Missing my (canine) Brown Eyed Girl

[Treesap]

I am sooo sorry to hear about your loss. Labs are AWESOME dogs, especially the brown ones. I like dogs more than people, and I can't imagine life without at least one.

We had a male chocolate lab named Hershey also. He was a GREAT dog. He had a malignant melanoma tumor on the roof of his mouth at 8 years old. It was really hard to make the decision to allow him to move on so he wouldn't suffer from his illness. My husband made a wonderful remembrance of him with a shadow box containing his collar, tags, and a great picture of him enjoying life here. I want to remember him as the happy, lovable dog he was.

I believe in Rainbow Bridge, and I can't wait for the day we get to be reunited with the companions of our lives who were so awesome exemplifying unconditional love. Dogs are from God.

[yorkiemum01]

Thank you all very much for your kind words and prayers. I had been unable to read
through the posts til this last hour, as my eyes were stinging with tears.
Also received the Rainbow Bridge, such comfort in knowing my 110 lb- baby is frolicking
joyfully with all the canine angels that have passed through your lives as well.
(thank you Goofproof for your PM as well)
She loved to fetch her football, take long walks in the park, go swiming at the beach and lie by
the fireplace in winter.

My Yorkies will forever miss their 'Grandma' and my boys, who are grown now, will forever
hold a special place in their heart for their Chocolate Lab, Hershey. My youngest teen son
was there with her when she passed on.

I truly was blessed to have this precious dog in my life for 15 yrs.......and not a day did she
suffer an ailment or ache. Her passing was swift and I'm certain the Lord knew she deserved
a peaceful passing into his Kingdom, for she served us, here on earth, only wanting one thing-
her families love. (OK..she's a Lab...and food, LOL).

Hershey was a fitting name, as she was sweet as chocolate, and loved everyone. What a blessing.

[dieselgal]

I was about to post the Rainbow Bridge for you and then saw you had mentioned it previously. My husband and I worry about when our numerous pets pass over. We know it has to happen but it will break our hearts when it does.
You have my sympathy and I hope you remember your Brown Eyed Girl forever and fondly. I am sure you made her life a happy one.

[goose]

I'm so sorry yorkiemum - losing our pals is an extremely hard thing.
I have many past buddies at the rainbow bridge waiting for me, playing and enjoying the company of all the others.

With 2 dogs (again), 4 cats (again), 2 horses, 2 goats (left)........we never are want for unconditional love. We lost our past 2 dogs within about 9 months of each other (one with diabetes, deaf and blind, and the other with urinary tract issues amongst other things)......
Our remedy was to wait until the new member found us - and take her home!!!! There's a great uplifting story that goes with that.....
When we went to look at the new dog (chocolate lab), the breeder had 2 left - a boy and a girl - and we were insistent on a girl, so it appeared to be perfect, but when we got there the lady told us there was someone had called and was driving 100 miles for the boy (she had told them the girl was already spoken for) and may really want both of the dogs if we didn't take the girl -- they lived on a 200 acre ranch so the dogs had the prospect of a great home and life.....the girl was ours. But if the other folks were going to take both we felt it would be best for the dogs to keep them together, so through our disappointment and admittedly some tears, we told the lady of our feelings - we had totally fallen in love with the dog and really wanted her, but felt it was best to keep them together......She couldn't believe we would do that "for the dog".....Long story short, the other people came, really wanted only the girl dog but figured they'd "con" the breeder into giving her up. The breeder was rather annoyed, and essentially told them that the only dog available was the boy -- period. So they took him, and by the time we got home we had a message on our phone machine that we could come pick up our girl......So with elated tears this time, we went back and picked up our new puppy......and Maggie has been the joy of our life. Smart, loving, well - you know. But it once again reinforced my Buddhist beliefs that "if it's meant to be, it will be".......That was about 7 years ago (I think)....
We've since added a "rescue" lab mix to our family....

Thanks for indulging my story.....sorry!!

I wish you very good luck in finding a new family member -- be patient, when it's the right one, you'll know it!!!! When it's meant to be, it will be.......

take care
cheers
goose

[katny]

So sorry to hear of your loss.

[katny]

So sorry about your loss.

