Lost my Best Friend this morning

[bnwitt]

Well I guess I'm posting this as a means of therapy.  This morning my family and I lost our very best friend, our puppy of over 13 years.  Java was the greatest companion anyone could ever hope for.  She was smart, sweet and loving from the beginning until the end of her life.  Pound rescue dogs are the best.  She has left a tremendous void in our lives.  We're all just devastated. :'(  Financial hard times don't compare to the sadness generated by this type of loss.  Love your pets while you have them everyone.

[madison]

My sincere condolences.
I really understand.
You had 13 wonderful years together and a lifetime of memories!
Time will heal.

[tubenit]

My heart goes out to you. The hardest I have wept in the last 10 yrs was when I lost my cocker spaniel of 17 yrs. I still can't even think about the loss and not get choked up.

A good dog is an incredible friend and companion. I am glad you had the rich and wonderful experience of having such a great dog in your life.

With respect, Tubenit

[tubesornothing]

That sucks - really bad.  Our little pup is 12yrs old and she is starting to slow down, get a little lumpy and back end starting to slip.  Its killing me.  We have no kids just her (and a bunch of guitars).  I hate to see that happen - they should live forever - they truly have the best spirit. 

If you have digital pics, please post some.

[Geezer]

Barry, I really do feel your pain....my sympathy to you & your family.

A good dog is an incredible friend and companion

How true.....the best dog I ever had was a "Sheltie" (Shetland Sheepdog) named Dexter.
I could take him for walks without a leash....he never strayed more than a few feet & all I had to say was "Here" & he came right back to my side.
No fence needed....he stayed in our yard & guarded the kids ("herding" them when they were little).
He ended up with a terrible form of cancer that wrapped it's "fingers" around his guts & caused horrible pain. We had a vet come out to our house to put him down, & after feeding him all the great foods he loved but shouldn't have (cheese, steak, hamburger), he died on ours laps, sitting on the deck, trustingly looking into our eyes, with our tears falling down on him.
It took years for the pain to subside, but I still feel it when reminded (like just now)......G

[Dynaflow]

 Sincere condolences.  :( I had a Shar Pei I had to put down years ago due to cancer at only 9 and I still grieve all these years later. Now I have a stupid cat, but he's pretty cool, has attitude and bites... Sorry for your loss.

Sincerest regards,

Don aka Dyna

[bnwitt]

Gentlemen,
thank you for your kind words and empathy.  I too feel for you all and your similar losses.  Tubes or nothing, that is exactly what happened to Java.  She developed lumps everywhere, then her rear legs got weak and just recently here front legs too.  The good thing is she was fine until yesterday morning and it was only about 16 hours between her first suffering and when she passed.  I doubt I'll get much work done today.  Everyone have a great weekend and hold those you love closer.
Barry

[Geezer]

Wow....cute pup!

Was her face always that color, or had it "grayed" with age? I think it's so cool how older dogs gray around the muzzle....

[bnwitt]

She started out with just a small white stripe down her nose and a white chest.  She did grey alot in the last few years.  She was half pit bull and half terrier.  We always used to describe here as having a terrier head and brain screwed onto a pit bull's body.  In her prime she could wrestle down our labrador with ease in a play fight.

[rafe]

When I lost my Dog Gus , I was devastated......All my friends sympathized , one gave me the best advice. "Get back on that horse right away!" I went down to the pound and rescued one on her last day.
It wasn't a mistake, even though it was the last thing I wanted to do, We both needed it ....that was 2 years ago. You can't replace her but you can fill that void .....Rafe

[billcreller]

I know your pain Barry.  I've had Boxers for many years, and their life span is short compared to most dogs.

[bnwitt]

Thanks Bill,
Well pictures don't do Java justice.  She was so sweet and so smart.  We used to have to spell around her as she had a huge vocabulary.  Everyone who met her knew she was special right off.  So many people we talk to every day are still asking "How's Java".  Not how are you, how are the kids but "How's Java?"  Unfortunately now we have to deliver the sad news.  Everyone knew she was special.

I have had many many dogs, but none have been anything like her, nor will I probably ever have another like her.  She was a once in a lifetime experience.  When she died in my arms she looked into my eyes with love the whole time.  No panic, no fear, just love.  Even as she gasped for here last breath.  She fought for life until the end.  It was probably because she didn't want to dissert her family. 

I'm not religious, but this special creature made me wonder about re-incarnation.  This was no ordinary dog.  I really miss her.

[duke of earl]

bnwitt,

I just read about Java and was saddened to hear about her. I came home last May and a neighbor had alerted me that my black lab (Mandy) was lying in the yard next door and hadn't moved all day. I knew right then that she was gone. She was like my first child as My wife and I got her a month after we married. I believe that some pets are here as guardian angels as Mandy guarded my children with her life. Such a faithful companion she was. My heart goes out to you and your family.