Meet Tootse (tuhtz): Tootse is a female chocolate Labrador Retriever. I get great joy out of developing Labs that others might pass over when choosing a water dog.  Often candidates like Tootse will wash out at a training kennel and be deemed useless in field trial events. My experience tells me though they may not progress as rapidly as other Labradors, they can become excellent companions. Usually, these “culls” will have one or two strong suits. In the case of Tootse, she will stop on a dime using verbal, whistle or hand commands and she obeys the “come” or “here” command like a robot. This young lady is my second Lab that was considered a “reject” by conventional wisdom. I urge anyone reading this to look twice when considering a pup from a breeder. Yes it will take more time and a lot more patience but you may end up saving the dog from the pound and gain a great friend in the process. I know I am glad no one gave up on me as a child.

— Andy from Frisco, TX

Yesterday, Bernie our Chow/Aussie Shepherd mix of nearly 12 years said goodbye.  He was a true happy warrior.  Responsive, obedient, loving, protective member of our family.  We were introduced to him through the Friends for Life Animal Sanctuary in Gilbert, AZ.  He was roughly two years old at that time.  Bernie exceeded all expectations when we brought him home.  He was thrilled with his newly found freedom and adapted well to our other dogs.  He did nothing more than earn a lofty place in our hearts through the years.

His end came unannounced.  Saturday, he seemed distressed about something and was panting and pacing all day.  I slept in a separate room with him that night, unknowing what I would wake up to the next morning.  I was happy when he got up to get a drink and go outside.  He slept most of the day Sunday, which I could understand because of his restlessness the day before.  Monday, all things seemed right with the world.  He was back to his playful self and I assumed he may have been stung or bitten by something in the desert Saturday, explaining away the condition. Tuesday morning came, and Bernie was out early.  Not normal, as he usually waits for me to get up.  I stepped outside and saw him approach from a corner of the yard where a prior dog (Reagan, a Sharpei) had passed.  Reagan had fought cancer and slipped into the night without notice, appearing to have been ok the day before.  I suspected the same here, and my fear was right.  Bernie was shutting down.  I called the vet, and was rushing to get ready to go.  My wife was sitting with Bernie and he was quickly slipping away.  In a matter of minutes, our gentle friend and guardian said goodbye.  I’m left wondering if I did the right things in the last days of his life.  Did he bounce back on Monday just to spend one more day with us to say goodbye and put up a disguised fight with what was going on internally?  He had been to the vet 3 weeks earlier and was said to be fine.  I’ll never know…I just know he is sorely missed.

Bernie raised the bar for our now current pack of 4.  I know the feeling will eventually pass, but even as I keep telling myself it will be easier next time, it never is.  They all seem so vulnerable at the end, and I just want to do for them as the do for us through the years.   Bernie was a shining star.  His memory will endure.  I just thank God for blessing us with 10 wonderful years.  The picture includes our Bichon Frise (Rush) who passed a couple of years ago at 14.5 years of age.  The adorable little fuzzball.  Bernie now rejoins him in the big playground in the sky.  Love you Bernie!

— Jeff from Mesa, AZ

Beary, my Welch Terrier who was a big part of my life for 13 years died yesterday. When I first brought him to my Vet when he was 5 months old, on his paper under “distinguishing  features,” they put “very cute.”   He was a “people dog” who loved everyone, and was even excited when we went to his Vet, and was always glad to see  him!  Every morning, he reminded me it was time for our morning walk, his favorite time of the day, and was always excited, wagging his tail, when he saw someone and took time for a little visit with everyone he met.  The last couple of weeks, as he began to slow down, our walks became a little slower, and finally, I carried him home on the way back.  When I took him to his Vet yesterday morning to be checked again, he called an hour later and said there were major problems and readings were low for heart, etc.  A half hour later, he called and said “Beary is dying.”  I said I’d be right over, and when I got there 5 minutes later, he said Beary had died, but they brought him back, so I could have some time with him.  I told him how much I loved him and what a good doggie he was, and kept petting him and talking to him until the end.  I will always be so grateful to our wonderful vet for making sure I got the chance to say goodbye to my sweet Beary.
I also have two Yorkies, and they always knew that Beary was the #1 dog in our home.  They are missing Beary too.  Right now, every time I look at one of his favorite places, or friends call to say they are sorry for my loss, the tears start.  Beary will always be a part of me, and I still talk to him.  I’m not into digital cameras yet, so can’t send a picture of my beautiful little friend who I love so much…

— Barbara from Reno, NV

Pacey Oliver Stagg had been with us since he was rescued form a shelter 12 years ago.  On April 12 2012 Pacey made his journey across the rainbow bridge cut a rapid onset of cancer.  He leaves a huge hole in our hearts but we were blessed and thankful for his love in our lives for as long as we had with him.

— Brett from Hawthorne, CA

On Wednesday of this week, I too had to make the heart wrenching decision to put down my dog Lucky, a beautiful brown and white Dalmatian, who had developed a brain tumor.  He had been rescued from a shelter eight years earlier and we guessed his age to be about 12.   The anguish, guilt and loss of my best friend were overwhelming.  My wife and I had also opted for no MRI or surgery 6 months earlier and that decision is now haunting me.  On Wednesday I took the day off from work to be with Lucky and to say our good bys.  The vet came to my home around 12:30PM.  During the last couple of hours Lucky had shown some signs of improvement; circling but at least on his feet. We were on our deck and the morning sun was warm.  I had given him all the chopped turkey and his favorite dog treats that he could eat; he had a ravenous appetite.  Like Sprite, Lucky put his nose into the wind and seemed to be enjoying the moment.  I was sitting on the deck hugging and kissing him and telling him how much I loved him and that I would never forget him.  He put his chin on my shoulder and whimpered; he was hurting and it seemed to be his way of telling me it was okay.  Only a few days have passed since then and I am still in great pain.

— Gary from Fredericksburg, VA

We brought Wiper into our family while living in South Korea and he has been with us for over 9 years now.  We just found out today that he has been diagnosed with Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA).  The doctors have told us that there is a 50% survival rate.  He is still strong and started steroid treatment today.  This is our families first pet although we adopted a shelter dog 6 years ago as well.  We’re at a loss on how to get through a crisis like this.

— Paul from Wellington, FL