Lost a friend

n/a | 09-28-2012 | Vanity

[Eagles6]

Prayers outbound. He’s with your Dad now. You’ll see them again in a better place.

[Girlene]

Sorry for the loss of both your dad and Dutch.

[HANG THE EXPENSE]

I am sorry for your loss.He is playing with your Dad now.

[arasina]

Picture is of Dutch guarding my fathers grave.
Lost Dutch today, he was my fathers 85th birthday present.
Dad served in WWII as a staff sergeant.
Miss them both greatly.

You have my sympathy and prayers, FRiend.

[LADY J]

This hits close to home. Our family has a Dutch look-alike name Ripken.

My heartfelt sympathy to you for the loss of your beloved family members.

God Bless you and may He heal your sorrow.

[RS_Rider]

Thanks to all, Dutch was a therapy dog to a group of individuals that were very appreciative of his presence. He dedicated many hours of service to people that otherwise would not have known his grace.

[Duchess47]

I am so sorry for your loss.

[Stonewall Jackson]

I think one of the wisest choices I've made in recent years was to record conversations with my grandfather and some of his friends and other relatives about their experiences during World War Two and Korea.

It is amazing some of the things they saw and did during the course of their lives. Not just their service in the military, but their enduring and overcoming the Great Depression and their exploits in the 1920's and 1930's.

[Aria]

Oh dear....so very sorry.

[workerbee]

In his defense, I think Monty’s reply was meant as sarcasm to the person whose nasty comment has (thankfully) been removed.

RS_Rider: I’m so sorry about Dutch. He looked to be a beautiful companion — look at those perky ears! — and I’m sure he was a great friend to your dad. God bless you during this tough time.

[Monty22002]

Well, good for you. Don’t come on a thread like that guy did to piss on their loss and you won’t get a response like I gave, ok?

[Monty22002]

Thanks, I was just reacting to someone that injecting their personal problems into a thread that had nothing to do with them. My point was that the animal loss is sacred.

[jocon307]

I am very sorry, that is a great loss.

We almost went nuts last year when our cat died. Oy, it was bad.

My condolences and hubby’s too.

[RS_Rider]

Thanks for the kind words, lost dad in ‘07 and did not expect to loose Dutch such unexpectedly. Up until last week, he was fine. Never know when God summons our friends.

[Nowhere Man]

I am so sorry for your loss, you are in my prayers. I know what it is like, it is hard but remember they still live on in your heart and mind as well as waiting for you in Heaven.

[spodefly]

I forgot to mention it in the first post because I think I was getting a little ... something ... but I inherited my dad’s dog, Star ... she has been wandering around the house trying to find him. She is almost 11, and I have been trying to be a good friend to her, but she is looking lost.

And yea, the WW2/Korea generation is passing, and unfortunately, they lived to see us fall into the disrepair that our and subsequent generations have allowed. I would like to think we can get back on the rails, but I am not hopeful anymore.

[leapfrog0202]

So very sorry RS_Rider. I honestly believe pets are angels sent to love us unconditionally in a world where that is something very hard to find.

Here is a poem about the Rainbow Bridge that has comforted me and others I know when a friend is lost. I’m sure Dutch is on the bridge waiting for you and he’s probably already being petted by your father.

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

[RS_Rider]

I would like to thank all of the Freepers that responded to my post. There is not a better community of great conservatives anywhere, and your comments and wishes have made this time of hurting endurable. My pains are nothing compared to ones who have lost family members in the recent ongoing conflicts but the consideration afforded to me today are most welcome. God bless all and long live Free Republic.

[WingsofCourage]

Dutch looks like such a sweetheart. Thank you for sharing him with us.

I miss our dear Shih Tzu. There's nothing that can fill that Dutch-shaped hole in your heart, but the reason the hole hurts so much today is because there was... there is so much love.