Saying Goodbye

[duffysmom]

We said goodbye to our beloved Duffy yesterday and we are devastated. He was my shadow and best friend and the house is now a lonely place without him. He was tiny but had a big heart and he acted like his mission in life was to give love and joy to his people and boy he did he do that. He was in pain and now he's at peace.

[Skybo]

I'm so sorry. I know how you are feeling and my heart goes out to you.

[Augie]

We said goodbye to our beloved Duffy yesterday and we are devastated. He was my shadow and best friend and the house is now a lonely place without him. He was tiny but had a big heart and he acted like his mission in life was to give love and joy to his people and boy he did he do that. He was in pain and now he's at peace.

God's blessings on Duffy and Duffy's Mom.

[graciegirl]

We said goodbye to our beloved Duffy yesterday and we are devastated. He was my shadow and best friend and the house is now a lonely place without him. He was tiny but had a big heart and he acted like his mission in life was to give love and joy to his people and boy he did he do that. He was in pain and now he's at peace.

Oh my dear. I am so sorry. so very sorry. please feel this hug and these tears.

[bike42]

Every dog lover understands your grief. Deepest sympathy to you.

[zcaveman]

Sorry for your loss. You will never forget Duffy.

When my Bartholomew passed, I was given this poem.

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...

[eweissenbach]

We said goodbye to our beloved Duffy yesterday and we are devastated. He was my shadow and best friend and the house is now a lonely place without him. He was tiny but had a big heart and he acted like his mission in life was to give love and joy to his people and boy he did he do that. He was in pain and now he's at peace.

Some people who are not pet lovers may have a hard time understanding the pain of losing a beloved pet. I have had pets all my life and losing one is always very hearwrenching. Sorry for your loss, I feel your pain.

[schotzyb]

So very sad to read this. I know that day is coming for my beloved Ringo but I believe barring any major issues she has a few more years with us. I intend to make those years the best possible for her since she has always been there for me

[Taltarzac725]

We said goodbye to our beloved Duffy yesterday and we are devastated. He was my shadow and best friend and the house is now a lonely place without him. He was tiny but had a big heart and he acted like his mission in life was to give love and joy to his people and boy he did he do that. He was in pain and now he's at peace.

So sorry to hear about Duffy. Been though the loss of 3 dogs, a cat, a few lizards, hamsters, turtles, and a school of fish myself.

[Mikeod]

Pat and I had the pleasure of meeting you and Duffy a few months ago. We want to express our condolences over your loss. We had to say goodbye to our Sydney shortly after moving here and it took a long time to get over it. But what helped the most was remembering her and the joy she gave us and hopefully the life we gave her after rescuing her from a shelter. That is her in my avatar.

[skyguy79]

OMG, we've had a few dogs and several cats over the years and I've been brought to tears more than once when losing them. It hurts for sure and can even tend to relive the pain every time you hear of it happening to others.

Now, I don't know you or Duffy, but in reading your post I had to had to hold back the tears and had trouble getting out the words to tell my wife about what happened.

Judging by your posts the I've read since I joined this forum in late 2010, I have to say that Duffy just had to have a very happy life, and that is good! I probably don't have to tell you this, but focus on the good time you had with Duffy. It'll help ease the pain! Best wishes!

[CraigAC]

I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. I know it’s a terrible feeling and hope that time will heal this wound to your heart.

I’ll bet there’s a puppy out there somewhere just waiting for a kind hearted person to give it a home. Hopefully after you’ve grieved for Duffy you’ll find your new friend.

[ceejay]

Awwww...Duffy's Mom....I am so sorry for your loss...my heart goes out to you....:sad:

[quirky3]

Oh, I am so very sorry for your loss. Here is a link to some comforting poems
Pet Loss - Poem List (http://www.petloss.com/poems/poems.htm)

This is one of my favorites:

A Parting Prayer

Dear Lord, please open your gates
and call St. Francis
to come escort this beloved companion
across the Rainbow Bridge.

Assign him to a place of honor,
for he has been a faithful servant
and has always done his best to please me.

