Our beloved Buddy had to be put out of his misery this past Sunday April 29, 2012. A tragic accident on such a beautiful sunny day after  playtime at the park. My wife and I packed  our 3 dogs in my truck and off happily towards home when Buddy decided to leap out the passenger window. My frantic wife was too late to grab and I wasn’t driving very fast at all but I felt my rear tire crush his little body. It was a HORRIFIC experience. My poor baby screaming. He eventually calmed down and we rushed him to our vet and you know the rest. We are extremely safety conscience and always restrain our dogs and roll up windows but that day we both slipped up and are extremely heart broken and full of grief. We would appreciate your prayers to get us through our loss and guilt. The ironic thing is we rescued Buddy in October of 2011 after being run over 3 times. He was such a BLESSING to our lives. To see the transformation from fearful, unsociable dog to a caring and loving companion was something to see. I was looking forward to the future of many years with my Buddy. He truly loved us and appreciated the simple things like a warm bed, a hug, treats, or a stroke of his head when napping. The pain is unbearable but I hold on to God’s loving Word that He will make ALL THINGS new in heaven. Thank you Mark for giving your dog loving patriots an opportunity to grieve and express their thoughts and share to maybe help others. God Bless you always and all of you who have had a similar experience…

— Mario from Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Snapple, (We call her Bippy) was a wedding gift from my wife to me.  That was over 15 years ago.  Sadly, Bip is not doing so well in recent weeks.  Vet doesn’t think it’s going to be too long for her.  As long as she isn’t in any pain or discomfort, really that’s all that matters at this point. Bippy has been a wonderful dog; Smart, feisty, and yes bad at times.   She had pups several years back and we kept one, Rusty Spoon, he’s much bigger than Snap but has her colors.   We’re going to treat her like a queen as long as she can hold out.

— Bill from Wittmann, AZ

We brought Piper home from a rescue out by Virginia Tech.  The jury is still out on what all breeds made this girl, but our best guess is Irish Wolfhound, German Shepherd, Lab, and some sorta terrier.  We’ve taught her to be a Frisbee catching champ. Above all, she is a sweetheart, and our cat loves her.  The cat is named DK, short for Dumpster Kitty.  We lured her out of a dumpster in St. Simon’s Island, GA with a can of cat food.  These two are inseparable. Who says dogs and cats can’t get along?

— Rick from Williamsburg, VA

Just a little mutt in a duffle bag thrown away in a creek…who knew she would become the love of my life.  At 4 weeks old, this black and white 1 ½ lb pup was busy helping the volunteers at the animal shelter clean cages and caring for her roommates, when my daughters (5 & 8) and I walked in.  It was love at first sight.  Because she was so young, it was necessary to supplement her canned puppy food with infant Gerber rice cereal for proper nourishment.  With an abundance of love and care, Belle quickly became aware she had found her forever home.  As a military family, it was necessary to move frequently, but Belle never minded as long as we were with her.  With my husband (now retired First Sgt) frequently gone, this little 19 lb fuzz ball filled the emptiness and became my best friend.
In addition to holding the position of ‘Executive Director of the Welcoming Committee’, Belle had many duties in our home.  She assisted with the garden including but not limited to pruning, watering and planting, assisted the ‘grill sergeant’ and kept the bedding warm in preparation for ‘nite-nite’.  Perhaps her most important responsibility was ‘General of Goose Patrol’ by the pond.  Some of her favorite activities included walks, car rides and afternoons at the spa.  Belle and I were best buds.
I was raised in a family where love was earned as a result of work and grades.  Belle taught me unconditional love!!  I’d never experienced this before and it changed my life and my relationship with God, my girls and my husband.  I could tell her anything and she never judged me for who I am or the many mistakes I’ve made.  She always knew when I needed a little extra attention or a buddy on my lap.  Even at the age of 16, Belle never acted like she was in her geriatric years.
On October 12, 2009, Belle suffered a stroke.  I knew in my heart it wouldn’t be long before I would have to say ‘good-bye’ to my Baby-Belle.  I lay on the floor for 3 days with her whispering in her ear telling her what a great job she did taking care of her family.  I reassured her that we would be ok and I would see her soon.  I told her I loved her and by Saturday she was gone.  I can still see those big brown eyes full of love and comfort.  I’ve lost close friends and even a parent but nothing compares to the emptiness of losing Belle.

— sue from Indianapolis, IN

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