Oh that is such sad news. My heart goes out to you. Remember all the good times you shared and know that the love you gave each other will never cease. Even though Bubba is gone you had many, many years of happiness together.

I'm so sorry you lost your friend. 17yrs? That's amazing! I'm sure he's left you with a lot of wonderful memories!!

Sending comforting thoughts.

I'm so sorry. I completely understand and empathize.

I'm so sorry Steve. It's horrible losing a fur-kid, and at Christmas it's devastating. My heart goes out to you and your family.

I think I know exactly how you feel. Our third Westie, Pip, made it almost to 17. He was deaf and blind, but could find his way around the house and on walks, using his nose. He was still eating well and never had a mishap in the house. One morning, though, he could barely lift his head from the floor. As with your Bubba, Pip gave me 'that look', pleading and sad, and licked my hand. It was time. We miss him still, although he's been gone for 14 years and our current Westie will be ten next month.

You'll always miss Bubba. We'll always miss Pip -- just as we still miss Charlie, our first Westie. It's because we loved them. And they loved us.

So sorry for your loss.

I'm so sorry for you. I could feel the sadness in your post. There's nothing I can say to make it better so I'll just give you a big (((secsteve))).

I'm so sorry for your loss. 17 years is a long time for a pet and I know you gave him a lot of love and happiness for those years.

Linda

I'm so sorry.

I'm sad for you. Bubba lived a long good life, thanks to you. He passed peacefully, like you said, he was ready to go. I'm sorry it has to be so hard though.

I am so sorry. What a wonderfully long and loving relationship you both had. I know the pain is heartbreaking.
Hugs for you and your family!!

I'm so sorry Steve you have lost your good friend. It can never be easy.

Sue and Izzi

I'm so very sorry, Steve. I'm so sorry. I know how you feel, we had our yellow lab for over 17 years and this brings back memories. One day she just couldn't get up. Her body quit. She was healthy as could be, but her hips wouldn't let her stand. or her shoulders. 17 years... that's a lifetime!

I Know Bubba had the best life a dog could wish for! Your memories will always be with you.!

Hugs, Kat...

(oh, yeah, thanks for making me cry at 630am! LOL)

I am so sorry for your loss of such a devoted and dedicated family member. But I do rejoice in the wonderful life Bubba shared with you for so many years.

I am so very sorry. He knew he was loved.

Ron

Ah, Steve, my heart understands the breaking of your heart right now. Blessings to you and your family as you adjust to life without your Bubba.

We lost Woofman JAck last October, and just the other day I hung his Christmas stocking on his portrait in memory and it made me cry. This is a horrible time of the year for such a loss.

Bubba is at the Rainbow Bridge now, and he's healthy, vibrant and pain free, which is what you wanted for him.

There are just no words for me to say. I am so very sorry.

Trish

Thanks for all the kind thoughts and Kat, you're very welcome. Nothing like a good cry to start off your day! I knew many of you would have comforting things to say as thats they kind of folks you are.

A friend of long standing said he knew Bubba was being watched over and comforted by his long time doggie sitter who passed away 4 years ago. As he said, she's keeping him quiet and relaxed when someone is knocking on the door up there. Bubba was always barking when the doorbell or knocker went off and it took him a few minutes to realize it was o.k. it was someone we knew.

I'm very sorry for your loss Steve.
Hugs,
Tammy

I'm so sorry you have lost your dear friend. You certainly gave him the best care...and love...for him to last 17 years. Letting go is hard, but I'm sure he will be waiting across the rainbow bridge for the day he can be reunited with you.

I'm feeling so sad for you, but know you will have wonderful memories of Bubba as time goes on.

Phyllis

17+ years on a big dog is very unusual true, but just as true is that it doesn't lighten the load either. I know the days will seem strange for a long time to come but you should feel great about all you did for Bubba. Few others would put themselves out like you did and be assured, he appreciated it! Animals are very perceptive. And I'm sure Bubs is snorting in the snow somewhere and guarding the bridge.

I am so sorry - and I know how painful it feels in
your heart.