Bless the hands that send him to you,
for they are doing so in love and compassion,
freeing him from pain and suffering.

Grant me the strength not to dwell on my loss.
Help me remember the details of his life
with the love he has shown me.
And grant me the courage to honor him
by sharing those memories with others.

Let him remember me as well
and let him know that I will always love him.
And when it's my time to pass over into your paradise,
please allow him to accompany those
who will bring me home.

Thank you, Lord,
for the gift of his companionship
and for the time we've had together.

And thank you, Lord,
for granting me the strength
to give him to you now.

Amen.

- © Brandy Duckworth, 1998

[mfp509]

So sorry about your loss of Duffy. Letting go is the ultimate expression of love you can give a pet. We are here to love and protect them and keep them from hurting. I lost my Missy in November and last night I completed an album online which will be printed in hardcover and I will cherish forever. My love for her and memories will be forever. I wish you peace and healing.

[RichieB]

Some people who are not pet lovers may have a hard time understanding the pain of losing a beloved pet. I have had pets all my life and losing one is always very hearwrenching. Sorry for your loss, I feel your pain.

Ed and others have expressed it so well. We have been through this several times ourselves and know the feeling.

Heartfelt condolences to Duffy's family. :sad:

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Sorry to read the news, Duffysmom. It's never a good time when a pet passes.

Our condolences to you -

Bill :)

[ssmith]

I agree it is sooo hard to speak the words when one losses their beloved pet. They sure don't ask for much but give back sooooo sooo much. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers!

PS. this is esp hard for me since my Sheltie is 17 years old...can't hear and can barely see. She surprises us by always wanting to go for walks though, even if they are not far. Maybe she still has some time left in her.

Also I have always loved the picture you have of Duffy! on your Avatar.

[bkcunningham1]

(((HUGS))) I'm soo, soo sorry.

[Barefoot]

I've sent you a PM. Those of us who are dog lovers feel your pain, and have you and your husband in their hearts.

[BostonCelt]

More condolences. It's always tough to lose a family member, especially the unconditional love ones...

"Rescuing Sprite: A Dog Lover's Story Of Joy And Anguish" by Mark Levin might be of interest, and value, to you......

[KathieI]

My deepest sympathy on losing Duffy. I feel your pain, I lost 2 of my schnauzers since coming here to TV and it is heart wrenching. They really become part of the family. I still have one of the original 3 and we were so lonely we decided to get us another friend, a little girl, Maggie Mae. She is a holy terror but fills our lives with love and laughter. (When I say, we, I mean Sam and I, the other Schnauzer that is with me, LOL...) If you ever need a doggie fix, please come to visit us,,, you will have a great time with these devils.

[REDCART]

Duffy's Mom, we're sorry for your loss. We also lost our Isabelle about eight years ago and thinking of her still brings us tears. It's not an easy loss to get over, and as others here have said, we share your pain.

George

[Nipper]

It's so heartbreaking to lose a furry family member. Grief is the price we pay for love. So sorry for this great loss. Duffy will live in your heart forever.

[Dayzee]

My heart goes out to you. Only those of us who have loved and lost a beloved pet can fully understand how you feel. We are SO blessed to be given these wonderful creatures to share our lives with and Duffy was lucky to have you. Duffy will always be with you, in your heart.

[Bettiboop]

I'm so sorry. Please know that I feel your pain and know firsthand what you are going through. You are in my thoughts. Wish I lived nearby so I could give you a hug.

[linandvin]

We are so very sorry for your loss. I have only had one dog and when we lost him, the devastation was unreal. They become part of your family. At least he had love with you and will be in your heart forever!

[spk7951]

So sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Duffy. We went through that last March when we lost our beloved dog Katie who was with us 17 1/2yrs. Time may slowly heal but you never forget the company they were to us.

[villager]

I am so sorry for your loss. It's amazing how much space our four footed family members take up in our homes. When they are gone, the house feels so empty and the silence is deafening. Peace to you and I hope Duffy is enjoying "cookie Heaven" as we call it in our family.

