OT/ I lost a friend

[Patriot*]

I am sorry to hear about your loss. I lost my flatcoated retriever after 16 years in June of 06. Not a week goes by where I don't think of "Jake" and the lessons he taught me and the great hunts we had.

I wish for you endless memories of the great times and the unconditional loyalty and love that your pup displayed to you and your family. It truly is amazing the lessons we learn from these amazing family members. Thanks for sharing.

[DaveShooter]

So very sorry to hear the news of your loss- It sure does hurt as I know.
But hopefully in the near future ya can get ya another no not to take the one you just lost place but to fill the empty void of your loss. Again so very sorry!!!!

[vonotto]

I lost my GSP last week. 14yrs of great hunting and companionship. It hurts bad

Rudyard Kipling
"The Power of the Dog"
"GARM -- A HOSTAGE" -- ACTIONS AND REACTIONS

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 is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, 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.

When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!)
When the spirit hat answered your every mood
Is gone -- wherever it goes -- for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give 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 do we grieve;

For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-time 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?

[Kegbelly]

I'm so sorry to hear that Vonotto, I certainly can understand your grief. Thank you for posting that poem, I think I would agree with the sentiment. Why do we give our hearts to our dogs, knowing in the grand scheme of things it will be short lived.... I guess because we cherish the unbiased love and companionship of our beloved pets, it's like no other. They make our lives better. Truly man's best friend.
I don't wish to belabor this thread, but I wanted to say thanks again to all who have posted and pm'd me, I really do appreciate the condolences. It means a lot to me, especially from folks who I'm sure loved your canine friends just as much as I loved my buddy Dakota, and you know the hurt. It helps. Thank you.