Matthew,

I am sorry for your loss. I have never owned a dog (no space (yet)). But I know when the previous dog (German sheppard)of my grandmother and uncle died I felt really really sad... I had known him all my life (got him shortly after I was born), and when I was there he was my buddy.

The dog was used as a watch dog, and very suspicious of others. In fact that dog allowed me to do more then even his owner (I was the only one who he allowed to touch or even get near his feedbasket when he was eating). I was the only one who he would allow to pick food dropped on the ground (like cookies). All were stunned when they saw what I could do with the dog. In fact when someone was mad at me, they first had to make sure the dog was not around, as when you touched me, you touched him.

The dog of my neighbours was more or less the same, though not so extreme.

Anyways, I wish you the best, and hope the present dog and future dogs in your life my give you as much fun and happy moments as Hero did.

Harm

Matthew,
I know exactly how you feel, I just lost my best girl too-- she was a German Shepard mix that we got for the local shelter. She was approw. 14+ years and she went this past June while at home. While it hurt to see her go, I was happy I didn't have to take her to the vet-- she HATED the vet--that was the most frightening place for her to go.

She was getting old...and just passed from natural causes and I was lucky enough to spend the whole day with her, just petting her knowing she was close to going....and when she finally did I was right there with her petting her and telling her not to fight it and just let go. We have a huge backyard...and while it may not be totally legal in some areas, I buried her out back in one of her favorite spots along with her favorite treats and her favorite brush.

I know how if feels, after having her so long I am still not used to opening the door after work or school and not having her there but this little reflection on mine helps...that dog, as well as yours, and any members here that have pets--lived the best of lives...they were fed, played with, pampered, loved, spoiled you name it. We gave them great lives and they made ours so much more enjoyable.

Take Care,
Sean

Matt,

My deepest sympathy to you. I know what it's like as I've been there myself. I know the void you now feel and hopfully some day you can fill that void again. Here's a link to a page that someone gave me when my buddy passed on.

http://www.dogstory.net/lastwill.htm

Ciao Red4,
Sorry to hear about your dog's passing. They really do become part of the family, don't they? As others as mentioned - you gave the dog a good life and I'm sure she enjoyed every minute of it. My condolences to you and your family.
Ciao for now
Rob

My brother saved an abused dog from the needle when he adopted one from the local shelter. Wolfgang has been part of the family every since coming over to our parents house for every family event and even getting his own gifts at Xmas!! It's surprising how much we care for our pets sometimes. I never thought I'd be so attached to a dog. I would be devasted if something happened to him and he's not even mine!! I can't imagine what you are going through but I wish you the best. I know you can't find a replacement but perhaps you can find a new friend!!

Sorry to hear of your loss, it is not easy.... You did the kindest thing you could have done. They are family, they bring just as much love and happiness into a family as a human.

Matt.

The Didginator (real name Didger, an Aussie cattledog) lies at my feet as I type this.

Reading about your loss and the recent loss of a buddies dog has led me to

(1) take more pictures and (2) take more walks with Didger.

My thoughts are with you.

Michael