Well....

[neilinov]

I guess that 2009 is not my year. You get through one hurdle and another twice as big pops up in your face. My dog has been not so good for the past month, but with the treatment she has been getting she had appeared to be getting better. Today was tragic.

She was scheduled for a vet appt. this afternoon at 4:30. Just a check on her status to make sure her recovery was going well. When I woke up I knew things were not going to go well. Sandy wanted to just go outside and lay in the yard. If any of you know what this morning was like you know it was horrible. 20 kt NE winds and rain and all the dog wanted to do was lay in the back yard. My kids were getting ready for school and were wondering why Sandy was just laying outside. My wife told my daughter that she was still sick, but had an appointment with the doctor today.

We could see that she was not doing so well so we called the vet to see if we could get her in sooner. The vet said no problem bring her in immediately. Well I went out and got her up out of the yard and dried her off. She was shaky and was having trouble breathing. I got her in the car and off we went. I kept looking in the mirror to make sure she was ok. She appeared to look me in the eyes every time as if to say Daddy it's ok.

We arrived at the Vet's office and I walked around to get Sandy out of the car. She could not stand up and had a real laboured pant. I picked her up and was carrying her to the Vet and she convulsed and died right there in my arms. I rushed her into the Vet's office where they quickly assessed Sandy and confirmed that she was dead.

Sandy was my friend, my hunting partner and my children's companion. She will surely be missed. She was only seven years old and in the last month was stricken by something that knocked her down in the prime of her life. R.I.P Sandy! I will miss you!

[SeaBiscuit]

Bittersweet story man. I'm sure that she was happy to go in her master's arms.
Sorry about your loss. Sandy was a great looking yellow dog.
SeaBiscuit

[clt_capt]

"I stood beside your bed last night"

I stood beside your bed last night, I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying, you found it hard to sleep
I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well I'm fine I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour your tea,
you were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.
I was with you at the marsh today. Your legs were getting sore.
I longed to make just one retrieve, I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today. You tend it with such care.
I want to reassure you, that Im not lying there.
I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said, "It's me."

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.
It's possible for me, to be so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."

You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew.
In the stillness of that evening, I was close to you.
The day is over, I smile and watch you yawning.
And say "goodnight, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.
I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out, then come home to be with me.

Author Unknown

[BarryTurano]

I'm so sorry for your loss. My eyes are welling up I still see "max the wonder beagle" in our house he has been gone 6 years now. He was our "adopted" son for 15 years.The only thing that you should remember is the good times with him and that you gave him a good and happy life. Take comfort in the fact he is no longer suffering. Always remember the Rainbow Bridge where he will be waiting. I am so very sorry.
Barry

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

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills 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 who 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 someone 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 pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

[Glenn W]

Dang bud a heavy blow after a long hard fought battle she gave. I'm sorry for the loss of a part of your family.

[Proheat]

So sorry to hear the news Neil. Labs are awesome dogs and 7 years old is way too young to leave us.
I know that you and your family are hurting, but another way to look at it was that if she had to go, atleast your kids weren't around to watch it happen- this isn't much comfort for you, but probably the best for your children.
Hang in there and hopefully the hurt will go away soon.

[Robja]

Sorry for your loss Neilinov. A best companion is hard to lose.

[sf_surfr]

Neil, very sorry for your loss. Last year I lost one of my pups and it was one of the toughest things my wife and I have gone through. I wish you guys nothing but the best and I hope you will find another pup out there that will not replace Sandy but will be another great addition to your family.

V/R,

Dave

[BTH284]

Sorry to hear your loss. Time will heal your heart. She is whole again and in good lab company up there!

[gottaflylee]

Oh I am so sorry to hear this. WE are so blessed to have such a wonderful famliy member as Sandy. It sad that we olny have them for a very short time before we have to let them go.
Still keepig you and your family in me thoughts and prayers...