[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Golfingnut

I have been married for 44 years to the same women, but I feel the same love for little Busty as my wife. He has sat on my lap for 17 years. His 18th birthday will be the 15th of this month. It is quite the weird feeling when I went from OMG he passed to OH Busty I love you so much.

Originally Posted by Golfingnut

Thank you for that article. On one hand, it is a comfort to know I am not alone, but WOW what a feeling of pain. I so deeply love the kind spirit that Mr. Buster possesses and displays to me every day. Buster is blind and deaf yet when I put my hand close to his nose, he wags his tail and responds to me like nothing is any different today than 17 years ago. How can they do that?

Originally Posted by Golfingnut

So true. I receive such love and appreciation from Mr. Buster, I know I am the beneficiary from being able to be a part of Busters journey. I love people, but you will never experience a more profound devotion than you receive from a dog.

Originally Posted by shcisamax

I think I have been incredibly lucky to have had a dog in my life for most of my life. And you are completely right. The profound devotion from a dog is something so incredibly special. I feel very sorry for people that have not had the experience of a relationship with a dog. It enlarges your soul.

Originally Posted by gomoho

You are so right and I pity the person that has never experienced this bond. I have done it over and over and suffered the lost of several, but will continue having a pet till I can no longer care for one because a dog is GOD spelled backwards.

Originally Posted by DonH57

Totally agree. I remember when our 14 year old chocolate lab passed away the day before we were to take him to the vets as he was losing his battle with cancer. It seemed to be as he didn't want to go back to the vets.

Originally Posted by CFrance

I am so glad Busty is still with you. What a scare, and what a relief. It's so hard when you have an aging dog. Every day is a blessing.

Originally Posted by Golfingnut

Thank you and I love you for understanding that. When I get up in the morning, the first thing I do is watch Busty to see his chest expand to know he is still with me. I can see how that might sound strange, but it is what I do every morning and feel such relief when is see the expansion of his chest.

Golfingnut, I think you have a wonderful relationship with Busty. It is touching to read your posts and feel your love for him. And to know that your bond with Busty has survived for 17 years, and that bond lasts even when a dog gets old and blind and deaf and has bad breath. My little dog will be 14 in October. The older he gets, the more he needs me, and the more protective I feel.

All my favorite posters have commented on this thread. Dog lovers make my heart sing. They are a special breed of people who understand that dogs make us better people and enlarge our souls. Dogs are always happy to give their lucky humans unconditional love and pure joy.

Positive threads about dogs light up my life.