It was my birthday today...and my dog died. (Updated with some photos)

[Kipper is King]

This morning I woke up with delight because it was my 21st birthday! Legal age all around the world!

My parents and I had a great deal of fun watching my dog Biscotti poke his head inside the box to see what one of my gifts was- a Team Canada cap. I then played with his blanket with him- he loved when I would cover him up with it.

As we left for brunch, we all laughed at how Biscotti was at the window watching as we drove away as if to say "What? You aren't taking me??".

As we walked in the door after brunch, it dawned on me it was odd that Biscotti was not waiting for us at the top of the stairs. I turned around, and saw him lying where I hang up my hoodies and some sports equipment. My heart raced- I knew something was horribly wrong because he never sleeps there. I called him- he didn't react. Then I put my hand on him and it dawned on me that he was not breathing. My mom was in a frenzied panic, but I ran away in tears knowing that nothing could be done. My dad bundled Biscotti up.

My buddy for a decade- gone. On my birthday.

My heart aches, and the house is so quiet tonight.

[iggnuef]

Very sorry to hear the bad news

[Eastern Girl]

That's a nightmare of mine. That is so sad, I am very sorry. It's always tough to deal with losing your dog, and on your birthday, no less. I really am sorry.

[Jayems]

Sorry for your loss.

[OilersBaby]

Hi Kipper Is King,

I am so sorry to hear about the death of Biscotti. What a horrible thing to happen to you on your birthday:( So sorry again. I don't know what to say to make you feel better because I dont think anything will do that right now. Just know that he is at Rainbow Bridge..... http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm

[Jiggy_12]

So sorry to hear about this horrible thing on your bday.

Dogs mean so much to some of us...feel better.

[AFireInside]

Sorry to hear....

My dog was put down a few months ago. Got him when I was 13 (now just about 28)... Obviously I don't live at home anymore, but it was still tough...

Then our other dog we got when I was 21 got very sick and was put down just last month....

I know what you're going through, I'm really sorry to hear that....

[dissentowner]

awww, that truly sucks! Sorry about your loss!

[corporatejay]

My wife grew up with a dog, he was 16 when we finally put him down last year, it was incredibly incredibly sad. We recently got two little angels of our own, and I can honestly say that I never realized how much I could love these two little guys. Having never had a dog growing up, I never really understood, but I love them more then I ever thought imaginable, to me, they make up my little family.

I am truly sorry for your loss, those who don't own pets won't and will never understand, just know that there are many of us who can imagine your sorrow and our hearts go out to you and your family.

[Suzles]

Dear Boy. I am glad he had such a good life with your family. The fact that he went to an area with your scent would have been important to him - like his last gift to you. You will never forget him and I know as time passes you will find yourself thinking about him and I guarantee you will be smiling. Animals give us so much. I could never be without them in my life. Its not easy now - take time to grieve him and talk about him with your family and friends- its a cliche but it IS true - time is a great healer.

[Regulator75]

OMG, I am so sorry for your loss.

Morley and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family.

[Maritime Q-Scout]

I remember when my dog died. I was living away from home and I got a call on a Friday that Turk was sick. The next Wednesday I got a phone call that he died. I saw him the weekend previous to him getting sick and all was normal.

To this day I have to hold myself together when I see a dark golden retriever. And there's a book at Coles/Chapters that's pocket sized about people and their dogs. It's green with a golden on the cover. I have a copy at home in my old room at my parents' place . . . I can't make it through the whole thing before I break down.

Losing your dog sucks, I never realized just how much of a part of your life they are. I had a professor in university say once "I need a good excuse if you're going to pass a paper in late, for the record 'my dog died' is indeed a good excuse he's part of the family just like your mom and dad."

I could go on about love for dogs with no structure whatsoever all day.

Basically I want you to know I feel your pain, it's been three years now, and I miss Turk just as much today as I did when he died. If there's anything I can do from across the country let me know.

[Puxlut]

I saw the title and knew I shouldn't read it, but I did anyways. Now I'm sitting here blubbering.

My condolences.

[HalifaxDrunk]

I am so sorry, losing a dog is one of life's worst experiences. It's not fair that their life span doesn't match ours.

You have my condolences.

[Dion]

Sorry for your loss.

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[oilers_fan]

I saw the title and knew I shouldn't read it, but I did anyways. Now I'm sitting here blubbering.

My condolences.I concur with this post. I am the sort of guy that very rarely lets my emotion show, but everytime I read a thread on CP about a dog passing away, I well up. My heart breaks reading this threads. The dog I had when I lived at home is turning 11 this year, and I know he can't live forever. The thought of him dying just kills me.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

[STeeLy]

Really sorry to hear that...

