He's gone. Only a year and 4 months and he's gone. A german shepherd/chow mix, he was my pride and joy. Always so energetic, playful and willing to give kisses.

Mack was killed (probably instantly), hit by a car. The vet said his skull was crushed, so he probably didn't feel any pain. I still can't believe it. He can't be gone. I can't sleep--everytime I close my eyes, I see him. I see him bringing me his toy rope to play tug o' war, him putting his head on my lap to be petted, us just laying on the bed watching tv. He always loved to cuddle. At 65 lbs and the softest short fur, he was my pillow and I loved hugging him. I hugged him and kissed him whenever I could--he was the most handsome puppy.

I don't know what I'm going to do. I'm so used to having the two dogs and cat follow me around the house as I did menial house chores everyday. Now, I don't have him to trip over. I just keep seeing him through things in the house that remind me of him. I picked up the dogs bowls today and realized we had just bought Mack a big bag of dog food. I miss him so much already.

I can't stop crying. My head hurts from crying. But everytime I think of him, my thoughts that I will never see him again or touch him again breaks my heart over and over again. I keep thinking he is just in another room and any minute now, he'll come bounding in.

I miss his barking. He would always bark at our older dog, Bass. Bass would be sleeping or just laying around and Mack would bark and nudge him until Bass barked back. Mack always, always wanted to play.

Like I said, Mack was my pride and joy. How do you get over such heartbreak? I wish it was all just a bad dream....

It's always hard to lose a loved pet. I'm morning my Dog Buddy. I guess time will heal all. He'll be waiting for you with his favourite toy in his mouth.

Time is the only healer. And understanding - and we ALL understand how you feel. The loss is no less for those of us who had 5, 8 or 15 years with out pets. A year and 4 months is plenty of time for our furry babies to make big cubby holes in our hearts and souls.

I think that Mack was very lucky having such a loving home - and if he was fated to only be with us on Earth for a year then it was a wonderful year filled with a loving family.

He died with a name and will live on in the memories of much longer lived beings - until we can join him and pass into our next journey.

Still, I offer my condolences on your loss and hope that you can find the strength to work through the pain and live as Mack would have wanted you to - poking everyone around you until they bark or smile at you

You get over the heartbreak a day a minute a second at a time.
I know what you mean about your head hurting from crying, in the end your whole body aches and just when you think you cant take any more – it starts to get a little easier, and then some more, just a little at a time.

I'm sorry you had to loose Mack in such an awful way, and at such a young age, some of us learn our lessons quickly and get to go home to Rainbow Bridge sooner.

I never gave much thought to heaven and spirits before I lost my girls, but know I believe with all my being that there is something, I'm not quite sure what, but there is definitely something after death and all our fur babies are playing and laughing and wondering why on EARTH we are all so sad down here.

Love Sue

You're Mack sounds so like my Cindy, who went to the Bridge on Sunday morning, I know, as everyone else does on this site, exactly how you're feeling. Just know that you're not alone and that it does get better in time.

Thanks guys. It helps to know that people know how you feel. Ya'll are right though--I'm sure wherever Mack is, he's having a good time. He was always a happy spirit. He was such a happy go lucky dog he helped one of my friends get over her fear of big dogs. Another one of my friends (Nick) told me yesterday--he already loved dogs before we got Mackerel. After Mack though, he grew to love dogs even more. He reflected on that a moment and then corrected himself saying that he didn't know that if it was just because Mack was so well behaved and trained that he loved dogs more...because if Nick were to get a dog himself, he didn't know that it would have the same effect on him that Mack did. I guess some babies are here to teach us our lessons and really do move on.

I had another friend email me and talk about how with dogs, it really isn't that we are trying to teach them to be more human, but that they are teaching us to be more dog like...dogs present us with unconditional love that allows us to get so attached so easily. I guess God gives us pets to show us what unconditional love really is.

Renato and I went by the SPCA yesterday to look around. Both of us find the house to be "wierd" because Mack was sorta the energy in the house. Even with another dog (but he's 11years old, so he's really quiet) and Tuna, the cat, Mack was always the one making all the commotion. We both had reservations about adopting a new dog--is it too soon, etc. Nick told us that we shouldn't look at it as we are adopting another dog to fill Mack's place (which is not what we wanted to do, but were afraid that it might be our intention deep down inside), but to give another dog a loving home. So basically focusing our efforts on helping another life. I know Mack always LOVED the dog parks and romping with other dogs and so he would want us to bring another one in. The more the merrier, in his eyes.

What are ya'lls thoughts on adopting another?

Adopt another the SECOND you are ready. Give that new pup all of the love that's hurting to get out and do it as a dedication to Mack.

I waited 6 months and I haven't regretted it for one second. My new furry one is totally different, with his own personality and attitude and I love him for it.

I still remember Edgar and Jesse and this takes away NONE of the love I still feel for them.

So go save another furry one - and give them a family.

I say go for it when you are ready. Everyone is different. You know in your heart that you are not replacing Mack. You would be putting your love and energy into a fur baby that needs you (SPCA animals are in dire need of love & warmth). Mack knows how it feels to be loved and adored by you-and animals are not selfish-so I would think he would want you to make another animal feel love and companionship. So when you feel ready, let Mack help you make the pick.
Hugs to you,
Kimberly
***if I can only be with you in my dreams, I want to sleep forever***
Tay and Mama's boy-thanks for the butterflies

Well, we did it! We adopted a 2 mo. Siberian husky mix from the local shelter on Friday. I know it was really soon, only 3 days after Mack passed, but I know Mack would have wanted us to. I still think about Mack often, especially if it is a chilly, sunny day, like today cause he would have loved to go to the park in such weather! I've decided to put together a memory album of Mack's pictures, his doggy friends, favorite toys, condolence emails friends have sent as well as what they will miss about Mack, etc.

The husky, Marlin (I don't remember if I mentioned, but our animals are all named after fish--cat named Tuna, Mack was short for Mackerel, 11 yr. old ##er named Bass and now Marlin), is really a cutie. I think Mack would have loved to have met him, as he loved, loved, loved to play with others. Marlin will be pretty active, if not just as active as Mackerel was and we are already brainstorming on how to make sure he can't dig his way out (Sibes love to dig!) of the backyard. He already knows "sit" and we are working on "down" and "stay" using good ole' clicker training. He still cries when left in the crate by himself (no one in the room) and actually slept through the whole night last night without crying to be let out or go to the bathroom. Of course, it may be due to him being tired by all the different things going on (being adopted, going to Petsmart twice, to the vet, etc.) and the little cold he developed. The vet said it is probably a type of kennel cough and he is currently on antibiotics and getting better.

Thanks again for all the support ya'll have given. It really has been just invaluable this past week...

I'm so glad you adopted another fur baby. I also went to the shelter yesterday and adopted a kitten. We had to have my cat Gwen put to sleep on Thursday night. She was my special friend for 20 years so making that decision was the hardest thing I had to do. Although I knew it was for the best it still left a huge hole in my heart. Although this new kitty, who is named Sofie, will never ever replace Gwen or the relationship I had with her, her presence in my life is helping me to remember Gwen in a good light and not dwell on her last moments. Through Sofie I see my Gwen as a healthy playful cat who could be fiesty one moment and a love the next.

Some people may say that getting a new fur baby so soon is wrong but I know my Gwen would have wanted it this way. Her ashes rest in a beautiful box I picked out and she's sitting in front of her favorite spot, the fireplace so in a sense Gwen is still with me, will always be with me and is now watching over the new kitty making certain the the other 3 don't hurt her! I'm sure Mack is watching over the new member of your family too. Mack knows you loved him and therefore would not want you to spend too much time mourning his loss. I'm sure he would want you to celebrate his life and the joy he brought to you and your family. I believe this is true for all of our fur babies who have gone to the Bridge. Knowing that we're happy here on earth makes their journey much better. When they look down and see smiles instead of tears it makes them feel good inside knowing that we're not wallowing in our sorrow.

I truly believe that finding Sofie was Gwen's doing because to be honest I couldn't get out of bed yesterday, I woke up crying and sobbing, my heart hurt. I went downstairs, held Gwen's ashes and a sense of peace washed over me. I got dressed and told my husband I wanted to go to the shelter - I rescued Gwen from a shelter 20 years ago. I came to a cage with a little grey and white kitten. That kitten looked me in the eye and I knew I had to take her home. The moment I picked her up there was a familiarity, like she knew me. By the way, she's the spitting image of Gwen, although there is no white diamond marking over her nose. Another coincedence is that this kitty was born 9/1/03 - Gwen was born 9/1/83. This was supposed to be! This was a gift from Gwen!

Take care, enjoy your new fur baby and know that Mack is wagging his tail with happiness!

Hugs,
Elizabeth

Wow, Gwen is definitely watching out for you, Elizabeth! I'm so sorry you had to put your beloved fur baby to sleep. I can't imagine how that would be after so many years of being with her. I only had a year with Mack and his passing crushed me like a twig. I definitely agree that our recently passed fur babies would have wanted us to share our love with other unfortunate lives at the shelters. Mack is my angel; he is always with me.

I have no regrets in adopting another so soon. I know that slowly, Marlin is creating a spot in my heart. It definitely isn't filling the hole Mack left there, but I wasn't expecting him to. My memory and love for Mack is too much a part of me.

I've found the nights to be especially hard. I often can close my eyes and imagine Mack at my side. I can feel his fur as I remember petting him or stroking his ears. Today was again perfect weather. As I drove with the windows down, I could almost feel Mack standing in the back seat with his head by mine. When he did that, I always took the opportunity to give him a kiss. One thing Mack's passing has taught me was to always treat others like you might never see them again. I had always heard this, but this lesson really came to life for me after Mack was gone. I found that this was one case where I didn't regret anything in the way I treated Mack. Everyday I constantly told Mack what a handsome dog he was, how much I loved him, showered him with kisses and hugs, put him in his place when he needed it, etc. Renato always teased that Mack didn't know what I was saying, but there is no question in my mind that he KNEW he was loved and what it was like to be loved. I realize that I should strive to carry this through with all relationships, human and pet alike, as it is a lesson I'll always hold close to my heart through his memory.

peace and hugs to all...

I think Marlin is a very lucky little guy to be part of your loving family. By the way, I love that name!

You are absolutely right about the lessons we learn, or should learn from our fur children. Think about it, they love us unconditionally, they forgive us and don't hold grudges, they are loyal no matter what and they don't judge. We as humans need to take that and incorporate it in our every day lives and dealings with fellow humans. For me personally, I learned a great lesson from Gwen. That cat loved me no matter what! She was my friend, no matter what! Now in her honor I need to reconnect with some old relationships. It seems that we get so busy in our lives that we forget those who once meant a great deal to us. We're too busy to answer emails or make phone calls. We tend to be judgemental if someone does something that goes against what we would ever do. We dismiss old friendships because we feel we no longer have nothing in common or we just tire of that relationship. I for one am very guilty of all of the above. But in thinking about how my cat stuck by me no matter what, I realized how flawed I am regarding my human relationships, past and present. It's never too late to change a behavior and I for one intend to make that effort -- this is what Gwen taught me.

Hugs,
Elizabeth

I think that BOTH of your two new furbabies are very lucky to have families now. It is not too soon if your heart decides it is time.

Dear Mack's parent and Elizabeth,

I am so sorry for your losses of Mack and Gwen.


And congratulations on your adoptions of Marlin and Sophie!!!

We also adopted "too soon" after Freyja's passing. We got Hathor from the shelter 6 weeks after Frey passed. Tim SWEARS hathor was born when Frey died and they share a spirit. "Freyja" was the nordic goddess of love and beauty; "hathor" is the egyptian goddess of heaven and earth (and cows). When we went to the shelter, tim wanted one of these little weiner dog/ dalmation mixes, but I had this overwhelming sense of "no... THAT one..." I swear Frey was guiding me.

Tim fell immediately, passionately, deeply in love with Hathor. I was a little bit more slow to warm (which I think is one of the problems with adopting too soon after a loss). Another problem with adopting quickly after a loss is that we both tend to think about Hathor's death too much -- we're a bit over-protective.

On the other hand.... this sweet darling dog was going to be killed if she weren't adopted. And I think she was abused wherever she was before the shelter. For the first MONTH she would not explore the house alone. She would cry when we touched her. She was always hiding in any little space she could find. And now this dog wags her entire body, she loves everyone, she has spirit and pride. And we are so grateful to have played a part in giving all that to her...

