Likewise from me.

So sorry to hear of your loss, Jim, losing a loved pet is never easy.  we lost our Toby, a Shitsu/Maltese cross, in a dog attack.  He was savaged by a rottweiler and we couldn't bear to see him suffering with such severe injuries so had him euthanased to end his pain.  It was a truly hard decision but it was the right one for him.

Fortunately, a fox terrier named Angel was brought into our lives and her presence has brought much joy and happiness.  Toby will never be replaced, or forgotten, but Angel is so cute and loveable she does help ease the pain and sense of loss.

Keep yer chin up, Jim, You'll find another 'buddy' somewhere along the way and start a whole new relationship with another loveable pooch.

While on the subject of dogs....

A former work colleague once told me that he raced greyhounds in his spare time.

And I just had to ask: "Have you ever beaten one?"

Just to help bring a little levity to a sombre subject.

And yeah, I'm also sorry to hear of your loss, Tom.  Sadly, our pets leave an empty place in our hearts when they pass, and hopefully you too can find yourself a new companion to love and be loved by.

Well, our vet says we're mistaken, and that dogs don't have heart attacks.   

He says Spanky had a stroke, more likely.

And I don't like the word "disposal". Which is what they call their service. Seems he'll be put in a special container, and the city will pick him up and put him in the landfill.   So sad...

Thanks, guys, for the support.

No, I never liked the so-called proper way of dealing with deceased pets... too cold and uncaring being unceremoniously dumped someplace like that.  It wasn't what we wanted for our Toby so he was brought home and we buried him in the front yard beneath a tree he liked to pee on if he got the chance.  It just seemed a more fitting final resting place than some landfill site.

No worries, mate, it's not the easiest of times when a beloved pet passes. 

you can ask for cremation and get the ashes back in a little wooden and brass box.... I have a row of them....hard to let go....

Sorry to learn of your sudden loss, RND.  Having experienced this many times, it never gets easier.  Cherish the memories.  He obviously had a wonderful life in your home.

One heartbreaking aspect of pet loss these days (at least in my part of the world) is that you can no longer extend respect to them in their parting.  We used to bury our dogs in a real pet cemetery; there are none now.  We could request cremation & retain their ashes; no longer allowed - landfill disposal is the only option.  Killed us to think of that the last time we lost one about 18 months ago.

I know what you are going through. Hope this helps.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Well, I couldn't afford cremation, kinda broke, still waiting on my disability. Haven't worked in 10 years.  Burying him here would have been almost impossible to do, considering my health problems and the size of the hole that would be needed. He was a big dog.

Thank you SJN. I wondered what Doc meant by Rainbow Bridge...    

Jim, sorry for your grief but know that all of our deceased fur babies are waiting for us on the other side of Rainbow Bridge.

Luckily, I had help when we buried Toby.  Not that he was a big dog, but I was so appreciative that Steve's younger brother helped with the digging, etc  He also placed some rather heavy rocks over the grave so that stray pooches in the neighbourhood couldn't disturb his final resting place.... it was something my poor old back and aching bones wouldn't allow me to do.  So yeah, I know what you mean about the level of difficulty it would have entailed.

Again, I'm sorry for your loss and.... I hope it's love at first sight when a pooch needing a loving home comes up, slobbers all over ya and says "take me, take me"  It's such a great feeling when you take in a crazy playful, loving pooch who would otherwise remain homeless or be euthanased at some animal 'shelter'... so when you're ready, go get slobbered all over by an adorable mutt with big floppy ears.  You'll know the one... he/she will pick you..

I have plans in the works to get Mr. Fidge a little sister. My friend has a friend whose cat is due any time. Can't wait.

You sure miss kitty won't end up being a girlfiend instead?   Who could also be due sometime not to far off?

Mr. Fidge is shooting blanks.

Well Mr. Fidge is NOT the father.

What was that damned show called.... Maury Povich or something?

It used to come on in the afternoons here, and what a load of old tripe it was, too.... as was/is Judge Judy, but my mother would sit there religiously every afternoon and watch both.  Now I know what makes her so arbitrary and judgemental, but yeah, she'd give me the screaming ab-dabs with her viewing preferences.

Missing my buddy........................................................

Sorry to revive this, guys. Just missing Spanky.

I have been sick for 2.5 weeks. Guess I'm just emotional.

No need to be sorry Jim. That's why we are here, to support our buds.

Sorry for your loss, it is hard to forget a faithful friend, mine passed away over 10 years and I still almost think of her everyday.

I have another little miss that is very loving and caring, helps a lot!!

No need to say sarry, Jim, the emotion of losing a beloved pet does take a while to settle before it gets any easier to live with.

Besides, being unwell doesn't help. either.   I know when I'm feeling physically low things tend to feel more profound.

Anyhow, here's to your feeling better again real soon.

They say sheep dip is a cure-all that gets rid of most ailments, but advise not to bathe in it too long.   Dunno if that's cos it's a bit harsh on the skin or cos yer 'll end up with ton 'o sheep on top of yer. 

Thing, is, I doubt Bessie would mind sharing a bath with ya.... a vice versa.

Sadly, it looks like our other dog is going to have to be put down.   

Are yall seeing black Xes in the OP?