It's been a tough couple of weeks; my black lab has been my best friend since he was six weeks old. He had cancer of the mouth and I've been feeding him little bites of food by hand -- this from the dog who at 90 pounds was what I used to call mostly stomach with a little heart and muscle!

But it made me realize how important nutrition is to all of us and that food should be used to provide energy for our body and joy to our hearts. But without moderation, it's as bad as any drug.

And because I've had that reminder, I've actually done pretty well with my own diet over the past week. He passed on yesterday, and I'm finding it very difficult to get any sort of appetite. I know many of you are pet owners and some may have lost them before -- do you have suggestions?

Thank you and hope you're all well.

I'm so sorry Kimberelly. I've lost quite a few companion animals over the years, and each one hurt. Sometimes I was able to do something to ease the pain, sometimes I wasn't. When the pup I'd gotten when I was 14 years old died, we had him cremated, then buried the remains in the back yard under a rock etched with his name. It was in the wild area, and my father actually hand chiseled the rock.

But many times all I've had to help was talking to other people who understood how important my critter was in my life. And time.

that's such sad news, i'm sorry. it's so hard to lose a loved one. ((((((kim))))))

Kimberly -
losing a pet can be just like losing a child, a best friend, a "soul mate". My black lab is turning 13 this winter, she lives with my parents, and I dread the day I get the phone call. I think you just have to let yourself heal - but I would also really suggest that when you are ready you think about getting a new dog. We went and got a rescued puppy from Puerto Rico - and although when my dog finally does go to doggy heaven it will be devastating, I think that having Coda will also help me to adjust.

I'll be praying for you... Just hang on and the pain will eventually subside.

((((hugs))))

oh kimberelly... so sorry to read of this tragedy. they give us so much and ask for so little.

no real advice. just that when the time is right for a new pet, the 'network' will know and send the right one along. and while it won't be the same, this new one will give you all its love once again.

in the meantime, be kind to yourself...

Kimberelly....I'm so sorry for the loss of your doggy!

Thank you all so much for your thoughts. Sleeping and eating aren't on the agenda, but I'm trying to stay in a somewhat healthy state of mind.

In honor of his memory, and knowing he would not want us to be sad, I wanted to send a poem I once heard from Jimmy Stewart during a visit to "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson. The poem has always reminded us of Kato (except Kato never bit anyone). I have listed the copyright below; in no way do I want to offend or upset any legalities.

Thank you again....Kimberelly
------------------------------------------------------------------
"Beau"
by Jimmy Stewart

He never came to me when_I would call...Unless I had a tennis ball,
Or he felt like it, But mostly he didn't come at all. __
When he was young, He never learned to heel
Or sit or stay, He did things his way.
Discipline was not his bag, But when you were with him things sure didn't drag.
He'd dig up a rosebush just to spite me, And when I'd grab him, he'd turn and bite me.
He bit lots of folks from day to day, The delivery boy was his favorite prey.
The gas man wouldn't read our meter, He said we owned a real man-eater.
He set the house on fire, But the story's long to tell.
Suffice it to say that he survived, And the house survived as well.
On the evening walks, and Gloria took him, He was always first out the door.
The Old One and I brought up the rear, Because our bones were sore.
He would charge up the street with Mom hanging on, What a beautiful pair they were!
And if it was still light and the tourists were out, They created a bit of a stir.
But every once in a while, he would stop in his tracks, And with a frown on his face look around.
It was just to make sure that the Old One was there, and would follow him where he was bound.
We are early-to-bedders at our house-- I guess I'm the first to retire.
And as I'd leave the room he'd look at me, And get up from his place by the fire.
He knew where the tennis balls were upstairs, And I'd give him one for a while.
He would push it under the bed with his nose...and I'd fish it out with a smile.
And before very long, He'd tire of the ball
And be asleep in his corner, In no time at all.
And there were nights when I'd feel him climb upon our bed,
And lie between us, And I'd pat his head.
And there were nights when I'd feel this stare, And I'd wake up and he'd be sitting there,
And I reach out my hand and stroke his hair.
And sometimes I'd feel him sigh...and I think I know the reason why.
He would wake up at night, And he would have this fear
Of the dark, of life, of lots of things...And he'd be glad to have me near.
And now he's dead. And there are nights when I think I feel him
Climb upon our bed and lie between us,
And I pat his head.
And there are nights when I think I feel that stare
And I reach out my hand to stroke his hair,
But he's not there.
Oh, how I wish that wasn't so,
I'll always love a dog named Beau.

copyright: Jimmy Stewart, His Poems by Jimmy Stewart

So sorry about your puppy! (((((HUGS)))))

Touching poem..

So sorry about your dog, Kimberelly The poem made me smile tho..reminded me of our dog also.

Miki

I'm sorry to hear about this. We've lost 3 dogs & all it takes to heal is time.

that poem was great - its things like that that will help you through. (((hugs)))

I'm sorry--they never live long enough, do they?

This website might be very comforting to you:

http://dogladybarkspetlosspages.home...com/index.html

I am sooo sorry I know how bad that hurts to lose a furbaby

Ack! My heart goes out to you! I have two puppies (we call them that no matter what age, don't we) myself.

I recommend this book. I got it when I lost my black labbie, Bart. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...books&n=507846

So, it's a kids book. It's still one of my favorites. It takes time to grieve. Allow yourself to!

I have 4 dogs now and have had many pets in my life. They are all precious to me and the ones that have passed on still bring me joy in my memory. This is a very hard time for you I know. You did get to share 15 wonderful years with a true dear friend and I honestly believe that the two of you will be together again. Be strong and perhaps when you are ready you might want to invite another friend into your life. There are so many that need good loving homes.