Let's not forget what really counts

[dog_lover]

I have just come from taking my aging infirmed shepard-mix to the vet.  I wasn't sure it was her time yet but it was. When I got home, eyes almost closed from balling I took a final walk on our favorite walk. While walking I gave a lot of thought to the last couple of years of my life, encompassing my wife's leaving, losing my job, losing my house, filing bankruptcy, depression, anxiety, motorcycle accident and yes, of course my new friend, Hep-C. Of course the one constant through this was my dog, Coco.  She was always there to greet me at the door with a sock in her mouth, squealing like a puppy when she saw "daddy." Life was simple for her.  A dry and warm place to sleep, an occasional outing, legalized begging, a regular meal and permission to use any piece of furniture she could wiggle up to.  Pretty simple. She was never concerned over viral loads, or side-effects of interferon, or genotypes or any of the other concerns we are so obsessed with. Naive? Yes. But I thank God for the lessons that wonderful friend taught to me. I hope when it's my turn I can be as classy as she was and I want to tell everyone how much I loved her. So my friends I hope you will take a moment and if you have a pet give it some lovin' and if you don't consider getting one and try to remember what counts in this world cause it's all condensed into some brown eyes I'll never gaze into again. Love you all.

[merlino]

I too love animals and am so sorry for your loss. I have grown up having dogs and know their unconditional love. Even on my worst days my dog can bring a smile to my face when I walk through the door.

[merlino]

I too love animals and am so sorry for your loss. I have grown up having dogs and know their unconditional love. Even on my worst days my dog can bring a smile to my face when I walk through the door.

[stangshelly]

i am deeply sorry for your loss..not alone...remember the rainbow bridge you'll meet again...lost so many myself..still greive..they become part of you...lost my boy less than a year ago, red&white siberian, 6 months earlier lost my girl,alaskan malamute, 1 year earlier lost my doberman, as i said lost many but will see them again..prayers for you today girl shelly

[Moniker]

Rainbow Bridge

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...

[Penelope1911]

I am soooo sorry for your loss...I wish something could ease your pain. My heart goes out to you along with some prayers this morning. God bless you dear friend, Mkeela.

[Myown]

So, so sorry. I know what you are going through. You sound like us, me and my husband. Loosing a dog, to a dog lover, is not just loosing a "pet", as some might think. To a dog lover, it is a "child," of theirs that has died. They bring such joy and love. My husband and I had a discussion one night and said that if someone offered us 10 million dollars and promised to give our dog a great home, would we give her up? We both agreed that even with that, no way would we give our dog up for ANY price, no amount. Loving parents wouldn't give up their child for any amount and neither would we for our "child." If my husband didn't agree with that, I  probably couldn't be married to him, but I made sure he was a genuine dog lover before we married.To someone who is a dog lover, they understand that, agree with that and wouldn't think we were insane. To others, we would be considered nuts. With that said, we worry at times about the day we don't have our dog that we have now and somethimes say that after her, maybe no more, because we can't take the grief when the dog passes. But that's what we say now. Never been without a dog, so we probably would get one again, who knows. It just gets harder to part as we get older our selves. "Man's best friend," who am I quoting? We should all know who originally said that, because how true.

If you do  get a dog again someday, which I think would be good in your situation,(sorry about the other tragic events you have been through)you might want to check out petfinder.com. So many dogs needing homes and just as with us, your dog gets the "life of Rielly," which would be nice for a dog without a daddy to call his own. Sorry to be so lengthly, but I feel your pain and I have tears running down my cheeks as I type this.

You're in my prayers. Things will get better in time. Your dog had a great life with you and though your baby is no longer with you, fond memories will never die. I wish you the best.