[libstripper]

This is Ben's heart rending account of the end of his beloved German short-haired pointer, Cleo. My heart and prayers go out to him because I lost an equally loved dog person, Brother, a little one a year ago and it still hurts when I think of him and his death. I adopted a new dog, a Great Dane named Canute after the only Danish king of England. Canute, a wonderful dog, is now a year and four months old, but even he and my other dog, Ulysses, can't fill the hole in my heart Brother's passing left.

[brivette]

funny how dogs can fill an empty space in our lives...

[Hulka]

Waiting for you just across the Rainbow Bridge.

[Kimmers]

I think we all have similar stories of having to say goodbye to our much loved pets.....I have had to say goodbye to 2 dogs within 18 months this past year.....we hold their memories in our hearts......

[DNME]

I’ve got three doggie funerals expected in the next 2 years, and the pain is already being felt.

My sympathies to Ben and to all dog lovers. They are ephemeral and we must seem like immortals to them. Their loss comes too soon and too often.

[Biggirl]

Losing a pet is never easy. At least Cleo knew the love and support she had receved.

[Biggirl]

Please ping this one over to Joe-6Pack.

[Joe 6-pack]

WOOOF!

The Doggie Ping list is for FReepers who would like to be notified of threads relating to all things canid. If you would like to join the Doggie Ping Pack (or be unleashed from it), FReemail me.

[Sans-Culotte]

As a dog lover, I know the pain well. Best wishes to Ben as Cleo journeys across the bridge.

[Freestate316]

My heart goes out to him, and to you as well libstripper. Our little pembroke welsh corgi is only 20 months old, but I know that one day my heart will be broken when we say goodbye. Still, the love and joy that they bring into our lives makes it all worth it.

[Retired Chemist]

I lost an equally loved dog person, Brother, a little one a year ago and it still hurts when I think of him and his death.

Lost my beloved Sheltie 2 years ago and thoughts of her still bring tears.

[cport]

So you lost someone who loves dogs? is that what I read when you said you lost a dog person? I like dogs as much as the next guy, but assigning personhood to dogs and other animals helps in the devaluation of human life, IMHO. Sorry for your loss though.

[freekitty]

I too know the pain now. I am loosing my sweet Keeley to bone cancer. She is only 6 and 1/2 years old. I am doing every thing I can to keep her longer and without pain.

[dainbramaged]

Our pit bull Brandy and husky/golden mix Koko both lived to the age of sixteen - having them put down was difficult but necessary. The vet mailed us a card with this poem which I thought was very kind.

If it should be that I grow weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.

You will be sad, I understand.
Don’t let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day, more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.

We’ve had so many happy years.
What is to come can hold no fears.
You’d not want me to suffer so;
The time has come -- please let me go.

Take me where my need they’ll tend,
And please stay with me til the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I’ve been saved.

Please do not grieve--it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We’ve been so close, we two, these years;
Don’t let your heart hold back its tears.

Anonymous

[KGeorge]

God Bless him. There is no “less painful” way to lose one of our fuzzy babies & no such thing as “prepared”.

And God Bless you, libstripper. It takes a few years, but even then, it’s still sometimes pain management.

Both Y’All are in my prayers.

[TexasRepublic]

The only way to partially fill the vacuum of a departed dog is to get another, but even that is only a inexact substitute and not a true replacement due to their unique personalities. Enjoy each day fully with your friend while you can.

[aomagrat]

My dog Wink died in September. I still grieve. Dogs matter, they really do.

[smokingfrog]

[yorkie]

As some of you know, I was in a horrible roll-over in January,
and lost two my dearest friends in the world;
Tiapam and Cardhu (FReeper names).

Pam's little dog has been living at the home of her birth brother,
Little Bit, where she has been adored and loved since she was born.
She would have been 16 years old in October.

Today, Pam's little yorkie, d'Ogee
Made her trip to Rainbow Bridge.

Your Mommy is waiting for you,
sweet darling d'Ogee....

Her ashes will be scattered with Pam's on July 21st.

Cleo and Brother and d'Ogee are playing together
This evening, at Rainbow Bridge

RAINBOW BRIDGE - (click here and turn your speakers on.)

[trisham]

We had to have our 12 1/2 year old Ridgeback put to sleep last Saturday. He had three tumours on his liver alone, and more on his other internal organs. I spent Saturday morning holding him in my arms as he writhed in pain. Around 2:00 we brought him to Tufts small animal hospital. He had only been diagnosed on Thursday afternoon. He was the best dog we've ever had.

I understand how Ben must feel, but I can't read the article.

I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved Brother.

[Liberty Valance]

Ben Stein Bump