Lost a Buddy

[SSL]

Not long ago someone here asked when you know when your dog is ready to go. Mine came this morning with no real notice. My German Shorthair was a little off his feed yesterday (not at all that unusual for him) and died this morning with no real warning. He was 10 1/2 years old and I thought I had a little more time. I had failed to remember that he was from really big Old World stock and, instead of the usual 60 - 70 pounds, he weighed 96 pounds. No fat...all muscle. My vet was always commenting on his size and muscle tone. That size worked against him and moved him down the actuary scale to a point where his life expectancy was 10 - 11 years rather than the 10 - 14 years of the average size GSP. Hips, eyesight and hearing were slowly declining, but I hadn't really made the connection in my mind.
I'll miss him deeply. He was a true friend. When my wife was suffering from cancer and undergoing chemo, there were times that I felt deep despair. That was always when he (at only one year of age) would lay his head on my knee and stare into my eyes to let me know he understood. Thankfully my wife has now been in full remission for eight years, but that understanding from my dog still remains.
My little Rat Terrier can't understand why his big brother is gone and seems lost. Someday when the hurt lets up I will probably get him another companion, but it will probably be another Rat Terrier. My days of hunting are pretty much over and a couple of friends that like to sit on my lap are now a better fit than a dog that unfairly would have to compete with the memories of another.

 

[ogre1911]

I was about to write a book in commiseration with you and decided to edit with a simple I feel your pain, see avatar.

What was your GSP's name?

 

[M-61]

My condolences
I was once told by a Vet that most people wait too long. I guess that’s true but…

 

[SSL]

I was about to write a book in commiseration with you and decided to edit with a simple I feel your pain, see avatar.

What was your GSP's name?

Not a very original name, but my granddaughter chose it...Scout.

 

[ogre1911]

Perfect

 

[jds holler]

Ima give you some advice my friend.
Life is short, and every day of a dog lovers life is mobetta WITH a dog than without. Quit mopping around and start searching for your new next buddy. There is nothing wrong with a good 65 pounder for your old age, and nothin better for drying up the tears than the tongue of a happy pup like this. jd

 

[Ron IA]

Sorry you lost your pal I'm very attached to our two Jack Russell's had to put down our old chocolate lab in 2003 was one of the hardest this I've had to do. Rex and Peanut's picture is on here

 

[Bugs]

Whatever you do, Pay attention to JDS Holler's post listed above. I couldn't have said it any better. God bless ya.

 

[Dgd6mm]

I'm sorry and deeply touched. jds gives good advice.

 

[SecondsCount]

I am sorry for your loss. Hopefully he is playing with my Mocha, our former shorthair, up in doggy heaven

 

[nakneker]

Beautiful dog, beautiful tribute. I truly believe when I leave this mortality I’ll see old family and friends, my dogs fit into both of those categories. I miss the dog I grew up and still think of him often. I wish they had longer life spans but we just have to be grateful for the time we have. There’s nothing like a good dog.

 

[Mfitz717]

I got a German shorthair about 6 months after getting out a 10 year relationship. One of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
He’s helped tremendously with my health and is always a joy when I get home.
He loves hunting. They are incredible dogs both athletically and mentally.
Sorry for your loss.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

Sorry to hear this. It's tough, for sure. You get really attached to them. I know I do mine.

 

[SSL]

Beautiful dog, beautiful tribute. I truly believe when I leave this mortality I’ll see old family and friends, my dogs fit into both of those categories. I miss the dog I grew up and still think of him often. I wish they had longer life spans but we just have to be grateful for the time we have. There’s nothing like a good dog.

Your sentiments reflect a line I read not long ago. "A dog is a part of your life...you are  all of theirs."

 

[DngBat7]

When people have died of course I am sad. When my German Shepard died. Lost a best friend and cried on and off for 6 months. I feel your pain. 25yrs later i still get sad when I think about him.

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

Sorry to hear brother. He had a great life w you, I am sure.

 

[jimmymac]

That is a heck of a post. Your love for that dog came shining through. Sorry for your loss sir.

 

[moondog]

The biggest problem with dogs is they don't live long enough. This was my gps girlfriend Pearl. Lost her eight months ago. It still hurts. 75lb lap dog and a he'll of a bird dog in her prime. On my 4th and last.

 

[SKWERLZ]

Not long ago someone here asked when you know when your dog is ready to go. Mine came this morning with no real notice. My German Shorthair was a little off his feed yesterday (not at all that unusual for him) and died this morning with no real warning. He was 10 1/2 years old and I thought I had a little more time. I had failed to remember that he was from really big Old World stock and, instead of the usual 60 - 70 pounds, he weighed 96 pounds. No fat...all muscle. My vet was always commenting on his size and muscle tone. That size worked against him and moved him down the actuary scale to a point where his life expectancy was 10 - 11 years rather than the 10 - 14 years of the average size GSP. Hips, eyesight and hearing were slowly declining, but I hadn't really made the connection in my mind.
I'll miss him deeply. He was a true friend. When my wife was suffering from cancer and undergoing chemo, there were times that I felt deep despair. That was always when he (at only one year of age) would lay his head on my knee and stare into my eyes to let me know he understood. Thankfully my wife has now been in full remission for eight years, but that understanding from my dog still remains.
My little Rat Terrier can't understand why his big brother is gone and seems lost. Someday when the hurt lets up I will probably get him another companion, but it will probably be another Rat Terrier. My days of hunting are pretty much over and a couple of friends that like to sit on my lap are now a better fit than a dog that unfairly would have to compete with the memories of another.
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My condolences, I know that pain.

 

[hpshooter]

Totally understand your feelings. We have outlived 3 GS dogs, still miss every one of them.