He came into my life July 4th 1990. When we got you at 8 days old you just laid on the floor for that first day because you taken away from your mother. I had to take you that day because all of the other pups had died. You were the only one that lived out of 8. I knew then you were going to be great. After the first day you came around. You would sleep in my bed and after just 1 week you were house broke. You would bite my toe with those sharp teeth when you wanted to go out side. You loved myself and Eric your boy that lived with me after my divorce. Then your girl Alicia would come over on the weekends and you loved her so much too. Then the day I met Fran she would come over and you loved her too. Then she moved in you didn't want anybody getting in between you and Daddy. You ate a heel off 1 of every pair of here shoes. After a little you said ok you can stay. Then came the big shock I always walked you nobody else. Well Fran and Alicia walked you while I was working late. They found out you would not let anybody get close to a female when you were with them. When we took vacation it would have to be a place that you could go with us or we didn't go. We had so much fun on the boat as you would bark at all of the shrimp we used for bait and the fish we would catch. We would stop on one of the Islands and you would run all of the way around it barking at the Manatees or anything else that swam by. You would swim in the water till I made you get out. If I could write everything it would take all of the pages on the internet. When I had to work late I never worried about anybody at home because you were there and would protect them with your life. Then came the second worst day of my life. WE took you to the doctors because your breathed very hard. He took x-ray and we were told to call back in a week. This was the longest week of my life. We got back to the doctors and he said you had Cancer. We all cried and then the doctor said we could get some medication that might keep you going for a few more weeks. WE got it and you stayed around for almost a year. Then came the worst day of my life. Alicia called and said you could not stand or pick up your head. I came home from work early to see you. You picked up your head and gave me a kiss and wagged your tail. Them you went back down. I know you waited on Daddy to tell me good by. I had to take you to the doctors and I carried you all the way to the room hugging you. He said it was time for you to go to the Rainbow Bridge. I had them put you to sleep that was the worst thing I had to do. I did it to stop the pain for you. But that was the day it started for us. WE now know you are with your friends and having fun with your friends. You will wait at the Rainbow bridge for Daddy and we will go on together. We love you and will alway remember you. Love Dad, Mom, Eric your boy, Alicia your girl, Shadow your best friend, Homer your other friend, House Mouse your friend, Pheby, Star and all the others that love you.

What a beautiful Tribute to a beautiful dog. I know you and your family will miss him terribly, as he was such a very special part of your lives. He thanks you for taking his pain away and now he is at the Rainbow Bridge with all his new friends that were there to welcome him home.

I know you will miss his physical presence, but he will only be a thought away. You have so many wonderful stories to remember him by, that they will last you a lifetime. A bond like the one you and your sweet boy had, can not be broken… his spirit will continue to be by your side.

He will continue to look after You, Mom, Eric, Alicia, and all his furfriends, and will be waiting patiently at the Rainbow Bridge to welcome each and every one of you home.

Take Care,
DustyLove

{{{{Bear}}}} -- what a precious precious boy--and a very lucky one to have lived with you on this earth! I'm so sorry to hear of Bear's passing. The pain is excruciating, and that's why we're all here--to support each other through every day, every stage.

I lost my precious 17-year-old Little Girl (sweet cat) the 24th, and I'm struggling to accept this strange new world I live in now. It would be an understatement to say that I'm thankful for this board.

Bear knows how very much you love him, and he does not feel the separation. He's in bliss and he knows only perfect love. And you guys WILL be fully reunited when it's your time!

I hope you spend some time here. I know it will help.
Hugs and comfort,
Little Girl's Mommy, Kathy

I am sorry for your loss. I, too know the pain of a loved ones passing. But, I could not be there for my dogs passing. It is horribly sad, and it hurts very much, but in time the pain will lessen. I found that sitting around the house and everyone taking turns "remembering when" really does help. You will all get a laugh, and it will help to pass the pain all of your family is feeling. Bear was a beautiful dog! I'm sure you loved him with everything you had!! And he is safe now, and no longer in pain. He is looking down on you from the bridge, awaiting your arrival. Please come back in here, read our posts, know our stories, and you will see we have all been where you are now. I lost my lover puppy, Zipper, 3/6 to congestive heart failure. I only had 3 days with him when we found out he was dying. I sat at HIS side those 3 days. This is a great website to come and grieve to, we are all here for you. Good luck on your days to come, they will be hard, but not forever. Hugs to you in your time of sorrow............Zippers Momma

The only pup to live out of 8........Wow! God Bless You & your family for bringing
up a beautiful, gorgeous dog.
That's a real tribute to yourselves & the spirit of your beautiful Bear..

I am so sorry for the loss of your Bear - he was soooo beautiful...

Bear is at Rainbow's Bridge now, where there is no pain.... only joy & happiness;
lots of food & filled water bowls.

There is one thing that I remember and that is, "Memories cannot be taken away....
You will always have them"... They are yours to keep....

God Bless you, and please, like everyone said, come here as often as you like!!
Everyone here knows what you are feeling; what you are going through.

We understand your pain.
My Ernie-Bird was put to sleep on 2/7/2004.. In time, (I was surprised), but
my tears turned into laughter..... Not always, but mostly......

I know she is far better in St. Francis's arms, than living on this Earth with
all the pain she was in .

God Bless!!!
Peace, Denise

Dear Sledgehammer,
I am sorry for your terrible loss of your beautiful Bear. I just love black Labs. They are wonderful dogs. We had one when I was growing up and her name was London. She loved us and protected us, just like your wonderful bear. I am glad he enjoyed a wonderful, loving home with you and your family.
The pain is terrible, I know. It has been since November since I lost my beautiful Mittens, and I still hurt. I come here to support anyone else that is hurt and feeling overwhelming pain. You have to come here to vent and share and read and understand that we all have been there and feel for you.
Don't get down if someone at work or somewhere else doesn't understand how hard it was to lose you best friend. We understand, all of us. Come here, talk.
Big hug to you.
love, Janice