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Another bite

Hoytmania

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
11,518
181
Gods Country
Dang Jim I sure hate to hear this. You have definitely had your share thrown at you over the past year. It is crazy how close we can get to a dog but they become just one of the family. Here is a poem I remember reading when I lost my friend a few years back.

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, someone who was 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 begins to quiver. Suddenly, he breaks from the group, flying over the green grass, 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 those trusting eyes, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together...

Ralphie is now with Syndi, and one day you will all be back together.
 

Dannmann801

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
10,979
205
Springboro
This newspaper clipping is on our refrigerator with a magnet:

A Pet's 10 Commandments

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Dont' be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You, too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.
 

bowhunter1023

Owner/Operator
Staff member
49,542
288
Appalachia
Kills me to see this Jim. I'm as big a dog lover as there is and it is a crying ass shame we can't spend more time with our dogs. I feel your pain brother...
 

Curran

Senior Member
Supporting Member
8,067
186
Central Ohio
So very sorry Jim... I hate to hear the news. This was passed along to me from my neighbor when we had to put our Buck dog down about 2 years back. It says it all I think...



Just a Dog

From time to time people tell me, "Lighten up. It's just a dog."
or "That's a lot of money for just a dog."
They don't understand the distance traveled, time spent or costs involved for "Just a dog".

Some of my proudest moments have come about with "Just a dog".
Many hours have passed with my only company being "Just a dog"
and not once have I felt slighted.
Some of my saddest moments were brought about by "just a dog".
In those days of darkness , the gentle touch of "Just a dog" provided comfort and purpose to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "Just a dog", you will probably understand phrases like
"Just a friend" or "just a sunrise" or "Just a promise".

"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust,
and pure unbridled joy. "Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience
that make me a better person. Because of "Just a dog" I will rise early,
take long walks, and look longingly to the future.

For me and folks like me, it's not "Just a dog".
It's an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future,
the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.
"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts
away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday people can understand it's not "Just a dog."
It's the thing that gives me humanity and keep me from being
"Just a man " or "Just a woman".

So the next time you hear the phrase "Just a dog",
smile, because they "Just don't understand"..
 

CJD3

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
14,880
215
NE Ohio
DSCN1291.jpg
DSCN1283.jpg
 

hickslawns

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
40,485
288
Ohio
Great pictures CJD. Never the same when you lose man's best friend. They hold that title for a good reason. Thanks for sharing.
 

hickslawns

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
40,485
288
Ohio
Me neither Adam. Jim's dog could never be as ugly as the picture you posted. Who the heck is that? lol
 

CJD3

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
14,880
215
NE Ohio
He was a American/German mix.
He had the most perfect head I have ever see on a rottie.
Today i was just in a funk and thought of these picts.