Mark, my Mother was diagnosed with cancer in 2002. At the time I had 4 dogs. Bart, (Shi Zu), Vinnie, (Schnoodle), Larry, (Poodle), and Bob (Pomeranium). During my mother’s chemo treatment, Larry, my poodle (11 years old) developed a form of diabetes and suddenly died. The very next month, my Pom, Bob, (8 years old) had to have trachea surgery and was doing well, but on Labor Day stopped breathing, I rushed him to the vet. Because of lack of lack of oxygen, he had sustained brain damage and I had to have him put down. 15 months later I had to put my Shi Zu, Bart (14 years) down. During this time, my beloved Mother passed away. I have never experienced such depression and sorrow. I did not know if I was going to make it. I still have my 15 year old Schnoodle, Vinnie and now have 2 -4 year old yellow labs, Bo & Luke.
They are my light at the end of each tunnel

I truly feel your pain for the loss of your beloved Sprite and also share your love and understanding of dogs and what they do for us. I have attached a picture of Bo & Luke.

Debbie from Texas

Dear Sir: Will be picking up your book this weekend. Had to put my Husky/BlueHealer to sleep after 19 years. It was doubly hard because it was exactly 3 years to the day (and almost to the hour) that my husband was killed. He was a shelter rescue and gave nothing by unconditional love. Have you ever heard of the “Rainbow Bridge”? I believe in God and the Herefafter, and look forward to meeting all my pets when they see me arriving.

Hannah from Illinois

I had 3 beautiful German shepherds since they were puppies, the youngest (Hans) was born at home to his mom and dad Fritz and Heidie he became the love of our lives as all of them were, so sweet beautiful full of energy and endless love, after having him nearly 10 years he developed Degenerative myelopathy I was crushed when he could no longer walk run or take giant leaps, I used to take him to my boat go for walks play in the yard and he would leap and jump on top of me on the couch all 125 lb of him, but he could no longer do so, I ripped through my heart to see him like that, I bought him a K9 Cart so he can go out and run but it wasn’t the same, he would look at me with that Innocent face and beautiful eyes and point to his hind legs as if he is saying I can’t do it dad there is nothing I can write here that can describe the pain and frustration, and Mark you taught me a new word (anticipatory grief) I know all about it but had no name for it
His condition got so bad and he lost control of his bladder and the options where none other the the most dreadful thing, I prayed and prayed to god to take him the most peaceful way so I would not have to make that decision but it didn’t happen I understand Mark when he said that I didn’t want to play god or have my baby put down I awoke at night pacing the sick feeling in my guts at the thought of it
the short version when my vet came to the house, the las moments I can never never forget, the last couple of grunts and the drug over taking my beautiful baby exploded my heart in pieces the tears and crying were only just a tiny expression of what I felt on the inside
Hans was born on Halloween night around 2AM (nov 1st) really, and was put down Sep 30 07
we still have the mom and pop Fritz and Heide Fritz is having Kidny problens now he will be 12 on Dec 5th 07 thanks for sharing and reading

Dennis from Pennsylvania

I had a dog named Brando. He was a happy golden retriever, and at the time, me and my wife’s only baby. We got him at 8 weeks old, and later had 2 wonderful children to grow up with him. At the age of three Brando grew a large tumor on his side, and had to have surgery. The tumor was removed, but two years later it came back, and with a pregnant wife, and father on his death bed, I had to send brando in for another surgery. This one, he did not survive. At age 5, Bando was dead.

Chuck from Illinois

I know what you have gone through. I’ve had dogs and cats all my life and it hurts when they pass away.

When I recently lost my border collie mix, Dolly, a friend of mine said he was kind of sorry for rescuing a newfoundland mix because it hurts to see them grow old and die.

My reply was that I felt the same way when Dolly had to be put to sleep. Yet six months later, I adopted a little Pug Mix. No dog will “replace” another dog, but I would have denied myself the joy of another friend and companion.

My friend then adopted a second dog, an abused lhasa apso. I went on to adopt a shih tzu to be a little buddy for my pug mix.

I know I’m rambling, but my point is that the emptiness felt in your heart can only be filled with love.

And so many dogs and cats need our love.

My Fred (pug mix) and Augie (shih tzu) are not especially intelligent, not particularly obedient and can get a little rambunctious, but they are sweet and gentle souls who are darn glad to see us when we come home at night. They are our beloved companions and friends.

God Bless you and your family Mark.

Ron from Texas

Sometime in the 80’s we brought home this little 10 week old fuzzball who we named Rusty. She was a long legged, gangly and red Golden Retriever who we instantly fell in love with.

The first night we had Rusty I was taking her outside to do her business when she sort of laid down in the middle of the doorway and started kicking her legs and twitching around. “How cute” my Brooklyn bred and raised wife who had never had an animal in her house, said.

“Damn” I, who grew up on a farm in Ohio, said. “Somethin’s wrong with this pup”.

The next day Rusty had several occurrences and continued to suffer seizures throughout her life. All the Vet could say was “We don’t usually see seizures until they are older”.

In addition to the seizures she had many problems including hip dysplasia and bladder stones. We visited the Vet frequently and through it all loved her like a child and took great joy in the love she gave back to us.
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