Sammy

[DENNISH]

I want to thank all of the members of this board for their very fine entries and help. A month ago my dear Sammy broke loose from me and bit a lady who had just come into our house. It wasn't a bad bite, but it did break the skin. Thinking back, in the last weeks he had been becoming much more upset with people coming to the house, mailmen, etc. Perhaps he was getting old. With all of the people coming and going here, including small grandchildren, it was clear that we could no longer keep him, and that we would have to put him down. Giving him away to someone else was not an option, he would have been heartbroken - he had already been abandoned at least twice before we rescued him four years ago. Because of the many fine entries on this board from other people in this situation, I was able to make the decision and act on it, although I don't know if I have ever had such a terrible thing to do. He was just my best friend - loyal, loving, funny, wise. The perfect dog. I found that in the following days, if I could focus on just being grateful to the Lord for having had him and having loved him every single day that we had him, I could handle his loss better.

It was an amazing thing, but at about the same moment that Sammy was being euthanized, my husband and I were crossing the Second Narrows Bridge in Vancouver when a brilliant rainbow suddenly appeared beside us to the east! This was a special comfort in the midst of all of the grieving - maybe "rainbow bridge" is more than a metaphor?

Anyway, we soon discovered that a house without a dog was a house without any flavor. A few days later we found a lovely little golden retreiver puppy, and we are learning to live a much more boisterous and active life (at least until he grows up a little!!)

Thank you again, Rottie board, for all of your generous imput. Blessings on all of you and your furry children.

[miccmill]

I am so sorry for your loss. You did a generous and loving thing for your special friend.

I know the memories of his companionship will be with you always.

[StephanieandToby]

I'm very sorry for your loss.

[Chele]

What a beautiful memory with the rainbow. My deepest sympathy to you and your family at this time. It's always so hard letting them go, but have some peace of mind knowing you gave Sammy a good, loving home. He left our realm knowing he was loved and wanted despite his hard start in life. Godspeed Sammy!

[JuneyB]

So sorry for your loss...but you did the right thing for Sammy.

And the rainbow..he just wanted to say "thank you, I am flying now, love you, see you again on the fun side....."

Enjoy your new puppy..........

[rottie girl]

What a touching story and a difficult but right decision. May the memory of Sammy live forever. All the best for a long and happy life with your new pup.