Losing a dog is always the hardest. I got my first dog at age 11. It was a Golden Retriever named Buddy. I had one of those memorable first meetings after school, where I came into the house and found him. He helped me grow as a person and also helped me get through the loss of my dad, who passed from cancer when I was twelve. Buddy lived to be 11 years old himself. In 2015, he collapsed in a seizure while on a walk and couldn't walk or function well afterward. So, we brought him in to put him down. Ever since, his collar has been around my car's review mirror in the center of the windshield. A few months after Buddy died, my sister wanted a dog, so we got an Australian Shepherd that we named Rosie. I was emotionally opposed at first, but after about a month, I grew to love Rosie and accepted that it was okay that she wasn't Buddy. Rosie is ten now and will be eleven this coming March, so I know that the dreaded time is going to happen again within the next few years. It's been on my mind a lot lately. Thanks for sharing.
I went through a similar transition in getting a new dog. And even five years later, I still have occasional flashes of wishing he’d just be the same as my last dog. They could hardly be more different. But I love Butters all the same. It really is remarkable just how much dogs’ personalities can vary. Wishing you and Rosie a wonderful last few years together!
This is absolutely beautiful, Ben. What a tribute to your Boo. I had a similar experience with my Cocoa...they never know the impact they have on our lives...the love, loyalty, friendship.
Thanks so much for reading, Shannon! And so sorry to hear about Cocoa. Losing pets is so hard. Once upon a time, we very nearly got a sibling for Boo named Cocoa, but Boo was probably happiest as our only pup lol.
What a lovely tribute to Boo, as well as a thoughtful commentary on the intense love we feel, and close bonds we form, with our pets. We had to have our beautiful cat Panda put down in September when he finally lost his years-long battle with kidney disease. We struggled with that always difficult and painful decision, but our vet was kind and supportive in assuring us we were doing the right thing. Though we had him for nearly 19 years, that time now seems to have gone by in a flash.
One of the most bizarre things about getting older is being able to say things like “20 years ago…” do I already have memories that are that ancient? It’s astonishing just how quick those 17 years went by. I remember thinking they’d never end.
So sorry to hear about Panda! That’s amazing you got to spend so much time together at least.
I know what it's like to have your heart ripped out by making that tough choice. We've had to do it so many time, but our last boy was so special, and we should have had several years more with him. But he developed cancer in his heart (hemangio sarcoma), we felt somehow cheated.
Three years later, I still want another dog to love, to rescue. But I can't quite do it. I'm afraid I'll be forever comparing them to Benny.
Your article has kind of cracked open a sliver of light, of hope for me. Thank you for sharing.
Losing a dog is always the hardest. I got my first dog at age 11. It was a Golden Retriever named Buddy. I had one of those memorable first meetings after school, where I came into the house and found him. He helped me grow as a person and also helped me get through the loss of my dad, who passed from cancer when I was twelve. Buddy lived to be 11 years old himself. In 2015, he collapsed in a seizure while on a walk and couldn't walk or function well afterward. So, we brought him in to put him down. Ever since, his collar has been around my car's review mirror in the center of the windshield. A few months after Buddy died, my sister wanted a dog, so we got an Australian Shepherd that we named Rosie. I was emotionally opposed at first, but after about a month, I grew to love Rosie and accepted that it was okay that she wasn't Buddy. Rosie is ten now and will be eleven this coming March, so I know that the dreaded time is going to happen again within the next few years. It's been on my mind a lot lately. Thanks for sharing.
I went through a similar transition in getting a new dog. And even five years later, I still have occasional flashes of wishing he’d just be the same as my last dog. They could hardly be more different. But I love Butters all the same. It really is remarkable just how much dogs’ personalities can vary. Wishing you and Rosie a wonderful last few years together!
This is absolutely beautiful, Ben. What a tribute to your Boo. I had a similar experience with my Cocoa...they never know the impact they have on our lives...the love, loyalty, friendship.
Thanks so much for reading, Shannon! And so sorry to hear about Cocoa. Losing pets is so hard. Once upon a time, we very nearly got a sibling for Boo named Cocoa, but Boo was probably happiest as our only pup lol.
What a lovely tribute to Boo, as well as a thoughtful commentary on the intense love we feel, and close bonds we form, with our pets. We had to have our beautiful cat Panda put down in September when he finally lost his years-long battle with kidney disease. We struggled with that always difficult and painful decision, but our vet was kind and supportive in assuring us we were doing the right thing. Though we had him for nearly 19 years, that time now seems to have gone by in a flash.
One of the most bizarre things about getting older is being able to say things like “20 years ago…” do I already have memories that are that ancient? It’s astonishing just how quick those 17 years went by. I remember thinking they’d never end.
So sorry to hear about Panda! That’s amazing you got to spend so much time together at least.
Thanks so much for reading, Jeff.
I am sorry for your loss.
Thank you.
What a beautiful article.
Thanks so much for the kind words, Patty!
I know what it's like to have your heart ripped out by making that tough choice. We've had to do it so many time, but our last boy was so special, and we should have had several years more with him. But he developed cancer in his heart (hemangio sarcoma), we felt somehow cheated.
Three years later, I still want another dog to love, to rescue. But I can't quite do it. I'm afraid I'll be forever comparing them to Benny.
Your article has kind of cracked open a sliver of light, of hope for me. Thank you for sharing.