Buried my Buddy this morning

[cornbread]

Why people live longer than dogs

Being a veterinarian, I was called to examine a ten-year-old Irish wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron and Lisa and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family there were no miracles left for Belker and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for four-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on.

Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that our pet's lives are shorter than ours. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The four-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

 

[cornbread]

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

 

[cornbread]

A Man's best friend

Things We Can Learn From Dogs

1. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.

2. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

3. When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

4. When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.

5. Let others know when they have invaded your territory.

6. Take naps and stretch before rising.

7. Run, romp, and play daily.

8. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.

9. Be loyal.

10. Never pretend to be something you're not.

11. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

12. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

13. Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

14. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

15. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

16. When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

17. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

18. No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back and make friends.

 

[cornbread]

God spelled backward

Did you know why Dog is God spelled backward?

It's because God wanted ONE creature to mirror his love for us, so he gave them a name that mirrored his - Dog

 

[cornbread]

Very Sorry for your loss.

 

[BC_Logger]

my Dalmatian will be 15 in October

 

[Mrs. Jkebxjunke]

Bad day here as I had to put down my partner this morning.

15 year old Dalmatian

She lived a good life up until the last couple of months.

Lucie Feb. 19, 1996 -- Aug. 2, 2010

Rest in peace old girl

I know what it is like, I lost my dear friend a few weeks ago, she was the greatest dog anyone could ask for...she was 15 yrs old as well, she was a German Shep/Rotty....

Good friend, good guard dog...

RIP Sasha...

 

[Cambium]

So sorry to hear about your loss... I'm not even sure how I would deal with it so I cant give any advice......My Lab I had from 7 weeks old is starting to limp and has 2 cracked upper teeth bothering her.... I really try to avoid thinking of when I will lose her... I worked from home for 4 of the last 7 years with her and so we spent lots of time together over the years .... She is practically human but more importantly I can read her every thought and she loves me because she cant say it for herself..

But this thread isn't about her....I hope time heals and they say to wait to get another pup..

 

[MotorSeven]

A dog is the only critter that loves you more than he loves himself. And that is what makes them so special & so hard to lose.

RD

 

[Moss Man]

I have often said that I believe it would be easier to lose an arm or leg than to lose a cherished pet. Writing about it and getting it out in the open can help. It makes you good people in my opinion that you honor the pet in such a way.

Sorry for you loss.

 

[Dalmatian90]

Well, my Jake joined Lucie last night.

House is way to quiet now. My sole remaining dog is Oscar, a liver spotted dal like Lucie, and he's the mellowest most easy going feller. Jake was the life of the house.

Bunch of pics at:
http://ohjustducky.blogspot.com/2010/08/jake.html

 

[alderman]

Sorry to hear about Jake. I enjoyed looking at your pics. Some of them look familiar. Lucie used to sit patiently waiting for my spot on the couch and would nab it as soon as I got up. She'd give it up when I wanted it back but she always acted a bit put out about it.

One thing I've got to say for having a Dalmatian, she was the cleanest dog (other than the shedding) I've ever been around. Not like my Lab who used to roll in just about anything she could find.

I hope Oscar sticks around awhile for you.

Are you planning on getting another Dalmatian?

 

[Wood Doctor]

Find a Pup

Lightning struck twice within a couple of weeks? Both Lucie and Jake are now gone? This is incredible. Jake must have died from a broken heart. This must be a very sad time for your family. My thoughts are with you and yours.

Alderman, please find a pup that will work like a bandit to relieve your pain and dry my eyes. That's the solution.

 

[superherk]

sorry for your loss

 

[Dalmatian90]

Are you planning on getting another Dalmatian?

Eventually, but not right now. Oscar was the runt of his litter, and as my trainer put it, "a sensitive personality." She told me to kick the other dogs outside and give him 5 - 10 minutes a day of "alone with Daddy time" which he actually like quite a bit, but for him it was just a couple minutes to get his ears scratched and he'd be happy. I'd like to give him some time as the only dog to see if comes back out of his shell a bit.

Lightning struck twice within a couple of weeks?

Two different families, Wood Doctor. I just kind of butted in on this one instead of starting a whole new thread, especially considering they were both dals.

 

[malibuskier]

I've had to put two down (14 years and 12 years) and as much as I hated it, I would always do it again. I have been blessed with 3 great dogs (current one is 5) and I would like to think that it has more to with how we raise and treat them than blind luck of getting good dogs. I will gladly take the pain of losing my best friend for the 12+ years of love, laughter and friendship they give in return. We could learn a thing or two from our dogs....

Dave
:angel:

 

[Taxmantoo]

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.

I found printouts of a couple of Avalancher stories while sorting some old papers.
Since people have been resurrecting antique threads in Chainsaw today, I thought I'd drag up two of Avalancher's finest.

 

[zogger]

Sorry

I consider all my pets, dogs and cats, to be all my real world friends. I have a ton of online friends, but IRL...my doggies and kitties. It just dang hurts to lose one. I even dream about them sometimes, like the other night, a lot of my past cats all came to say Hi.

After that..a ton of unloved and uncared for critters out there, give one or more a home...I care for as many as I can, and then some.

 

[mga]

my current shadow is old and the years are getting the best of her. i'll give her a few more months.

i've had dogs in my life since i was a kid and i'm at the point where i'm tired of getting a broken heart every 10 years or so.

for that reason, after i lose this one i (once again) swear no more dogs for me.

 

[TMFARM 2009]

we rescued seven dogs in one year, three blue heelers and four red heelers....i found a home for one blue heeler but lost two to some kids poisoning them while playing around up and down the road... they never found out just what it was they fed them but, they went quick...
i still have the four reds and wouldn't give them up for nothing...
i feel your pain and sorry for your loss...