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.

[TASMANIANRED]

Puppy Patrol Ping.


A fellow traveler has lost a very loved furry family members.
Come to offer support.

[IrishCatholic]

My deepest condolences. Only those that have never had a dog can dismiss your loss.
I do have a recommendation. Take it for the spirit in which it is offered. If it isn't for you, then understand it was how I dealt with the loss of my own dog. When I lost my basset hound Tug, the first dog I owned as an adult, I went out the next day and bought an English Mastiff. I knew for a while Tug was having heart problems and as an older dog, didn't have much time. I looked at all the breeds and wanted a big dog. I didn't want the same breed because I wasn't replacing Tug. I had two small children and wanted the dog that was the most patient and least likely to bite, which was the mastiff. (The other was the Bernese Mountain dog but it gets too hot here for them.)
I drove three hours to get the puppy after spending the previous day burying my dog on the farm. For the next week or two my wife understood as I made a bed on the floor and the puppy slept with me. I told the puppy all about Tug and what a great dog he was. How he would love to chase rabbits and would be upset when the coyotes wouldn't come play after he would chase them.
Now the mastiff is three years old and a monster. He is also patient with the kids that climb on him. He is vigilant of the house when strangers come down the drive. He also looks for me when I am away and sleeps by the side of my bed. He is totally devoted to me. When the wife gets up on days I can sleep in, or when I sleep in after a night of astronomy(No light pollution on the farm) he is up on the bed like a shot to snuggle. But knows never to do so while she is there. He also likes to chase deer and no coyote ever comes around when he is out.
The point? You cannot diminish your loss. But you can celebrate and honor the memory of a good companion. Replace him as soon as you can. You can work through quite a lot of grief by telling the puppy about the dog he is replacing. It really isn't important that the dog doesn't understand the words. What the dog knows and hears is your voice.
When I did this my wife thought I was crazy. Other people at the time didn't understand. In time they saw the wisdom. Maybe it is a country view, or an Irish one. But when this dog goes I will do it again. I will tell the new puppy about Tug and Samson while I lie on a makeshift bed on the floor.
In the end, one of these dogs will outlast me. But when I get to Heaven I expect them all there. It will be a happy time.
Once again, my condolences on your loss.If I have helped you in any way I am glad.

[HairOfTheDog]

When the body that lived at your single will,
When its whimper is stilled (how still!)
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone—wherever it goes—for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.
(From Rudyard Kipling's "Power of the Dog")

Ping!

[Bassfire]

I sympathize with you and know the pain of losing a dear friend and companion. We had to put our chihuauaha mix down on Thursday because he was having seizures and in so much pain. We called him our "little Democrat" all bark, no bite. Such a good watch dog. We have a burial plot in a corner of the yard that holds 3 of our dear doggie friends. When I pass by, I look at their little grave markers,with their collars attached and remember them and tell them what good dogs they were and to rest in peace.

[sergeantdave]

Four-legged friends are a gift from God. May He comfort you in your loss.

[Cyclone59]

Sorry for you loss. I don't have a dog but I know just how you feel. We lost our Tigger and Rufus (two cats that were litter mates that we adpoted 15 years ago).

Regardless I thought you all may enjoy this:


Adam said, "Lord, when I was in the garden, you walked with me every day. Now I do not see you anymore. I am lonesome here, and it is difficult for me to remember how much you love me."

And God said, "No problem! I will create a companion for you that will be with you forever and who will be a reflection of my love for you, so that you will love me even when you cannot see me. Regardless of how selfish or childish or unlovable you may be, this new companion will accept you as you are and will love you as I do, in spite of yourself."

And God created a new animal to be a companion for Adam. And it was a good animal. And God was pleased. And the new animal was pleased to be with Adam and he wagged his tail. And Adam said, "Lord, I have already named all the animals in the Kingdom and I cannot think of a name for this new animal."

And God said, "No problem! Because I have created this new animal to be a reflection of my love for you, his name will be a reflection of my own name, and you will call him Dog."

