for those who have loved and lost a dog

[free at last]

Watching my dog sleeping on the bed, made me search the web to find a poem I read decades ago. For anyone who has been privileged to know the love of a dog, or maybe a cat

If you can start the day without caffeine,
If you can get going without pep pills,
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food everyday and be grateful for it,
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,
If you can overlook it when those you love take it out on you when, through no fault of yours, something goes wrong,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,
If you can ignore a friend's limited education and never correct him,
If you can resist treating a rich friend better than a poor friend,
If you can face the world without lies and deceit,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
If you can say honestly that deep in your heart you have no prejudice against creed, color, religion or politics,
Then, my friend, you are almost as good as your dog!

[free at last]

for those who have loved and lost a dog

One more -- what our first dog did for us. Thinking of K9 and others who have gone down this path.

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her.

I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn’t be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn’t want her to know that I hadn’t been walked today. Sometimes the overworked shelter keepers get too busy and I didn’t want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn’t feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone’s life.

She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.

Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms.

I would promise to keep her safe.
I would promise to always be by her side.
I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.

I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven’t walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

[paulywogg]

for those who have loved and lost a dog

aww free,im gonna cry

[Gardener]

for those who have loved and lost a dog

Awwww, me too! I just love my doggie. I have a big ole german shepherd, sweetest dog that ever owned me.

I lost one I raised from a pup, she passed at 16 years old back in 2007. I still miss her. Thinking of K9 too and her loss. G

[Live_Love_Learn]

for those who have loved and lost a dog

Beautiful read, my dogs are so precious to me and I'm grateful I have them

[blondie]

for those who have loved and lost a dog

:upset: Thanks; loved those! A big cyber scratch and tummy rub to all those guys stuck in kennels.

[little beagle]

for those who have loved and lost a dog

:upset:
My dogs have saved my life on more then one occasion.

[K9Lover]

for those who have loved and lost a dog

:h:h:h

My dear little Sandy is sorely missed, but we had some good times together. I still reach for her every morning when I wake up :upset: but time will heal...

I am ready to open my heart to another dog in need. :l

[paulywogg]

for those who have loved and lost a dog

thats awesome k9,when my beautiful dachsund cookie died 4 years ago,i swore i wouldnt get another dog,it hurt too much to lose her,well my daughter brought home a little pup a few months later,and winslow has been my little shadow ever since! its so good to hear from you,this place is not the same without you

[Byrdlady]

for those who have loved and lost a dog

You got that right, Pauly! It's so good to see you K9! I hope that you are mending in every way! XXOO, Byrdie

[K9Lover]

for those who have loved and lost a dog

K9Lover;1536467 wrote: :h:h:h

My dear little Sandy is sorely missed, but we had some good times together. I still reach for her every morning when I wake up :upset: but time will heal...

I am ready to open my heart to another dog in need. :l

Just wanted to post an update.

I could never have imagined life without my Sandy, but once I realized I had to let her go, I made the decision to give another dog a home. I could NEVER replace Sandy, but I also had to accept that nothing I did would ever bring her back.

3 weeks ago I rescued a Cocker Spaniel/Golden Retriever mix that we named Jack. He was scared and skittish. He wouldn't even eat in front of me and he'd hide under the bed every time there was a noise. He wouldn't use the dog door because the slapping of the flap was too scary. Fast forward to the present, Jack RUNS to greet us at the door, stands on his hind legs for hugs, pesters me for food, and even makes friends with the other dogs at the dog park. Jack is a new dog, and I am a new person because of Jack. He brought me out of the depression I had fallen in to. I will always have a special place for Sandy in my heart, and I miss her every single day. Jack can never replace her, but I sure feel blessed that he is in my life. :h

[Gardener]

for those who have loved and lost a dog

Awww K9, loved the picture you posted a while back of Jack. He's a cutie and cocker spaniels are dear to my heart. Lost my girl Sadie, she was 16 years old and the love of my life. We got a pup her last year cause I knew she was going and how hard it was going to be. Best thing I ever did, it really helped after she was gone to bring my heart back, know just how you feel. Glad you rescued a pup, they don't deserve the treatment they get, my next dog will be a rescue too. Enjoy him!

[Alky]

for those who have loved and lost a dog

We just lost our beloved wiener dog in an accident on the 5th. We went to visit my in-laws when my father-in-law cracked the screen door to ask my wife and her mom if they were ready to go out to dinner. Our little dachshund (she was very spirited) bolted out the door at another dog being walked across the street and was run over by a woman on a cellphone. It was awful. I saw the whole thing. We took her to the emergency vet, but they said the orthopedic damage to her back legs was too great and we had to put her down.

After that, I could have used some doggie "down time," but my wife was taken by another wiener dog after seeing her picture on a dachshund rescue organization website. We had our home visit Sunday and I hope the people from the rescue organization were favorably impressed.

[paulywogg]

for those who have loved and lost a dog

good for you alky,i think when we lose an animal,that quietness in the house is the worst! no nails on the tile,no stealing our spots on the couch when we get up,no jumping into bed with us,looking at their left behind toys,water and food dish,plus that loss of the spirit in the house,like k9 says its not replacing one for another,but helping another animal,plus helping ourselves cope a little,keep us posted when you get your doggie

[sanchez]

for those who have loved and lost a dog

Great posts and poems here Free. And so cool to read about everyone's best friends, whether still here or across the Rainbow Bridge. Speaking of which has anyone heard that one? It is sweet, gives you hope you'll see your buddies again someday, but at the same time guaranteed to make you cry. One second thought, I'll rethink posting it.

True dog lover here too. They sure have helped over the years with just a sweet look or a nuzzling of the nose lifting up our hands to pet them. All our dogs have been rescues with the exception of one. Now on our 8th Irish setter over the years. What is it about our breed affinities. They say we do resemble our dogs personalities too. Irish are goofy, never grow up and just love life. Hmm...