Stik, I'm so sorry for your loss.  I am sure he knew you loved him to the very end, and that certainly eased his spirit over the rainbow bridge.  Hang in there and remember the good times. 

John

This will probably make you cry, but it's one of the most poignant things I've ever read on the topic. Losing a best friend sucks every time. Sending you good thoughts. 

That is a beautiful.  That is a dog.

Sorry Stik, I've had a few in my life,it's a void not easily filled.

Very sorry for your loss Stik. They truly are family.

Stik,

Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss.  We've gone through the same emotions four times and it never gets any easier.  Our pets are the embodiment of unconditional love.  I never get tired of hearing the 'clank-thump-clank-thump-clank-thump' of the monster's tail as it hits the wall and the washing machine in the mud room when either The Boss or I enter the house.  To those who have never been pet owners, they'll say, "It's just a dog."  For those who have, they know a pet is truly part of the family.  Remember the good times, and even the bad ones, you shared with Dog and it will always bring a smile to you face.

Mike

I'm very sorry stik that your friend is gone. I still miss my Lab that passed away from cancer. We were all there with him as he took his last breath. They become part of our families and all they ask for our companionship.

Meanwhile this is a very nice poem........

https://rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm

Man, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your best friend with 4 legs. I know the feeling brother.

Stik, please accept my deepest sympathy. I know what it's like to lose a four-legged friend; I've gone through the experience too many times - and it never gets any easier. It really is like losing a family member.

You know, of course, the standard recommended treatment for grieving pet owners. It's trite advice, but it really does help. Get another dog ASAP. That won't eliminate the grief, but it will give you a great deal to be happy about - and that's what your late copilot would want. He wouldn't want to feel miserable for the rest of your life on account of him. And there are plenty of puppies out there who need good, loving homes.

The researcher Pavlov once said, "Dogs only have one real defect. They don't live long enough."

Again, my deepest condolences.

Very sorry, Stik.

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers. 

I'm very sorry for your loss.  October first was a year since I lost my girl.  I still have two Shepherds but she was very special.  She was the fifth one I have lost over the years so I know how you feel.

Follow the light back home

I left the porch light on to guide you back home

I'm waiting at the window and feeling so alone

The clock on the mantel is ticking so very loud

I feel it with each heart beat as I begin to fill with doubt

I'm sure that you can see it, this light that fills the night

I'm waiting here with open arms to hold you oh so tight

Let your old, sick body go and fly above it free

Then follow this old light back home and back again to me

We'll live on together, just like it was before

But now the pain that slowed you down will be with you no more

Come on old girl you can do it follow that light back home

I'm here for you and always will, you'll never be alone

Don't be scared I promise, it will always be alright

Just follow on as far as you can until you see the light

Than come on in just as you've done your entire life before

Come to me my angel I'm waiting at the door

My arms and heart are open and ready to grab hold

I'll hold on tight with all my might and together we'll behold...

This next part of life we'll be alright as long as we're together

You'll live on within this realm as free and light as a feather

I left the old porch light on to guide you back to me

Hurry on old girl, it's ok, let yourself be free.

(C) Amy Raymond

Thank you one and all for the kind words. He truly was one of the family. It is amazing how much pets impact our lives and tend to make us better people.

I lost my best little friend a while ago . Even have a new child that barks . But LILY will always be my " Special Friend " . First Daschund I ever partnered with and a gift from my late wife . Geez , I know so much how you feel .

 " Deuce " A little rescue guy ( black and tan large chihuahua ) has taken some pain away . Sad though it seems , when they go in our arms it seems like they are reaching inside way further than you thought they could , to say good-bye

   My heart is with you .   T.B.

Sorry for your loss Stik.  Lost two feline friends near the end of last year.  Four months later, we took a ride to the rescue place down the road from us just to take a look at what was available and came home with a 2 yr old dog. She's brightened up our home and our lives. We'll have quite a few furry friends waiting for us on the other side of the rainbow bridge.

Jim  

Man I hate to hear that for you there stik. Went through it twice last year and can only imagine what you're going through. Take care pal.

Stik, I'm so sorry for your loss.  Some say "it's just a dog" but they don't know...

Prayers for you and your family

Chuck Davis

Sorry to hear this, stik.  It's sad and grievous to lose your best canine friend.

You hit the nail on the head, Stik.  You didn't lose a "dog", you lost a member of the family.  My most heartfelt condolences on the passing of him.  My black lab is five years old.  I know that when it's his time to go, my family and I will be devastated.

I'm convinced you will see him once again.

Best wishes,

Eric

Stik -

I know well the sudden hurt, I send my sympathy. In my nearly 76 years I have had the absolute joy that six previous and precious dog buddies brought to my life. All thankfully lived very long lives, in good health until the end.

Spike, Max, Booger, Maggie, Lucy and Sugar ARE the best kind of loving friends and companions I could hope to have bless my life. That happy little circle dance when I came through the door, filled my heart and made homecoming all the better.

I resolved early on, that they are indeed not gone. They will be with me in my recollections of all the great times, their faces, barks and sighs of contentment permanently placed in my memory.

Ten days after we lost Maggie we got Ellie, another black lab, she loves my old Ford truck, rides to any place, steak and eggs once a week, big long walks in the field near us. You name it, she's ready. 

So, whenever you do think of Dog he's still with you, he always will be.

Patrick 

Stik, I am sorry for you. This a difficult thing to lose a pet. Hang in there.

Sorry to hear of your loss. I know what you are going through. We had to put down our cat of 22 years a year ago. Still miss him. I will be praying for you.

Once again, thank you all for the kind words of empathy and support. I know it is a shared sad experience for many of us here, having seen similar threads over the years. It is really a great group of folks here to take the time to share your thoughts, words, and some very fine poems about our "best freinds".

Not ashamed to say this post brought more than a couple of tears to my eyes.

My wife and I lost a beloved furry family member last year, Tino, and two years ago, Jake, and the pain is still fresh.  Our family members were cats who were found abandoned by the side of the road before they were even weaned.  They were saved by a volunteer organization, adopted by us, and brought much joy to our lives.  Letting them go was hell.

We now have two new furry members of the family, one from the shelter, where he was brought due to a hoarding situation, and the other a rescue as a kitten from a feral colony.  They are both special, just as Jake and Tino were.

I feel your pain, Stik.  We give them love, and they give it right back.  My thoughts are with you.

Dwayne

Stick I am so sorry for your loss. I was looking at my boy this morning and thinking he will be turning 11 in March and how I need to cherish each moment with him.

You are in my prayers.

sorry, double post