I Just Lost My Beloved Wolfhound (Vanity)

December 4, 2004 | McGavin999

[McGavin999]

I just lost my beloved Wolfhound this morning. He was diagnosed with Lymphoma in October and was doing really well. He died of complications as a result of the chemo.

Jamie was the best dog in the world. I never even had to train him, he just always did what I asked him to do. He was one of those good natured protectors. You know the type, they didn't bark, they just got between you and whoever. Since he weighed 192 lbs nobody ever bothered to test him, they just kept their distance. You could take him anywhere, he had perfect manners. And he was so funny, he'd make you laugh until the tears streamed down your face.

He was my best friend, and my heart is broken.

[farmfriend]

Sorry for you lost. Wolfhouds are great dogs. It's always hard when you lose a family memeber.

[Lexington Green]

Near this spot are deposited the remains of one who possessed Beauty without Vanity, Strength without Insolence, Courage without Ferocity, and all the Virtues of Man without his Vices. This praise, which would be unmeaning Flattery, if inscribed over human ashes, is but a Just Tribute to the Memory of BOATSWAIN, a Dog. – Hobhouse - Epitaph, on Lord Byron's dog, Boatswain, at Newstead Abbey

[Nowhere Man]

A few more things to add, my condolences, it is OK to have a good cry. There is also a site where you can post your pets for them to be remembered at http://www.rememberourpets.com I was trying to post Muffin up there but couldn't get the pic to upload at the time but I'll try again.

[LSAggie]

I am so sorry for your loss. Our Golden/Brittany mix, Samantha, was diagnosed with Lymphoma in October of 2004 and we immediately started chemotherapy. It was a terrible rollercoaster ride of emotions as she would slip into and then out of remission. We finally had to let her go January 31st of this year and it broke our hearts, but the last dose of chemo was just too much for her. I, like many other here, have been where you are. Please accept our condolences.

[catonsville]

It is part of the contract. You give food , water, a nice place to rest and trips to the vet and your dog gives you sillyness, laughter,, companionship, protection and a love you can never forget. But there is a time to ease their pain despite how much you do not want to see them go.

I have made this decision with my dogs and cats many times, it never is easy. But the cycle goes on with the new dog you have to get.

---

I have printed this before on Free Republic.

"The late entertainer Steve Allen was asked to contribute a work to a Long Island Animal Welfare Group that was raising money for a new shelter He wrote this heart breaking classic.

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.

You are young but they are old. They go,
The German shepherd and the poodle,
The bassett hound and mutt.
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.

---

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[milagro]

Thank you for your post--I just lost my Bear who lived to be fourteen. I got him before my husband and I got married, and he came to love John so much. When John died almost 3 years ago, I know it hurt Bear's heart.

Now I am greatly comforted to believe that Bear is with my John. My Pastor--who is NOT any touchy-feely liberal--even sent me a condolence card for Bear that depicts a little doggie door in one of the gates of Heaven.

God Bless you!!

[Nowhere Man]

Hmmm, link ain't working, try this:

http://www.rememberourpets.com

It's hard trying to type on a laptop with a 15 year old, 13 pound, grey and white cat on your lap. B-)

[Cicero]

My aunt, who was probably a saint, subscribed to the view that although heaven isn't for animals, if an animal is dear enough it can sometimes slip in as an adjunct of its owner.

It's not an article of faith, but it's certainly a possibility. God rewards the blessed in heaven with everything they need to make them perfectly happy. Chiefly the Beatific Vision, but everything else as well.

[flutters]

I caught part of a reality show a few days ago. An animal activist and vegan weirdo was trying to convince a little boy to stop eating meat. The weird woman ask the little boy if he ate frog legs. The little boy answered "yes" then the lady ask him why he didn't eat dog. The boy looked her right in the eyes and said, "a frog is a frog, but a dog is man's best friend." Priceless.

Our dogs are really precious. I hope you find peace. Prayers sent.

[fawn796]

I love it!

[ShandaLear]

I'm sorry for your loss. I have a dog and am a consumate dog lover. Wolfhounds are the most noble creatures with the wisest faces. He was as lucky to have you as you were to have him.

[McGavin999]

I would take Jamie to run once each week with his sisters. God, it was beautiful. They would run with that full out double extention gallop straight for a fence and at the last minute swerve together never losing a beat.

He was a magnificent dog, red brindle with an Irish wire pin coat that was so waterproof you had a hard time giving him a bath. One shake and he was dry.

He was only 5, that's so young for a giant breed. I should have had 5 more years with him.

[TASMANIANRED]

My prayers for you. The only thing comparable to losing a dog is losing a child.

A dog's love is the closest thing to perfection here on Earth. They love without reservation, they are non judgmental and always understanding.

Dogs are one of the Lord's finest creations.

Sympathy from a fellow sufferer during your time of bereavement.

[cicero's_son]

I am so sorry to hear this McGavin999. I have the sweetest Great Dane in the world, and he means everything to me. I think some dogs really are angels sent to help us through the rough patches in our lives.

I know a little bit about Wolfhounds. I've always thought I'd like to have one some day. They remind me of Danes in their temperament, their affection, their loyalty, and their gentleness.

Losing a dog can be like losing a dear friend or family member. Not everyone "gets it," but rest assured there are plenty of us out here who do.

You, and your sweet dog, will be in my prayers.

[Diva Betsy Ross]

My thoughts are with you. I had a beloved Keeshond named Orion who passed in my arms and the vet's office. She had gotten a cough and died a few days later. I was in the vets office holding her when she lifted her head to mine, licked my nose and then stopped breathing.

It took me a good year to get to the point where I didn't think of her and cry in pain.

I understand how you feel. Please trust me- it will get better with time- just as all heartaches do.

When you are feeling a bit better please look at this link- it is written for people who do understand the love of a Animal as a best friend.

You will find some people may make statements that hurt- they do not understand. You and I, and countless others were blessed to be given the love of a best friend that transcends many things.

RAINBOW BRIDGE

My hearts hurts anew today-but i know it will be ok in a bit.

Be well.

[Jackknife]

"He was one of those good natured protectors. You know the type, they didn't bark, they just got between you and whoever." ..... "He was my best friend, and my heart is broken."

As a dog lover, my heart goes out to you.

"Silent Sympathy" by Herbert Dicksee(1894)

For those unfamiliar with the breed.

[Two-Bits]

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. It is like loosing a child. Jamie is right now young, pain free and is running in a meadow chasing butterflies. He knows the day will come when he will be with his beloved master again. Just keep in your heart all the wonderful memories you shared with Jamie and remember the day will come when Jamie will be back with you again.

[WestTexasWend]

When a person dies, it's sometimes hard for strangers to relate. When a beloved animal dies, anyone who has ever lost a pet knows well the depth of grief you are feeling.

I am so sorry for your loss.

[A knight without armor]

I am so very sorry. I don't have words to say how much I know the hurt of this. God Bess you and His newest little angel.

[mcshot]

My condolences for the loss of your family member. As a long time dog lover I've lost multiple friends that I look forward to seeing again on "Rainbow Ridge".
mc