With a heavy heart....

[Brian Kevin]

Today we lost the second half of an unbelievable companionship I've known since I was 12. Today we had to uthenize the second husky (huskey breeders) my parents got. A year and a half ago we lost the mother. She had been very sick. She was closer to mom and dad than they are to me. Its been rough and today everything shattered!

 

I was blessed to have spent Christmas with him. Post my two cyst removal surgeries he slept with me everyday. To no longer have either of them will leave my parents house seem.... Empty.

 

They have adopted a baby about 4 months ago. Prior to Datoka falling ill with cysts and tumors. They ravaged his body and cause him eztreem discomfort. He would attack the puppy out of no where. He's never been violent or acted like this. But with the progression of his illness, it lead to his demise. Today Dakota attacked the puppy and getting out of surgery my dad fell on her protecting her and dakota bit 7 witches worth of flesh away.

 

Our family lost someone we all hold dear to our heart today. Someone who was more the center of attention than me, someone who could make you laugh and he couldn't eve talk.

 

I've been blessed with wonderful clients in Daytona, but today I am resting my mind, spirit and heart.

 

Rest in Peace my friend.

[+ Truereview]

Sorry to hear about your loss

[Casteran]

Very sad to hear this, the loss of a dear friend is never easy. Know they are in a land filled with treats and toys to enjoy a new life.

[dcguy20]

So sorry for your loss.

[+ Truereview]

That's right, @Casteran ! Bigvalboy said it best earlier this week with this quote:

 

 

"Heaven's a place where all the dogs you've ever loved come to greet you"

[+ FreshFluff]

I'm so sorry for your loss, BK. I like the often-quoted Rainbow Bridge story:

 

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....

 

https://rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm

[tyro]

I'm so sorry, BriBri. Long-distance hugs to you.

T

[Reluctant Daddy]

Brian, I'm sorry for the loss of your friend. It's never easy, and words are never enough to ease the sadness. Thinking of you. *Hugs*

[Brian Kevin]

Nonetheless at least I have the beach.

[jackjackjack]

Very, very sad. So very sorry.

[bigvalboy]

Oh Brian, I am so sorry to hear this news. Take the time to grieve, and mourn the loss, but just know that there are thousands of pets out there that need your love. Head up, and be at peace knowing that you gave him an incredible life...

[+ Truereview]

I'm so sorry for your loss, BK. I like the often-quoted Rainbow Bridge story:

 

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....

 

https://rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm

I'm such a sap (tears streaming down my face!) Ty, Auntie Fluff! That was perfect timing.

[rvwnsd]

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Losing a furry friend always hard. I hope the Rainbow Bridge story posted by FreshFluff helps you and your family.

[N13]

My heart aches for your loss! That particular emptiness will never leave you, but little by little the joyous memories will add balm.

[+ WilliamM]

I'm so sorry for your loss, BK. I like the often-quoted Rainbow Bridge story:

 

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....

 

https://rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm

 

FreshFluff, Thank you for Brian and me. I have already mentioned that my cat Clinton is not going to live much longer. He is the best animal I have ever had. I am going to miss him. I am also grateful that he has lived longer than I expected. He is still eating and drinking, but is perplexed as why he can no longer jump very high and run. Thanks again!

[+ José Soplanucas]

I'm very sorry for your lost, Kevin! Big comforting hug!

[+ Funguy]

BK - I'm so sorry to hear that you lost your pup. This just happened to me on Dec. 8 - I had 2 bearded collies for the past 15 years - tho they were not related by birth I acquired them 45 minutes apart and they were 4 days apart in age. From the age of 9 weeks they were inseparable and my female was simply just worn out. She had nothing wrong but age. When she could no longer get up and would fall over when she walked, I had her put to sleep (oh - what's a better term for this!) surrounded by me and her friends in a very lo-key manner and she did just that - went to sleep without a fuss.

