I just found this forum and I really am thankful for a place to share this morning as it's been some of the hardest days of our lives.

After losing our 9 year old boxer Casey, in 1999, we weren't sure if we could ever go through that pain again. But then on June 6th, 2000, we heard of an approximately 8 month old Boxer boy who was sitting in our local animal shelter and had already been given up 2 times. I went to work that day, my husband went to investigate and needless to say, I came home that night the proud mommy of Bruno. He came with the name from the shelter and we decided to keep it. We were given no information about his past and although he was the typical boxer puppy frisky, we were amazed at his training. From the moment he came home to his last day, he had full rein of our home and never had an accident, never chewed inappropriate things, can't imagine why someone would have trained him so perfectly andthen given him up, but we were truly blessed. He was really the greatest friend we could ever hope for.

We had six wonderful years filled with so much fun, love, spoiling,loyalty and all other good things. We worked ooposite shifts for most of these years, so Bruno was truly the one each of us spent most of our individual time with. And we couldn't wait for the weekends when mommy, daddy and Bruno could share our fun toghether as a family.

Two years ago, Bruno had an episode where we thought he may have had a stroke, but after many tests and many dollars spent, nothing was found and he totally recuperated and became his old self within a week. We enjoyed the next year+ thinking this was just an isolated incident, but about six months ago, it happenned again, more tests, no definitive answers, and once again he got better in a few days.

Three weeks ago, Bruno was not acting like himself, and would not eat. On October 10th, the vet x-rayed his chest and found over 30 tumors on his lungs and chest alone. She called me with the news that he had very bad cancer that had metasticized through every part of his body very quickly and although he didn't seem to be in any pain, he could not survive this. She gave him some steroid medication and he began to eat and and become his old self and so a few hours after bringing him in for the xrays, we brought him back home. I prayed that he would stay in this good way for a few more days and with the medicine, he quickly became our spirited Bruno once again. We spent every minute of the last two weeks having so much fun with him, knowing that a miracle was not going to be, but cherishing every last quality moment he gave us.

Our other dog had died naturally and so we never had to make "the decision" and was not sure how we could do it. But after 15 great days of near normalness, Bruno let us know suddenly on Wednesday night that he was tired and it was time. You were so perfect for the last two weeks, we thanked you so much for the extra time and knew we could never let you suffer selfishly for even one day.

We are proud that we had the strength to do the hardest thing we've ever had to do, but it doesn't make it any easier.

Bruno, you lived and passed with such dignity, you gave us the best 6 years of our lives. You will always be present in our hearts and we know you and Casey will play and be happy until we all meet again.

Thank you all for listening to my story, the hurt is fresh and I know after reading some of your stories, the tears will lessen and friends and time will slowly heal our hearts and preserve only the best memories. And one day I know I will have to go through this all over gain, because I truly know that Bruno would want the love we shared with him to be lavished on another friend and the right time time for that will eventually be clear.

Thank you for be there for me to share my sadness and although every part of life and death has been perfect and the only way it could be for him, please send your thoughts and prayers to us for helping to heal the loss we feel and the pain we feel missing him. I wake up thinking this has all been a dream and that he is aiting for me downstairs and it's just so hard.

Meryl and Bob Schultz
Northern NJ

Meryl and Bob,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Bruno sounded like quite a dog! I'm so sorry about the cancer diagnosis too. I lost my cat Precious (aged 19 years 3 days) to cancer and old age on 06 August 2006. He had been healthy up until three weeks before he died, then the cancer was found and he went downhill so quickly. I did have him euthanised but he was almost dead when I took him to the pet emergency clinic on a Sunday morning. So I had a lot of guilt feelings to deal with but almost three months later I am getting past it. I know what I did was the final act of love but it was the hardest decision I've ever had to make in my life. What does make me feel better is knowing he was born into eternal life the moment he left this earth and that he is whole and young again and in eternal sunlight and is probably with my mum! We had a bond that was so strong he is still with me, still showing little signs. I hope Bruno will continue to communicate with you...not as a ghost but sending you messages in the sky, through other animals or even insects, or maybe a song on the radio!
I know you miss him terribly, it feels like your soul has been ripped from your body. But you will heal, it will take time but please know he is watching over you and is still with you! Death can't take away that bond you shared (and still share).
Praying for all of you,
Lisa

