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Member Joined: 02 Sep 2010 Posts: 829 Location: SW Ohio

I am not one to usually post sad topics on forums but this place feels more like home.
Last Wednesday I lost my 8 1/2 labrador female, Alex. She was the 4th generation of my breeding. She had a HRCH title from the HRC organization, but regardless of title this dog was so dedicated to me, was in the prime of her career, and my most completely trained, finished retriever. She went from being a world class athlete on Jan 1st, to dying March 18th. A very bizarre series of medical events that defied understanding. Myself and 3 specialist veterinarians were stumped. I asked God for a sign of what was going to happen, after 2 1/2 months I was exhausted from the roller coaster ride. Then Tuesday night things came to a head and it was time to end the ordeal. I was pretty sure we were going to lose, but it is still a very painful feeling when it actually happens.

She was the rock that could be depended on when a bird feel in a tough spot or she needed to be handled on a blind retrieve in a tough hunting situation. Fortunately, I have her 2 yr old daughter and her 11 yr old half sister to fill the void. The daughter is looking to be a very special retriever, but is no where near finished in training. That will be this spring and summer's project.

In memory of Alex
6/30/06-3/18/15

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Member Joined: 30 Nov 2011 Posts: 1698 Location: Minnesota

Got that sad, sinking, hollow feeling in my gut just reading your post. Face it, THEY OWN US, not vice versa. Deepest sympathies to you.

Looks like you had a great friend there. Very sad indeed. My heart goes out to you.

(I came across a picture just the other day of our weim, who we had to put down a few years ago... Still got a little choked up. )

Member Joined: 27 Jun 2012 Posts: 1114

Sorry for the loss of your great dog. Sounds like she may have been that one good dog we all look for. You did right by her when she needed you to be strong, but I feel your pain.

Joined: 26 Apr 2010 Posts: 3178 Location: NCWa

The saddest part of having dogs as friends is that their life span is so short that we know we will be around when they pass away. It brings our own mortality so much closer to home. I feel your pain and know it's not many years away for me for our Akita that just turned 10.

I'm sorry for your loss. I have lost several good dogs and it doesn't get any easier.

Member Joined: 07 Jan 2013 Posts: 398 Location: Virginia

You've written a beautiful and touching tribute to a dear friend. I join your many friends here in feeling your sadness.

May time heal the pain and loss you are feeling today. Take care.

Member Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 1257 Location: Nebraska

She was a beauty, with her own Poke Boat to tool around in style. I'm sorry that she's gone.

Member Joined: 19 Jan 2008 Posts: 680 Location: MAINE

So sorry for your loss

So sorry for your loss. A good friend of mine recently crossed over that bridge to Tinkhamtown; I don't think he'd mind my sharing something he wrote when he lost his beloved Brittney Elsie...

Done too soon-- Rest well my trusted friend

Rest well my trusted Friend,
You have moved on to a place where you are now young again,
A place where you can run in the fields of your youth.
A place where you can hunt with your friends that have passed before you.

Rest well my trusted Friend,
You have left memories to remember you by
In the hearts and minds of those that you have touched.
For you, this is a new beginning, another challenge to meet.

Rest well my trusted Friend,
I'll be at the gate and we will pass through together,
Once again to wander the fields and covers,
Chasing the birds that we loved so well.

Joined: 22 Jun 2012 Posts: 57

Alex was a beautiful Lab!
Remember all the good memories. Life is fragile at times.

Trusted friend, indeed.

I know from experience words fail to express your loss -- and, no, it never gets easier.

If there really is a Rainbow Bridge, we both know our trusted friends will be there to greet us on the other side.

We've all been where you are and will be there again, hopefully. Life without a dog is not nearly as good as it is with one. They enrich our lives, steal our hearts and leave us far too early. The joy of having one far outweighs the heartache of losing one even though it is tough thing to go through. You have my condolences and understanding. Gil

Joined: 28 Jul 2012 Posts: 30 Location: WMass

Sorry for your loss. Terrible feeling we all know. -Casey

Joined: 25 Feb 2015 Posts: 12 Location: West Virginia