grizzled old man that had seen not only the world but also two tours in Vietnam that i was broken up about one of my dogs dying and the other one wasting away,but I did my best expecting a good tongue lashing after wards.
I sat there at his desk while he leaned back in his chair and stared at the ceiling for what seemed like hours.Finally, he leaned forward and with a whisper that I could barely make out he said,"you need to go home to say goodbye."
It was only then that my grief took hold and I cried like a baby.He patiently waited until I could compose myself, then told me to go back to the barracks and pack my stuff and arrange for a flight home.I told him then while I appreciated his gesture, I really didn't have the money to make the trip at that time.
With a tear in his eye, he withdrew his wallet,pulled several bills from it and tossed them on the desk with a nod.Although I refused the money, he simply said take it or he would write me up for disobeying a lawful order.I complied.
After I got my bags packed, I headed down to the area where the taxis hung out by the BX to catch a ride with my leave papers in my back pocket.I had only gone a block when a car pulled up alongside.
"Are you Petty Officer Klaus?" the man inside inquired.
"Yep,that's me,why?"
"Well,I have been instructed to take you to the airport."
After dumping me off at the terminal, the driver leaned out the window and handed me an envelope.He had been instructed to give it to me only after getting to the airport.While waiting in line to buy my ticket,inside was almost $500 and a brief note.
"Thank you for reminding me what is important in this life Petty Officer Klaus.In my life I have seen far to much death and grief, and I was gone off to war when my own dog died alone in the barn.Since I wasn't there to say good bye to my own pal,maybe I can make up for it by sending you home.The money in this envelope was taken up from all the officers and instructors, you can thank them in person when you return."
Two days after I arrived home, Missie went to her final resting place, I buried her alongside Jennie under that apple tree.
I still have that note, written so many years ago,to remind me what is important in life.Sometimes its compassion.
CrappieKeith
Addicted to ArboristSite
avalancher
Arboristsite Raconteur
bsearcey
ArboristSite Operative
I know Old Yeller has already been mentioned, but equal too if not better IMHO is Where the Red Fern Grows. This last story really reminded me of it. I've read that book twice 1st time I think I was in the 4th grade and cried my eyes out second time was in college and cried my eyes out. I'm looking forward to sharing that story with my kids someday.
avalancher
Arboristsite Raconteur
I read that story many times, and each and every time i swore that I would never read it again.My daughter had a sleep over one time when she was 7,and all the girls were astonished to see my daughters daddy quietly sobbing like a little boy in his armchair.
bsearcey
ArboristSite Operative
Good advice...don't use it as a movie for sleepovers. That will be saved for an extended bedtime read. Thanks for sharing your story avalancher.
CrappieKeith
Addicted to ArboristSite
Aitkin Age and the Voyaguer Press...I write outdoor columns for both papers.
I thought to do a story about us dog lovers.
avalancher
Arboristsite Raconteur
NC4TN
ArboristSite Operative
My condolences, and I share your grief. My little Brittany at 8, is starting to slow down a little bit and I dread the day I have to do the inevitable. She's a little more lethargic so I know the clock is starting to tick. Again, my condolences.
Windwalker7
ArboristSite Guru
I don't want to hi-jack this thread, but Dude, you need to write a book. I've seen many of your posts on here about various subjects and stories of your life.
You have very interesting stories and certainly know how to tell them.
Seriously, you need to write some kind of book.
OK, I'm done hi-jacking the thread.
Back to the OP. I hope your heart can heal and I know what your are feeling all too well.
There are lots of dogs waiting in animal shelters across the country, that need to find someone like you.
CrappieKeith
Addicted to ArboristSite
Well I submitted it.I said you wrote it. I really believe it will get some good responses...Well done Sir.
Back to lost friends.....they always will be with us in spirit...believe that!
My brother is also in heaven and I learned that he sits in heaven and prays for me every day.
Some day I'll post how I know this.......for your passed buddy..RIP.
Back to lost friends.....they always will be with us in spirit...believe that!
My brother is also in heaven and I learned that he sits in heaven and prays for me every day.
Some day I'll post how I know this.......for your passed buddy..RIP.
hdcoop72
ArboristSite Lurker
alderman, I'm sorry for your loss. My previous dog also lived to be 15. It is always so hard to see them go...so for what it is worth I turn to this in times like this.
A Dog's Prayer
Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grate full 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 waging of my tail when your footsteps falls upon my 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 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 stay 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.
A Dog's Prayer
Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grate full 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 waging of my tail when your footsteps falls upon my 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 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 stay 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.
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wvlogger
Rock trucker
Buddy it never gets easier. I lost one of 13 years early this year and another of 5 just last month. be strong. The best thing to do is get another dog. It really has helped me
A Poem for You, Alderman
You have a special place Dear Lord that I know you'll always keep
A special place reserved for dogs when they quietly fall asleep.
With large and airy kennels and a yard for hiding bones,
With just a little babbling creek that chatters over stones.
With wide green fields and flowers for those who never knew
about running freely under your sky of perfect blue.
Lord, I know You keep this special place and so to you I pray,
For one special Dalmation who quietly died today.
She was full of strength and love and so very, very wise.
The puppy look that she once had long left her vintage eyes.
She is dearly missed my Lord by a wood cutting friend of mine.
She went to join her ancestors to Your land that is devine.
So, speak to Lucie softly please and give her a warm hello.
She's a special gift to You dear Lord and Alderman loved her so.
You have a special place Dear Lord that I know you'll always keep
A special place reserved for dogs when they quietly fall asleep.
With large and airy kennels and a yard for hiding bones,
With just a little babbling creek that chatters over stones.
With wide green fields and flowers for those who never knew
about running freely under your sky of perfect blue.
Lord, I know You keep this special place and so to you I pray,
For one special Dalmation who quietly died today.
She was full of strength and love and so very, very wise.
The puppy look that she once had long left her vintage eyes.
She is dearly missed my Lord by a wood cutting friend of mine.
She went to join her ancestors to Your land that is devine.
So, speak to Lucie softly please and give her a warm hello.
She's a special gift to You dear Lord and Alderman loved her so.
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