It was definitely a different feeling to have Marlin come into our lives so soon after Mack's passing. I think in the beginning it was hard because I still had a lot of reminders of Mack not being around. We had put his toys and bowl in the garage, but it was still just different not having him running around. When we brought Marlin home, it wasn't the excitement you usually feel when you bring home a new furbaby. It was just kinda like, "Oh, ok." I also noticed I wasn't as affectionate towards Marlin as I was towards Mack. But I'm working on it...any new furbaby should have just as much love as any previous furbabies (besides, Mack wouldn't be jealous) because we shouldn't "take it out" on them; it wasn't their fault our hearts were broken a time before (as hard as it is...)...

luvmycatzz--thanks for sharing what you learned from your Gwen. As long as we take something away from their time being with us, their lives were not in vain and their memory will be kept alive.

Saki & Freyja's Mom--what kind of dog is Hathor? She also seems very lucky to have a loving home after a traumatic time...

I read the responses about getting a new pet soon after losing the old. We got two new puppies quite soon after losing our beloved Snoops. We didn't really plan on bringing home new pups that day ... we just went to look but two stole our hearts (I like to think that Snoops had a hand in that as the new ones share some of Snoop's endearing characteristics). But, as stated above I am much more paranoid about losing the two new ones but by the same token I appreciate everything about them more than I would have if I hadn't been feeling the loss of Snoops so keenly. I know that while most would consider 16 years to be a long time to me it is still short. So, the lessons I have learned is to appreciate your loved ones while they are here as time is short.

Snoopy was quite ill when we finally had to let him go and his vet bills were averaging over $500/month. I had set money aside to care for him and when he left I still had money left over. I couldn't see just spending that money on frivilous (sp?) items so what I have done is I follow the rescue sites and when there is a little pup out there who needs medical attention I send money from that fund to help out. It's sort of a living memorial to him ... I have found that this has helped me quite a bit.

Anyhow ... I found this poem on another site and thought it might be appropriate here ... if not I apologize. I have no idea who wrote it thought ... it is called Second Dog (you can substitue Cat/Kitten where appropriate) ...

Sometimes I look for traits in you
Of a little dog you never knew.......
A dog that loved me all his days
And understood in special ways.
But that's not fair to you, you elf;
You're not a substitute; but yourself!
You've eased the loss, soothed the pain
And tugged my laughter home again.
Yet, puppy, at times I almost start
When your eyes recall him to my heart;
You'll never lack for love, it's clear
Because of him, you're twice as dear.


author unknown


Beth

The poem made me cry....

You can find Hathor's picture on my original post (back on another page) under something like "Am I getting better yet..."

Hathor is a mutt. Gotta love the mutts. An energetic mutt. Whose favorite activity is shredding stuff.... She's part Sharpei (and I think part everything else: pit bull, shepherd, lab, chiuaua, hound dog, blood hound, poodle, cat and lovebug).

Maybe we do appreciate her more, having so soon adopted after Frey and saki passed. I dunno. Its different. I was 21 when we got Frey. And she only had two phases in life: puppy and old dog. And she didn't get to old dog til she was 12 or so ... So I was 21 and she was a puppy and I couldn't envision her getting old. I guess growing up, tho I had a lot of dogs, none of them ever lived long enough to be old. And now, with Hathor -- I worry about it. I worry about dog food (what I've read is not pretty), I worry about her escaping the fence and getting hit, I worry.... in ways I never did before...

And maybe that is bc of adopting too soon, or maybe it is bc ***I** am a lot older than I was when we started our "family" (with no kids, they ARE our family). And I hate feeling like I am holding back... of course, what I call "holding back" is probably more than most dogs get in a lifetime... but for me, it's holding back and I hate it.

Wow, Beth...
I was just looking again, and saw that your were averaging $500 a month with Snoops vet bills. Wow. Thank goodness you could afford it, and thank YOU for being such a wonderful person to do it. When Saki and Frey were still here, there, and Electra's bills (COMBINED) were about that, but I can't imagine that for one animal (I'd pay it, but I can't imagine it!)

Love to you,
Jennifer

Jennifer,

It never even occurred to me not to pay it ... most went towards testing and drugs to keep him comfortable. He had many issues at the end ... I will be forever thankful that I could take care of him. I couldn't imagine the agony of having to choose between his life and money. I have been lucky in that regard. You are a pretty special person ... the way you have been so helpful to all of us who post here even though you are having a rough time as well. Thank you for listening and for being there .

hugs,
Beth