[birdshell]

I, too, send my condolences. I grew up with dogs, and when they have to go to the bridge, it is always sad for us.

We found a vet tech who was able to communicate with animals. She said that when an animal was put down, she would accompany them to the bridge (mentally, of course) and watch them start to cross over.

I truly cannot know where the truth lies, but feel that the poems and the knowledge that this vet tech supported the bridge idea is comforting. We know that they certainly deserve to be in heaven. There is a better life for them there when their life here becomes too hard.

Thank you for sharing your love for your Hershey with us. You will miss your sweet (milk?) chocolate baby, and luckily he will live on in your hearts and in the healthy lives of your children.

Sincerely,

Karen,
Who hopes that every dog can be loved as well as yorkiemum's

[yorkiemum01]

Goose, I love your story....and its soooooo true, if its meant to be, its meant to be.

15 yrs ago when I decided to add a dog into our growing family, I came across Hershey
in the most unique way.
To supplement our income, I was performing Dog Obedience training 'in home' and had a
request from a lady in Palm Beach. Went to the home twice, and found this very young
lab she imported from England for breeding purposes, kept in a bathroom with food, food,
food, and we all know labs love to eat. Since she was tipping the scale at 120 lbs and only 9
months old, the owner asked me to 'remove' her from the house, as she was much to fat
for breeding. I certainly didnt give her a second chance to think about that decision, as we
had been looking for a 'rescue' dog at our local shelter, and the two we had taken interest in
were adopted out before our application could be processed. This lady handed me dog, leash
and bag of food....and out the door I went with my blockhead english Lab....Hershey.
Having a 2, 6 and 9 yr old boys at home, she was a perfect fit, energetic and playful.
The Lord works in mysterious ways placing our families with the right match, and to that lady
in Palm Beach...........Thank you for the gift, as we gained a family member.

[CorgiGirl]

I, too, understand all too well and send you my good thoughts as you and your family make your way through. I love the Rainbow Bridge and the other things people have quoted. Please allow me to add this thought:

It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are."

--- Unknown

[yorkiemum01]

Corgi girl...that quotation is beautiful...thank you for sharing.

[whatrdreamsmadeof]

I am so sorry for your loss, I've experienced it many times over in my life, but nothing soothes the soul, like a new pound puppy, especially now when so many are being given up due to the state of our economy. A new pup will never take the place of your beloved Hershey, but chasing after, potty training, and milky puppy kisses sure can ease the pain. Make a trip to your local SPCA I guarantee Hershey has picked out a pup just for you!
God Bless
E

[katny]

Things do work out in mysterious ways, don't they?

I was laid off my high-stress job in June. I hate not
working but being home a lot has given me the chance
to spend quality time with my three dogs
(two of whom are quite old).

I know my time with the senior citizens is short so I
give them (and the baby, a two-year old Yorkie) a lot of
attention. I relish every minute with them.

We are all here on this site because we have a serious
health condition. Thank God for our dogs who make life
a little more tolerable, a little more joyful.

When I drag myself into my apartment after spending several
exhausting hours at the local job center, I know my
companions will greet me with great enthusiasm. I believe
that our beloved companions in heaven will greet us the
same way one day.

Of course, their loss in this life is felt sharply.
Condolences to all pet lovers who have lost dear friend.

[junie]

I'm so sorry fo your loss, it's very hard when a animal passes away, I have three dogs and a cat,
RIP. Hershey,

[Fredman]

I am so sorry, I love dogs and cats, and I can't think of one good reason why humans deserve such loyal companions - but God or if you don't believe in God, a higher power has seen fit to put these wonderful beings into our world to share life together with us. As I read all the posts I feel the genuine heart pouring out of our community to you...in the same way we grieved for Snoredog, we grieve for your loss.

Yes a human life maybe measured differently but the impact that both man and animal can have on each other is unmeasurable...my heart is heavy for you and our community. What a wonderful gift your Hershey has provided you with those 15 years.

[goodfellatuddy]

Sorry for your loss. I too have been adopted (really, who's kidding who? they adopt us) by 2 furry angels and with them being 12 & 10 I dread that time. I know one day you'll cross that rainbow bridge and see your friend again.