[George Bieniaszek]

I am so sorry for your loss. I know exactly how you feel and the big hole that is now in your heart. We lost our pug Chester last year and I am wiping away the tears as I write this note. Not a day goes by that my wife and I dont mention his name and reflect on some of the funny things he did to entertain us.

[CFrance]

Aww, geeze, Duffysmom, that is so sad, and I am so sorry for you.

I had to stock the car with Kleenex and swear off having music on the car radio after our first golden died. The second one is now four. He was born two days after the first one died. They are nothing alike--no one could replace Bear--but each is special in his own way, and now no one can replace Crosby.

I hope you'll find some comfort in another dog. Nobody can replace Duffy, but you obviously have enough doggy love in your soul to have another friend.

[RichieLion]

We've all lost a special little guy, and some more than once, and i know this knowledge doesn't ameliorate your grief, but I hope the notion that we understand and grieve with you has some value.

Sorry for your loss.

[missypie]

This is a painful time for you. My condolonces to you and yours. Lots of hugs to you too. Oh it is not an easy journey. Please take care and know that many of us feel your pain and agony.

God Bless You.

[bluedog103]

I'm so, so sorry to hear of your loss. I know from experience that there is nothing worse than losing a beloved, furry pet. The pain will lessen with time but it will never completely heal, but your happy memories will remain forever.
I wish you peace.

[mikeandnancy1112]

Mike and I are so sorry for your loss. We are dog lovers and have one of our own, a female ****zu named Roxi. She runs the house and we wouldn't have it any other way.

[wilkinsm1]

We are so sorry for the loss of your beloved Duffy. I have tears just thinking about how I would feel to lose our dear Marley. There is a website called rainbowsbridge.com that might offer some support and help during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you.

[plimit56]

So sorry for your loss of Duffy and am sure he was one special friend. We have lost 3 dogs in the last 5 years due to old age and it never gets any easier. We have our one little girl now and we cherish her each and everyday.

One day you will be together again at Rainbow Bridge.

Our angels are Lucky, Emily and Samantha.

[seashorecaroline]

Oh no.... I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you.

[lovsthosebigdogs]

You can see by the posts how much love and support there is for you in the tragic loss of your Duffy. No matter how old they are or what they are going through before the end, losing them is never easy for us. I ache for you as you go through this time of grief. I know you will always carry your love for Duffy in your heart and your were both very lucky to find each other. I am sending hugs and healing white light to you at this time of pain for you. I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you are not alone as your mourn. You can see you have many who care about you.

[ronsroni]

Oh, my goodness. A sad time for you and Duffy's family and loved ones. Most everyone can relate to your sorrow and I hope you take comfort in knowing that you were his BEST human; his loyal friend; loyal enough to know he needed help to feel no pain. Thank you for helping Duffy. We will all be together at Rainbow Bridge.
I wish you and yours PEACE. Duffy knows Peace now and is in a happy place; pain free. He loved you so. Take comfort and soon the tears of sadness will be replaced by warm tears of loving memories of days gone by.

[BarryRX]

Every dog lover understands your grief. Deepest sympathy to you.

If I could've said it any better I would have. My deepest sympathy.

[asianthree]

So sorry, I have tears for you and duffy. Its so hard

[babs1199]

We said goodbye to our beloved Duffy yesterday and we are devastated. He was my shadow and best friend and the house is now a lonely place without him. He was tiny but had a big heart and he acted like his mission in life was to give love and joy to his people and boy he did he do that. He was in pain and now he's at peace.

I am so sorry for your loss, We lost our best friend last year and the void is still with us. we did get another but she will not replace the one we lost. Allways remember that he loved you and yes he is at peace. God Bless

[ariel]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I sent you a PM with a link to an article I wrote after the loss of my Maltese, Ariel, in January. It was therapy for me to write it and I hope it may in some small way help you. They are with us for such a short time, they attach themselves to our hearts, and they make us better people from the love that runs both ways. The pain is tough, but the journey IS worth it.