And Dog lived with Adam and was a companion to him and loved him. And Adam was comforted. And God was pleased. And Dog was content and wagged his tail.

[codyjacksmom]

Oh, I am so sorry for your loss of your very dear friend. I can really tell that you treated him well and he loved you just as much. Take comfort in knowing what a wonderful life you provided him. I am sending some prayers for your heart.

[Marylander]

Condolences. Jamie sounds like a great dog. Give thanks you and he were brought together even for a while. Don't read the rainbow bridge post unless you want to cry all the tears you have.

[prairiebreeze]

I am so sorry. Our pets are such a blessing to us, I know you have many good memories. And he or she no longer suffers with the disease but is in a much happier place.

Prairie

[Jemian]

Kipling must have had a good friend. That entire poem is great. He also wrote Four Feet Trotting Behind. I can read neither without bawling.

[Geezerette]

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your buddy. I have a 14 year old Pomeranian (will be in January), and I dread that day when she leaves me. When I got her, I told her that we are going to grow old together. I still tell her that and that she has to stay with me a lot longer. I love my little Bea, and I know you love your buddy, too.

g

[RepoGirl]

No need to apologize. Our pets are precious, and losing one can heart wrenching. I still miss my cat Frank who died almost ten years ago--she was only five lbs. when she died--but she was five lbs of unconditional love, and that's nothing to sneeze at. I know I'll be devastated when the Moose passes.

Take care, and the grief will pass, it's how we honor the ones we love when they pass on.

[brazzaville]

Good morning.

Rainbow Bridge... where the rabbits are quick but stupid.

Condolences

Michael Frazier

[Pegita]

Tears of sorrow for loss ... and they will flow until they are wiped away by the Creator of All Life. How gracious He is to give us hearts that will totally love His creatures ... how comforting He is in the loss of our dearest friends. He understands.

[Eaker]

I can so totally understand. Before I lost Phudd this past June 28th I would not have been able to.

I am so sorry.

There's no problem on the inside of a person that the outside of a dog can't cure.

[Oreo Kookey]

I am a "cat person" but I think I know exactly how you are feeling. Our pets are very much family members and as such are loved, needed and sorely missed when they are gone from us. Time will heal your broken heart but it will always have a nick in it. I expect you will find that your memories will come flooding to your mind and you will be filled with the same love you have enjoyed while he was with you, although from a different perspective.

The Lord has provided cleansing tears to help mend our hearts. Don't hesitate to avail yourself of those tears.

[DoughtyOne]

I am sorry to hear about your loss. Dogs are wonderful companions. They don't generally ask for much. You can be angry at them one moment, and they'll stick their nose under your hand the next. They are fogiving and loving. They long most to have you show affection to them, and they aren't shy about showing you how much they love you.

It's clear from your post that you loved Jamie very much. Take comfort in the thought that you gave him the best life he could have had. Remember those great times together. Celebrate them.

Find it in your heart to give another dog a great life, like the one you shared with Jamie. It won't be the same, but soon it will be very special as well.

All the best to you.

[sick1]

Hi McGavin,

I lost my Dane to the same disease about 3 years back now. It hurts but it fades and you are a saint for helping your dog live longer and happier with the chemo. The treatments gave Dookie (my dog) an extra 6 months of good quality life even if it was borrowed time.

Now that I've had some time I had actually been looking at Wolfhounds myself as I still don't want to 'replace' the dog I had but get a new one. It sounds like they are very similar in attitude and training.

Warmest regards,

Mike

[DollyCali]

Hugs my FRiend. Thanks for sharing..

FReepmail call.

Need to give up the computer for now

[Pebcak]

Our family will hold both of you in our prayers. We lost our beloved Springer, Daniel exactly this time last year. It still hurts.

Some folks think a dog is just a dog, but many understand that they are family. Family who offer unconditional love.

All we can say is we are so very sorry. One day at a time.