[osagebowman]

There never was much hope-just a fool's hope. This stage of the journey ends.

This noon, we walked Samantha to the Rainbow Bridge. We held her and amid our tears, set her feet on the bridge. She fought the good fight but she knew and we knew it was to no avail.

She came into our lives almost five years ago, a middle aged castaway from Wayside Waifs. Over the time, our love and patience overcame the years of abuse and neglect she had endured. She was a truly gentle soul, loving small children, puppies and cats, yet disliking most other dogs. She loved to chase squirrels but always gave them a head start and recognized a truce when they drank from our bird bath. She wanted to go for rides but invariably became carsick. While time may heal some of the hurt, she will never dim from our memory.

Samantha won't be scared in thunderstorms anymore because she'll have a guardian in Gifford, our stalwart labrador retriever, who crossed the Bridge ten years ago.

We loved her and will miss her, Samantha was a good dog. No finer tribute can be said than that.

To all those who wished her well and offered prayers for her, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

OB & LSA

[Bear_in_RoseBear]

[RosieCotton]

Oh gosh...I'm so sorry! I guess I'd understood that there wasn't much hope, but I hadn't realized how near the end might be.

Your post brought (well, is still bringing me) to tears. Best wishes from here...I know how tough it can be to lose a pet.

[HairOfTheDog]

I am sorry osage.... I just pinged you to a thread about this very thing, knowing it was close. I didn't know this was coming today.

MISSING OUR DOGS

Old Men miss many dogs.
They only live a dozen years,if that,
And by the time you are sixty, there are several
The names of which evoke remembering smiles.
You see them in your mind,heads cocked and seated.
You see them by your bed, or in the rain,
Or sleeping by the fire by nights
And always dying.

They are remembered like departed children
Though they gave vastly more than ever they took,
And finally you're seeing dogs that look like them.
They pass you in the street but never turn
Although it seems they should,their faces so familiar.
Old men miss many dogs.

Regarding dogs, I like them all - pointers, setters, retrievers, spaniels... I have had good ones and bad of several kinds. Most of the bad ones were my fault and most of the good ones would have been good under any circumstances. ~Gene Hill

[Overtaxed]

[ecurbh]

(((OB and LSA)))

Very beautiful and moving post. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[SuziQ]

I'm so sorry to hear about Samantha. Can't think of any other dog who was so well loved.

[Scott from the Left Coast]

[Wneighbor]

(((((Osagebowman)))))

(((((LSAggie)))))

Tears are fallin' in this Texas home right along with the ones up there. We never forget 'em. And nothing can compare to our time with 'em. I have with you in heart.

[g'nad]

I will not say do not cry... for not all tears are evil...

We have no words... but you have our prayers...

dogs are a blessing...

[Professional Engineer]

Condolences. You have pictures and memories which will help.

[Rose in RoseBear]

I'm so sorry, Osage.

When Bear told me about Samantha this evening, I wondered what I could say. Not much that you didn't. She was loved, and that is beautiful.

Y'all're in my thoughts.

[Corin Stormhands]

I am back and catching up OS. I'm sorry to hear that Samantha has crossed that Bridge.

I am glad though, for the time and the many wonderful walks she had with you and LSA.

[2Jedismom]

((osagebowman, LSAggie))

My heart is breaking for you, but I"m also proud of you. You're good people.