My best friend is gone

[GaryE]

In the past year or so there have been several who have lost their best friends. It always hurt to know mine would be following soon. Well that time came today. Sam was the best friend I ever had. He was so special. We had been through a lot together over the years, in many respects we were a part of each other.

Last summer he had a lump removed, it was cancer. He recovered well but a few weeks ago another mass was growing in his groan. It was very aggressive. In the last three days he went down hill very quickly. This morning he gave me that look and I knew it was time. The vet met me at noon and he went peacefully.

Sam I Am was 11 ½ years old, very old for a Boxer. He was the best friend I ever had. Not a mean bone in his body.

I guess my reason for posting this is for those who still have their “Best Friends”….. Treat them as everyday were their last, enjoy them as if there were no tomorrow…. You will both be rewarded.

 

[MossRoad]

Sorry to hear about your dog. Sometimes it is hard to do the right thing, but you know when it is that time, you have to do it. My condolences.

 

[billbill1]

I went through the same thing in June Gary, it's tough. Sorry to hear about Sam.

 

[deerefan]

My wife and I are currently dealing w/ cancer in our golden retriever. She went thru a few seizures a couple weeks ago but has not had any since. We know her time is near so we are just trying to enjoy her for now. I will say a prayer for you and Sam. He will meet you at the rainbow bridge when you get to the other side!

 

[MossRoad]

<font color="blue">He will meet you at the rainbow bridge when you get to the other side! </font>

That's a nice thought. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

My dog Max, a Cairn Terrier we had for 14 or 15 years, would probably run up to me, sniff my shoes, pee on them, growl a few times while turning in circles and kicking grass up in the air with his back feet, then roll over and want his belly scratched. He had the worst manners of any dog I've ever met. But he was a good friend and great with the kids, the other dogs and the cat. Funny how after a few years, you don't remember the bad stuff that they ocassionally did, like chewing something up, or digging in the flowers. You remember the tail wagging and "happy to see you" look each time you came home or just even looked at them. It gets better with time. And there is plenty of love to share with another furry friend in the future. I've had four dogs and about a dozen cats in my life. I was only responsible for three of the dogs and two of the cats in the end. I felt better once it was over. You don't want to see them suffering. Last one to go was my 16 year old cat last winter. We wanted to wait a while before taking on any more animals, but after living my entire life with some furry critter in the house, it just felt like something was missing. 5 months was long enough and the kids got two kitten brothers in June. Cute little fur balls. The cycle starts over... /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[GaryE]

Thank you guys… It has been a long few days.

Deerefan, enjoy her while you can, you won’t be sorry.

Take care,

Gary

 

[Boondox]

Ah, Gary I feel your pain. I lost Tetter Dog to cancer last August at the age of seven. He was a field golden, my gun dog, my lap dog...my soul dog. He chased and treed a squirrel the day of his surgery, but when we saw how extensive it was there was no choice but to give him the gift of a life filled with nothing but love and joy.

I miss him still.

Bless you for giving Sam such a wonderful life!

Pete

 

[RonR]

Pete,

I've enjoyed that pic of your golden since the first time I saw it.

It really represents their nature!

Ron

 

[GaryE]

Pete,

I remember your lose. It was about the time Sam had his surgery. I remember thinking what you were going through.


<font color="blue"> Bless you for giving Sam such a wonderful life! </font>

It was Sam that gave me a wonderful life! He taught me so much. I am sure you can understand!

Gary

 

[AB4D]

Gary,

I am sorry to learn about the loss of your best friend Sam. I always read these annoucements with mixed emotions of sadness for people like you who are dealing with the recent loss of your best friend, but also emotions of joy by being reminded about the great companionship and unselfish/unconditional love that our best friends give all of us during their lifetime, and how much they really touch our lives.

I still have feelings and great memories of all the companions that I have lost throughout the years, but as always, it's a heart wrenching decision when the time comes to say good-bye, while trying to convince myself that the decision is for the best. Only time and the good memories of their unconditional love has helped me to move forward and learn to accept the loss.

You have my deepest condolences during this time. I believe that Sam will always be with you in your memory and your heart.


Jim

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I know how you feel, I lost my Golden "Austin" about a year and a half ago. I haven't replaced him with another dog yet as I tend to be particular about my pets.

On a good note, the good lord blessed me and my wife with a beautiful healthy baby girl last June. She has really sent my grief packing. If you can get another pet, do so, but take your time and realize that it won't be Sam. But it might be his 42nd cousin. Time will help your grief but it sure seems to take a long time. As I've told others, I'll tell you, the heaviness in your heart is a symbol of the love you two had for each other.

 

[jim_wilson]

Sorry to hear of your loss. I have never had dogs - always cats but if you love your pets the grief you feel when they pass is the same. We lost one of trio last Spring right about this time. Molly could be a real pain sometimes but like one of the previous replies said in the end you only remember the good stuff. She struggled for quite a while with intestinal cancer but up until the last few days I could still see there were things that she enjoyed doing. Even just going outside and sitting in the grass would make her happy.

 

[GaryE]

Jim,

Thank you… Sam was and always will be a part of me. It is hard to put into words but making the decision to put Sam to sleep was both the hardest and easiest decision I had ever made.

Kyle,

I am sure Austin is smiling at your new baby girl, most likely wishing he could be there to share your happiness. That is how they are. My vet just contacted me yesterday about a Golden that needed a home. I wish I could have said, yes, but it just too soon. I have always wanted a Golden

Jim Wilson,

It is amazing how much they enjoy life. As late as last Saturday morning Sam woke up with all four legs in the air, a smile on his face, saying “pet me, pet me…” If we could only find such happiness!!!!


Take care all and thank you for your thoughts…..


Gary

 

[JESSE1]

I'm very sorry for your loss. I can fully understand your feelings. It doesn't matter what the reason is it never gets any easier. A week ago we had to put down our 13 yr old German Shepherd, Jesse. He had been on the decline for the last 6 months but it happened fast the last week. Basically his kidneys shut down and the only thing to do was put him to rest.

The biggest compliment you can give your dog is to replace him with another one. We have two younger Shepherds, a 2 1/2 yr old and a 4 yr old. They miss Jesse but another brother is on the way.