thanks everyone for sharing. im sure there were bad times but when you think back.. you will only remember all the good times so in the end it was all worth it.. im sure you loved them and im sure they loved you back.

True that^^^^

To think of the joy a good dog brings, even after losing one, makes me want another. You are each other's best friends.

Even though ChamCham's been gone for a while now, I still get a bit choked up talking about her. Sometimes I think I hear her scratch at the door and I still have 25lbs of her food in the garage. It's still depressing.

Thanks agian for all your support and sharing your stories.

If your other dog doesn't eat Cham Chams food, donate it to your local shelter. They will make good use of the food and at the same time knowing you've helped another dog:)
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Just a thought... if you miss having a dog but you don't feel ready to get another one permanently... consider fostering one for a rescue agency or the SPCA.

I have a friend who recently had to put her old Yorkie down, and is currently fostering different dogs for a local rescue society. Most of them so far have been fairly troubled; one has only three legs and was badly mistreated, so she was very distrustful of people AND other dogs... that one has now gone to her permanent home, still with trust problems, but doing much better. Another one she has now is jumpy and aggressive and has bad skin problems, but he's getting the best of care and attention in his temporary home now.

Then again, this is the "dog lady" of the neighborhood; everyone with a dog knows her, and she regularly doggie-sits for most of the neighbors (including us). She's got an amazing way with, and love for, most animals.

Most outfits, when you're fostering for them, will cover all the dog's expenses, including food, medical bills, even treats and accessories.

And sometimes, you end up so attached to the little buggers, you just keep them... like we did with Daisy :) She's the sister of our Dusty, who had been adopted and returned because she had behavioral problems - as it turned out, she was the alpha dog of the litter, and when she went to her new home, they babied her, and she became the alpha there, to the point of biting one of the children when she tried to pet one of the other animals.

They were about to send her to another facility in Calgary for training, when we offered to see what we could do with her... three days of taking her to the dog park and NOT babying her, and they said she didn't even seem like the same dog, her attitude had turned around so quickly. Six months and one medical emergency later, we decided she'd become part of the pack, and that we'd keep her.

This is also the reason why I can't have a dog/cat even though I LOVE them to bits. I know I can't stand the pain of watching them leave one day, so I'd rather not get so attached to them. Reading flip's and JL9000's posts made me tear up... Cheer up guys, I'm sure they're up in doggie/kitty land boxing with each other.

my parents had to have my dog pebbles put to sleep last week, she had cancer aswell. Her sister died about 2 years ago and she just never seemed the same until "Lola" my parents new dog was brought into the house. I dont live in the same city as my parents so the last time I saw my dog was June, so glad I got took her for long walks every day I was there.

RIP!

A dog or cat dying is not as bad as them going missing and you not knowing what on earth happened to it. My dog just disappeared one night...we have no idea what happened to him. I personally envy the pet owners who have had closure.

Agreed. Someone in my neighbourhood recently (about 2 weeks ago) had their dog stolen right from their backyard...

The fucked up parts of the story:

1) We live in what is generally referred to as a very safe neighbourhood.

2) He was a big dog, probably a 100+ pound bullmastiff. Thieves must've already had an idea of what they were dealing with as I doubt they would've attempted this had they not already known how friendly the big guy is.

3) The dog was over 3 years old...What on earth does someone want to steal a 3 year old dog for?

People are fucking crazy. Steal anything in the world, steal a TV, a vehicle, a shitload of money, etc., but come on...Don't steal someone's dog...you might as well be stealing children...

If you guys ever see a grown up Bullmastiff that responds to the name "Lucy", let me know as I'm sure the owner would appreciate any information.

Just updating my post above...

The dog which was stolen a few weeks ago has been returned by the thief.
It was found tied to a lightpost in front of the owners house on Monday at 6 AM.
What a relief this must be for the owner.

I can only imagine that the thief stole the dog because he thought she was not spayed, found out she was in fact spayed, and then decided to return her.

Wow, that's crazy.

I dread the day I have to say goodbye to my dog. I cried my eyes out reading this thread and watching the vid 737! posted.

I can't say I would agree...I've had 4 of my dogs stolen from me(long story). The possibility of them still being alive is easier to cope with, I think, than knowing that they have passed away.

And what about the possibility of them being abused?...tortured?.........?

im not a canine owner, but wow...reading that, was totally heartbreaking

i know i'm super late to replying to this thread, but man, i definitely feel for all you guys who have lost these members of your family. i myself have two dogs (2 years, 1.5yrs) and i always remind myself that their lives aren't that long and that i must cherish their company every single day! it kills me that i will have to say goodbye to them but it is, of course, inevitable. i especially love my 2yr old as i've watched him grow up since he was a 5 week old puppy and he holds the largest part of my heart, of any living being.

geez.. i'm tearing up just typing this out..

anyways, i'd just like to thank all you responsible, loving owners out there. it angers me to no end when i hear of people who abuse and neglect their pets. if your heart isn't into it, don't make the pet suffer through your ignorance! i have a co-worker who has been asking me about doggy daycares and her main concern is to dump the dog for 5-8 hours so she can go out. i may or not be right here, but this kind of ticked me off. it just doesn't seem the same as the rest of us who give our hearts to our dogs and they return the favour without a spoken word.

my two dogs are actually the first dogs i've ever lived with. i've always loved dogs but living with one was a life changing experience. there's so many ups and downs but i know for sure, i cannot imagine my life without them. sometimes the best part of my day is going home, knowing they're always happy to see me return. that has to be one of the best feelings in the world.

i felt the same when my dog died from ulcer. Stupid pet hospital near killarney prescribed an overdose of medicine. Sued their ass.... RIP man =)

Im sorry for you lose. Animal or human living with them for a long time get used to them. When they are gone life is so weird. Hope things go well..
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One of our friends called me a couple of days ago. His dog had a large lump appear on his rib area. After having the vet take a look it was diagnosed as bone cancer. It hit too close to home as I had just had to put my old boy down at the end of last year. It is never easy but I will always make room for a pup in my life.

So i just found out today that the very first dog that my family has ever gotten (Terry) has passed away today. He was a very loved dog with lots of energy, unfortunatly he always had body and back problems. After 12 years of taking care of my cousins side of the family, he will now rest in peace..

I have posted my favorite picture of him and especially during this time of the playoffs.

Please enjoy this picture as much as I enjoyed the company of Terry. RIP

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3.../untitled2.jpg

I'm sorry for your loss.

Maybe the boys can win one for him. =)

Just thought how pissed i would be if my dog passed away, Sorry for your loss!

i had some tears reading, sorry for your loss. =(

Here's my dog, Bambi that went missing after having him for 7 years. I still wonder what happened to him every night of April 10...the last day we saw him. :(

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...p/84f3c780.jpg

That's terrible news, man. I hope he has a tattoo or chip that can ID him if he gets brought in to an spca or pound. Hopefully, it's just a matter of time. Not knowing is the worst.

thats horrible. how did he go missing?

I had a scare last month when my dog ran out the door and i had to chase him a good 6 blocks. i saw him run across a busy intersection and my heart stopped..thank god so did the cars, or both me and him woulda been lying down in hospital beds next to each other.