We boarded our 13 year old German Shepherd early this week while we
went to Table Rock for a few day. He has been going downhill during
the past year; and lately he has had trouble just walking to the end
of our 120' driveway and back. I weighed him on the way into the
clinic/kennel and was surprised he lost about 8 pounds since April. I
asked the veterinary clinic to give me an assessment while he was with
them, because I have been fearing a decision we might have to make
soon.

Ever-faithful, Sam saved us the pain. When I went to pick him up
Thursday morning, I notice three young ladies standing at the end of
the hall looking at me and I got a little uncomfortable. Soon, one of
them called me into an exam room and told me he had passed the
previous day.

One of my most frequent visions of this dog has been him laying in
front of the dust port of my jointer and letting himself get covered
with shavings. Why he did it, I don't know but he did it from time to
time and would just lay there looking up at me with his head between
his paws; with a pile of shavings on his back.

Occasionally he would wait until a tool was turned off and he would
walk over and stare. Once his ears were scratched he would walk back
to his rug and lie down for a while. Lately the act of just getting
on his feet was very difficult, but he did it because he knew he could
get me to stop and scratch those ears. I think he did it more during
the past month than usual. Maybe he knew.

He was a big, gentle dog and he is missed.

RonB

Very sad. Sounds like a real patient best friend.


"RonB" wrote in message
...
We boarded our 13 year old German Shepherd early this week while we
went to Table Rock for a few day. He has been going downhill during
the past year; and lately he has had trouble just walking to the end
of our 120' driveway and back. I weighed him on the way into the
clinic/kennel and was surprised he lost about 8 pounds since April. I
asked the veterinary clinic to give me an assessment while he was with
them, because I have been fearing a decision we might have to make
soon.

Ever-faithful, Sam saved us the pain. When I went to pick him up
Thursday morning, I notice three young ladies standing at the end of
the hall looking at me and I got a little uncomfortable. Soon, one of
them called me into an exam room and told me he had passed the
previous day.

One of my most frequent visions of this dog has been him laying in
front of the dust port of my jointer and letting himself get covered
with shavings. Why he did it, I don't know but he did it from time to
time and would just lay there looking up at me with his head between
his paws; with a pile of shavings on his back.

Occasionally he would wait until a tool was turned off and he would
walk over and stare. Once his ears were scratched he would walk back
to his rug and lie down for a while. Lately the act of just getting
on his feet was very difficult, but he did it because he knew he could
get me to stop and scratch those ears. I think he did it more during
the past month than usual. Maybe he knew.

He was a big, gentle dog and he is missed.

RonB

RonB wrote:

He was a big, gentle dog and he is missed.

RonB


13 Years...sounds like he gave you all he could give.
I'm sorry to learn of your loss.

Bill

On Fri, 16 Jul 2010 20:36:23 -0700 (PDT), RonB
wrote:

We boarded our 13 year old German Shepherd early this week while we
went to Table Rock for a few day. He has been going downhill during
the past year; and lately he has had trouble just walking to the end
of our 120' driveway and back. I weighed him on the way into the
clinic/kennel and was surprised he lost about 8 pounds since April. I
asked the veterinary clinic to give me an assessment while he was with
them, because I have been fearing a decision we might have to make
soon.

Ever-faithful, Sam saved us the pain. When I went to pick him up
Thursday morning, I notice three young ladies standing at the end of
the hall looking at me and I got a little uncomfortable. Soon, one of
them called me into an exam room and told me he had passed the
previous day.

One of my most frequent visions of this dog has been him laying in
front of the dust port of my jointer and letting himself get covered
with shavings. Why he did it, I don't know but he did it from time to
time and would just lay there looking up at me with his head between
his paws; with a pile of shavings on his back.

Occasionally he would wait until a tool was turned off and he would
walk over and stare. Once his ears were scratched he would walk back
to his rug and lie down for a while. Lately the act of just getting
on his feet was very difficult, but he did it because he knew he could
get me to stop and scratch those ears. I think he did it more during
the past month than usual. Maybe he knew.

He was a big, gentle dog and he is missed.

RonB

My condolences. Our cat, Lucky, left us about two years ago and we
still miss him. Time helps ease the pain, but as a family member you
can never forget them and all the joy they brought you.