I send my condolences to you, your family.

[jolinar of malkshor]

Sorry to hear my friend. There is nothing anyone can say to dull the pain. My heart goes out to you.

[bigtmac19]

So sorry to hear this Kipper, my condolences to you and your family

[the-rasta-masta]

My Mom sent this to me when my dog died a few years back. It still breaks my heart.

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[Superflyer]

I am sorry to hear this Kipper. it is amazing how an animal can become such a part of you and when they are gone it is just heartbreaking. Take care and you have my condolences.

[Methanolic]

Just awful.

very sorry for your loss.

The passing of a Family member is so hard to deal with, seems to me it's almost tougher when it's a loving pet.

[Cowperson]

Sorry to hear of your loss.

We outlive them . . . . . that doesn't occur to you until the first time. You know it intellectually but you don't really know it anyway. Not until it happens. And then you'll have a hard time looking at a puppy with the same innocence again, knowing there is a dark day 10 or 15 years in the future. They'll always pre-decease you.

It's no consolation today but later you may find Kipper dying of natural causes will have been easier for you than making the decision as to the day he was going to die.

Celebrate his life and the gift he gave you. That's the way to remember it.

Best wishes.

Cowperson

[transplant99]

Sorry to hear this. Tough times to be sure.


I will lend to you for awhile
a puppy, God said,
For you to love him while he lives
and to mourn for him when he is gone.

Maybe for twelve or fourteen years,
or maybe for two or three.
But will you, till I call him back
take care of him for me ?

He'll bring his charms to gladden you
and (should his stay be brief)
you'll always have his memories
as solace for your grief .

I cannot promise that he will stay,
since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught below
I want this pup to learn.

I've looked the whole world over
in search of teachers true
And from the folk that crowd life's land
I have chosen you.

Now will you give him all your love
Nor think the labour vain
Nor hate me when I come to take my pup back again.

I fancied that I heard them say
"Dear Lord Thy WIll Be Done,"
For all the joys this pup will bring,
the risk of grief you'll run.

Will you shelter him with tenderness
Will you love him while you may
And for the happiness you'll know forever grateful stay.

But should I call him back
much sooner than you've planned
Please brave the bitter grief that comes
and try to understand.

If, by your love, you've managed
my wishes to achieve,
In memory of him that you've loved,
cherish every moment with your faithful bundle,
and know he loved you too

[oilers_fan]

God these dog poems are so hard to read without shedding a couple of tears. I have more compassion for a strangers' dog than I do a celebrity passing.

[HOOT]

I thought this was going to be a funny article, joke or something.

Sorry for your loss. Gave me goosebumps when I finished reading your post!

[Kipper is King]

I want to thank you all so much for your kind words. Just being able to vent/grieve a little on this forum has helped me gather my thoughts. Calgarypuckers are definitely a good bunch!:)

Today, My parents and I took Biscotti for his last car ride to the country. At a "pet resort" my mom's friend works at, Biscotti will be cremated wrapped in his blanket with a toy fox of his and a letter I wrote to him with a Milk Bone inside the envelope.

I will spread his ashes at some of his favourite walking spots. My healing has begun- I have lots of good memories of Biscotti, and he brought so much joy to my life.

[Kybosh]

Biscotti looks very similar to my other dog that lives with my parents. She is a cairn terrier/poodle cross and she is getting up there in age.

Anyway, sorry for your loss. I'd like to say that it gets easier each time you lose a dog but it doesn't. Enjoy the time you had together.

[missdpuck]

Sorry for your loss. What a cute sweet dog.

[onetwo_threefour]

That is one of the most depressing things I have ever heard. I mean somehow, it seems like it wouldn't have been as bad if you woke up to find he had passed away in the night. But to go out for an hour or two expecting to come home to your bud... Awful, I really feel for you..

[Methanolic]

Your update made me cry. Not sobbing, but tears. I haven't had cried in at least a decade.

very touching.

[Iowa_Flames_Fan]

I went through this a few weeks ago--it is unbelievably hard. I still expect to see my dog around the corner or hanging around the house when it's quiet. You have my condolences: only dog owners know what you're going through. Best of luck.

[Reggie Dunlop]

I feel for you. Dogs are awesome friends.

[Winsor_Pilates]

Very sad for your loss

I saw a tragic death of a dog on the highway earlier today too. (warning: graphic story ahead)

I was driving from Penticton to Kelowna, and as I came through Westbank there was about 6 cars pulled over at the side of the road. I noticed an extremely large amount of blood on the road and then saw a dog lying on the side of the road, wrapped up in a towel dying while a man tried to comfort it through it's last breathes. A woman was crying hysterically while a man hugged her and many other people had stopped to see if they could help in any way. It was extremely shocking and upsetting to see and I've never seen so much blood from a roadkill of any type.
I couldn't figure out how the dog ended up on the highway but regardless, what a terrible way for a family to lose their pet.
I've never had a pet, but understand that for those who do it's a part of the family. It was very upsetting to see what I saw today, and the sadness it caused the crying lady.

