Need help - My dog is going down

[Scooper]

chum, I know your pain... I wish there were words of wisdom that i could pass along to make everything better, only time will ease the pain. Just try to do your best and comfort the dog and your wife... its not easy, it never is. all best in these trying times.

[chumtini]

My wife read all your notes and it does help. Thanks! She thinks you all rock. We'll get down your way as soon as we can. Gunner's next vet appt is on Wed. BFT fishing on Thurs. Is that Wrong? LOL Gotta snatch up all the tuna before Da'Box. Thanks again. It truely helped

[ocnslr]

by Beth Norman Harris.

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps falls upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.

And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest - and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

[SeaBiscuit]

The prayer offered by ocnslr says it all. We share your pain Mr and Mrs chumtini. I'm sure the pup knows he's loved and love is all he needs now.
SeaBiscuit

[jbhockeyfan]

Sending my thoughts and prayers your way

[Captain Fred Archer]

Chum,

I am so very sorry. Only those who have had one or more of these wonderful creatures step into their soul can understand just how hard this is.

It sounds like it is tearing your wife's heart apart even more than yours. Please have her read this a day or two after the end. It will be hard, but I promise you, it will help both of you.

I wish that there were more that I could do.

My words first...

“I will wait for you”

From Shadow Girl and Friend

He felt his worn and tired muscles relax and his pain dissolve. He drew in a long, soft breath and relaxed a little more as the familiar, loving scent of his beloved Family filled his lungs. Memories of them rushed through his brain and warmed Gunner's great heart. The love replaced the pain and it began to swiftly leave him.

"A collage of happy images and tender days."

He felt the soft touches against his fur. Master’s hands when he lifted him sent a tactile message of his gratitude and love. And he remembered the warmth of the familiar hands of Mistress atop his head and neck and blinked and saw the faces streaked with tears.

"Don't cry for me or feel sad, my loves."

He heard the words one last time as he shut his beautiful and loving eyes. They said his name and the "good boy” words. They reached him through his pain and sorrow and replaced them with powerful, healing love. In his mind he wagged his stubby tail to tell Family that he heard. And understood.

"Good bye, my hearts."

He is no longer in pain and is not afraid.

And then he is standing in a lovely meadow awash with stunning, golden sunlight near a clean, bubbling stream. The sky is fiercely blue. The air sparkles in a clarity and sweet cleanliness that he has never know before.

He hears the songs of many birds and smells the growing grass. Happy barking reaches his ears from somewhere nearby. His legs are strong. His eyes are clear. His body is healed. He stands proud, tall and magnificent again. He begins to walk toward a brightly colored bridge, far off on the horizon, but pauses for a moment and looks back.

"Thank you. Until the day we walk together once again. I will love you forever...And I will wait for you."

He turns and his now strong rear end wiggles and squirms in happiness and excitement and he runs. And runs. He is joined by a huge, black female Labrador who seems familiar somehow. Her great golden eyes confirm what his heart has told him. It is one named Shadow Girl, sent by her daddy to come greet him in joy and happiness. They frolic together in the green meadows amid flowers and lush trees and bushes.

And they occasionally stop playing and stand together, heads cocked to one side, one tail wagging and a rear end wiggling slowly in that special way that they have, impatiently watching the horizon.

And they wait for you.

Fred Archer

The Rainbow Bridge, author unknown

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to special people here, that one goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills there for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.

There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals that had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss people who were very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your wonderful friend, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....


Mr and Mrs Chum,

The special ones know that there is a hole in our hearts when they leave us, and so they select another special one to help us heal. Gunner has done that for you. You know that he loved you too much to leave you here without a special friend to give your great love to and to return it to you. You will know him or her when you see him, but won’t know that he had been chosen and sent for you to find.

Look for this new one soon. Gunner knows that you will open up your heart and take he or she into it. And when you see a bit of Gunner in that new one, you’ll know why now, won’t you? The moment you make that connection, tails will wag and happy barks will ring out up at The Rainbow Bridge.

I know. My Shadow Girl told me so and I think I heard another, smaller dog barking in the background.

What's that, girl? Okay, I'll tell them. Good girl!

Yup, it was your old pal!

He is happy and waiting, just as he promised he would.

Thanks, good girl.

Now, if you haven’t already done so, go find your faithful old friend’s gift of love to you. You must not let him down.

With great love, sadness and understanding from a friend who you have never met and his great good girl, Shadow Girl of Cabo San Lucas.

And from The Rainbow Bridge...it is real. Rejoice!

Fred Archer

[j towne]

Sorry to hear about the pup chum. Hang in there.

[SheLuvs2Fish]

I'm so sorry... There's nothing like losing a furkid

Hang in there and know lots of good thoughts and prayers are headed your way.

[matey8941]

sorry to hear bout the pup dude....it suckes losing a dog is just like losing a best friend and it doesnt matter they are never replacable...sorry to hear this