I lost my friend Bud today. He was in my life for two short years. Rescued on a cold wintery February night after I got off my 12 hour shift, He was almost forgotten by me as I became frustrated with the person who had ownership of him. He was jetsam from a divorce in Arizona and I had the pleasure of introducing him to Ohio snow. First time I saw him I knew he would be my ‘bud’, I took possession of ‘prince’ and started his life as my companion. The partnership was only two years due to health issue of renal problems and we survived though fear of thunder, bad teeth, extractions, special diets, and this last bout of renal problems that led to surgery that he did not survive. We are blessed that God gives us such unselfish friends with four legs in this world. A short life experience but remembered treasure forever.

— Greg from Youngstown, OH

I laid to rest a friend today
My friend with floppy ears.
A friend that took me for what I was
For sixteen doggy years.
No questions asked, it’s you and me
In fair or stormy weather
And whatever happens day by day
It’s you and me together.
Food and water was all she asked
And a head pat once in a while
And she would give me a waggy tail
To bring on a pleasing smile.

I hope I’ve learned what my furry friend
Has shown me through the years.
Hope and faith and friendship,
A friendship that endears.
My friend walks with me even now
The shadow at my heel.
And me and God and my friend know
Just how the Hell I feel!
We’ll meet again my friend and I
When He rings the bell for me,
But till then I will remember
The joy she shared with me.

— Pete from Morristown, AZ

What a sad day.  We said goodbye to our sweet beautiful Goldie today after being with us for 16 years.  Goldie was our peacemaker. Regardless of how much we disagreed about so many thing in life, we always agreed on our love for her.  Goldie was our tranquilizer.  Just putting a hand on her calmed us.
A few weeks ago, shortly after her 16th birthday, Goldie let us know she was worn out…just tired.  The water therapy she loved was too much for her now.  She wasn’t even strong enough to lift her head to eat.
Goldie went to sleep surrounded by us (her first family) and her extraordinary, caring friends at Old Mill.  We miss her so much already.

— Joan from Leesburg, VA

About a year ago I adopted a miniature schnauzer, we named Walter, who had been chained to a tree the entire two years of his life.  There he was in the rain, snow, sleet, hail, and heat suffering,barking and longing to run free.  He was finally sold for a case of beer and I adopted him.  I live on over 25 acres and he has not been tied up since.  He runs free and has built up a lot of muscle and gained an independence that is a joy to see.  He loves me and enjoys cuddling in my lap as I watch t.v. but he is happiest running after his friends the barn cats or chasing our other two labs.

You talking on your show persuaded me to get this little guy and I am so happy I did.  It seems like rescued dogs have a true appreciation for the better life they are provided because they know what it is like on “the other side” where things are not always so easy.

— Karla from Millsap, TX

Earlier today, Tues. March 20, I lost my little buddy, Bailey, a 5 yr. old male Yorkie. I suspect he may have choked on something or may have had a heart attack. Regardless, when he was found we couldn\’t revive him and he was gone. Bailey was a very happy, very loving little guy and he gave me so much unconditional love and devotion. I can only hope he felt the same way about me, I already miss him more than I can express here. I Love You, my Bailey Boy…until we see each other again one day in Heaven. Rest In Peace, my devoted friend.

— Henry from Lancaster, CA

We lost our beautiful dog Joplin today and we are heartbroken, he was only 6.   Joplin was the sweetest, gentlest dog, who loved everyone and other dogs too, we had him for 6 wonderful years, those years he changed our lives and made our days complete,   the house feels so empty without him and the loss is unbearable.
He quit eating the last 2 months and we struggled with vets to find out what was wrong, finally we had surgery and he had a thickening of the intestinal walls, making food difficult to go through.  The vet wanted to put him down, but we wanted to give our beautiful Joplin one last chance to live and be with us.
The vet did the surgery, cutting off 8” of his intestine, and it was just too much for Joplin, he died within 24 hours.
We had no good options, he would die if we did nothing for he was not eating, and in pain, putting him down on the operating table was not going to happen so we took a chance and did the surgery.
We pray that he is peaceful now and that someday we will be united again.  Joplin was the love of our lives and we will never forget him.

— Mary from Valley Village, CA