Madelaine, here is our 15-year-old permanent foster, Quincy, a sweet, sweet old boy, who has gone from a state of shock to a social dog since beginning of March. He's from Golden Restriever Rescue of Mid Florida. But I have been to/signed up with Joshua's House. They are great people. Go for it!

Bosoxfan, perhaps when you are ready for another dog, you would consider a german shepherd dog rescue. Some people must fill the hole in their heart immediately (me). Others need more time to grieve.

For those of us that have lost our beloved pets, we feel your sorrow and pain. So sorry for your loss.

Why dogs live a short life according to a 6 year old
 

I love this story from a post on Facebook:
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker’s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, “I know why.”
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, “People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life – like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?”
The six-year-old continued, “Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”

I want to thank you all for your kind words of condolence. My wife and I are very appreciative!!

Bosoxfan, My condolences to you any your wife. Bonyta was a very lucky dog to have had such caring guardians. Perhaps this poem, The Rainbow Bridge, will bring you some comfort.

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...

Quincy is quite the handsome dog. Kudos to all those who foster and rescue dogs and cats, especially the seniors. :bigbow:

Bosox, we will miss seeing Bonyta as we pass your house. I will always remember her in the sunglasses riding in your cart. She was such a sweet girl.

She was fortunate to have had family who loved her so much. Give each other a hug and know that it was time and that you did what was best for her.

Thank you Dotti😎

Her favorite place.Riding in the golf cart Stylin'😎

That's an amusing image.

I saw a dog in a motorcycle sidecar driving around Lynnhaven with goggles on a few years ago. I do not remember the breed though.

So sorry
My pets have always been family members