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Wednesday, January 25, 2012

A difficult weekend - updated


They say all dogs go to heaven.

And if there was ever a dog that deserved to, it will be this one.  For six and a half years this wonderful animal brought joy and happiness to my life.

The first time she was taken to the vet, the doctor examined her, looked up and said; "this is a special dog. You will never have problems with her, with other dogs or with people." And he was right. You could take her anywhere and you never had to worry about her temperament.

For many months I was convinced she was a dog that didn't know how to bark (that would change).

She loved walks in the park with a stick. And she ADORED the beach, the water and her ultra ball. Hours upon hours were spent throwing that ball (not only would she fetch, but she would run back and toss it at me, making me fetch if I wasn't ready for the throw. That's her tossing the ball below). If other dogs were too distracted to get their ball back after it was tossed into the river, she would obligingly retrieve before the strong current carried it away forever... to the delight of grateful owners.


She could always sense when you were having a bad day. If you were, she would come up beside you, give you a lick and curl in against your leg.


On the weekend she was stricken ill. 

Yesterday she passed away - taken far too soon.

I don't know if all dogs go to heaven but if not (and they are required to earn their way), then this dog certainly deserves that honour.

Wherever she is now, I hope I get to join her there one day. If that place has a beach, a whip-it and a ball... it will surely be heaven for me.

Rest in peace my dearest puppy. I will miss you terribly.


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Email: village_whisperer@live.ca
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35 comments:

  1. I am a frequent reader of your blog and am really sorry to hear the news.

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  2. Aww, whisperer... my condolences. There is nothing like the loss of a cherished family pet. Thank you for sharing this. She looks like a beautiful dog.

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  3. I too am a frequent reader of your blog and I was very sad to read about the passing of your dog. She looks and sounds like she was wonderful member of your family. Please take comfort in knowing that she is in a better place.

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  4. Oh, I'm sorry Whispers. Losing a Good Dog is so painful, and the price we pay for receiving their happiness, devotion, loyalty and love.

    In the end a Good Dog teaches us one more important lesson when they go--how to cherish a memory. Peace.

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  5. Thank you so much for the comments, thoughts and emails. They are appreciated.

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  6. I'm so sorry, Whisperer. She was beautiful, It's very evident that you loved her.

    My condolences on your loss. May you take comfort in your fond memories of her.

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  7. Whisperer you clearly loved your dog very much. My condolences.

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  8. I read you blog almost every day and I am saddened to hear of your loss.

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  9. I also read you blog regularly. My dog means the world to me and he is a part of my family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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  10. Wow, 6 1/2 is so young for a black lab. My heartfelt condolences.

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  11. I had to put my dog down last year and not a day goes by that I don't think about him. I know your pain and my thoughts are with you. Thanks for sharing this with us.

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  12. There are no words that can fit what you must be fitting but I thought I would share this poem from Jimmy Buffett that helped through my losses of our pups -

    Grief

    Grief is like the wake behind a boat.
    Big enough to swamp and drown you
    if you suddenly stop moving forward.

    But if you do keep moving,
    the big wake will eventually get calm again,
    And that is when the memories of those who have left begin to shine,
    As bright and as enduring as the stars above.
    --- we wish you peace.

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  13. Rainbow Bridge

    Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

    When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
    There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
    There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

    All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
    The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

    They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

    You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

    Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

    Author unknown...

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  14. SO SORRY FOR YOUR ( GREAT LOST )!! AND YES THEY IS A HEAVEN FOR ALL THE WONDERFUL PET IN OUR LIVES AND IT IS THE SAME HEAVEN WHERE WE WILL BE SOME DAY SO IT IS JUST ( SO LONG ) FOR NOW ( TILL WE MEET AGAIN ) LOVE WENDY ! AND TIA MY LITTLE PAPILLON

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  15. My condolences to you Whisperer, she sounds like the perfect dog, and she will be waitng for you on the beach. :-)

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  16. :(

    So sorry. (I'm heartbroken for you)

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  17. My best wishes to you.

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  18. I am so sorry for your loss Whisperer. Such beautiful photos of clearly a truly special and deeply loved pup.
    terminalcitygirl

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  19. My condolences to you Whisperer

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  20. Condolences for your loss.

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  21. Long time reader...I am sorry for your loss. Animals become one of our children and are treated as such, so their passing is like losing a child, though not as traumatic but still heart breaking. May your next best friend be just as loving as the one you lost.

    Bill

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  22. Sad news Mr Whisperer. Dogs are the best!

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  23. So Sorry. Hope you will be back soon.

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  24. My heart goes out to you Whisperer. My dear friend passed away last year from cancer way too early as well (4 years old). Dogs become such an intricate part of the family.

    This was a beautiful tribute.

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  25. I am an avid reader and one who has also lost their dog this month. My condolences to you on your loss.

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  26. Bummer. I have a lab too, he's getting old now and am trying to enjoy his company as much as I can while he's still around. Dogs are such wonderful creatures,
    Sorry for your loss.

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  27. Sorry about your loss Whisperer, she was a beautiful lab.

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  29. All dog owners know your sorrow. Godspeed.

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  30. As someone who has labs in the family, my sincerest condolences. They are wonderful pets as many know and I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.

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  31. Beautiful tribute, beautiful dog. Dogs bring love and a deep feeling of peace and to their owners and it is always so sad when one of dear pals passes. My condolences.

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  32. Peter in east vanFeb 1, 2012 08:56 PM

    My condolences to you Whisperer. She will be waiting for you in the after-life. And you two will be so happy when you're both reunited.

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