This link may give you some peace.

http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm

On Jul 16, 11:36*pm, RonB wrote:
We boarded our 13 year old German Shepherd early this week while we
went to Table Rock for a few day. *He has been going downhill during
the past year; and lately he has had trouble just walking to the end
of our 120' driveway and back. *I weighed him on the way into the
clinic/kennel and was surprised he lost about 8 pounds since April. *I
asked the veterinary clinic to give me an assessment while he was with
them, because I have been fearing a decision we might have to make
soon.

Ever-faithful, Sam saved us the pain. When I went to pick him up
Thursday morning, I notice three young ladies standing at the end of
the hall looking at me and I got a little uncomfortable. *Soon, one of
them called me into an exam room and told me he had passed the
previous day.

One of my most frequent visions of this dog has been him laying in
front of the dust port of my jointer and letting himself get covered
with shavings. *Why he did it, I don't know but he did it from time to
time and would just lay there looking up at me with his head between
his paws; with a pile of shavings on his back.

Occasionally he would wait until a tool was turned off and he would
walk over and stare. *Once his ears were scratched he would walk back
to his rug and lie down for a while. *Lately the act of just getting
on his feet was very difficult, but he did it because he knew he could
get me to stop and scratch those ears. *I think he did it more during
the past month than usual. *Maybe he knew.

He was a big, gentle dog and he is missed.

RonB

Sorry to hear about your loss. He did leave you with 13 years worth of
memories. Cherish them and take comfort in the fact that he no longer
feels pain.

Sam is in good hands. My girls, Grammy (black lab) and Maggie (golden
retriever), are taking care of him, now.

Sonny

On Sat, 17 Jul 2010 00:03:19 -0400, Bill wrote:

RonB wrote:

He was a big, gentle dog and he is missed.

RonB


13 Years...sounds like he gave you all he could give.
I'm sorry to learn of your loss.

Yes, 13 is a long time for a dog. Still doesn't help the loss.
BTDT. I've taken two on the one-way trip to the vets. Probably the hardest
thing I've done.

"RonB" wrote in message
...
We boarded our 13 year old German Shepherd early this week while we
went to Table Rock for a few day. He has been going downhill during
the past year; and lately he has had trouble just walking to the end
of our 120' driveway and back. I weighed him on the way into the
clinic/kennel and was surprised he lost about 8 pounds since April. I
asked the veterinary clinic to give me an assessment while he was with
them, because I have been fearing a decision we might have to make
soon.

Ever-faithful, Sam saved us the pain. When I went to pick him up
Thursday morning, I notice three young ladies standing at the end of
the hall looking at me and I got a little uncomfortable. Soon, one of
them called me into an exam room and told me he had passed the
previous day.

One of my most frequent visions of this dog has been him laying in
front of the dust port of my jointer and letting himself get covered
with shavings. Why he did it, I don't know but he did it from time to
time and would just lay there looking up at me with his head between
his paws; with a pile of shavings on his back.

Occasionally he would wait until a tool was turned off and he would
walk over and stare. Once his ears were scratched he would walk back
to his rug and lie down for a while. Lately the act of just getting
on his feet was very difficult, but he did it because he knew he could
get me to stop and scratch those ears. I think he did it more during
the past month than usual. Maybe he knew.

He was a big, gentle dog and he is missed.

RonB


Condolences to you and your family. Hang on to the good times!

"RonB" wrote in message
...
We boarded our 13 year old German Shepherd early this week while we
went to Table Rock for a few day. He has been going downhill during
the past year; and lately he has had trouble just walking to the end
of our 120' driveway and back. I weighed him on the way into the
clinic/kennel and was surprised he lost about 8 pounds since April.
I
asked the veterinary clinic to give me an assessment while he was
with
them, because I have been fearing a decision we might have to make
soon.

Ever-faithful, Sam saved us the pain. When I went to pick him up
Thursday morning, I notice three young ladies standing at the end of
the hall looking at me and I got a little uncomfortable. Soon, one
of
them called me into an exam room and told me he had passed the
previous day.

One of my most frequent visions of this dog has been him laying in
front of the dust port of my jointer and letting himself get covered
with shavings. Why he did it, I don't know but he did it from time
to
time and would just lay there looking up at me with his head between
his paws; with a pile of shavings on his back.

