My Jake Died Today

[Joe Neri]

My 16+ year-old mutt and best friend died this morning. My wife and I sat with him as our vet euthanized him, putting an end to his painful battle with cancer.

Last night, I took out my acoustic and played Jake's favorite song -- a simple ballad in G I wrote some years ago -- as he lay in his bed. He looked at me and sighed, and I knew he was taking comfort from the music we shared.

I've been through this before but it is always so very hard.

[Jakedog]

I lost my Jake some years ago. My user name is a tribute to him. It's been five years and I still haven't been able to get another dog. There is just no replacing him. I sleep easy though. I know that where he went he will always have a never ending supply of tennis balls, and american cheese.

You and Jake are in my thoughts, you have my sympathy.


Greg Harper

[DADGAD]

A dog is man's best friend and it's always tough to lose a good friend. That's very sad, Joe. Sorry to hear of Jake's passing.

Gary

[stantheman]

Joe I'm so sorry for your loss, please know that as painful as it was to be there You did absolutely the
right thing, Jake's suffering is over. I lost my "Jub" to
Cancer when She was only seven. I went ten years
before a little guy came into my life and I'm sorry I
waited as long as I did, those ten years without a Dog
were the absolute worst. My friend Stuart who sold me
the farm lost his Lab after 17 years from Cancer and
was heartbroken, his daughters went out and got another Lab within 8 weeks, at first he wanted nothing
to with it....and now they're totally inseparable.
Dogs have a spirit that makes Man complete and yes
I think Dogs are much more "Human" than we are in
a lot of ways. Honor your best friend's spirit, don't wait
too long like I did.
My sincerest condolences to You and Your Wife,
Stan

[blue water girl]

At forty three, I've lost a total of seven beloved pets, two to old age and natural death in their sleep, and five have been put to sleep to end their pain and suffering. There is nothing like that last trip together to the vet. I really feel for you and your wife and know how bad your hearts are hurting. I went through this the last time in March of 2000 and said I just couldn't go through that anymore, no more dogs. I made the decision to get a new puppy a while back and when we get home from our summer vacation we will be getting our new puppy. There is a part of me that always feels a bit disloyal when I get a new dog, but then I realize that the puppy has been born and if I or someone else doesn't take them into their heart and home they will have a very tragic life that they don't deserve and that it is a very humane thing to provide a loving family for a little animal that has none.

What I try to tell myself during the grief process following the loss of my pet - which is the equivalent of another family member - is that I did all that I could have possibly done for them - given them love, care, companionship and comfort during the time they had here on the earth and in the end I was with them and holding them and talking quietly to them when it was time for them to go to their final rest.

You've lost a very important "person" in your life and it's not something you get over in a few days or weeks. Again, I'm just so sorry, but only you had the power to end his suffering and you did so because you loved him. One day the memories won't hurt anymore, they will make you smile.

[Joel Terry]

For all of us who've lost our very best friends and family members who happen to walk on all fours, we deeply feel for you and your family during this sorrowful time, Joe.

When Lord Byron described his Newfoundland named Boatswain, he was really describing Jake and all dogs: "Beauty without vanity, strength without insolence, courage without ferocity, and all the virtues of man without his vices."

God bless Jake and his memory, and may God's peace be with you and your family, Joe.

Joel

[Scotland]

That's so sad, I feel for you. I've never had a pet die on me just two who disappeared, don't know which is worse.
At least he will never be forgotten and you will meet up with him again sometime, I'm sure of that.
Take care my friend.

[bdkphoto]

Joe-

Let me offer up my sympathies as well - I can't add much to the wonderful thoughts above, but I can certainly empathize, we made the same trip yesterday afternoon for our 13yr old cat, Tillie, for the same reason-cancer. My wife and I are just heartbroken.

Here's to you and yours, we'll send good thoughts your way, and make some music for our lovely critters...

[Big Mike Blues]

My condolences sir. Nothing worse than losing a cherished friend. :(

[Joe Neri]

...your thoughts have really touched me. I never went public with my sorrow before, but this place is the best.

To "bdkphoto," I am sorry about Tillie.

[Anonymous]

I'm so sorry about Jake. I've been through it several times, most recently about a year and a half ago with Rocky, a golden retriever, but it never does seem to get any easier. (As I write this, my "newer" friend Mac, another golden from the rescue league is here with me.) I had a psychologist explain to me once that because our pets give us <u>unconditional</u> love, it makes it that much harder for us when they go. It was good to have the explanation, but the pain was still the same.

If it's all helpful, there's a website here specifically for grieving pet owners. Again, my sympathies. – CS

[eryque]

Joe, I'm very sorry to hear this. I've had Jed for just over a year, and every once in a while when someone mentions something like this I start to think about when the time will come for Jed and I start to tear up. He's mostly a nuisance, but his love is unconditional and he's helped me through a couple of rough spots already.

If it'll help, I can go play fetch with ya! :-)

[4mal]

We lost our beloved Rachel, a Golden with the most wonderful disposition a couple of years ago. We lasted four days with no pup in the the house. We now have a pair of Goldens, about 2 yrs and 18 months. It is wonderful, the enthusiasm that the new critters bring ... it is also a bit of a come-uppance. I used to think I knew something about raising dogs. Nothing like puppies to remind you of how dogs are all unique ...

Everyones circumstances are different but for my wife and I, getting on the horse again was the right thing to do. It's tough to be sad with a puppie in the house and your old friend wouldn't want you sad, beyond a brief respectable period I'm sure. Give this a little time and go look at some pup's, see what happens.

[Brad]

I sometimes feel guilty for the deep sense of loss when a cherished pet dies. My wife lost a son to cancer when he was 12 and then after what our own Trag has been through.........it tends to put things in perspective. But I still feel for you Joe. I do know what heartache the loss of a pet can bring.

