He came into my life about the time my son joined the Air Force and I became an empty nester. We had an instant bond the first time we met and it only got stronger the 14+ years we were together. I miss him terribly.
Three months shy of 15 years is how long he was around. His fur went from black and brown to gray and white…kind of like me. I guess we were definitely a match.
I didn’t realize just how much I talked to him now that he isn’t around. I’m still talking to him but in a different way. Even in the larger motorhome he still managed to lie down right in my path so I was always stepping over him. I wish I still had to do that.
I didn’t realize just how much my life was centered around him, especially now that I’m an RVer. I couldn’t just let him out the back door like I did when we were still in my house. We were up at 6:30 in the morning for our first walk (AARGH) and the last one was around 8:30, with four or five walks in between those hours.
I'm feeling directionless now. Part of me wants to go right out and replace him but I'm not going to do that. When he was still around I remember saying that after his passing I probably wouldn't get another dog. What was I thinking? Now that I'm alone I realize just how much he added to my life and another dog can do that, in time.
He always got the ends of any banana that I ate. He recognized the sound of me peeling a banana and waited patiently for his pieces.
No offense to the small dog owners reading this post, but he was so regal when we walked past the small yappy dogs who were going ballistic as we walked by. Being so dramatic seemed to be beneath him and he walked past them like they weren’t even there. Yet he was friendly to all the dogs, especially the ones that were happy to see him. Sort of sounds like a human trait.
We spent more time together living in my motorhome. When it was decent outside (that's the subject of my next post...weather) he'd woof at the people walking by to let them know he was around and to say hi.
I’ve given up on mascara for the time being because I never know when the tears are going to come. At times the pain is almost unbearable and I wish it would go away. I know it will with time. But I loved him so much and I won’t take short cuts as I mourn his passing.
Thanks, Big Guy, for all the wonderful times we had together. I miss you so much.
Very sorry to read this. Probably one of the reasons why I've shied away from having a dog after all these years. (Had a series of dogs when younger) It's just hard to face up to the heartache when they pass away.
ReplyDeleteYou may want another companion again some day, but just be patient. Grieving takes time.
So sorry to hear of your fifteen year companion passing. It's amazing the love a pet can give.
ReplyDeletesniff... I'm so sorry to read this. As one who has lost beloved pets in the past... it ain't easy letting go.
ReplyDeleteBut their presence and the joy they give you is so worth it.
So sorry for your loss. It is a terrible, sad thing when we loose our best friend. Hope u find comfort in your many special memories he left with you. Take Care and God Bless...
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss. It's amazing how those pesky critters work their way into our hearts.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your loss. We've been through this a few times ourselves and although words help some, the only real relief is time. Time seems to have a way of helping to remember all the good times and remembering how truly lucky both of you were to have found each other. Take care.
ReplyDeleteIt is so hard to lose our fur companions. You will know when the time is right to get a new companion, not a replacement. They make our lives so rich and so much fun that I am sure you will be ready before you know it. Yes, it is hard to lose them, but it would never keep me from having one around to love. We have two rescued cocker spaniels that would have been put to death for no other reason than their owners no longer found them convenient.
ReplyDeleteSavor your memories & remember the best of times. I had to smile over your comment about your dog laying in the middle of your path. Gotta wonder if they do it on purpose. . .just in case we might have forgotten about them. Don't be afraid of having another companion - all that love & attention has to go somewhere!
ReplyDeleteIt's a sad day when we loose a beloved pet. Grieving takes time.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry, Jeanna.I was thinking of you and wondering how things were going. Sad. I love the photo of your sweetie with all that gray and white hair. We know time will heal it, but time sometimes moves along very slowly when we are in that place of loss and sadness.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry you have that huge empty spot in your heart right now. You have so much love to give. Grieve and then consider giving that love to another. He/she will help you heal as you helm them to the same. consider yourself hugged....
ReplyDeleteSorry so to hear of your loss. Take care.
ReplyDeleteI am terribly sorry to read this. I can't even read the other comments right now because it's so sad & so hard to lose our babies. I know it's better to have had them to share our lives & love with, but the sting afterwards is so bad. In time, your next one will come along. Not as a replacement, but as another soul to hold & love to be it's own unique character. This special soul that you just lost will live in your heart & soul forever....never really lost...{{hugs}}
ReplyDeleteTake all the time you need in which to grieve. Don't rush to get another fur kid, but they sure help in the healing process.
ReplyDeleteLeanne (Laurie & George's Mom)
So sorry to read about Your Big Guy, our Big Gal (Elsa) is going thru the same thing as I blog this.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Rick, it takes time.
Me and my three girls send you Licks n Sniffs,
Woofs n Paws, Barbara
Sorry for your loss. As others have said, it does take time, and, you will know when it's right to get another furkid. {{Hugs}} from all of us.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to read about the loss of your friend and companion. Always so hard. Sending lots of hugs your way.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your buddy...hugs to you my friend.
ReplyDeleteSad news to hear right before Christmas-- so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is about the most difficult grief there is, but oh what a wonderful time you both had together!