Occasionally he would wait until a tool was turned off and he would
walk over and stare. Once his ears were scratched he would walk
back
to his rug and lie down for a while. Lately the act of just getting
on his feet was very difficult, but he did it because he knew he
could
get me to stop and scratch those ears. I think he did it more
during
the past month than usual. Maybe he knew.

He was a big, gentle dog and he is missed.

RonB

RB:

And he will miss you. Here is a poem arguably attributed to Lord
Byron.

Inscription on the Monument of a Newfoundland Dog

When some proud son of man returns to earth,
Unknown to glory, but upheld by birth,
The sculptor's art exhausts the pomp of woe
And storied urns record who rest below:
When all is done, upon the tomb is seen,
Not what he was, but what he should have been:
But the poor dog, in life the firmest friend,
The first to welcome, foremost to defend,
Whose honest heart is still his master's own,
Who labours, fights, lives, breathes for him alone,
Unhonour'd falls, unnoticed all his worth--
Denied in heaven the soul he held on earth:
While Man, vain insect! hopes to be forgiven,
And claims himself a sole exclusive Heaven.
Oh Man! thou feeble tenant of an hour,
Debased by slavery, or corrupt by power,
Who knows thee well must quit thee with disgust,
Degraded mass of animated dust!
Thy love is lust, thy friendship all a cheat,
Thy smiles hypocrisy, thy words deceit!
By nature vile, ennobled but by name,
Each kindred brute might bid thee blush for shame.
Ye! who perchance behold this simple urn,
Pass on--it honours none you wish to mourn:
To mark a Friend's remains these stones arise;
I never knew but one,--and here he lies.

Condolences,

Edward Hennessey

Bill writes:
RonB wrote:

He was a big, gentle dog and he is missed.

RonB


13 Years...sounds like he gave you all he could give.
I'm sorry to learn of your loss.

Bill

And I lost mine last month, 17.5 years.

http://www.lurndal.org/images/lucky-beach.jpg

On Jul 16, 11:36*pm, RonB wrote:
We boarded our 13 year old German Shepherd early this week while we
went to Table Rock for a few day. *He has been going downhill during
the past year; and lately he has had trouble just walking to the end
of our 120' driveway and back. *I weighed him on the way into the
clinic/kennel and was surprised he lost about 8 pounds since April. *I
asked the veterinary clinic to give me an assessment while he was with
them, because I have been fearing a decision we might have to make
soon.

Ever-faithful, Sam saved us the pain. When I went to pick him up
Thursday morning, I notice three young ladies standing at the end of
the hall looking at me and I got a little uncomfortable. *Soon, one of
them called me into an exam room and told me he had passed the
previous day.

One of my most frequent visions of this dog has been him laying in
front of the dust port of my jointer and letting himself get covered
with shavings. *Why he did it, I don't know but he did it from time to
time and would just lay there looking up at me with his head between
his paws; with a pile of shavings on his back.

Occasionally he would wait until a tool was turned off and he would
walk over and stare. *Once his ears were scratched he would walk back
to his rug and lie down for a while. *Lately the act of just getting
on his feet was very difficult, but he did it because he knew he could
get me to stop and scratch those ears. *I think he did it more during
the past month than usual. *Maybe he knew.

He was a big, gentle dog and he is missed.

RonB

Sorry to hear it, Ron.
Here's Jimmy Stewart's tribute to his dog Blue, that he read on the
Tonight Show years ago:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUNJjIwlHk8

R

He was a big, gentle dog and he is missed.

RonB

We had Murphy (106 lbs of big yellow puppy) for 13 yrs. He passed a
few days after Christmas 2008. I still step around him when I get out
of bed in the dark.

My heartfelt condolences to you

-Zz

"RonB" wrote in message
...
Snip

He was a big, gentle dog and he is missed.

RonB

Tough duty saying goodbye.

I had a similar Chocolate Lab that loved to lay under the end of the planer
and disappear under the shavings. She never passed up a chance to be out in
the the shop with me and only barked when my son's school bus drove by in
the afternoon and then she watched him get off the bus and walk home from
the stop. We had to put her down after 14 years. Our 3 year old Great Dane
does not like the shop so much.