Although I've had many special pets over the years, I still feel the loss of two dear ones more than ever.

Malik was my huge, incredibly beautiful German Shephard. I got him ( rather, he chose me! ) when he was 1. His owners were moving to Saudi Arabia and were unable to find a home for him because he appeared so mean to everyone. The first time I saw him chained up, everyone made a wide path to stay away from him. I just saw soething very special in this animal and walked right up and started petting him.....and he strated licking me all over. His owners came rushing over and asked me if I would take him. They were leaving the next day for Saudi and were frantic as they did not know what they were going to do with him. Malik was a wonderful, smart, protective companion for 10 years....untill his hips gave out. I could tell stories about him for hours. I met my wife right around that time and he became her champion. He was very, very protective of her.

My cat Leroy thought I was his mother. One minute before he was born, his mother came and meyowed at me like crazy to follow her to the nesting bed I made for her. When she was sure I was following her, she jumped into her bed and the kittens came popping out. From the beginning, Leroy was the smartest kitten in the litter. Not the biggest, but they all knew he was the boss! He a about a week and a half ahead of the other kittens in kitten learning. Leroy was 18 years old when he died of old age last year. I had just pulled out of the driveway on my way to the vet to have him put to sleep when he died. Leroy was the smartest, most amazing cat I've ever had the privledge to be with. He understood everything I said to him and would literally do whatever I asked him. Climb ladders....ride in wheebarrows, get on my shoulders, play my guitar. He knew people by name. I'd say, "Leroy, get on Suzies lap". He'd look at my like.."Here we go again", and go get on her lap. Then he would look at me like "are we done yet?" Silly as it sounds, I used to play my guitar and sing "You are so beautiful, ( his favorite song! ) to him. He would get on the top bout of my acoustic, start purring and reach down ever so gently with his claw and pluck the strings! The first time my wife ( we weren't married yet ) saw it, she fell on the floor with laughter and started crying she was laughing so hard. Anytime we had company, she ask me to get out the guitar so Leroy and I could put on a little show.

Pets become a special part of your life. They are always there for you and never judge you. They don't care what you look like or how much / little money you have. They just love unconditionally. Malik and Leroy helped me through some very rough times in my life. For their unwavering love and companionship, I'll be forever grateful.

[TonyBlack]

Losing a family member and great friend is never easy.
It sounds like he had a GREAT life with you.
My condolences.

[Teleologist]

Sorry about your loss, my wife and I(no kids) have been through that with cats and dogs more times than I want to think about and it just doesn't get any easier. While it's way too soon right now, I agree with the others that you shouldn't wait too long after you find some closure.

Fortunately, my wife is the strong one and about a month after our oldest Huskie was put down, she started E-Mailing me pic's of Huskie Rescue organization dogs on the net. It took a while, but these guys needed a home too and I think that made me feel less like I was betraying my old friend. It took a few months to bond, but now we're best buds too. We've had 4 Huskies over the years(2 Rescues) and I remember every single one of them, yet despite being the same breed, each is totally unique in my mind.

[PraiseCaster]

.....especially those that dont get the "pet thing", but these dog's, cat's, bird's, whatever species that enter our lives, become a part of "Our Pack", or Our Family.

I cant help but well up the tear bucket's thinkin bout my precious lil Koko, or Bear, or Piglet, or my cat named Mouse. Or thye other animals that are forever my "kid's".

It's only a hope that I have, but I hope that God creates a special place for our family members that are not of homo-sapiens decent, and they'll be there waiting for us, when we go to join them.

My heart and Prayers go out to you Joe.

Stephen

[Joe Neri]

not only my wife and me, but Amanda, our 13+ y.o. Husky/Malamute/Wolf mix, and Philly, our 4 y.o. Maine Coon cat. Too soon for a new pup but I know it will happen down the road.

Thanks for sharing your own personal stories.

[Gord K.]

I was in my early 20's when my younger sister and I took our 15 year old dog to the vet to have him put to sleep. We had had him since his eyes first opened. I share your pain.

Recently my son, now in his 20's, brought home a kitten and then promptly found a girlfriend. He is never home and the kitten, though adorable and loving, just couldn't bond with my daughter's cat. My son made the decision to return the kitten to the lady he got it from (after discussing it with her) and after 70 days, back it went. My wife is heartbroken because she spent more time with Meisha than any of us. That was just about as hard to take.

You have my best wishes, losing a pet is never easy.

Gord.

[Lance]

I lost one dog a couple of years ago and it really upset the family. I'm sure it'll be hard for a while.

[Matt Hesley]

Oh man, I'm so sorry Joe. That one-way trip to the vet is the single hardest thing I have ever had to do. We're with you in this very difficult time. There is peace in knowing Jake had a long happy life.

Best regards,

Matt

[Wade]

I don't know the authors of these poems, but they helped me when I was in your position. I'm sorry for your loss.

I Stood by Your Bed Last Night


I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep. I could see that you were crying, you found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear, "It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea, You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.

I was with you at the shops today, Your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care.
I want to reassure you, that I'm not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said "it's me."

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.

It's possible for me to be so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."

You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew, in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning and say "good-night, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out ... then come home to be with me.



If it Should Be

If it should be that I grow weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.
You will be sad, I understand;
Don't let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.
We've had so many happy years -
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer so;
The time has come, so let me go.
Take me where my needs they'll tend
And please stay with me until the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.
Please do not grieve - it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years -
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.
- Author Unknown

[Bill E.]

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 begins to quiver. 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.


-Bill

[Joe Neri]

I can't tell you how much y'all have helped me through this difficult day. Thank you.