[Traditional_Ale]

When my best friend (dog) died, my sister made me a mug with picture I took of him on it. I have had morning coffee out of that mug for about three years now every morning. It helps. You think about good memories to start every day.

Best wishes, bro.

[normtwofinger]

Wow what a hard thread to read. Recently my family dog was put down after 14 wonderful years. We got him when I was 11. Having an 8-month old pup of my own now, it really makes me appreciate and cherish every moment I have with him. Dogs are our best friend. Their love for us is unconditional, and they can cheer us up in an instant. I know your pain, as I experience it now again. Time and memories help. It really puts things in perspective for your next dog. They don't last forever, so cherish every moment you have with them.

[FanIn80]

Wow that sucks dude. My condolences, for sure.

[Akai-Sesui]

KIK,

Sorry for your loss. Your story's making me blub a little at work, and now coworkers think I just read something terrible via email. I love my dogs like I would my kids, and I don't even want to think of the day they won't be around anymore.

[OldSam]

I had to make a decision the end of last month to put down my dear pet. He was a smart intelligent animal with the capacity to make me laugh so hard. But he was suffering terribly and I knew it was time. He was cremated and I will be spreading his ashes at the farm. So like several people, I have recently felt the same as you are feeling now.Know in your heart he knew how much you loved him and remember all the great times you shared. Animals are the coolest, they don't judge you, they just love you.Best wishes.

[Peanut]

Oh, I definitely should not be reading this thread at work. Now I'm crying in my office. :whaa:

To everyone in this thread who shared a story - I'm sorry to hear about your losses. Dogs are awesome companions and an important part of my family as well. We had to put our family dog down when she was 15 years old, and it was really difficult for me for a number of months afterwards. Now I can remember all the good times and smile when looking at her pictures, but it did take awhile.

Sorry again to hear about this, Kipper_Is_King.

[drewboy12]

God these dog poems are so hard to read without shedding a couple of tears. I have more compassion for a strangers' dog than I do a celebrity passing.

Agreed, sorry for the loss. But Happy 21st aswell

[jydk]

I normally head to The Flames Forum first before the Off Topic, but saw the title of this thread as the last posted, and strangely, not wanting to read it, had no choice. Something about the innocents and friendly disposition of all dogs that makes us feel an extraordinary campasion for them.

I remember reading in the papers about 5 years ago about some teenagers that tied a dog to the back of their truck and dragged the poor animal for miles until killing it. I don't know why, but I think had it been a human being (only an adult) that was killed that way, I wouldn't have felt as sorry. I think it's because a dog can't communicate its fear like we can, and probably doesn't understand what's happening to it in a case like that.

I don't know why you had to post pictures of damn Biscotti. I was all good until I saw your cute little guy. Had to really choke back a couple of tears after that. I'm with Oilers_fan too about having more compassion for a strangers dog, having met neither, then a celebrity passing, and I never side with an Oilers fan. But good post.
Also, Cowperson said it perfect. You know that your dog is going to die on you one day 10 - 15 years down the road, yet you really don't until it happens. Then your next dog, you look at with a different light. Truely knowing that the day will actually come.

My condolences are with you and your family Kipper.

[Kipper is King]

Geez guys, my Thanks quota is gone faster than Biscotti could run. Just know from the bottom of my heart that I am grateful for your replies. For those who have lost pets like I have, I am sorry for your loss.


I still expect to see my dog around the corner or hanging around the house when it's quiet.

I am going through that. There is a coffee table in my living room I tend to put my feet up on. Nearby is what once was Biscotti's favourite window to look out on the street. I still find myself putting my feet up on that table at an angle- because I am expecting Biscotti to run under my legs going back and forth from his window.

Last night, I woke up to have a glass of water. I am so used to hearing the jingle of his tags, and the click click click of his claws on the linoleum floor when I do that. Biscotti would often get up just to have a drink of water with me.

When my best friend (dog) died, my sister made me a mug with picture I took of him on it. I have had morning coffee out of that mug for about three years now every morning. It helps. You think about good memories to start every day.


That is an awesome idea! I will have a few made with different photos- one for myself and two others for my folks. I have already thought of a caption- Coffee...and Biscotti!

That would be wonderful. Where is a good place to get that done?

To those of you who were moved by the photos, thank you for your empathy, those were all from the past year. If I had posted his puppy photos, well, there would be a flood!