[graciegirl]

I have thought of you all day. I went to Pooh's home and she said she too was in tears when she heard.

We care deeply.

All of us.

[donkobes]

You also have the satisfaction that you gave Duffy a great life in this world.

Donald Kobes

[Floridagal]

My deepest sympathy goes out to you. I know just how you feel. I had to put my beloved cat to sleep last week and I was just devastated. Pets are one of the family.

[hotrodgirl]

I am so sorry for your loss. Our pets are always there for us, unconditionally, and I fear that day when I will lose my girls. God Bless you for being such a good Mom to Duffy. He will forever be in your heart.

[Tickled_pink]

Oh, I am so sorry to hear about Duffy. Please know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of many of your TOTV family.

[duffysmom]

To all my animal loving friends, you don't know how much your words mean to me. Just knowing that my neighbors are capable of so much love and compassion is uplifting and helps to soften my grief. I've heard it said that when you lose a limb you can feel that it's still a part of you; it's like that with Duffy, everywhere I look I can see his beautiful trusting eyes loving me.
Thank you.

[FoPAA]

I too want to say I'm so very sorry for your loss. Please take comfort in knowing you gave Duffy the very best doggie life he could have had. It's so hard losing your best furry friend.

[CaliforniaGirl]

I am so, so sorry for your loss.

[deb133]

I had to cease my cat's suffering on the17th of last month. Ceasar was 17. My children were toddlers when he entered our lives. I can still see my girls dressing him in doll clothes, placing him in a coach and transporting him around the house. He never seemed to mind. In fact, I dare say he missed the attention as the children got older. On the night I took him to the vet my girls were away at school and my husband was away on business. I made the decision alone to end his suffering. I still struggle with my choice. I miss him so terribly but I try hard to remember the gorgeous, 23 pound, orange terror. Duffy's mom I SO VERY MUCH FEEL YOUR PAIN. God bless you. Try to keep happy thoughts.

[Barefoot]

I had to cease my cat's suffering on the17th of last month. Ceasar was 17. My children were toddlers when he entered our lives. I can still see my girls dressing him in doll clothes, placing him in a coach and transporting him around the house. He never seemed to mind. In fact, I dare say he missed the attention as the children got older. On the night I took him to the vet my girls were away at school and my husband was away on business. I made the decision alone to end his suffering. I still struggle with my choice. I miss him so terribly but I try hard to remember the gorgeous, 23 pound, orange terror. Duffy's mom I SO VERY MUCH FEEL YOUR PAIN. God bless you. Try to keep happy thoughts.

Deb, I'm so sorry for your loss. I think the very hardest thing about losing a pet is the feeling that we could have done more, been a better pet mom. I can really relate to your comment "I still struggle with my choice".

Any time I've had a pet euthanized, I've felt the same way. I've had at least 15 pets including dogs, cats and horses. If we choose to end a pet's life before they suffer unnecessarily, we always second guess ourselves. It's the right thing to do, to not allow a pet to suffer. Our animals trust us to make the right choice for them. But it's such a hard decision to make.

I had my Himalayan cat euthanized in January. I had her for 20 years. I always think losing a pet will get easier, but it never does. I still cry when I walk down the pet food aisle at Publix and see the cat food.

[Chipper]

We are very sorry for your loss. We take comfort in knowing that our pets are now playing in heaven and someday we will see them again.

[Jhooman]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

God bless you.

[keithwand]

I too am sorry for your loss. I got teary eyed just reading this and thinking about our 2 Shih Tzu boys that passed in 2006 and 2008. The vet gave us a plaster mold of their foot and we kept their collars. We knew the 2nd plaster mold was coming so a litlle less of a shock than the 1st time.
We said no more; too hard to take the loss.
Adopted brothers Ben and Jerry 3 months later and they wear the collars we kept in honor of our other guys.
I truly believe we will meet them again someday and you will too.

[Graytop]

I'm sorry for your loss...

[Pturner]

Oh Duffysmom,

Tears are running down my face. I am heartbroken to read this. It was always obvious that Duffy was special and much loved-- like his Momma. I wish there was something I could do to ease your pain.

