I just lost my best friend of 12 years a couple of hours ago. She was one of the most compassionate and caring creatures I have ever known. I have no words to express what I am feeling now, but it is comforting to come here and read stories of others to know that I am not alone. This dog was so loving I don’t think should would have hurt a fly. Funny story, I was so set on naming my dog max as a kid, I stuck with it even after I found out she was a female. It was funny listening to my parents explain that to company. She was there with me as I grew into an adult and it wont be the same now that she is gone. I loved her with all my heart, in a way that I imagine its hard to understand if you’re not a dog person.. I hope that this hole I’m feeling doesn’t feel so big in the coming days, they say time heals these wounds. Rest in peace Little Girl I will never forget you.

— Jeff from Terra Haute, IN

I woke up in the morning, and after Barbara kissed me Good Morning and wished me Happy Birthday, I went out to start feeding the horses and the ponies.  I first checked on our beautiful little Shetland, Goshen, because he had just returned from the veterinary hospital and I wanted to see if he was okay.  He was down but as soon as I opened the gate to his stall he struggled to his feet and I led him out into the pasture.  I rushed inside to get Barbara and Bridget, and when we went over to see Goshen we realized that he was fading fast and that this was to be his last day with us.  We spent the whole day with him because when he did pass on, we didn’t want him to be alone.  He went down twice during the day, but each time, after a great struggle, he managed to stand again.  When he went down for the third time, we didn’t believe he would be able to rise again, for he was moaning in pain.  But he was a proud and noble pony, strong and willful, and determined and brave.  And he didn’t want to die on his belly, but on his feet.  So he mustered all his strength and somehow rose to his feet again and stayed up for the rest of the day.  He walked with us, one last time, around the field and meadow in which he lived his whole life, and stopped in his favorite place under a spreading shade tree.  And there he stood and nuzzled us with his soft face, while we caressed him and hugged him and kissed him and brushed him and told him how much we loved him and cherished him and how his presence with us enriched our lives.

And it was here, later in the day, that the vet put him to sleep, ending his pain and his suffering, and the beautiful sixteen-year life he shared with us.

And it was in this spot, under a bright full moon, that he was laid to rest.

— Jed from May’s Landing, NJ

Today we grieve the loss of our companion, friend and family member Capone who passed away late last night at home in the loving arms of the one he spent his life caring for, our daughter Janine.

Capone was her constant companion.  During her bout with cancer, gentle giant Capone went days without ever leaving her side.

When we were caring for Janine following months of Chemotherapy, he lived with us for almost a year and became part of our family also.

He will be missed by all who took the time to get to know him.

Capone, a purebred Rottweiler, weighed in excess of 140 pounds and was 12 years 9 months old when he died.

He will be cremated and his ashes will be retained by Janine.

— Tim from Henderson, NV

Sad to report the loss of a good friend. Old age caught up with Jasper today, and he let me know it was time. He left us peacefully, drifting off into beautiful sleep. The rest of us are left with pain and mourn the loss. There is a hole left that will remain a long time. He was a shelter dog, and we gave him 15 good years, and he gave us 15 good years. I’ll miss the happy smile, tail wagging and playing in the snow like a pup. Goodbye my friend. Daddy loves you.

— Steven from Marietta, PA

I lost my Bear dog last week.  He came down with meningitis, no known source, but was fatal.  He was a retired show dog (flashy standard poodle), but was a joyful and humble soul, always ready to have fun.  Bear used to make it a point to bite my friend Denise’s husband David on his rear end.  Not to inflict pain, just to make his presence known, I guess. Bear was my white shadow, following me everywhere.  I’m just trying to keep from crying, it’s just so difficult to think about him still.

When it became clear that humane euthanasia was the best thing for him, I held his head in my lap and talked to him, stroking his face while his breath subsided and eventually stopped.  The last thing I said before releasing him was a prayer — Lord, please just let me know that he’s with You now.  The thought of never seeing Bear again, here or on the other side was painful and sad.

I shared this prayer with no one except my Lord.

The next day was pretty rough.  It was so sad not to be awakened by him in the morning, to not have him nagging me to throw that tennis ball around for him.  Sometime after lunch, Denise dropped by (she was concerned), and told me she had a dream she wanted to tell me about.  She wasn’t sure she should tell me since the loss was still so new.  In the dream, Bear was running through an expansive, beautiful green meadow. His coat was snowy white, and he was barking.  Bear had a skin condition, and was “de-barked” before I got him, so he was never snowy white or capable of barking in this life.  I never shared the prayer with Denise — I know that the Lord answered my prayer — I know Bear’s with Him now, and he’s free (and loud).

Final chapter — the next time Denise’s husband was in the house, my other dog, Taylor suddenly bit him on the butt (something he’d never done before). Bear’s last nip.  Rest in peace, sweetie.  I was blessed to know you.

— Susan from Puyallup, WA

On May 7 we lost our rescue dog of 9 years, Beau.  We think he had 1-2strokes the day prior but remained a trooper. Having a difficult time going out 2 steps, he went up 18 steps to be with my wife.  She called and told e he was not well as she sat with him.  I rushed home and when he saw me the tail started pounding the floor.  5 minutes later he passed with dignity.  As always, he did it on his terms and he saved us the anguish of having to make a hard decision.  We will always cherish those 9 years.  We were all so lucky.

— Ed from Marietta, GA