14 years ago my dear friends in Ocean City came to me and said they had an idea. Being new to the area, single and not knowing many people on the Eastern Shore, they thought I might enjoy the company of a beautiful Lab that had just been born. I thought about it for a while but the moment I saw this puppy I knew it was right.
I can't tell you just how many days we'd get in the boat and head to the shallows near the Rt. 50 Bridge. I'd pull out the clam rake and a tennis ball and Chamois would go after that ball until she was so drained she couldn't take it any more. By then I'd have 50 clams and I'd have to pick her up and put her back on the boat while she plopped on the floor in exhaustion.
Every day I'd take her to work with me and then come home and she'd get out of the car and run right to the boat. I've been so blessed to have this best friend for 14 good years. Unfortunately Chamois hasn't been doing well and we had to make the decision to put her down today.
I will never forget the friends that brought her into my life and I'll never forget some of the greatest memories and times I've ever had and shared.
Rest In Peace my friend.
RIP
ReplyDeleteThey are truly man's best friend. I am sorry and feel your loss.
ReplyDeleteBeen there quite a few times, so, so sorry for your loss. I wish they lived as long as we do. There is nothing better than a faithful friend and unconditional love. Peace
ReplyDeleteI know it's hard to put down a dog you have loved, but cherish the memories, and rest assured you did the right thing...
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts for you, our prayers for her.
ReplyDeleteJust this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
ReplyDeleteWhen 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....
Author unknown...
My heart aches for you and your loss of your beloved pet. My 15 lb bichon in my arms in my driveway were attacked by a pit bull. I still cry over her pain. Our pets become our children and best friends and are the only ones who are not judgemental to us! Keep the memories in your heart it is obvious how much you both loved each other. God bless.
ReplyDeleteI feel for you Joe. I've walked in those shoes myself. Peace to you.
ReplyDeleteGet another one today. You will never feel better untill you do. And don't compair this one with your old friend.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are with you. I have been down the same road and the heartache is beyond words. After reading about Rainbow Bridge, I cried for all of us who have lost our best friend. Please know those of us who have shared our thoughts are right there with you and encourage you when the time is right for you, to please don't give up. There are so many unwanted, abused animals that need good, loving, caring homes; perhaps you can open your heart again for another friend.
ReplyDeleteSimilar experiences with both dogs & cats across the years. You have a boundless reservoir of memories to tap into as time goes forward. Sympathies for your loss.
ReplyDeleteRIP, furbaby.
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry for your loss! We had to "put down" our 14 yr old "Katie" recently. She gave us so much love & joy in those yrs. (She was a Rescue & the yrs are only assummed by the Vet.)
ReplyDeleteOnly an animal lover can empathazise with your loss. They truly are your best friend in the world!
We had 2 other animals in the house & that was most helpful to our grief ------ Nothing will ever replace that one particular animal as they All have special places in our hearts.
I might suggest you go on line---try to find a Lab Rescue or someone local that rescues . Soo many out there need a home!!! If you buy from a Pet shop---it's only supporting Puppy Mills.
Pat Long was listed in the phone book & does animal rescue. She recently married J. Outten so am not sure how she's listed. She could possibly help ---if you're interested.
All the Best to you in your search for a New Friend!
Our Dutch Shepherd is 12 years old now. She's losing her eyesight and has trouble getting up and down the stairs. Before long, we plan to move our bedroom downstairs to accomodate her needs. It will break our hearts when that sad time comes for her to cross Rainbow Bridge.
ReplyDeleteI am a lifetime lab owner. Presently have a 11 year old black and a 6 year old chocolate. My babies bring me so much joy. You have been blessed and your friend will be there to great you on the other side.
ReplyDeleteTheir only fault, really, is that they don't last our entire lifetimes. So sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteHow sad a spot to be in when you have to make that decision...just went thru it in March with a 17yr old cat I had...never felt so empty and numb...I don't have kids so she was my kid and the loss was so great I had a tough time just functioning...I have lost my best friend!!! Prayers to you...and your best friend...
ReplyDeleteTo All, thank you. My Friends from Ocean City called me this morning after hearing Chamois was no longer with us.
ReplyDeleteWe started talking about some of the great memories. One that stuck in their mind was how I was always able to wink one eye at Chamois and she'd wink one eye back. They could never get over that.
Chamois loved every one. It becomes extremely hard when their minds are still 2 years young but their bodies are 90. That's what made this decision so difficult.
One could only wish that we as humans could make the same decision when we fall apart. I know many think ill of such a thought but one thing is for sure, when you start caring for your elderly parents or when you get into your late 70's and beyond, many of the people I know truly wish they could stop suffering.
Been there done that Joe. I know it hurts but set your mind on the life you shared with her.
ReplyDeleteOnly animal lovers ever know the true joy they bring to our lives. Your story brought back memories of dealing with this in my personal life...so sad. Keep those great memories in your heart and know you made one dog very happy.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful tribute to your beautiful girl Chamois. It is so hard to lose a friend that loved you unconditionally. That's what dogs do. They just love you. So sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteJoe. I feel your loss and pain as over the years I have lost a few best friends. When you think it's time to add to your family again please consider adoption. There are many beautiful Labs in shelters that will die for no other reason then there is no one that wants them. You won't regret it.
ReplyDeleteanonymous 5:56, Of course we would do so. Several years ago I came into work on a Monday morning and I went to put my trash into the dumpster. When I thres the bag in I noticed a box moving around. Not knowing what might be inside I found a stick to open the box. When it opened I saw two puppies inside the box. Someone had actually come through and dumped two lab puppies in the dumpster. I immediately pulled them out and called my Wife to turn around from heading into work and come help me with these puppies. They were so loaded with fleas that we thought they were both black labs. It turns out one was black and the other was yellow. There was so much dried up blood on the yellow lab he was that dark. Once we hosed them down we could see the immediate difference. We then took them to Jimmy Tragle and we still have both labs to this day. One lives with us and the other with another Family member.
ReplyDeleteWe have done so many rescues in our lives it would amaze many. Nevertheless, I have to say, Ponyo has to be one of the happiest dogs I have ever seen. It's as if he really knows what we were able to do for him and any friend that has been to our Delmar home knows this to be true.
Great tribute to your wonderful friend. He holds his own special place in you heart , that no other will replace. However, when the time comes & you should want another-----they will too hold a very special place. All unique--All loyal to the end!
ReplyDeleteMay he rest in peace & may you find peace in knowing ---- you did the very best for him! Thank you for doing that !!
Joe, I'm so so sorry for your loss. Your pets do become a part of the family. It's so hard when you lose them. Your Mom now has a "Special Angel" with her now. Rest assured that Chamois will be sitting next to your Mom in Heaven waiting with a tennis ball.
ReplyDeleteJoe, that's a lovely tribute you wrote for your dear Chamois. I join the chorus here of sharing in your loss, and I know you cherish the time you had with her and the memories made.
ReplyDeleteI love 8:47's "picture" of your dog beside your Mom. Love simply never dies.
Joe I know this is off the topic of the loss of a family member but felt the need to say something. I just recently heard that the Salisbury Police Department was taking there K9 from the officer that currently has him. I feel you should say something about this bullshit.
ReplyDeleteanonymous 8:23, you are exactly correct. The dog will go back to where he came from for retraining. The SPD failed to come through with a LOT of things for this animal but I'll not get into all of the details at this time. Just know I know the entire story and it does NOT look good on the leadership of the SPD.
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