For the past 14+ years, my husband, Buddy, and I have had the joy of sharing our lives with our wonderful German Shepherd Dog (GSD), “Grover”.  We have both had lots of different dogs before, but neither of us had ever experienced the intelligence, loyalty and wisdom that Grover showed us every day.  As he aged, Grover developed osteoarthritis and began having difficulty walking.  And, when Grover made his 14th birthday in Dec., ’12, we knew that we were very blessed to have had him as a part of our lives for so long.  But, we also knew that his failing health would soon take him from us.  So, in his final months, we committed ourselves to keeping him as comfortable and happy as possible.  These were difficult times for all of us, but we told him we loved him every day and – when he no longer could get up from his bed, and had refused to eat for several days – we knew it was time to do the the ‘right thing’ for Grover.  This past Tuesday, April 9th, we took our beloved pet to be “put to sleep”. – and then brought him home to be buried in our yard.

— Dianna from Lebec, CA

In the winter of 1999, I drove down a dark lane with scraggly trees like hands reaching down to touch me, out in the dark country somewhere.The moon was in and out behind black clouds.This was to be my umteenth ‘rescue’ and inside the farm house I found a crestfallen little yellow lab, sitting near a cupboard in the kitchen with his head drooping. I entered and asked which dog was the one they were planning to put down, he was pointed out to me and I gathered him in my arms, all 6-1/4 lbs., and left without looking back.  He  grew into the most wonderful,giving Therapy Dog  (TDI) and our county Hospice Dog. I had to have him put down on Jan. 9, 2013 as he had just worn out, his joints carrying him up and down too many hospital and nursing home halls, for too many years. Too many people to love and look after and Commander was a gallent and compassionate friend to everyone till the end.  I’ve known & loved many animals in my life but I’ve never been as close to another – Commander & I were soulmates and I miss him terribly, every day that dawns.

— Judith from Clyde, OH

I lost my sweet boy, Fred the basset hound on April 14, 2013.  Fred was a rescue dog who my husband and I adopted in December 2000.  He was the sweetest, kindest dog you could ever meet and my heart is broken. He suffered from cancer of the bladder and became very ill Sunday night.  I realized I could no longer keep Fred alive for me and I could not watch him suffer.  I will always love him and I was so lucky to have Fred for almost 13 years,

— Terri from Savannah, GA

Two days ago, we lost our dear dog, Abby, to diabetes.  Abby came into our life 9 years ago when my husband decided he really wanted a dog. I admit I wasn’t so keen on the idea, but when I left my place of work one day, there was my husband, sitting on a bench with a small energetic puppy from the animal shelter.   I admit my heart melted, just a bit.  Abby fit into our family perfectly, and she left us with many wonderful memories.  When we brought our son, Nate, home after graduating from Navy boot camp, Abby welcomed me home – all excited, jumping up and wagging her tail;  But her reaction to our son was different.  He had collapsed on the couch right away, exhausted after the long trip.  Abby went into the living room, laid her head on his chest and looked at him, sadly, as if to say  “Where have you been?  I’ve missed you so much!”.  Abby loved Christmas.  When we started wrapping gifts and putting them under the tree, she always knew there were some for her.  On Christmas morning, she’d rip open the packages of toys and snacks, all excited.  For the next three nights, she wouldn’t come upstairs to sleep in our room , as she usually did.  Instead, she would sleep near her presents under the tree, protecting them from the cat (who couldn’t have cared less!).  Abby was there for my husband when he got congestive heart failure, knowing something was wrong.   She gave our whole family love, unconditionally, and her passing has left a giant hole.  We already miss her so much.

— Kathy from Indiana, PA

Here are my two loves, Marv and Joe.  Joe (cattledog mix) was adopted by my family 6 years ago.  My mom didn’t have the time to walk him and provide a good life for him anymore in Illinois, so I brought him out to live with me in California.  Marv (dalmatian) was adopted shortly after, when I came across a posting with his photo from a breeder that was desperate to find a new home.  Marv is deaf and was adopted out to a family that did not want a special needs dog.  Before Marv arrived, we practice sign language with Joe so that he could help his little brother communicate with us.  With Joe’s help, Marv was able to quickly pick up on the sign language!  They are my little lovers and I am so blessed to have both of them.

— Jill from Pacifica, CA

Sept. 27, 2012 is a day I will never get over or forget. On that day, I lost my best human friend of over 30 years, and I adopted her two poodles, Faith and Sara. The day began so normal. My friend and I shopped together every Thursday, since we were both retired. When I couldn’t reach her on the phone, I went to her home and let myself in with a spare key.

The first thing that struck me was the two dogs cowering at the back door, looking at me with such fear and panic. I immediately became afraid myself, and I said to them, “Where’s your mamma?” They both ran back towards the bedroom, but stopped in the hallway and didn’t go in the room. My stomach was already in knots as I began to notice all the curtains were still closed and it was 11:00 in the morning. I walked back to the bedroom calling my friend’s name. When I got to the door, it first appeared as though she were sleeping in bed. The covers were under her chin and nothing looked disturbed. But, there was a stillness that I can’t describe and as I walked around the bed I knew.

It was such a shock that I began to scream her name, hoping she would open her eyes. The poor dogs were still cowering in the hall, crying their hearts out. They slept on the bed with her every night, so they must have known when it happened. I was amazed to think nothing was disturbed. There were no scratches or any indication that they had bothered her. I put the dogs outside and called 911. Those little dogs were always good “talkers” yet they never said a word. They stood outside, with their faces pressed against the screen door and never made a sound other than whimpers. Their tales were tucked so far between their legs it looked like they didn’t even have tails.

When the medical examiner came, he looked at them and said, “Oh they look so sad, they know what has happened. Dogs understand about death.” Since my friend’s family all lived out of town, I took the dogs home with me. We were all very traumatized, but I have never known dogs that are so smart and loving. The first few nights, they would repeatedly touch my neck during the night. Like they were checking to make sure I was OK. I did a lot of crying in those early days, and I still have bad days. It never fails that when I start to weep, both dogs hover over me, and want in my lap, where they stare intently in my eyes, telling me with all their being that they understand, and want to help me.

In these last six months, I have grown to love these dogs more than I thought possible. I was grateful that my friend’s family did not want the dogs but I wasn’t sure how happy they would be with me. But, we’ve all settled into routines, and they are just wonderful. My 90 year old mother lives with me and I was apprehensive that they might cause her harm by jumping and accidentally scratching her. But, it’s like they have a sixth sense that told them she was fragile, and they are so gentle, standing quietly by her chair to get the backs rubbed. I think it’s been wonderful for my mother to have two new “babies” to dote on. While the circumstances of their arrival were filled with sadness, I must now credit Faith and Sara for providing me with so much cheer and fun filled moments. I think they have probably saved my sanity. They certainly provide me with much entertainment, and they get me up, out of the house, and keep me moving.

— Carolyn from Cordova, TN