A Tribute to Ike and His Owners
 

Sadly, Crosby's friend Ike, age 7.5, had to be put to sleep today due to excessive brain seizures. We have a long friendship with this family and their dogs. They guided us through our first puppy, even named him (Bear). Crosby and Ike have a history of swimming and playing together--or should I say beside each other. Ike was obsessed with frisbees; Crosby with tennis balls. They could play for hours, totally ignoring each other, but they were a mini pack. They've done many sleepovers. They were a year apart, Ike being older.

I am just in tears. We knew he was ailing, but this was a shock. No dog should die that young. Here is a pic of them. Ike is on the right. Rest in peace, Ike.

Beautiful puppies, inside and out. Bet Ike brought everyone lots of love and smiles.

Thanks, Kathie and quirky. It feels like we lost one of our own.

You did lose one of your own. Ike was family.

When we were kids, our golden mix had a friend like Ike....he spent almost as much time at our house as he did at his own. Even when our dog passed on, his friend would still come over to spend time with us.

I'm so sorry that Ike is no longer a part of your family. He is free of pain and suffering. Hopefully, all who love Ike will soon be free of the pain of his loss. May your memories of such a sweet dog fill your heart with smiles and joy.

The best poem ever for the loss of a pet.
 

Likely to cause a good cry, but that always help.
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The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak,

And pain should keep me from my sleep,

Then will you do what must be done,

For this, the last battle, can't be won.


You will be sad I understand,

But don't let grief then stay your hand,

For on this day, more than the rest,

Your love and friendship must stand the test.


We have had so many happy years,

You wouldn't want me to suffer so.

When the time comes, please, let me go.


Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,

Only, stay with me till the end


And hold me firm and speak to me,

Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree,

It is a kindness you do to me.


Although my tail its last has waved,

From pain and suffering I have been saved.


Don't grieve that it must be you,

Who has to decide this thing to do;

We've been so close,we two, these years,

Don't let your heart hold any tears.



Author Unknown

I would like to post one more thing. This is a tribute to Ike's owners. They have been married for 50 years, and along with two kids have had a myriad of pets. they are truly pet lovers, as we are. Kept our cockatiel for a month when we went to Oz for our son's wedding. I knew Isa would love Sue. He wouldn't get off her shoulder.

This is what Sue said in the email she sent telling me about Ike. We couldn't talk on the phone, too emotional. I post it because many who have had and loved many pets will understand:

"So Ike has now gone to The Rainbow Bridge, and he and Max and Jake and Luke and Greta and Tally and Curly and Felix and Piper and Sam and the first Sammy and Boots Kitty and Kitt Katt Puddy and Missy Pussy and Tom and Jerry can compare notes.
He was my best boy. :( "

Oh God, Cisco. I'll read this tomorrow. Thanks.

Very beautiful post.

We all know that losing a pet, is like losing a child, and no parent should have to bear the grief, of losing their child.

My deepest condolences Cyndy.

My deepest sympathy to you and Crosby and especially to Ike and his family.

I am sad for you. It's hard.

Thanks, everyone.

Thanks, Bonanza. It's so hard to come to the decision to put a pet down, especially one so young. In Ike's case, my friends said he looked at them as if to say, Please help me.

Sorry to hear about your friend's pet.
 

Saying Goodbye - Loss of a pet - YouTube

I still miss Sport a great deal at times. It is kind of a blessing to have a new dog that looks quite a bit like the old one, buy Beau does often make me remember Sport more often. Of course, my various pictures of Sport taken by Debra Raskin which are up in my bedroom walls do not help. But, I do that to show I am loyal to his memory as he was loyal to me. I will do the same thing for Beau. I hope that's in 15 years or more though. http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/d...lleryid=124718

That's still a new wound for you, Tal. Beau takes your mind off of Sport but will never replace him. He's got new "features" for you to love. Crosby took over after Bear died in 2007. They look the same, feel the same, but they aren't the same. Love him just the same, though!

What a blessing for Ike that his loved ones cared enough that he wouldn't suffer. Sometimes I wish that when I am ready to go and in pain that there was a way to help me move on. I do feel this is a gift for our beloved pets and after all these years, I have never forgotten one of them and the joy they gave me.
Peace.

It's a tough one. They are great pet owners. They are sorting through Ike's things, and want to send us some stuff. I asked if they have an old collar or tag holder, or something Crosby could wear on occasion, we would like to have it in remembrance.