Hello.I am so sorry for your loss.I know there are no words to make you feel any better but I hope you find some comfort in this site and the fact that there are many of us going thur the same kind of hurt that you and your husband are going thur right now.It will get better but give yourself plently of time to grieve.You made the right decision for your baby and it is after all the last unconditional act of love that you mad for him.He was in pain and you choose to set him free from his ailing body.He will be with you again someday when it is your time to go to the other side.I know that doesn't make you feel any better but with time you will learn to live with the pain and you will only remember the many good times you shared with him.I understand your pain,my baby boy Sox had to be put to sleep almost 3 weeks ago and it is still painful for me to even talk about him without getting upset.Right now your pain is very raw so give yourself some time to be alone or with your husband so you guys have time just to be together and remember your baby.I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers tonight and I hope you find peace tonight.

To all of you who responded to me:

Your words have brought so much comfort to me. It's hard to believe it's almost a week, but all of your shared experiences and thoughts have helped me feel more peaceful than I ever would have thought I could be at this point.

Although I miss Bruno immensely, I truly feel he is surrounded by so many friends and so much love that I can begin to think of him with happiness again rather than sadness.

Thanks to all of you!

Meryl

Meryl and Bob,
I add my sympathies to the others expressed here on the forum. Your Bruno was and is a very special guy, and you were all very blessed to have had each other in this time. Considering he was given up twice, it seems almost as if he were meant to be with you and vice versa. In my experience - albeit limited, perhaps - boxers have proven to be some of the sweetest-dispositioned dogs. I'm sorry again for your loss of Casey and then Bruno - I have no doubt you'll be together again one day. Meanwhile, his spirit lives on and he has no doubt changed your lives forever. Take care and let us know how you're doing - Barbara

Meryl and Bob,
I'm so sorry for your loss, and have walked in your shoes. This site was a huge help. I was able to share my loss with others who understood how I felt and where I was coming from. I come back from time to time.
My dog, Oscar suddenly formed an agressive tumor in his mouth. He went through surgery twice, but it wouldn't stop growing. Within acouple months I had to make the decision to put him to sleep. My brain knew it was best, but my heart broke. It is hard to lose any loved one furry or human.
I wish you all the best. Nina

This has been an overwhelming week since I last shared with you all.

Missing Bruno so much and wishing he was here to help me through my other situations this week.

I became a grandmother for the first time on Nov. 2, exactly one week after Bruno went to the Rainbow Bridge. While this should be the happiest time of my life, this is bittersweet for more than the reason of griving Bruno. My son's wife left him and moved to Indiana to live with her parents mid-pregnancy. It's a long story but there is no possible chance of reconciliation. My son has tried everything possible to have an amicable relationship because he wanted nothing more than to be a large part of his child's life. His wife has been non-responsive and has basically let him know that she does not want him to be a part of the childs life. I thought this would all change once the baby was born, but she has gotten much worse.

He raced 5 hours to the hospital to see his newborn son, only to be told by the hospital that they had to respect her wishes to not allow him to see the baby. The next day he got to see him and find out his name (Henry) but under very hostile conditions. He saw a lawyer this morning and is hopeful that he will get justice from the legal system, but is so broken up and in disbelief that soemone would use a child as a pawn .

I ask you all to hold my son and grandson in their thought and prayers. The only thing that keeps me going is that I truly believe that Bruno passed and lent his spirit to my grandchild Henry to return to earth with.....

Thanks for listening.

Meryl