ReplyDeleteSO sorry to hear of your loss. Our pets fill a space in out hearts in a way that nothing else ever does.
ReplyDeleteI'm so so sorry for your loss. We said goodbye to our 13 yr old Molly at the end of September and I still miss her terribly. Our dogs are family, no doubt about it. I really feel your loss.
ReplyDeletethere are no words to take the pain away..just know that your 'boy' had a good life..the hardest part about getting a pet is knowing that it is a short time in comparison to a human life...we have all been there...time does heal..
ReplyDelete~~hugs~~ to you... :*{
My eyes are teary for you.
ReplyDeleteas I sit here I am wearing my yellow lab sweatshirt. I no longer have a lab, but i still love every one I see. Some people go out and get a puppy to ease the pain of loosing your best friend. No puppy will. Someday you will get a new friend, but it will be a fresh new friend, not a replacement for an old love.
You might find some comfort in volunteering at a shelter over the Holidays.
So sad!
I am very sorry for the sadness you have to feel. As you know well, it comes with getting all those years of love...
ReplyDeleteOur last dog made it to 15 1/2 years old. It was two years to the day when we met our new Chucky. Your heart will tell you when the time is right.
Loss is always difficult but it just seems to hurt more at holiday time. Please know that we care and are thinking of you.
Jeana,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear of your loss. You may not have realized how much he ment to you, but beleive me it showed. Every time you mentioned that dog you had such warmth in your eyes and voice. Let yourself mourn his passing.
So very sorry to read of your loss Jeana. I just lost my "man's best friend" (Eli) but I revel that he gave me 18 years of pure unselfish love. You will forever carry your Big Guy's memories in your heart - but, time will slowly diminish the daily tears. Like you, I am not rushing out to get another "pal" but I definitely will in a few months. I loved reading about the extra efforts you employed in helping him deal with his aging bones - I just wish HE could have added his own words to your blog :-) Be assured that all your blog followers are sharing your loss and thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you for your loss of your dog. I know how much he meant to you, he's definitely your closest friend. I wouldn't rush into replacing him, he can't be replaced. The time will be right, and you'll know it.
ReplyDeleteIt is always so difficult to lose a loving animal. Our German Shepherd, age 9, is coming to the end of his life. He is very stiff now and moves with difficulty...Yes, we will have to make a decision soon. I must have missed a couple of your posts...will check back in tomorrow. We are over here in Arizona (Scottsdale) and yes,the weather is awful!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet post, how lovely to have such a dear friend and loved one. How wonderful to have an owner who is also your best friend!
ReplyDeleteJenna, I'm so sorry for the loss of your dog. I can't imagine how you are feeling, but I know it will take some time. I love what you wrote about him, especially about the end of the banana. You will have a sweet memory of him every time you eat a banana. You worked around him and his comfort every day, and I'm sure he knew how much he was loved.
ReplyDeleteI hope you will eventually have another pet when you are ready, they are such great company.
Jenna, I am so sorry to hear about losing your best friend. I think that it is so hard. I have lost two within a few years, one at 13 and the other at 18. It took me a couple of years before I got Angel. She adds so much to my life. When the time is right you will have a new "best friend".
ReplyDeleteI just lost my klyde of 16 years, she looked at me and I knew it was time for her....it was never going to be time for me. I had vet come to my home.....sooo it was easy on her in her own home. She left me Feb 25 2012 at 10am I've never been more lost. I miss her! I have never felt so alone she was me and I was her. Klyde was my life and my life no longer seems worth living..... She made me who I am and without her I am alone. More alone because I know what I have lost.
ReplyDeleteI just lost my klyde of 16 years, she looked at me and I knew it was time for her....it was never going to be time for me. I had vet come to my home.....sooo it was easy on her in her own home. She left me Feb 25 2012 at 10am I've never been more lost. I miss her! I have never felt so alone she was me and I was her. Klyde was my life and my life no longer seems worth living..... She made me who I am and without her I am alone. More alone because I know what I have lost.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you. I know what it is to lose who you love; two legged and four legged. Jack, my yellow Lab knows, too. He lost his master and our black Lab, the love of his life.
ReplyDeleteWe spent 6 months together in a small trailer traveling the country to try to shake the grief. It never really goes away but the days get better with time.
I can't believe I just found you. You signed on to our blog. I know what you mean about talking to your big guy. People laugh because I talk in sentences to Jack and he knows what I'm talking about. Very, very sorry for your loss. People who love dogs, I have found, are most always good people.
Big Guy will always have a place in your heart just as Lizzie has a place in Jack's heart and in my heart. One day I'll either be in his or he'll be in mine.
I smiled at the way you talked about big dogs vs. little dogs. Mine two would walk right by paying no mind, too.
Sorry I didn't know you at the time of your loss so I could offer my condolences. I'm going to catch up by reading so I do get to know you and Big Guy, too.
http://travelswithmrnimble.blogspot.com/2010/03/where-is-jack.html
Today, I went to the beach with my children.
ReplyDeleteI found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said "You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear." She put the shell to her ear and screamed.
There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back!
LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had to
tell someone!
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