[Joe 6-pack]

I wanted to thank you all very much for the wishes and prayers you have extended to Ranger and me this afternoon. As I’ve sat on the floor with his head in my lap, all of your comments have brought me great comfort.

I had been volunteering at a no-kill shelter in 2005, and when Katrina hit Louisiana pretty much every municipal and private animal shelter in the state was overwhelmed by the volume of abandoned and displaced animals that came pouring in. Although the shelter I was at was (an remains) an operationally no kill shelter, Ranger tested positive for heartworms and with kennel space at a premium, he was tagged to be euthanized. I went and sat in the kennel with him and he was cowered in the corner, obviously neglected and abused weighing about 30 pounds with his ribs showing through his thick matted fur, and covered in feces. I sat across from him just cooing to him and he came over to me slowly and put his paws up on my shoulder and started licking my face. Although I already a Shepherd at home, Timber, I decided then and there that I had to do everything to save this dog. Eventually, I hammered out an arrangement with the vets and the shelter manager that I would foster him if the kennel paid for the heartworm treatment (which they didn’t expect to work given his state of malnutrition.)

Needless to say, Ranger was a survivor, and while over the past few days, I’ve been praying for a miracle, it dawned on me today that the last 12 years I’ve had with him have been a miracle. He has been a tremendous road trip partner, and every year over the holidays we would make the drive to Pennsylvania to spend Christmas and New Year’s with my folks. He’s traveled with me through Texas for work and throughout other parts of the deep south. He has been a complete blessing in my life and I know, that I have one more chance to show him tomorrow how much I love him by taking his pain away and carrying all of it inside of me.

I know tomorrow I will most likely not feel much like posting, so I wanted to briefly eulogize my little boy, and thank you all sincerely for the prayers, kind words and comfort your replies have given us.

J6P

[Nifster]

Thank you so much for sharing your buddy’s miracle life

Special stories like this always make me weepy

God bless

[ColdOne]

I am sorry for your loss. It hurts like hell losing a pet. May you sorrow be short. Prayers.

[liberalh8ter]

Bless you and Ranger.

[americas.best.days...]

Godspeed Ranger.

A life very well lived.

[Churchillspirit]

Thinking of you at this sad time.

Thank you for sharing Ranger's story. One lucky dog to have been rescued and loved by you.

God Bless both of you.

[Roman_War_Criminal]

J6P,
The Lord Bless You and be with you FRiend!
God loves animals and He loves you my FRiend.
This isn’t the end for & Ranger.
I commend what you have done with your time and the love you invest in animals.
I’m a fellow animal lover myself.
God Bless You!

[MomwithHope]

If you haven’t seen it yet go see the movie A Dogs Purpose. Might still be in the theaters.

[left that other site]

God Bless You for that, Joe.

[kanawa]

GoD And DoG

[Kickass Conservative]

We have a Chow (our second and first Female) that we found through a local Rescue group.

If we had not adopted her she would probably have been euthanized, especially since she has Addisons Disease, a Medical Condition that requires a very expensive injection every 3-4 Weeks and daily Medication.

I told my Wife she is our four legged Car Payment.

The fact that she is a Chow and has an interesting disposition including being as dumb as a Box of Barbara Boxers (or she is just stubborn and treats us like a Cat treats Staff), certainly decreased her chance of Adoption.

We adopted our first Chow at a Shelter, and we found out later that he had Medical issues that weren’t addressed by the Staff there. We got him back on track and he ended up living until the ripe old age of fourteen (we think).

In both cases our Dogs were as lucky as Lotto winners finding us and it appears that Ranger hit all six numbers as well when you came along.

There is a reason that God decided that we outlive our Dogs, though I’m not sure I can explain what it is.
The answer is way above my Paygrade.

Take care my FRiend.

[SkyDancer]

Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there; I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow, I am the sun on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush, I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there; I did not die.

~God Bless, Janey ~

[KC Burke]

You’re a good man, Joe.

[tet68]

12 years, can one really expect more?
Would 24 years be better?
12 years of love from you to him.
12 years of love from him to you.
Oh! The joy.
Oh! The fun.
Oh! The love.

My heart goes out to you my friend.
As my heart would go out to Ranger
had he lost you.

It’s hard, very hard, but what you shared
outweighs the pain and lasts forever.
t.

[Twinkie]

I had never experienced euthanasia on any of my animals
before “Twinkie” a few years ago. So, I didn’t know they
muzzled the animals while doing the procedure. She didn’t
resist; but she would not have bitten anyone. She lived to
over 16 years & was a snake dog who feigned snake killing
for “Pepper’s” sake. I loved her; and my FR name is
“Twinkie” in honor of her. (When I first met her, she was
just a puppy, at a garbage receptacle trying to find food.
I picked her up, put her on my truck, took her in to a vet
in town, told them I didn’t really know what she was as
she had mange and no hair left on her body. They treated
her and she was my girl from then on out. At the end, her
hind legs were paralyzed. I hope I’ll see her again. -
Just be forewarned that they muzzle them prior to giving
the shot & I can understand they almost have to do that to
avoid being bitten.)

[Yaelle]

To have given a wonderful animal 12 happy, healthy bonus years is such a gift, FRiend. Ranger was so lucky to have had you. Hugs.