[Lou Card]

About 35 years ago, my mother and father lost a dog they named Baby Girl after 15 years of life. When I told my Mother, "you need to get a new puppy", she replyed with a firm "I could not go through that Pain again". For 35 years, I just could not understand that feeling.

We had to put our Kirby down a few weeks ago at the age of 17. I now understand. That was a pain like nothing I have experienced nor could even imagine. My heart goes out to all that have ever had to go through that.

Lou

[salpal]

Our baby is 15 and we know the time is coming.....Our hearts go out to you, we know it is as if losing a family member. That is the worst thing about dogs, they leave us one day. Take comfort that you gave your baby a good, long life.

[KathieI]

LouCard, my sympathy goes out to you guys. In my avatar is Nicky, my "boy" for 15 years who passed last month. I have another, Lucy, who is also 15 and am dreading the day when she will leave me also. I totally understand your pain, but I think about never being without a "best friend" again, and that's not going to happen. We give them the greatest life possible, take care of all their needs and they don't have to give us anything except their love. Actually, I've been through this about 7 times and every time I lose one, I immediately get a new one ASAP. Its not to replace the one I lost, but also give a beautiful home to a new one that has just come into this world. Surprisingly, it does make the pain subside a little, maybe become more tolerable, but without my little "kids", I would be totally lost. That's my opinion, of course. I hope you find comfort in that you gave Kirby 17 wonderful years, that's a huge accomplishment. He had a great life.

Have a happy new year.

[graciegirl]

I send true sympathy and understanding. I wish somehow the G's could ease the pain of your loss.

[GatbTester]

Nothing can match the agonizing pain that losing a pet brings. They ask little and offer so much and truly a home is not a home without a warm little body to greet you upon arrival and snuggle up to at night. We are their guardians, and that also puts terrible responsibilities on our shoulders. The pain will lessen as time goes by, the lovely memories never fade. We wish you speed in your recovery.

My heart goes out to you for your loss.I've been there recently and someone sent me this.It really gave me some comfort and I hope it does the same for you:


The Rainbow Bridge

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...http://www.rainbowbridge.org/

[ajbrown]

I am very sorry to hear of your loss. In my experience what makes losing a dog so difficult is their total innocence (I have had 5, not including the one pictured in my posts). In the end they look to me as their leader (the leader thing maybe just in my imagination ) for help and there is none to give. All we have to give is love and comfort. From your posts it sounds like Kirby had a special life and you will take comfort in that.

When I lost my previous dog, it was very difficult, we were as close as any dog I have ever had. After she passed, I decided to not get another one, it did not seem worth it.

That lasted for 3 years, when I decided it was time again. I find it hard now to believe I waited three years. To me the pain, albeit massive is a price I am willing to pay for all of the good times.

As I write this my heart tugs at the memory of Casey, the new dog is looking at me like I have two heads, waiting to go somewhere, waiting for me to get moving. I will face the pain of losing her in the future (she is 7), but I am so happy she is here right now.

[zcaveman]

I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my Batholomew a year ago last November. He is still with me in my mind. Bosoxfan's Rainbow Bridge is a very good poem to remember. Kirby will be waiting for you at the bridge.

Z

[rshoffer]

Maverick, Kathy and I send our condolences. A bond all pet lovers share is this pain.

[Boomer]

Dear Lou,

I understand.

Boomer

[F16 1UB]

May your heart be mended and your mind remembering the good times. Wow - I can only imagine how you feel.

[Whalen]

I told Missy that Kirby is on his way, she'll take care of him.

Just remember the pain will subside and all the good memories will remain.

[duffysmom]

Lou, so sorry to hear about Kirby. He must have had lots of TLC to live for 17 years.