I had to have my beloved Josh put down about 2.5 weeks ago. He had what we think was another stroke; leaving him without control of his bodily functions, unable to get up, unable to balance and not totally knowing what was going on. The vet said, it was time -- and left me to decide after saying she didn't think he would improve much from what he was like that day. Thankfully he did calm down enough to get his eyes to focus to know who i was for a few minutes, long enough to say goodbye (in some ways, never long enough in others). He was nearly 15, and such a beautiful golden cockerspaniel, and my best friend for many years. He has been such an amazing dog in so many ways - and blessed me beyond measure frequently. I was at such a loss that morning after saying goodbye; and our other dog Libby wasn't much better. She howled and howled wondering where Josh was (she is 14 herself but a much -- younger 14 than he was) -- she then went to her bed and just stayed there grieving - she seemed to know what had happened i guess after seeing what Josh had been like in the morning and then seeing that he didn't return.

Well, I talked with mum and she thought we should wait another year or so before getting another dog -- but i wasn't sure on that, and then listening to libby made us think maybe not. So we just looked at different breeds in a dog breed book and online, wondering what kind to get .......... not sure how it happened (but somehow it did), and a few hours later we were blessed with the arrival (after viewing and buying) of Benson - our new Orange Roan cockerspaniel. He and Libby are getting on so well, it is amazing and has really helped her so much - and helped me as well --- he isn't Josh at all -- and the loss there doesn't change - but he is a great new puppy who i hope will be with us for many years to come :) He is an incredibly intelligent pup, and I'll try to post pictures of him later

Ah Hun, now I kind of understand how you got off track and why you've been so quiet. I lost my Dodie about 2 months ago, due to a horrible attack by a pit bull. She died at home the same day it happened. Her daughter was also attacked that morning and she wasnt looking a whole lot better than Momma, (Dodie). We put them in the box together until Dodie passed. I think her neck was broken as she didn't seem to feel any pain, mixed blessing. The daughter, Boss Elvira Lady Ragdoll, made it through the night, so I nursed her for a few weeks and she gradually regained enough use of her body she can get around on her own, She was tore up badly. But she is a fighter, and hasn't given up yet. I continue to see improvements as she tenaciously chooses to live.

Dodie was a pom and her daughter was a doxie-pom. Well about 2 weeks ago DIL at work get another Pom , a male this time that wasn't wanted anymore. That was how we got Dodie, by the way. She brought him home and I cried, and he is slowly taking his place around here.

I ditto all you said about the new one not the same as the last one we grew to love and cherish so much. But after many experiences of losing and God sending unloved ones our way, I have found each serves in their own individual ways and wouldn't change all that we have had.

I am so glad you and Libby have a new friend. I know you will still miss and grieve your other baby, but I have found pet snuggles do wonders. LOL

Hugs Hun

Ariella, I am so sorry, hon. I have lost precious fur babies in the past. I know you will always miss Josh, but new puppies have a way of making their own places in our hearts. Saved by Grace is right, puppy snuggles are great. :wub:

Saved by Grace, I know you miss your dog too. What a horrible thing to have it happen the way it did. We will always miss our fur babies when they are gone, but our new ones find a place of their own in our lives. :wub:

Ariella and Huggy, I sorrow for your losses.

Ariella I know what Josh meant to you and the closer to heaven's gateway experences you have had since I have known you. It was time.

Huggy, a horrible end to a precious life.

Cheers on the new pup to you both. I knew of your joyous addition, Huggy and Ariella looking forward to you sharing a photo.

ariella and saved by grace just after reading of the lose of your dogs
i can identify with u ariella for i have a 14 year old dog as well and he is like a baby to me, i am so sorry to hear of you lose
but i would do as u did and get a new dog right away :hug:
and saved by grace :hug: such a horrible thing to happen to youe dogs, i love dogs and get very passionate when i hear of things like that happening
i hope u both are felling better now
llove rosie

Saved by Grace, what a horrible thing to go through with your dogs. I'm so glad that Boss Elvira Lady Ragdoll survived and hope she continues improving, and glad you have a new pup as well - but so sorry to read about Dodie. That must have been such a shock to all of you when she was attacked :( I pray God continues to comfort you whenever Dodie comes to mind; and yes those pet snuggles are something else.

Barbara Ann, thanks so much for your comments *hugs* all our pets have such a special place in our hearts and lives don't they!

Rosie, thanks for your thoughts also ...... how is your own dog going? is he in good health?

Editor, thanks ........ I know you've prayed several times in the past for Josh - and he really was with us at least another year longer than I ever thought after some instances last year -- thanks for the confirmation that it was time

Ariella, I think I shared this, but will again. There was no dog like my Elijah. He was 17 when he passed away at home. I was with him. It is the deepest grief I have ever felt in my life. I mourned for a full year even though I got a new puppy after two months. A companion pet like that teaches us the unconditional love of God. It is alright to mourn. :wub: