This is not a story of one of my own dogs, although their stories are compelling – each dog I’ve had through the years has been a unique and wonderful individual and each has left his or her mark. This is the story of the dog of a client, a story that, although short, affected me deeply.

As a practicing veterinarian, it is my sad duty and responsibility to end the suffering of many beloved pets. Each act of euthanasia encompasses the intervention of an (often) outside individual performing a seemingly detached procedure involving only the pet, and not the family. This detachment, believe me, is a defense mechanism to preserve one’s own sanity. Any caring veterinarian is deeply moved by the love and bond between dog and owner.
None affected me more, however, than Daisy.

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These are my two best friends in the whole world. They were both rescued from the local shelter. Gunner the white one is a rat terrier (full blood). It was funny but I was at the shelter one evening and a lady from work came in with Gunner to serender him to the pound. She asked me if I wanted him and we decided to eliminate the middle man and she gave him to me. Gunner is the boss of the house. He could be in a coma but let me unwrap the cheese and shazam he’s there! Gunner is real leary of strangers but once he warms up to you, you got a real pal for life. Now Barney (the black and white one) is the lovey dovey of the two. He loves everybody. He’s a cross between a Boston terrier and a Chihuahua. This dog is a complete nut case and he makes me laugh constantly. He can hear a gnat pass gas in a wind storm and he makes the best alarm system money could buy. I was never able to have dogs because I always rented, but when I bought my first house I got one dog (Gunner) and I liked it so much I got the other. I never fully understood what having a dog was until mine came along and now I know why people call them members of their families. This page is great! Thank you Mark.

Bret from PA

Mark—Thanks for all you do. I’ve had dogs (and horses and cats) my whole life. I’m 73 and have 2 dogs now—Black Lab, Rollie and German Shepherd, Bunker. Also 2 horses and 2 cats. Here’s my urgent recommendation. If your animal has reached the end and misery is overwhelming, buck up and have it put down humanely. Secondly, when you do that, look in its eyes and hold its paws. Many years ago I had my Dad take my precious dachshund, Hilda, to the vet for euthanization. I was too big a coward and I’ll regret it forever. I’ve had several dogs since, and when they came to the end, I dealt with it—-a Poodle, Beau Jo and a Black Lab, Molly. They represented the best things in life.

 James from WA

The dog I remember the best as a child was one named Chad–a little brown one that kept me sane. My dad & mom did not get along to put it mildly. Many a night I would set outside on the back step & cry on Chad’s fur. He just looked at me & snuggled down in my lap. A little bit of sanity in my life. She died when I was in Nurses training. As soon as I was out & working , I found another dog & have not looked back since then. I married & moved to a farm & have had many dogs in our 38 years of marriage. 2 years ago we had the last one put to sleep & even my husband shed tears. No more dogs was my mantra; then 1 yr. ago on mother’s Day I was presented with a golden ball of fur…a LARGE ball of fur! And so Riley entered into our lives & is a very busy Golden Retriever & has kept this 60 yr. old lady hopping. I have enjoyed all of her..she was a special gift & is a lot of company.

I am sorry for the loss of your dogs–I can understand the emptiness that their passing leaves.

God Bless you & I really enjoy your show.

Beverly from KS

For everyone who has lost a beloved pet:

Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face, your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together…….

Author unknown

Heather from OR

Her name is Donner. No, not the party that perished in the mountain, but a version of the name of the reindeer as said by my Texan husband.
She came to us at age five weeks and was the prettiest little yellow lab I had ever seen. She was a Christmas gift to my husband but she soon became the love of everyone who ever met her. God allowed her to stay with us for 13 years. On the day she died, I was sick. Odd, since I am never sick but I was that day. Sick enough to stay on the couch. I asked my husband to take her for her final evening walk. When they didn’t come back I wondered where they were but was too sick to check on them. The next thing I know, my husband comes in the back door carrying Donner. She was dying. We laid her on her rug and I screamed “Donner, stay with me girl. Don’t leave me”. She looked at me, and died.
We wrapped her in a blanket and put her in her favorite spot.
The next morning we took her to the vet (I don’t remember why) and everyone at the vet’s office started crying. She was so loved by all. The vet said to me “there is something strange going on here. Donner is still warm. It’s like even now she is not wanting to leave you.” When I told him how her death had gone, he told me “that’s also strange. Donner died of a heart attack. Usually that is immediate. But she lived long enough to tell you goodby. Strange.”

Donner is now buried under a 150 native Texas pecan. My husband built a casket and we buried her like the true queen she was; with her bowls, her toys, her rug and blanket and a bucket of food.

Donner knew only the best in people. She never barked, never growled at even little kids that would tug on her. She was truely a rare dog. And I miss her even now. But I know that she is waiting for us to join her. She is prepares a place for us. And brings the angels joy.

Jeanne  from Texas