My other guy is depressed, he has lost his bounce, and he is blind so he continually walks into walls - permanent concussion! BUT, he always has me lift him onto my bed with me at night and sleeps with his head on top of me. I can see that he has started to have the same weaknesses the other had but, if all holds, he has another year or so to go. Someone recently said my dogs hit the lottery when they chose me as their daddy. I hope I continue to be a good dog daddy. Right now, Funguy I'm not - that will take a bit more time.

[+ purplekow]

At one time I had 7 dogs all of whom have passed and as each one passed, I grew to appreciate what they had brought to my life and that I had given them the best life I could. That thought helped me when I would miss them. Now with 4 dogs, I try to appreciate them as much as I can, even when I step barefoot into dog poop after an unanticipated deposit.

 

Brian, stay strong.

[+ quoththeraven]

I'm so sorry for your loss and the circumstances under which it happened. Our furry friends are so precious to us. *big hugs*

 

I've seen the Rainbow Bridge poem several times before, either on pet sympathy cards or forwarded from Facebook by somebody. The first set of cats my ex and I adopted are long gone now. But they live on in my heart (and their photos).

[+ honcho]

I offer my most sincere and heartfelt condolences, having gone through that separation myself.

[geminibear]

I'm truly sorry for your loss BK.

 

My best friends are and have always been the canines in my life. Every time I have lost one there is a little void in my heart, but I fill that void by going to the local shelter and sharing my love with the next canine which chooses to go home with me.

[+ dutchmuch]

Mr. Kevin, every dog is a Service Dog. "Twenty" had 25 fathers.

 

 

 

N.Y. / REGION

Firehouse Loses a Spotted Symbol of Healing

By COREY KILGANNONJAN. 8, 2016

Photo

http://static01.nyt.com/images/2016/01/09/nyregion/09FIREHOUSEDOGweb1/09FIREHOUSEDOGweb1-master675.jpg

Twenty, as a puppy in 2001, was given to a firehouse that experienced heavy losses in the Sept. 11 attacks.CreditMario Tama/Getty Images

• 
   
  On Sept. 11, 2001, seven members of Ladder Company 20 on Lafayette Street in the NoLIta neighborhood of Manhattan were killed in the collapse of the World Trade Center, about a mile and a half away, along with seven members of Squad 18, which shared the firehouse at the time with the ladder company.
  A few weeks later, during the period of mourning that followed, a purebred Dalmatian puppy showed up at the company’s doorstep.
  The dog, a gift from two deputies with the Monroe County sheriff’s department in upstate New York, was given the name Twenty, after the ladder company.
  Twenty immediately loved the fire truck, a classic Seagrave hook-and-ladder, and began accompanying the firefighters on all their calls, from raging blazes to false alarms.
  “For 10 years, she never missed a run,” said Mike Toal, 60, who had been a senior chauffeur at Ladder 20 and often drove the truck.
  The dog also went with the firefighters to events held for fallen members and provided sorely needed moments of cheer and humor on a daily basis, Mr. Toal said.
  Photo
  http://static01.nyt.com/images/2016/01/09/nyregion/09FIREHOUSEDOGweb2/09FIREHOUSEDOGweb2-articleLarge.jpg
  In addition to living among the firefighters, she also joined them on their calls. CreditKevin Harber
  “We were burying guys left and right at that time,” Mr. Toal said. “She came with us to a lot of burials and funerals.”
  Even after retiring about five years ago, Mr. Toal would return every month, with dog biscuits, to visit Twenty. He was among the many current and retired firefighters who went to the firehouse this week to spend time with the aging and ailing dog before she died on Tuesday.
  “There were 20 guys in the kitchen crying” as a veterinarian prepared to euthanize Twenty, who was 14, in the firehouse, he said.
  It was too much even for the most hardened members of the Fire Department, recalled Lt. Gary Iorio, who worked at Ladder 20 for 10 years and was present in Twenty’s last hours.
  “I’ve been through a lot of stuff, and here I’m crying over a dog, but you couldn’t help it — she was part of the place,” he said.
   
