Good Dogs

[Streeper541]

My day began at 0200 this morning when my 11 y/o Mastiff nudged me awake. I spent the next couple hours curled up with him on the floor. He's had a rough couple days and this morning I got really worried.

My wife is out of town in Minnesota for Coast Guard business and I'm home with the kids. I took the younger ones to school this morning then came home to check on Gumbeaux, who was laying in the garage. I drank my coffee and smoked my morning pipe there this morning instead of our usual spot. Soon after he took a turn and I spent the next couple hours holding him there on the garage floor until he passed shortly after 1100.

I took this final picture of him this morning while I was getting my pipe together. You can see how tired he looked.


I don't know what was harder... watching the pups try to wake him up or laying him to rest in the back yard. I've got to tell the kids later too.

We smoked one last pipe together as I laid him to rest. Here's to good, loyal, loving dogs.

 

[irishearl]

So sad for your loss. Our pets are like children to us.

 

[TheIronMonkey]

I'm sorry to hear this.

 

[tbradsim1]

Been there I understand!

 

[Tar Wheel]

I’m really sorry for your loss. I re- live having to put mine down, every time I read one of these threads, and it breaks my heart. Here’s to better days ahead.

 

[timt]

My condolences. It really really sucks to lose a good dog. My dog (my avatar) passed this past November at the age of 13, old enough to where my kids didn't remember not having him around. Pretty sure even the squirrels miss him.....well that might be stretching it.

 

[scloyd]

What a beautiful dog. So sorry for your loss.

 

[blackpowderpiper]

Dang man, that's hard news. My thoughts go out to you. My dogs are my family. Hang in there.

 

[Sweet Home Alabama]

Sorry man. I know it hurts. ?

 

[kurtbob]

Every time I go through this in life with my dogs, I tell myself “no more, it just hurts too bad”. After a little time, I realize that no matter how short the time spent with each one…….was well worth more than the pain. Sorry brother.

 

[tbradsim1]

My boy KiYan, still miss him!

 

[mso489]

It's a hard time. I've only had one animal companion that didn't have to be put to sleep to alleviate its discomfort, an especially smart and alert little tuxedo female cat that lived to 19 or 20 years old. It's especially moving when the animals live to choose their own time. I had her in my arms at my desk, and she looked up at me and said a short goodbye and departed. So it was with your grand dog. He spent some time wth you and called it a day. It's a powerful experience.

 

[blackpowderpiper]

I have a hard time reading these kind of posts. It's very difficult for me to lose a beloved pet. It leaves me basically inconsolable for quite some time.

 

[spartacus]

Sorry for your loss. Always hurts watch a good dog slip away!

 

[mso489]

I think everyone goes through the grief that makes another companion animal less appealing. However, our creatures train us well, so when we encounter another animal looking for a home, the applicants recognize us right away. We may not be looking for friend, but they may have another plan.

 

[blackpowderpiper]

I think everyone goes through the grief that makes another companion animal less appealing. However, our creatures train us well, so when we encounter another animal looking for a home, the applicants recognize us right away. We may not be looking for friend, but they may have another plan.

I always enjoy your posts. You impart a lot of wisdom.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

My condolences. Watching them cross that bridge is hard.

 

[Duck]

Sorry for your loss. You told your story beautifully, and it seems like Gumbeaux passed in the best way a dog can, fading out while comforted by a loving master.

 

[MattRVA]

Man… words don’t do justice. Sorry for your loss.

 

[ukbob]

Sorry for your loss.