Visit our Popular Forums

Mel · 01-16-2008, 08:11 AM

I'm so sorry about Chief. What a beautiful, loving companion he was. Losing a pet brings such pain. I hope you can find a small bit of comfort in knowing that you did everything you could.

rettoc625 · 01-16-2008, 01:45 PM

Their lives are too short - we know that from the start - but we jump in any way and adopt them. Maybe we will share a path for 12 years, maybe 2, we never know how long the journey will be. We promise to protect them, care for them and give them the best of ourselves. They give us sloppy kisses, muddy floors and chew up our best shoes. We learn. We pick up our clothes and vow to become smarter than the dog. Next time. The joy they bring cannot be explained, just experienced.

You gave Chief the best shot possible at beating the beast. My heart goes out to your family.

Mary

**jcanavera** · 01-16-2008, 04:45 PM

John, you have our condolences. You did your best and probably your greatest act of compassion was letting Chief go. I had to make that decision with Bandit last summer and like in your situation the events leading to the decision are not a sudden thing. Making that decision is so much harder since you always have that hope that tomorrow they will turn the corner.

Know that there are a lot of us sitting out here with glassy eyes sharing your sorrow.

Jack

ROBERT CROSS · 01-16-2008, 04:56 PM

We all feel your pain..

They give so much and ask so little.

You just can't hug 'em or love 'em enough...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f239...ome-35130.html

Bambi_Bandit · 01-16-2008, 05:04 PM

My condolences to you. There never are words to express sadness like that.

We had 2 dogs when I was growing up. The Buster the beagle, suddenly fell on a Friday afternoon and was rushed to the vet. Unfortunately, the vet put him on meds over the weekend and closed up shop, where he died, alone....

In retrospect, I should have known how to identify top notch vets from the average ones. Top notch are AAHA certified and have staff 24 hours a day. I felt so depressed and guilty for that, not being there with him, for him, on his last hours...

So, what I'm trying to say is that although it must have been a tough choice, I'm sure that the terms of Chief's last moments were much better for both of you than Buster and I. Be thankful for that.

Kevin

jnerges · 01-17-2008, 09:48 PM

Picasa Web Albums - aaajn - Chief

He was an awesome dog. We are crying 50% less. Only 6 hours per day.

Enjoy some happy pictures.

John

cameront120 · 01-17-2008, 10:20 PM

Thanks so much for sharing your pictures of Chief with us. This is my favorite:

It appears that Chief was just as fond of WSU as my Samm is:

ROBERT CROSS · 01-18-2008, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jnerges

Picasa Web Albums - aaajn - Chief

He was an awesome dog. We are crying 50% less. Only 6 hours per day.

Enjoy some happy pictures.

John

If it helps...we smiled all the way thru your slide show!!

J&C · 01-18-2008, 01:38 PM

Oh, how solemn I feel right now, oh Jnerges and I feel your loss. We will all experience “the cycle of life” and our loved ones leaving us, the way we handle this is as individual as we are.

On a lighter note, the pictures have left smiles on me. I’ll give Sapphire a big hug (but no Charles, I still wont kisses her on the mouth!)

Sapphire is 14 now, her surgeries included: Repair 2 rear ACL’s, 1 clean-out and remove old ACL/debris and treat infection. Installation of right leg “surgical-steel plate with bone fusion and 2 weeks ago the removal of the Plate as her body was rejecting it and lots of pain meds/anti-biodics .

Sapphire now has more energy and makes her presents known. I’ll take her picture and post it soon. After reading the great lengths all of you have been through, I will never gripe about her medical expenses.

Thanks, I enjoyed seeing all the kids,

John

clancy_boy · 01-18-2008, 01:59 PM

Jnerges, wow, I can barely type after reading your story. We too have had our hearts turned inside out over the loss of one of our "kids" (dog just sounds so wrong).

We are dealing with Clancy (hence the name - Clancy_boy), our 12 year old lab who in his heart and through his eyes is still only a puppy but his body is slowly letting him down. I wish I could still hear his paws thundering across our yard after his ball, but now I only throw it 10 feet or so for him to walk and get it. And when he returns with it, there is always with a "thanks Dad" look that he did not have to go far to retrieve it.

It's a lopsided exchange from a pet, they give you so much and in return only want some of your time. It's when he is sleeping next to me on the floor by the couch that I know I will miss that big lug when he is gone. Hope it's a long way off....

J&C · 01-18-2008, 02:07 PM

Kevin, how is Min Pin doing?
JB

jnerges · 01-21-2008, 10:04 AM

Boy we miss him, Chief was a once in a life time dog. Sometimes if he were playing with a small child who was intimadated by his snare drum bark, Chief would drop the ball, nose it over to the child and then back away. This pooch was actually thougthful. I took his sister for a walk today, the usual route and she was looking for him in the woods. Sniffing his favorite spots. I think they call that pee mail. She looked like she missed him.

Part of me wants to apologize for dumping all that emotion into this blog but its a small part, the remainder of me can not thank you enough for your kindness. Sometimes, I would read responses to my wife and she would smile right before the sobs started.

"That'll do Chief" was the ultimate tear jerker. If you have ever seen a working Border Collie or the movie Babe, it will make sense.

Anyway, my heart is heavy with grief but it is subsiding and is being replaced by gratitude for this thread and for all my friends and family who are deeply connected to this kind of loss. This group was an angel.