On Jul 16, 11:36*pm, RonB wrote:
We boarded our 13 year old German Shepherd early this week while we
went to Table Rock for a few day. *He has been going downhill during
the past year; and lately he has had trouble just walking to the end
of our 120' driveway and back. *I weighed him on the way into the
clinic/kennel and was surprised he lost about 8 pounds since April. *I
asked the veterinary clinic to give me an assessment while he was with
them, because I have been fearing a decision we might have to make
soon.

Ever-faithful, Sam saved us the pain. When I went to pick him up
Thursday morning, I notice three young ladies standing at the end of
the hall looking at me and I got a little uncomfortable. *Soon, one of
them called me into an exam room and told me he had passed the
previous day.

One of my most frequent visions of this dog has been him laying in
front of the dust port of my jointer and letting himself get covered
with shavings. *Why he did it, I don't know but he did it from time to
time and would just lay there looking up at me with his head between
his paws; with a pile of shavings on his back.

Occasionally he would wait until a tool was turned off and he would
walk over and stare. *Once his ears were scratched he would walk back
to his rug and lie down for a while. *Lately the act of just getting
on his feet was very difficult, but he did it because he knew he could
get me to stop and scratch those ears. *I think he did it more during
the past month than usual. *Maybe he knew.

He was a big, gentle dog and he is missed.

RonB

I too, am so sad. You will meet Sam some day at the rainbow bridge,
where all our pets are patiently waiting for us to rejoin them.

Joe G

On Jul 17, 1:42*pm, GROVER wrote:

I too, am so sad. You will meet Sam some day at the rainbow bridge,
where all our pets are patiently waiting for us to rejoin them.

One of my favorite old school Twilight Zone episode's sums up the
relationship between a guy and his dog perfectly. The whole thing is
good, but the meat is a minute or two in.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWfnuZKzyj0

R

Yes, 13 is a long time for a dog. *Still doesn't help the loss.
BTDT. *I've taken two on the one-way trip to the vets. *Probably the hardest
thing I've done.

I had heard of Shepherds going 14 years but 10-12 seemed to be the
normal life span. Several years ago a couple moved into our old
neighborhood. They had a 14 year-old female that was in terrible
condition. She could barley walk and probably didn't weigh more than
45-50 pounds. They were an older couple and she was their baby. I
couldn't help but wonder how long they were going to keep her going
before they made the tough decision. She like Sam just passed one
day.

I have thought of them often lately because I knew our decision time
was coming but old Sam, true to breed, helped us out in the end.

He was a tough old coot. We used to get up early and walk 3-6 miles
every morning. I have thought, lately, that that exercise program
might have kept him going, even later when age was beating him up.

He is in a better place now and frankly I am relieved he was able to
go with dignity.

Still gonna miss him.

Thanks for all of the comments. Dog's don't get real funerals but the
Group is a good place to eulogize.

RonB

RonB wrote the following:
We boarded our 13 year old German Shepherd early this week while we
went to Table Rock for a few day. He has been going downhill during
the past year; and lately he has had trouble just walking to the end
of our 120' driveway and back. I weighed him on the way into the
clinic/kennel and was surprised he lost about 8 pounds since April. I
asked the veterinary clinic to give me an assessment while he was with
them, because I have been fearing a decision we might have to make
soon.

Ever-faithful, Sam saved us the pain. When I went to pick him up
Thursday morning, I notice three young ladies standing at the end of
the hall looking at me and I got a little uncomfortable. Soon, one of
them called me into an exam room and told me he had passed the
previous day.

One of my most frequent visions of this dog has been him laying in
front of the dust port of my jointer and letting himself get covered
with shavings. Why he did it, I don't know but he did it from time to
time and would just lay there looking up at me with his head between
his paws; with a pile of shavings on his back.

Occasionally he would wait until a tool was turned off and he would
walk over and stare. Once his ears were scratched he would walk back
to his rug and lie down for a while. Lately the act of just getting
on his feet was very difficult, but he did it because he knew he could
get me to stop and scratch those ears. I think he did it more during
the past month than usual. Maybe he knew.

He was a big, gentle dog and he is missed.

RonB


I feel your pain. I had to put down my 13 yo Golden Retriever and my 14
yo Maine Coon cat within two months of each other.
All that's left are memories and ashes.


