[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

It does hurt, doesn't it?

More than I can express. He was my whole world. I used to work at a large software company (that shall remain nameless); I quit that job to care for him five years ago when he was diagnosed with diabetes. We were constantly together, and now I find myself in a painfully quiet house where everything I see reminds me of him.

It's awful beyond description.

My condolences to the President and his family.

[Cathryn Crawford]

I'm very, very sorry. Nothing I can say will take away the pain, but I truly hope you feel better soon.

[MEG33]

Bless you.The pain of the loss is great,I know.I'm so sorry.

[EnnisExile]

I am so sorry to read about the loss of your dog on Wednesday and also, of course, the death of Spot. I vividly recall my own anguish when my beloved Brunna died on 14 Dec 2001. A FReeper started a thread called "Welcome at Rainbow Bridge (A Tribute to Brunna)" which was such a great source of consolation I recommend you read it. I don't know how to post a link.

Perhaps its a bit gruesome but I keep Brunna's ashes close and they'll be going with me when I go. I miss him every day. Sure it gets easier in some ways but in other ways it just doesn't.

I have two new dogs now but I still grieve. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your grief.

[maxwellp]

"It's awful beyond description".

Yes it is. We know in this household. Mourn your pet. Someday you may find another and we can guarantee it won't be the same. You cannot replace the beloved pet. You can only try to give a completely different personality a home.

[AHerald]

I quit that job to care for him five years ago when he was diagnosed with diabetes

I know what you went through. Our beloved Springer Spaniel mix was 12 when she was diagnosed with diabetes. Within weeks she become almost totally blind. The cost of her medical care was so high that I took an overnight job as a stocker at Wal-Mart.

While difficult at first, taking her blood and injecting her with insulin became part of our daily routine (I was working at home during the day, so it made things much easier.) She lived for another three years, and was a happy dog until the day we had to put her to sleep after a sudden paralyzing stroke. Everyday that she lived after the diagnosis was a blessing for us.

I know how you feel. It is very painful. We still miss our friend and companion. Her memory lingers over every part of our home. Until she passed, I'd never known how deeply affecting a pet's death could be.

[Tamzee]

I'm so sorry to hear about the death of your great friend :-(

He sounds like he was quite possibly one of the luckiest dogs in the world to have you love and take care of him with your whole heart... and I bet he loved you right back with everything in his heart. The only kind of heaven that makes sense to me is one that would include him and that kind of love in it... I'm sure you'll see him again someday. Until then my condolences on having to miss him so dreadfully...

[Xenalyte]

I am crying for you. It was hideous when the Dread Boston Salty was at obedience school for two weeks. When that time comes, please God a long time from now, I don't know how I'll ever get through it.