So from the bottom of my heart, thank you for sharing and halving all that pain.

John

cameront120 · 01-21-2008, 10:21 AM

Not only is this a forum for sharing knowledge, but it is also a place for sharing both the good and the bad. I for one, have no problem with you sharing your grief and looking to fellow pet owners for some comfort. Grieve and honour Chief in the way that gives you the most comfort. My thoughts are with you.

Alumatube · 01-21-2008, 10:49 AM

What a wonderful dog. I am crying right along with you as I type this.

I think I posted this in another thread, but it really helped me when we lost our beloved Buster (he got into poison and was misdiagnosed by the vet and died in the animal hospital). A good friend sent it to me when I was having a very hard time working through the grief and guilt and "should-a's" afteward.

********************

Humans long for friendship. It keeps us centered emotionally. We spend inordinate amounts of time cultivating relationships with people, only to have them drift in and out of our lives. The fact is that other humans often fall short of meeting our emotional needs. They have emotional needs of their own and often find other humans besides you to fulfill them.

Dogs, on the other hand, are very simple creatures. They are always there for you ... constant companions and joyful friends. You know, Man's Best Friend, and all that. They ask so little and give so much. Sure, they’ll romp and play with other dogs but only if they can keep an eye on you.

Doggie psychiatrists say dogs think we’re leaving forever each time we leave them behind, even if it’s only to go out to the mailbox. They worry about that. How many human friends do you have that care that much about your comings and goings?

I sometimes think the loss of a dog friend can be even more devastating than the loss of a human friend. When a person dies, you think about their life, how you fit into it, and recognize their legacy goes well beyond you. While that recognition validates your relationship, its prime value is that it lets you accept they’ve gone on.

On the other hand, a dog’s passing is so much more sorrowful. Their life was simple, primarily eating, sleeping and playing. Yet you know that you were the focus of their life. Their legacy is simple to understand. They let you be their friend, without qualification. What person can you say that about? It is only right to grieve when you’ve lost the best friend you’ll ever have.

*****************

Susan

rettoc625 · 01-21-2008, 05:21 PM

Years ago when my now 7 year old Golden, Logan, (the one who is now recovering from the big "C") was a youngster, we had another older Golden who crossed the bridge at 11 due to a thyroid tumor. Whenever we went to agility class, Logan roamed the building and looked out all the windows, searching for Bailey. At home he would do the same.

When I accidentally picked up her collar and jingled her tags, Logan came running, happily expecting to see his sister. When I realized how he missed her, I sat down on the floor with tears in my eyes. Logan sat right next to me with his chin on my shoulder.

He physically grieved for his sister for about a month. It was so sad. Unlike a child who may experience a loss, there is no way to describe and explain what happened.

Your other boy will need lots of extra TLC right now. It will make you both feel better.

Sugarfoot · 01-21-2008, 06:17 PM

Jnerges, tears are rollling down my cheeks as I read this. The Picasa photos are great and brought a smile. What an gifted dog Chief was!

Losing a faithful K9 friend is essentially losing a family member. And this family of Airstreamers understands. No need to apologize to this bunch. We have all cried together with the illness and loss of our beloved pets. I pray your hearts will heal with time, but I know the memories of good times with Chief will live on in your hearts forever.

rickandsandi · 01-31-2008, 06:49 AM

To All our Fellow Forum Dog Lovers-

After weeks and weeks of soul searching, new medications, love and nursing, Sandi and I had to take Belle to the vet for the last time. A wonderful Yellow Lab who had a great life and made our family complete. A true Airstreamer and lover of Rallies. Always ready with a big lick for anyone and always content with just being with us no matter where we traveled. Belle will be missed by not only us but those who call us friends. It was so difficult this morning going through my morning routine and Belle wasn't there. I miss her.

A Dog's Prayer

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I lick your hand between, blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps fall upon my waiting ear.
When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow your through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god, and I am your devoted worshipper.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.
Feed me clean food, that I may be well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing , and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.
And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do no turn me away from you. Rather, hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest..... and I will leave you, knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.
Your devoted friend......

yukionna · 01-31-2008, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickandsandi

To All our Fellow Forum Dog Lovers-

After weeks and weeks of soul searching, new medications, love and nursing, Sandi and I had to take Belle to the vet for the last time. A wonderful Yellow Lab who had a great life and made our family complete. A true Airstreamer and lover of Rallies. Always ready with a big lick for anyone and always content with just being with us no matter where we traveled. Belle will be missed by not only us but those who call us friends. ....

Rick...sorry to hear of Belle. I enjoyed seeing her at Airstream events. Our thoughts are with you.

jnerges · 01-31-2008, 07:58 AM

Rick and Sandi,

I am very sad to hear about Belle. Just scroll back and look at the posts with Chief's avatar and you will know I understand with your pain. Please let me give you something that helped me get two weeks down the road:

Please remember you are not alone.

Sincerely,

John

rickandsandi · 01-31-2008, 08:36 AM

Dear John-

It was because of your post back on Nov. 11, 2007 that we have been following this thread. We have shead a few tears over Cheif and have not mentioned Belle for we felt this thread was more for Cheif than anything else. The comfort is that we are not alone and that possibly Cheif and Belle have met and become great friends!