Lost My Beloved Dog Teddy Today

Self ^ | 5/30/2017 | USConservative

[McGavin999]

I tell them where they are going, I tell them not to be afraid, I tell them to wait for me and that I love them. I know they understand

[Shady]

We lost our beloved Lab three years ago and our Kitty this past February. Our Littermate Pups now, one has a heart condition so it is daily meds, but we’ll take the best care of her.. It is so hard, my best to you..

[dainbramaged]

I've lost many pets over the years, and this poem has been comforting.
THE LAST BATTLE
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this -- the last battle -- can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend.
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close -- we two -- these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
~Unknown

[PGalt]

WOW! What a great/responsible pet owner of Teddy. Condolences sir. Thanks for posting.

[usconservative]

Please do hug your rescue tonight and give one for me too.

My Teddy was a rescue. He came off of a farm in Indiana where he wasn't treated very well. When we got him I was just shocked at how sweet, well mannered and gentle he was. I'd have sworn he was well trained.

We got him about six months after my dog Jerry passed away and I was finally getting to the point where I was ok without a dog in the house. My kids were 6 and 8 at the time, they didn't seem to care there was no dog in the house and honestly I was more affected by it than anyone else in the house.

Then a friend calls and asks "are you ready for a new dog yet?" I told him no and he should look elsewhere. Then I hung up the phone. He called back. Asked me to come look at this dog (Teddy) and said if I didn't want him after looking at him he'd look elsewhere. Like an idiot, I agreed to go look.

Wife asks as I'm leaving where I'm going and upon hearing I'm going to my friend Dave's to look at a dog, she says she was missing one in the house and wanted a family friendly dog again.

Shaking my head, I left the house and drove the ten minutes to my friend Dave's house. I arrived, he opened the door, and this beautiful black maned and very tall black labradoodle gently walks up to the door and looks right at me.

Then I go inside, look at my friend Dave and say "I f**king hate you right now Dave! I f**king hate you!" He laughs and says "you love him already don't you?"

I spent 30 minutes with Teddy that day. He was about ten months old, incredibly well mannered, so gentle and I'd never guess he was abused or mistreated. He was just this gentle, loving dog.

I agreed to bring my two sons and wife by the next day, if they got along with Teddy I'd take him.

Well, of course they all took to each other and I reminded my friend Dave how much I hated him for doing this to me.

I have to admit, I really tried my best to NOT love him. And I think he knew it because that dog worked on me for WEEKS letting me know it wasn't acceptable that I wouldn't pet him or most times even acknowledge he was there. He refused to quit, I eventually gave in.

I'd teach him how to fetch, stay in his yard and actually had to teach him how to play like a puppy! Oh what fun that was for me!!! We'd take him everywhere we went, including vacations.

As the years passed and the kids grew, the wife and I divorced and all the changes that caused, Teddy was my one constant. Always here for me to love, take care of, greet me when I came home and ask to go on car rides even when I was just out running short quick errands.

Of all the things I'm grateful for right now is all the time I had with him, just the two of us one on one these past few years. I don't think I'd have made it through all the turmoil without him.

And believe it or not, I'm grateful my now ex wife was there with me as we eased his pain into the next life.

Finally, this was the text I sent to my friend Dave just ten minutes ago letting him know the news:

Hi Dave, just wanted to let you know
that Teddy passed today. I know that I
jokingly say "I hate you" for calling
that day so many years ago now asking if
I was ready for another dog. Truth is,
Teddy's been the most loyal, smart and
wonderful dog I've ever had. I wouldn't
trade a minute of him in my life for anything.
Thank you and Meredith for entrusting him to
me. I am so grateful for that I don't have
the right words to express it. (Larry)

I miss you Teddy, I'll see you soon. I love you! Dad.

[4everontheRight]

Hardest thing I've ever had to do. I had to let go of the best dog I ever had the privilege to have as a companion a few years ago. I finally quit crying every time I thought about her just about a month ago. She was like no other & she will never be replaced.
We have another dog now & she is great. But still not the same but we love her! She has helped us get passed #1

[TXLoneStar]

Thanks for sharing and sorry for your loss. I have two getting up in age (one is 17) as well and will be very sad to see them go. It is nice to have such loyal companionship and unconditional love. You don’t really get that with people unfortunately.

[usconservative]

They're all unique and special in their own way. They show us how, we just have to pay attention and find it.

They are a blessing like no other IMO. Unconditional love, 24x7x365. There is no one and nothing else on this earth that does that for us. I'm convinced of that.

[miss marmelstein]

Well, that’s beautiful and I truly, truly know what you are going through. I was in shock for several weeks after my little angel dog, Whiskey, just collapsed one morning after breakfast and 2 hours later was dead.

She had been sent to a rescue shelter after her elderly owner passed away; she must have known nothing but love because she was the most gentle and loving dog herself.

The house is always empty after the death of a dog. Profoundly empty.

[usconservative]

Thank you for sharing and I agree: we don't get unconditional love from people.

Through the tears and blurry screen today, I'm doing my best to keep my thankful heart and thanking Jesus for every moment I had with Teddy.

[EdnaMode]

Awww. I’m so sorry for your loss.

[Silentgypsy]

So sorry for your loss.

[usconservative]

The house is always empty after the death of a dog. Profoundly empty.

Yes it is, and quiet too. I don't have a single thing on other than this computer right now.

Thank you for your company and kind words here today. I very much appreciate them.

[haircutter]

Oh I feel your pain and sadness..
On March 24th. we had to say ‘good bye’ to our 13 year old Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, MIAH...she injured her leg on the icy drive way and it never seemed to heal..plus she had numerous fatty tumors..and several the Vet said were deep concern..she just was in pain, and could not find a comfort zone to lay in...I still weep when I think of her or see a photo..

So many hearts are with you for your Teddy..they know when it is time to go...I'm glad he did not have to suffer any longer...Peace and Comfort and a HUG I send to you today..Stay Strong, Safe and Positive...That place on the other side of the bridge has to be beautiful...

Haircutter~PA.

[miss marmelstein]

Well, keep connected. A lot of pet owners and dog lovers here. We’ve all been through it.

[usconservative]

Thank you for your kind note. I'm so sorry for your loss and it's still so fresh.

Hugs and many thanks back to you!

[Silentgypsy]

I understand that you don’t want to go through this again. Please consider this: What if you had made that decision before you met Teddy?

[Uversabound]

usconservative I dont know where to start.

No words will help.
Maybe a story will.

I have 19 year old cat Oreo, white and black. He is in good shape for his age, sleeps more now than usual but controls the 120 pound Doberman, you all may have heard this before.

Almost 20 years I have been attached at the hip to this fine animal.

usconservative God will keep your love for each other. It never dies. Gotta go....xoxo

[left that other site]

My heart goes out to you, FRiend. Been there, and am seeing it again in a few years...Penny is 8, and for a big dog, that’s late middle age soon to be senior.

[Silentgypsy]

Prayers up for you and your Teddy, too....