We lost our beloved pet today
Last edited Sat Jul 3, 2021, 02:36 PM - Edit history (1)
UPDATE: Thank you all for your warm, comforting words. 
"Jackson" was a 12 YO Hound/Husky mix who adopted my son and husband when he was about 6 months old. They were mountain biking in GA and he was a stray taken in by the couple who ran their campground. He was one of 6 or more stray dogs these wonderful women took in and looked for good homes for.
When SO and DS woke up the first morning, Jackson was sitting on their cabin porch. That night, he slept in the cabin with them. Next day, I got a "please, please, please" tearful call from my then 12 YO son.
Let it be said for the record: I have never been a dog person. My father was asthmatic so we never had pets growing up. Married life and 2 kids brought me 2 cats, but I never wanted a dog.
Then this big, clumsy, happy dog entered my life. He never met a person he didn't fall in love with and, until he got older, he loved most other animals too - except gopher tortoises.
He shed like nobody's business and was terrified of the vet, the groomer, and the kennel. Fairly early on, his odd makeup (long, thin legs, big barrel body) caused him to have back knee and hip problems so no more running. He was still happy.
As he got older, he got more and more sensitive to storms. This last year was most difficult and this last month, we had thunderstorms just about every day. It just got to be too much for him. This week, he started failing. Vet couldn't find anything wrong with him, except for arthritis but thought the stress and anxiety was taking its toll.
Last night, we had the mother of all storms. I have never seen an animal suffer as much as he did for hours, despite medication. I guess it just did him in. He was near catatonic this morning, his breathing was bad, and hadn't eaten or kept down water for days. We knew it was time.
SO buried him under Jackson's favorite tree, right next to his best buddy, Katie, who died a few years ago. We know it was the right thing.
Sorry for the length of this OP, but I just needed to get it out, I guess. 
= new reply since forum marked as read
He took a bit of your heart when he died.
And what a great dog he was! So full of life and joy for all, well, except for gopher tortoises!
You gave him a much better life than he could ever have hoped for.
I hope your memories will sustain you as you pass through this time of grief. He is at peace now.
He's patiently waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge.
Thanks to you for giving that doggy a loving home and making his life great! Remember the good times...
Jackson is at peace now.
Jackson is at peace now.
so sorry for your loss. it feels like everyone is losing a pet these days.
Goldie...
Sending love and strength to you all. Jackson sounds like a wonderful companion and he was lucky to have you just as you were lucky to have him.
Sincere condolences and sympathy to you and everyone who love him.
You gave him a wonderful 15 years of love. He loved you all and he knew you all loved him. Peace to you and your family.
h
Somehow losing your fur baby can be harder than a person. Maybe it is the unconditional love. My 17 year old puppy died a year ago and the pain has not lessened as time has passed. I hope you heal better than I have.
PS. Her spirit has come back to visit me a few times, like my first dog's did. It made me feel a little better for a little while anyway.
(((((Hug)))))
Yes. Write it and share it here. We all want to support you at this very trying time. I think the Jewish community calls it “sitting shiva.” Which, as this old Catholic understands it, is a genuinely kind, loving, and compassionate thing to do. You deserve nothing less.
He sounds like he was a wonderful friend …
My heart aches with yours
for you mcar. I'm so sorry for your lossIt hurts so badly, I know. I have a 14 year old border collie that is day to day with arthritis and other things. This is the right place to get it all out. I hope that someday Jackson's memory will be a blessing...but I know it takes a while. Until then...my best to you and your family.
Jackson sounds like he was an awesome dog. He was lucky to have your family and you were lucky to have him. R.I.P. Jackson...Good boy...a life well lived.
the ultimate pain is worth every tremendous day we have with them. Many of us know the pain all too well. May your happy memories of this loving pup help you heal.
Our pets fill our hearts with so much joy when they are here with us, but they just shatter our hearts when they go.
However our love for them never dies. As long as we remember them, that love is always there, even if they aren't with us in this realm. I would like to think their love for us never dies either.
My sincere condolences and may Jackson rest in peace.
I will cuddle my sweet little sunshine boy a little extra tonight in honor of your sweet Jackson.
It hurts, but getting love from the community helps.
I know many of us, reading this cry a little over dogs we have loved.
They break your heart when they go, but they’re worth it.
May you go gently to a time when his memory brings a smile to you.
Jackson gave you all unconditional love and happiness - the best thing in the world. Rescues are always so grateful, for as long as they live, they never forget that you brought him home and let him love you. Wishing that the wonderful memories soon lessen the pain, just a little, until all you feel is the love. Bless you all, bless sweet Jackson.
Sweet memories are a gift that a beloved pet still shares after they are gone.
I know this.
Tikki
Rest in Peace Jackson
I know many of you have been through this. I so appreciate your sympathy.
you start out as not being "a dog person."
My husband had been taught that dogs belonged outside, but the kids and I finally talked him into a dog -- but it had to live inside with us. When that dog finally died, it broke my husband's heart.
But none of us would have changed a thing. He brought so much to all our lives, even to the non-dog-person. That's the magic of a dog.
Big barrel body long skinny legs. He had knee surgery a little over 6 months ago. He will never run again, as much as he loved it. 9-10 years old, we've had him for 5 years now.
Ours is also terrified of the vet, the groomer, etc. If we ever left him in a kennel I doubt he would survive it so we have to bring in a babysitter.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I've been there before and will be there again one day.
but we just couldn't. He really wanted to be here to say goodbye to his best pal.
mcar.