--

Bill
In Hamptonburgh, NY
In the original Orange County. Est. 1683
To email, remove the double zeroes after @

I am sorry to hear that. I think there is no better friend that a dog.

I am sorry for your loss.

On 7/16/2010 11:36 PM, RonB wrote:
We boarded our 13 year old German Shepherd early this week while we
went to Table Rock for a few day. He has been going downhill during
the past year; and lately he has had trouble just walking to the end
of our 120' driveway and back. I weighed him on the way into the
clinic/kennel and was surprised he lost about 8 pounds since April. I
asked the veterinary clinic to give me an assessment while he was with
them, because I have been fearing a decision we might have to make
soon.

Ever-faithful, Sam saved us the pain. When I went to pick him up
Thursday morning, I notice three young ladies standing at the end of
the hall looking at me and I got a little uncomfortable. Soon, one of
them called me into an exam room and told me he had passed the
previous day.

One of my most frequent visions of this dog has been him laying in
front of the dust port of my jointer and letting himself get covered
with shavings. Why he did it, I don't know but he did it from time to
time and would just lay there looking up at me with his head between
his paws; with a pile of shavings on his back.

Occasionally he would wait until a tool was turned off and he would
walk over and stare. Once his ears were scratched he would walk back
to his rug and lie down for a while. Lately the act of just getting
on his feet was very difficult, but he did it because he knew he could
get me to stop and scratch those ears. I think he did it more during
the past month than usual. Maybe he knew.

He was a big, gentle dog and he is missed.

RonB

I am sorry to hear that. I think there is no better friend that a dog.

I am sorry for your loss.

On 7/16/2010 11:36 PM, RonB wrote:
We boarded our 13 year old German Shepherd early this week while we
went to Table Rock for a few day. He has been going downhill during
the past year; and lately he has had trouble just walking to the end
of our 120' driveway and back. I weighed him on the way into the
clinic/kennel and was surprised he lost about 8 pounds since April. I
asked the veterinary clinic to give me an assessment while he was with
them, because I have been fearing a decision we might have to make
soon.

Ever-faithful, Sam saved us the pain. When I went to pick him up
Thursday morning, I notice three young ladies standing at the end of
the hall looking at me and I got a little uncomfortable. Soon, one of
them called me into an exam room and told me he had passed the
previous day.

One of my most frequent visions of this dog has been him laying in
front of the dust port of my jointer and letting himself get covered
with shavings. Why he did it, I don't know but he did it from time to
time and would just lay there looking up at me with his head between
his paws; with a pile of shavings on his back.

Occasionally he would wait until a tool was turned off and he would
walk over and stare. Once his ears were scratched he would walk back
to his rug and lie down for a while. Lately the act of just getting
on his feet was very difficult, but he did it because he knew he could
get me to stop and scratch those ears. I think he did it more during
the past month than usual. Maybe he knew.

He was a big, gentle dog and he is missed.

RonB

I am sorry to hear that. I think there is no better friend that a dog.

I am sorry for your loss.

On 7/16/2010 11:36 PM, RonB wrote:
We boarded our 13 year old German Shepherd early this week while we
went to Table Rock for a few day. He has been going downhill during
the past year; and lately he has had trouble just walking to the end
of our 120' driveway and back. I weighed him on the way into the
clinic/kennel and was surprised he lost about 8 pounds since April. I
asked the veterinary clinic to give me an assessment while he was with
them, because I have been fearing a decision we might have to make
soon.

Ever-faithful, Sam saved us the pain. When I went to pick him up
Thursday morning, I notice three young ladies standing at the end of
the hall looking at me and I got a little uncomfortable. Soon, one of
them called me into an exam room and told me he had passed the
previous day.

One of my most frequent visions of this dog has been him laying in
front of the dust port of my jointer and letting himself get covered
with shavings. Why he did it, I don't know but he did it from time to
time and would just lay there looking up at me with his head between
his paws; with a pile of shavings on his back.

Occasionally he would wait until a tool was turned off and he would
walk over and stare. Once his ears were scratched he would walk back
to his rug and lie down for a while. Lately the act of just getting
on his feet was very difficult, but he did it because he knew he could
get me to stop and scratch those ears. I think he did it more during
the past month than usual. Maybe he knew.

He was a big, gentle dog and he is missed.

RonB