Our Dog Bear..............

13 years ago

Yesterday we made the heart breaking decision to let him go, it was "time".....

We found him running loose in our neighborhood about 12 years ago, so we never knew for sure how old he was. He didn't have a collar on, we tried to find his owner, knowing someone had lost a wonderful dog, but we never did, and soon he was part of our family.

He was very well obedience trained, and yet he had so many silly little quirks, like loud sounds....scared him to death.

He has been my "protector, and very best friend" he almost never left my side.

And today, nothing seems right, its just too quiet, his bowl sits empty and I cant stop the tears.

I have other dogs, and each one holds a deeply Special place in my heart. But Bear was just one of the *Special* ones, and I miss him so much........

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Comments (38)

alisande
13 years ago
Oh, Lavon, he's beautiful. I know only too well how difficult that decision is, and how hard it is to figure out the "right" time. The only comfort I can offer you is the knowledge that you gave your good boy a wonderful life, and someday you will see each other again.

(((Lavon)))
suzieque
13 years ago
I"m so sorry, lavon. I know from multiple first hand experiences how difficult this is.
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country_bumpkin_al
13 years ago
I'm so sorry,Lavon! He was a beautiful boy!!!

That's the hard thing about getting a pet. You know you're going to get attached, and the odds of you outliving him/her are pretty good! It's a price we pay!
petra_gw
13 years ago
What a gorgeous guy he was, I am so very sorry for your loss!!
ronm80
13 years ago
He was beautiful. I am so sorry.
marilyn_c
13 years ago
I'm so sorry for your loss...German shepards are such wonderful dogs...and I know he was so special. Thank you for having the courage to do the right thing.
chisue
13 years ago
I'm glad you and Bear had one another to love for a dozen years. How lucky for you both!

No love/no heartbreak, but who would choose that?
lavon46
Original Author
13 years ago
chisue.....I sometimes question that and yet my life has been so full because of the love I have receieved from so many animals over the years.
So I choose the heartbreak in order to have the Love...and knowing all too well, I will go through this again, but by choice... and out of love.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
13 years ago
I am so sorry, my deepest sympathy to you and your family, I have had to make that decision too many times my self and it never is easy. Remember all the fun times.

Pet Loss Grief Support Website
that site has helped me in the past. I have mine on their list.
nicole__
13 years ago
I had a german shepherd years ago who was afraid of loud noises....like thunder. I loved her happy personality! We had her put to sleep when she was 12yo. I still miss her.

(((hugs)))
melaniesc
13 years ago
So many hugs your way.. I am so very sorry for your loss. I am going through almost the same thing right now, its heartbreaking. Hugssss and thoughts
joann23456
13 years ago
So sorry for your loss. He was a beautiful boy.
always_learning
13 years ago
Beautiful baby. ((Hugs))
Granlan_TX
13 years ago
Awwww...sweet,loving Bear...you were blessed to be together for all these years. I hear ya about Bear being a "Special" one.

It is so hard to say that final goodbye and yet, that's all part of loving our little family members so very much and giving them that respect.

(((((Lavon)))))
Georgysmom
13 years ago
Oh dear...here come the tears again. I guess I do what everyone else does. Imagine it's my dog. It's so hard! You were very lucky to have him for twelve years and he was so lucky to have found you. I am so sorry for you.
lavon46
Original Author
13 years ago
I am so very Thankful for each and every one of you right now...........
Jasdip
13 years ago
Lavon, I'm so sorry.
I've always admired Shepherds. Bear was a beauty.
We know exactly what you're going through, and it's tremendously hard.
samkaren
13 years ago
Lavon
What a beautiful dog! Bear was certainly lucky to have a great mom like yourself.

Just remember this....I'll bet everyone of our pets that have passed met Bear on Rainbow Bridge.'

