I lost a great dog today

Lucy was a pound rescue, and one of the most pitiful dogs I have ever seen when I got her. She was so malnourished that her hair was falling out and she had bones sticking out all over. The poor dear had been brought in with nine puppies, all of whom had to be put down because they were so starved. For the longest, if I raised my hand around her or picked up a stick, she would flinch.

The day I brought her home from the pound, she was so happy and relieved that she rode all the way with her head on my shoulder. In the four-and-a-half years since, she stuck with me. Anytime I was at home, there she was, right beside me. (Ordinarily she would be sitting under my desk right now.) Over time, she grew less fearful of people and became the most loving, devoted dog I have ever had. Lucy was truly one of a kind.

She died today, after suddenly becoming very sick yesterday afternoon. The only comfort in this is that she only felt bad for a day. The house seems very empty now. My other dog knows that something is terribly wrong and has looked all over the place for her. This is tough for both of us.

For any of you here who have pets, please give them a little extra attention for Lucy.

I am so sorry. Losing a dog is HARD.

You gave her a great life after her ordeal, and thankfully, she was sick a very short time. I'm so sorry. When the time's right, there's another dog out there who needs your love.

:hug:

There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.

Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie ---
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet's unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers, or loaded guns,
Then you will find -- it's your own affair --
But . . .you've given your heart to a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still ! )
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone -- wherever it goes -- for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.

We've sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we've kept'em, the more do we grieve;

For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-time loan is as bad as a long --
So why in -- Heaven ( before we are there )
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?



Rudyard Kipling

Am kissing and petting Max. I've lost 2 dogs within 6 months of each other. I know how you feel. For you dear heart, :hug:

Have you seen this site? www.rainbowbridge.com

Losing a friend is very hard. I'll give the kitties extra hugs tonight for Lucy.:hug:

Lost out dog at 15 two years ago. I don't think I will ever stop missing him. It took our other dog about a year to get over it. She was really depressed.

So very sorry for your loss of Lucy. You did a wonderful thing by giving her a home and a good life for those 4.5 years. I'm sure you have many lovely memories of her that will warm your heart.

I'm sure when you are ready you'll adopt another pup to keep your present pup company. The new one won't be Lucy, but will surely bring you love and joy in its own way.

((((((((((HUGS))))))))))

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep,
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain;
I am the gentle Autumn's rain
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there, I did not die.

My heart goes out to you. :cry:

Losing a dog is very tough.

Rescuing a dog is a great mitzvah. We are on the rescue list for a couple of breeds here in Houston. We recently took in a dog that had been beaten badly and was very skittish. My daughter worked very hard with the dog to rehab her and then we found a "forever" home for this dog. Now she is expecting a litter of puppies and is looking great. I am very proud of the hard work of my daughter in rehabing this dog.

after having her 13 years. I still think of her every day. It does get better, the thoughts are more happy than sad. We even adopted a new pup from a rescue group who my boys adore. I still think of my Brooke every day. Your Lucy will be with you always in your heart and memories. I love the name Lucy, it is so sweet! Animals are the BEST!
Take care..

:hugs:

Our thoughts are with you.

Helps for some.

http://www.fortunecity.com/petparade/paw/10/

Losing a dog is like losing a family member - in most cases they are integral parts of our families. Their only fault is that their lives are too short.

...you gave her a very loving home, though...

It's good not to feel quite so alone right now.

I hope your good memories and knowing how good you were to Lucy will give you comfort.

I'll give my cat Rocky Ricardo an extra hug. He was hit by a car last month but the worst didn't happen. I got lots of support here at DU while he was in the hospital.

People at DU are a pretty compassionate bunch.

My thoughts are with you, and your Lucy.

s_m

How hard it must be for you. She sounds like a furball of pure love, and you are a very kind person for giving her a much better life than she had before she found you. My condolences go out to you and your other puppy.

but I'm happy it was a swift end and that you gave a great home to Lucy.

:hug:

at least you gave her more love and warmth than she'd have ever gotten otherwise.

My last Rottie (Bear Bear)suddenly became sick and died within 48 hours. She had an immune blood disorder, which killed her. But she died without pain. And she had a long life as she was almost 12 years old.

I am so sorry because to lose a beloved pet is akin to losing a child, which is what they are to us.

I have another Rottweiler now. She is 6-1/2 years old and is my big spoiled baby and I know she only has another 6 years at the most before I lose her.

You can take comfort in knowing that you gave Lucy a happy life in the time she was with you.

My partner and I just lost a cat we'd had for 15 years. It was the saddest day I've ever experienced in my entire life.

I'm wondering, did your other dog get to see the body? I have read that with cats (because of our recent loss), it's helps them if the can see the deceased body so they "know" what has become of their companion. If they just disappear without notice, the surviving pets will grieve and it can be very bad for them. I don't know if it's the same for dogs, but I imagine that it is.

All my sympathy and understanding,
Dirk

It upset him, of course, but I've also been told that it's important for them to know that their friend is gone. Otherwise they will mourn for them.

And thanks--it's really helped to see that so many other people know what I'm going through.

dogs are truly special creatures...

:hug:

My little adoptee still gets scared, even with the water glubbing as it comes down in to the water resevoir.

Today I spoke to the head of Animal Control, imploring him to rescue two dogs. One is chained and gets tangled and can't get to water a lot of the time. I've talked to the kids, have actually gone into the yard. I was told not to do it, liability problems, etc.

So far they're still there. Two little housedogs. It's getting hotter.
Only a moron couldn't see how the chained dog would get tangled easily and out of reach of water.

I'm upset as hell, but at least Lucy got saved by you and had some good years. I'm sure she knew you loved her very much....

I wet-kissed them both in Lucy's memory. They are both pound rescue boys. I feel for you my friend, and I dread the day old Sirius goes (or young Nick-Nick, for that matter).

Its never enough but some creatures never know that....be happy for the great life you had together....and you will see her someday in the next life.

So sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Lucy. She was very lucky to have you come into her life and give her the love and care that she deserved. It's obvious that she trusted and loved you very much.

-- Allen

I still miss Bonnie, who died a year ago next month.

as I do every day (and everybody should).

Sorry for your loss. I know what it's like. I've been there. The closest people in my life have had four legs. hugs.

It looks like you gave her good love though, be glad of that.

Your sympathy has really meant a lot to me.

:(

If she was anything like my dog, she had an insatiable love of the outdoors...

My thoughts are with you QC. Lucy sounded like a real sweetheart.
Scott

when I go home this evening Henry & Jack get extra lovin' for Lucy.

We had to put my dear Layla (11 year old German Shepard) down last Wednesday. I really didn't realize how hard it was going to hit me, since I have kids now and she had lost some "status" after they were born. But a beloved pet lost is a great loss indeed. My condolences.

Losing a dog is one of the hardest things in the world. It's great that you two got to share 4 years of good times together. She deserved to find someone like you after what she'd been through. I went through this last fall after I lost my companion of almost 18 years so I know what it's like. Hopefully you'll find another friend soon to help take away some of the hurt. That's what I finally did.

I'm giving Boris & Natasha extra hugs today for Lucy.

:-(

:-(

:cry:
and my new adopted Jack Russell Terrier Bonnie just came on my lap for a full body hug and some kisses....:loveya: :-)

So sorry for your loss, from one who knows how wonderful dogs are, and how excruciatingly painful losing them can be.

(It took me just about 2 months to get over the worst pain)

:hug: :hug: :hug:

DemEx