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

[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

[metallicat]

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.

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.