  The tradition of a Dalmatian as the iconic New York City fire dog stretches back to the 1800s, when fire vehicles were pulled by horses, which often had a good rapport with Dalmatians.
  One prominent Dalmatian was Hooper, of Engine 211/Ladder 119 in Brooklyn. Hooper became the title character in a 1993 children’s book, “Firehouse Dog.”
  But as modern Fire Department regulations, work schedules and other logistics have made keeping a firehouse pet less viable, Twenty’s presence stood out.
  The department announced the dog’s death by issuing a photograph and a quote, which quickly gained traction on social media and was picked up by many news outlets.
  Twenty was a classic fire dog. She slept and ate with the firefighters and went with them on all their calls.
  “She jumped up into the rig for every run,” Mr. Toal said. “She had her own seat and her own window. If anyone else tried to sit in it, they got covered in dog hair.”
  “I think everyone got a kick out of this dog looking out the window,” he said.
  Her barking added to the cacophony as the truck weaved through crowded, noisy city streets, Lieutenant Iorio said.
   
  “She’d be barking her head off — it was almost like ‘The Little Rascals,’ ” recalled Lieutenant Iorio, who said Twenty became a spotted symbol of healing for the firefighters and a local celebrity in the bustling, tourist-filled neighborhood.
  “She calmed you, she brought a certain peace to you,” he said. “She was a focal point of stress relief.
  “There was a time after 9/11 when the firehouse was like being in a tomb,” Lieutenant Iorio said. “You couldn’t get back to normal, and the dog helped with that.”
  Twenty arrived right after a funeral for a firefighter killed at the World Trade Center. Mr. Toal still had tears in his eyes when he answered the door that day in November 2001 to find the two deputies from Monroe County holding Twenty.
  Mr. Toal had already spent 20 years at the firehouse by 2001 and lost close friends on Sept. 11, including Capt. John Fischer, who died while leading a group of firefighters from Ladder 20 trying to rescue people inside the north tower.
  Ladder 20 was one of the first groups of firefighters to respond to the terror attack, and the 14 fallen members from the two squads sharing the NoLIta firehouse at the time who were killed that day was an inordinately high number of the 343 firefighters who died in Lower Manhattan.
  Mr. Toal grew close to the dog, who would often sleep with him in the firehouse’s bunk room.
  She liked the rhythms of the firehouse and would jump up as soon as she heard the emergency tones signaling a run. Once at the scene of a fire, Twenty would remain in the truck while the firefighters did their work.
  “The tones would go off, and she’d start barking and running around,” Lieutenant Iorio recalled. “Mike would open up the jump seat door and she’d jump up in there. You wouldn’t think a dog would want to go, but she got energized from it.”
  Mr. Toal said Twenty ate the same food as the firefighters. “When word would come over the intercom that chow was on, she’d be the first one in the kitchen,” he said.
  Firehouse members decided to have Twenty cremated so that her ashes could be placed near a memorial in the firehouse that holds official department plaques commemorating firefighters who died in the line of duty.
  “I liked her more than most people I worked with,” Mr. Toal said.
  “She had 25 fathers,” he said, referring to the number of firefighters working in the firehouse. “She was family. She liked being in the firehouse. She liked firemen.”
  

[+ glennnn]

My heart aches for you. It seems so wrong that we often outlive our wonderful loving friends. Remind yourself of the wonderful life you gave him. He's safe now.

[+ Charlie]

Some people think it is strange that other people can become so emotionally attached to their animal companions, but I sympathize completely, because I have been there, as you have. You are young, and you will probably go through this many more times in your life, because those animals don't live as long as we want them to. All you can do is love them while you have them, let them go when it is necessary, and remember them fondly. But losing them never gets any easier.

[craigville beach]

sorry for you loss. i am concerned when my cat reaches a point that he is no longer with us. at my age I don't want anyone to deal with what to do with my pet when i'm gone. this is most likely the last pet i will have.