A Place in The Heart

[psann]

This is totally off topic - but it hurts so much. I had to let my best friend go today.

Pat

Attempting to send a photo

[Mike McCoy]

I sure understand how you feel. Remember the good times you both had together, your friend will be waiting for you.

[Mandobar]

i had to do the same a few weeks back. i still get misty-eyed when i think about her.

[jasona]

I had to do the same two years ago and its slowly getting easier. I'm sorry for your loss

[pickinNgrinnin]

A place in the heart forever. I know how this feels.

Man's best friend.

[J. Mark Lane]

My condolences. A Golden Retriever? They are great -- as are all dogs. You don't want to be in the same state when I finally have to let my Max go.

I often find some solace in this poem:


"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...

[good_ol_al_61]

Pat:

I have been blessed (or cursed) with two very special dogs in my life. I was given by my father when I was 6, "Nubby". He was half Hienz 57 and half Kerr and was my life while growing up. We had a wonderful 17 years together. Then I got married and did not have a dog for several years. When we bought a small farm, my wife and I decided to get one. He was an Akita mix (we called him Boy) and was a very loyal friend. He died the same year my mother died in 2000 after 15 years together. So at that time in my life of 40 years I only owned two wonderful freinds.

Now I have inherited my daughter's dog, a minature daschund. She moved to Miami and could not have pets. My wife and I are so attached to him it scares me. I know he will not live as long as my other two and I am wondering how I will cope in the future....No, I will enjoy him everyday, now. Yes, that is what being older does...it makes you appreciate everyday even more.

So appreciate your memories. I know he would have given you more if he could. I know your friend would want you to give your heart and love to another some day. So when you can, as the song goes, love like you won't get hurt.

I give all my best to you and your family.

[Ted Eschliman]

Man, you guys are breaking me up. My shelties have always meant so much to me; I'm on my second set of four now:

http://members.aol.com/mandohack/images/G95Shelties.jpg

Nothing more relaxing than picking the mandolin with them snoozing at my feet.
Give yourself a some grieving time...
You'll want another buddy after that, the start of a new adventure. You'll never replace the old ones, but you'll have the benefit of another of God's great creatures, in addition to the great memories of the past.

[Christine W]

My heartfelt condolences go out to you. Dogs make the best friends and have a special place in our lives and hearts.

Here is my little hairy baby.....

[Lee]

I grieve at your loss too Pat. I had a double calamity back in April; getting laid off from a 11-year job, then just a week later coming to the realization that Talos' time was up. After I found my next job just 7-weeks later, I then realized that my mind had been so preoccupied with my job hunt that I hadn't allowed myself the chance to grieve. It's an essential step of healing, don't push it aside. There will eventually come a time when you can remember, and smile.

[mad dawg]

You have my condolences Pat, and you are in my thoughts. I get misty eyed whenever I realize that some day I will have to do the same for my boys, Jack and Arnie. All pets are bound to break our hearts someday, buy the joy they fill our lives with while they are here make it all worthwhile.

[springer_spaniel]

Pat,

I think my board name shows I'm a dog owner more than I am a mandolin player. I've lost several dogs through my life and they all were extremely painful ...

... Dogs are wonderful friends. Don't let the loss of one deprive you of the joy of another. Dont't expect your next dog to be like your last, just enjoy him for being the dog she is. Remember your old buddies and honor them but realize that life brings us new opportunities to love another creature and that love will be reciprocal. The loss of one makes our hearts grow stout to love others.
Let the pain of this loss be eased by allowing yourself to be loved again. Let another dog work it's way into your heart and you will allow yourself to be loved that way again.

Peace to you and your recently departed loved one ....

-- Pete

[carolynbeth]

Pat, that sure is a sweet-looking dog -- and a beautiful picture. I bet he (she?) was awfully proud of that giant bone.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[psann]

Thank you so much to all of you who responded both off list and on. It is deeply appreciated. We left for a few days after Tanner was gone to delay having to deal with the void. It really did help. We just got back. We will have another dog somewhere down the line.

Pat

[GVD]

Pat,

I feel so sorry for you. My two German Shorthairs are like children to me. The mother is 12 years old and came down with cancer on her leg last year. Two surgeries could not remove it. It is slowly spreading and I know I'm going to have to go through what you're dealing with now. She's looking at me now and wandering why I have tears streaming down my face.

GVD