Lost My Shadow

[Beech]

My kids would always call him my shadow, because he was black and would follow me every where. He was my 14 year black lab retriever named Cal. Yesterday afternoon I had to get the vet to come to our home to let Cal go.I spent the last 3 hours of his life holding him and telling him it was ok to go. I can't believe how much of my heart he took with him, but I shouldn't be because he gave so much to our family. I will miss him everyday until I can be with him again....... Thanx Beech

[ecoaster]

Nellwyn is my first dog that has lived in my house. Growing up I had beagles that stayed outside and were not really pets. Every day I come home she is at the fence bubbling over with excitement to see me. She is a huge part of our family and I know I will be in your exact shoes when her last day comes.

They really are man's best friend. Unconditionally. Sorry to hear about your loss.

[Tom]

Sorry Beech to hear of your loss. I too lost my hunting partner a few years ago. A member at the time of this forum posted this poem and I felt is was worth saving.

In rememberance of your shadow, my C.J. any other lost family pets and Red Label who posted it for me:

I think this is a good time to share this poem again. I have it hanging on my bulletin board at work:

The Power of the Dog
By: Rudyard Kipling

There is sorrow enough in the natural way,
From men and women to fill our day,
And When we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and sisters I bid you beware,
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.

Buy a pup and your money will buy,
Love unflinching that cannot lie,
Perfect passion and worship fed,
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless, it's hardly fair,
To risk your heart to a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which nature permits,
Are closing in asthma, or tumor, or fits,
And the vet's unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find; it's your own affair,
But you've given your heart to a dog to tear.

We've sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay,
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we've kept 'em,
The more we do grieve.

For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short term loan is as bad as a long,
So why in heaven; before we are there,
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

[wabi]

Sorry to hear the news. I've got a mixed breed that's part black lab and she has the good lab characteristics. A great family dog, and faithful to the extreme. She is super protective of kids, and warns me if a stranger comes near the yard. I can relate to your loss.

[pphoenix]

Sorry to hear , i have a 2 year old black lab, and can't even imagine losing it, i'm sure it's just like losing a kid.

[awshucks]

Beech: I've been there, done that, it's never easy, ya gotta remember the good times and the fact that they are just on loan to us. The absolute worst is when they just disappear and you don't know why. I'd much rather put an old friend to rest than wonder where he/she went.

[Boo]

Beech, my condolences to you. I lost my best dog Boo 9 years ago and I'm still not over it. He was my best friend.... I still cry when I think about him today. What innocent, faithful, loving creatures that reach in and touch your heart. Wonderful little buddies that live for you. Yup, I want to be with him too. Some days when I hunt I think about him and just wonder if I will be lucky enough to see him and touch him again. Its starting to hurt again, I'd like to say more but I'm crying too much. Sorry to hear about your loss. It sucks.
Don

[fudster]

sorry to hear about your loss. we had to put down our dog last year.had to get another dog, house didn't seem the same with out a dog always under foot .still think of her everyday tho.

[chris4570]

It's never easy saying goodbye to what was surely the best friend you could have asked for. I've been down that road. What I wouldn't do to have my best friend back.......damn it hurts thinking about him.

Take care, and reflect upon all the goodtimes you had with Cal!

[Sierra]

My heart goes out to you and those that loved her. I know she will be missed. I have already had to put one friend down and last summer my retriever was hit by a vehicle. She's 5 years old. She survived but it has taken it's toll on her. Last Saturday night she had a seisure. I thought I was loosing her. She follows me every where even when i'm on the tractor. I've had nightmares of her and the tractor.

May God ease your pain.

[GaryL]

Beech, my condolences to you, been there and it's rough.

[Hi5]

Someone wiser than I said it so well.....Life has things reversed. A shotgun should only last 10 years--a dog for your whole life.

[axis]

Beech, That is some hard news to hear. Just think of all the good times you have had with Cal. it'll help a little tell, time can mend the broken heart.
In Hawaiian, shadow is spelled A'ka it is the name of my dog she is a Weimaraner and she is my best hunting buddy. She is a part of our family

Hang in there.

Axis

[Isis]

Sorry to here of your loss. I have been there twice with my dogs.
My present springer Amber is 13 now, so I am aproaching that time again.
I have posted this before from an Ann Landers column.
I hope it brings some comfort.


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[Brampton Mike]

Been there done that so I know excatly how you feel!!!!!!!!!!! Brampton Mike