Much love and a big heartfelt hug. :cry:

P

[Posh 08]

Pets. They are family. They have their personalities and we wonder at them. I believe that we will see them again. Sorry for your loss.

[Schaumburger]

Duffysmom, I am so sorry for your loss. Remember the good times you had with your beautiful Duffy. You will meet Duffy someday at the Rainbow Bridge.

[salpal]

So very sorry, we lost our baby 14 months ago. We both said "never again". This past month, we've adopted two rescues. I know how much it hurts, but you did the right thing and Duffy is at peace.

I don't know who wrote this, and it is too soon, but come back and read this after some time has passed:

LAST WILL & TESTAMENT OF A DOG:

Before humans die, they leave their last will and testament, give their home and all they have to those they leave behind. If with my paws, I could do the same, this is what I’d ask:

To a poor and lonely stray I give:
My happy home,
My bowl, comfy bed, soft pillow and all my toys
The lap I loved so much
The hand that stroked my fur and the sweet voice that spoke my name.
I’d will to the sad, scared shelter dog the place I had in my loving human’s heart, of which there seemed no bounds.
So when I die, please do not say “I will never have a pet again, for the loss and pain is more than I can stand.” Instead go find an unloved dog, one whose life has no joy or hope and give MY place to him.
It’s the only thing I can give….the love I left behind.

[Debfrommaine]

Oh my gosh, I'm just reading this.......please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. Duffy certainly had wonderful parents and I know he gave you so much love in return. My thoughts are with you and your family during this very sad time.

[deb133]

Deb, I'm so sorry for your loss. I think the very hardest thing about losing a pet is the feeling that we could have done more, been a better pet mom. I can really relate to your comment "I still struggle with my choice".

Any time I've had a pet euthanized, I've felt the same way. I've had at least 15 pets including dogs, cats and horses. If we choose to end a pet's life before they suffer unnecessarily, we always second guess ourselves. It's the right thing to do, to not allow a pet to suffer. Our animals trust us to make the right choice for them. But it's such a hard decision to make.

I had my Himalayan cat euthanized in January. I had her for 20 years. I always think losing a pet will get easier, but it never does. I still cry when I walk down the pet food aisle at Publix and see the cat food.

Thank you Barefoot. I really needed to hear that I made the right decision. Your post has brought me some much needed peace. God bless.

[sandybill2]

I am so sorry about the loss of your Duffy. There are so many of us that know how you feel due to our own personal experiences. Just know that the love you felt for Duffy came back twofold---nothing is any better than the love of a pet----so unconditional -- so pure. We had to say good-bye to our Maxie Dog so many years ago but we have so many wonderful memories of him---still laugh and talk about him. I know the decision we had to make for him to leave us was done with love and I know that he knew that too. We take comfort in that--hope you can too.

[bestmickey]

So sorry to hear of your loss. Duffy was beautiful. I've lost a couple cats over the years and understand how devastated you are. You did the right thing for Duffy. Until you meet again, you'll keep Duffy in your heart.

[Barefoot]

Duffysmom - I've been thinking about you all week. And I've been thinking of Deb and Florida Gal and others that have recently lost pets. I think that the kindest thing we can do for beloved pets is to make sure they don't suffer. I hope that the passage of time is helping to ease your grief.

[duffysmom]

Reading everyones experiences with their pets and the love expressed has been a comfort to me. Having to decide to take the the life of a loving trusting pet is one of the most difficult things I've had to do and I'm learning to live with that decision. I feel that Duffy was suffering and looked to me to stop the pain; I'm grateful that Dr. Angel Smith came to my home and made the experience as loving as possible. Mostly I'm grateful that Duffy was my companion for 13 years and taught me about unconditional love. Now I have to learn to live in my world without him.
Barefoot, thank you for your kind words of wisdom and for Dr.Angel Smith.

[katezbox]

Duffysmom,

We are truly sorry for your loss. I hope you can take comfort in knowing that he was loved throughout his life, and, when the time came, you showed your love for him even more.

k