SamKaren
your resident DJ
lydia1959
13 years ago
((((((((((((Lavon)))))))))))))) So sorry. I know how bad it hurts. He was a beautiful dog.
cynic
13 years ago
It's tough to read these threads but I do want to send you my best wishes and condolences in the loss of that handsome lad. Seems like it doesn't matter if they lived a "long" life or a short one, it's so easy to get so attached to them and yes, each has their own personality and some are a bit more special than others. Give your other critters an extra scratch on the ears tonight in Bear's memory. Remember, they will realize he's gone and go through something too so they'll need you too and you can comfort each other.
bigack
13 years ago
I'm so sorry, he was beautiful! We had a neighbor dog, also Bear, who was afraid of storms. He would always come to our house, soaking wet, and we would let him in anyway. How we love our pets! Hugs and love to you!
lavon46
Original Author
13 years ago
((( Thank YOU )))Cynic...for the gentle reminder, and your right, my Newf Sadie has laid next to Bear for days, she knew, and I knew that she knew, and today I have kissed her sweet face every single time I have gone past her.
nanny98
13 years ago
(((((Hugs))))) I share your sadness and tears. I haven't had many pets, but each of them still have a little piece of my heart that I treasure. More ((((HUGs)))) Nanny
Lily316
13 years ago
I've gone thru this more times than I'd like, but it's part of life. Pets just don't live long enough. I'm so sorry for your loss. He was a lovely looking dog.
sleeperblues
13 years ago
Handsome lad indeed. So sorry for your loss Lavon. My big guy is 13 and a half right now, and I know he won't be around much longer. It's heartbreaking, because they are a part of us. Hang in there!
katclaws_mo
13 years ago
((Lavon)) I'm so very sorry for your loss. What a beautiful boy! I've had two German Shepards & they are fiercely loyal & so smart and yes, quirky too.

I, also, understand the heartbreaking pain to make "that decision", but out of love, you've put what's best for him first. Sending you Special thoughts.
lindaohnowga
13 years ago
It is always hard to read posts about sick furkids or those who have died, because anyone who is an animal lover and has gone through this many times, knows just how hurt you are feeling right now, so I send you BIG hugs of comfort, but only time will ease the pain and all the wonderful memories will take over.

Reading your beautiful boy's name, "Bear" was especially hard, as "my" Bear, a female was my "bestest" dog and there will never be another Bear. I have and still do love all of my animals, but there will always be that "one" that is most special. A poster sized picture of my Bear sits atop our mantle. That picture of your Bear would make a great poster for you too. I firmly believe we will in time be reunited with all of our loved ones, including the furry ones.
angela_nor_calif
13 years ago
He sure was a beautiful dog. I'm so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is to lose an animal. They're like family members. (((())))
bigfoot_liz
13 years ago
i am soo sorry for your loss, he was such a beautiful dog. i am sure he knew how lucky he was to find you guys. you, your family and other furkids are in my thoughts (((lavon, family & furkids))) ~ liz
jel48
13 years ago
I'm so sorry, Lavon.
Marilyn Sue McClintock
13 years ago
He was really a beautiful dog. I know how you are feeling and am sending a big hug to you.

Sue
cheryl_ok
13 years ago
I'm so sorry for your loss.
kacram
13 years ago
(((((((Lavon)))))))))) I'm sorry,
petaloid
13 years ago
Thanks for giving Bear a loving home for all those years. He will always be a part of your heart.
dotmom
13 years ago
Lavon.....I'm sorry for the loss of your Bear. What a handsome boy he is. Please know, he will be waiting in that Meadow watching for you to join ,so the two of you can cross the Rainbow Bridge together. German Shepherds have always been my most favorite dogs. They are so beautiful.
(((((Hugs)))))
sandiefl
13 years ago
Lavon, I am so very sorry for your loss.May you soon find peace and comfort in your memories.Just think of how lucky you and Bear were that he found his way into your yard and your heart.
lavon46
Original Author
13 years ago
(( Thank YOU all so much ))
The kind words and hugs and understanding has been a huge help to me.
liz
13 years ago
I'm so sorry for your loss...Bear gave you lots and lots of wonderful years and great memories...may you relish in those during your grieving...

Our Dog Bear..............

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