I know it doesn't take away the pain - but remember
you loved him well, and he loved you well. And losing
him this time of year is hard, I know. But, Christmas
can mean a beautiful time to go, too.

It is so hard to lose our "friends".

Hugs.

So very sorry ((Steve)).

I am so sorry. Our fur babies are like family.

I am so very sorry. You are lucky to have had him for 17 years, but no matter how long, it's never long enough.

That's very sad. You've had a lot of Christmas with Bubba, so you'll really miss him this year. We all know how terrible it is to lose a beloved pet. Have you posted a picture of him?

It's always so sad to lose such a beloved friend. So very sorry! Nanny

Steve, I'm so very sorry for the loss of your faithful friend. Like many of your friends here at the KT, we know the hurt you are feeling. Just know that your Bubba is playing and running by the Rainbow bridge until the day he sees you coming, then he will come a running to you, all healthful and with full of pep, then you two can walk over that beautiful bridge together, to be with each other for eternity. ((((HUGS)))) Dottie

17 months or 17 years it doesn't matter when it concerns a loved one. Try and know that Bubba has not forgotten about you and that he is not afraid where he is now. He ill be thinking of you and waiting to hear you call his name so be sure you do.
Hugsssssss

I'm sorry for the loss of Bubba. I know how hard that is. It sounds like he had a wonderful life and you were great doggie parents. (((())))

Either people live too long or dogs don't live long enough!!! (snif) They do the best they can with us in the time they have.

I am so sorry to hear about Bubba passing. I know you will miss him, but try to remember the rainbow bridge.

I'm so very sorry for your loss. You were a wonderful father to Bubba. He was very lucky to have had you caring for him.

Just wanted to add my "I'm sorry" to everyone else's. It is SO hard to say good-bye to our pets, isn't it?

RIP Bubba

Thank you everyone for all your kind expressions. We were watching a movie tonight and a couple of times I could swear I felt a nudge against the side of the chair. Bubba's favorite thing was to rub his muzzle against one side of the chair while I scratched the other side. In the morning we had to have our nuggies - he'd start at the foot of the bed, rub his muzzle, continue on around to the front, I'd scratch his head and muzzle and he'd turn around to get the other side down.

Buddy, the beagle has been mopping around all day. He usually goes out doors a large number of times, but today has only been a few times. I also think the snow (at least 16 inches or more and still snowing) has something to do with that. But more so, I'm sure he misses his pal.

The vet's assistant said we needed to get another dog to keep Buddy company, but no thanks. I'm sure she was half serious, but Buddy will be enough for now and for the future.

To all those who said I was a good doggy daddy, thank you. There were times I was really wondering if I/we were doing the right thing, but I am now more firmly convinced that we did.

Thanks KTers.

Steve...I am sooo sorry for your less...I hope when you feel up to it you'll post a picture of your beloved friend...

I'm so sorry for your loss of your sweet boy. Rest in peace Bubba.

{{!gwi}}

I am so very sorry for your loss. Losing a furbaby is always heartwrenching.
You had 17 wonderful, happy years with your special baby, and he will continue to live on in your heart forever.
You absolutely did the right thing...even though it is difficult to accept, he is in no pain. He depended on you and you helped him by letting him go in peace. That takes alot of strength and courage, but you did it because you love him.
I feel so badly for you and the pain you are going through.

I am so sorry for you loss. Losing our beloved pet is so hard to bear.

My lab Loki is 11, I cry sometimes just thinking about him not being with me. I know it will come sooner than later and hope he will live as long as your Bubba.

Anne

I am so sorry for your loss.

Steve, I'm feeling your pain on November 21 we had to have our dear friend Bear put to sleep, it was a decision we had avoided for the last 6 months, he was a 13 years old mastiff mix, a big dog and well past his expiration date (according to his vet).Just know that you made the right decision. Its been a month since Bears trip to rainbow bridge and it still hurts, but it gets a little easier everyday. After he had been gone for a few days I could of sworn I heard him walk into the garage, his bed was in there. It was a comforting feeling, I knew he was back home! Take care, Michelle

For all of you who wanted to see a picture, see the post For Secsteve/Picture of Bubba.