There's a big hole in my heart tonight (NGC)

[johnr]

Nick, I'm sorry. My eyes misted and I choked up a little as I was reminded of the loss of my last dog.  It's a wrench on our soul unlike almost any other.   
Then I thought, what greater cruelty could we inflict on our beloved K9 friends, than to have them out live us? 
It's the price we must pay for all they give. 

[RANDM]

Had dogs all my life - always sad to hear of a friend passing.
All the best sport, very sorry to hear of your loss.

Maurie.

[Markcarovilli]

Nick

great photos and what a great life lived....

we also have one that is not with us for very much longer - they are truly loving animals.

Mark

[Arizona Wayne]

My wife is a dog person, I'm a cat person, so we have both.  It's hard on both of us when they  pass.   At least we can replace them to help deal with their passing and love their replacements.   

[Thunderbutt]

Nick-I know exactly what you are going thru!  As I write this we are getting ready for our appointment with our vet for our Golden Retriever later this afternoon.  Two years ago the vet discovered a tumor growing inside his ear canal against the ear drum.  Had it removed with arthroscopic surgery and biopsy indicated it was cancerous.  Six months latterly we discover it had grown back and they performed an "ear ablation" removing the entire inner ear and closing the ear canal.  Hoped for the best and everything seemed ok.  Then, the same week I was supposed to attend a British Bike event in N.C., it appeared the dog suffered from a stroke with the entire right side of his face drooping.  Immediately took the dog back to the vet and we discovered a lump growing above and behind the ear flap. The tumor obviously returned again.  The animal has suffered enough.  We will miss him dearly but it is ultimately what is best for him.         

[nick949]

Nick-I know exactly what you are going thru!  As I write this we are getting ready for our appointment with our vet for our Golden Retriever later this afternoon.  Two years ago the vet discovered a tumor growing inside his ear canal against the ear drum.  Had it removed with arthroscopic surgery and biopsy indicated it was cancerous.  Six months latterly we discover it had grown back and they performed an "ear ablation" removing the entire inner ear and closing the ear canal.  Hoped for the best and everything seemed ok.  Then, the same week I was supposed to attend a British Bike event in N.C., it appeared the dog suffered from a stroke with the entire right side of his face drooping.  Immediately took the dog back to the vet and we discovered a lump growing above and behind the ear flap. The tumor obviously returned again.  The animal has suffered enough.  We will miss him dearly but it is ultimately what is best for him.         

Sorry to hear that. You did your very best for him but now it's time to let him go. It's stressless and painless (at least for the dog - if not the owners).

Nick

[Testarossa]

I'm sorry to hear this, Nick. They don't live long enough.

The photos are fabulous. What a great dog.

[davedel44]

So sorry Nick.

Dave
Galveston

[Yukonica]

 :1:

Saying remember the good times is never enough..but we need to..

They are in our lives for a short time but in memories forever

Going to love on our two dogs before going to bed...one of those hugs will be for yours...

Jeff

[lucian]

Sorry for your loss, there is no better friend than a German Shepherd.

[Dave Swanson]

Casey looks like he was a wonderful dog.  Sorry to hear this. 

[charlie b]

My deepest condolences

------------------------------------
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...

[LaMojo]

Nick
Sorry about the loss of your Pal.  Splendid looking animal and I'm sure you two had a special bond that will sorely be missed.  I think all pet owners can't help but shed a tear or two when their companions ultimately pass, and I sometimes cry like a baby.  Can't help it.

I always think that I'm not going to replace the pet because I don't want to go through another heartbreak in a relatively short time for another loss.  But ultimately, I know that there is a dog that needs a good home and I will adopt another one.....  But, enough of that.

Condolences.

[toukow]

Ouch...got an aging Labrador here at my feet, hope he lasts a few more years....beautiful shepherd there...what a great companion.

I have two in this category as well and have to say I'm a complete wuss when it comes to this situation (brother-in-law dumped another lab of the exact same age on us saying 'Just see how it goes for a couple of weeks....' you know how that went...) . I can take them dying but have such a hard time putting them down. I have a large animal vet come to the house so I only look like a fool to the vet instead of a filled waiting room, and I can place them on my property as well.

We got a puppy from the pound to help mend our hearts some when the time comes, but I know it will help little.....my condolences.