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General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: GrimCO on September 05, 2003, 09:53:02 AM

Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: GrimCO on September 05, 2003, 09:53:02 AM
(http://home.alltel.net/hoffylex/Hoss.jpg)
Hoss 1989 - 2003

14 years ago, I went to the Animal Rescue Shelter to find a nice puppy to take home. I had recently moved out of my parents house and was about to get married. Having grown up with dogs, I missed having one around.

As I walked into the animal shelter, I had to pass an area where they kept the older dogs before getting to the section where they had the puppies. They were all barking and jumping around except for one. He just walked up to the front of his cage, sat down and stared at me with the most woeful eyes I had ever seen. He was a goofy looking dog. He was half Labrador Retriever, and half Basset Hound. He looked like a full blooded Lab, but he had short little legs. I never made it to the puppy section because something clicked, and I knew right away that this was my dog. His name was Hoss.

Hoss was with me for 14 years, through my divorce, through good times and bad. He was always faithful. He never growled at or bit a soul in his entire life. He just didn't have a mean bone in his body. When I would go on vacation, I would leave him with my parents who he loved dearly. But he would lay by the door patiently for days, waiting for me to return. When I returned, he would go crazy with excitement for a few minutes, then go lay down with his back to me and ignore me for a day or two. I think he had an abandonment complex from whoever dropped him off at the pound, and was afraid I would never come back.

After 14 years of love and companionship, Hoss succombed to cancer and I had to bring him to the vet and have him put to sleep. He was so weak he couldn't even walk, and I had to carry him through the door. I thought I had prepared myself for the day when I would have to do this, but I cried uncontrolably like a baby right in front of everyone. Sometimes I still do when I think about him. I sure do miss that dog.

<> Hoss
Rest in Peace. You were the best friend I ever had.
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: Hawklore on September 05, 2003, 09:56:22 AM
GrimCO, Hoss


I'm gonna end up having to go through this soon, with my dog, you had an awesome dog GrimCO you rarely come across dogs that are like this.

My condolences to you and your family.
















PS: When he turned his back on you, was he watching an entrance to an area? He could of been guarding you, I have a dog that does that to my dad and grandad only..
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: midnight Target on September 05, 2003, 09:56:43 AM
Great post. Hoss will always be with you.

Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: GrimCO on September 05, 2003, 10:01:14 AM
No, he was pouting...LOL  As if his feelings were hurt that I left him for a few days. I've had a lot of dogs and loved them all, but this one was different. He was emotional. You had to see it to believe it... LOL
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: LePaul on September 05, 2003, 10:01:19 AM
Very nicely written.

My condolences on the loss of your best friend
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: Octavius on September 05, 2003, 10:02:45 AM
Hoss.  

Two excellent companions I grew up with have also moved on in the last two years.  The most recent only a month ago.  She was a trooper... old as dirt but still a puppy at heart.  It's tough, really is... They're not pets, they're family.
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: Raubvogel on September 05, 2003, 10:04:21 AM
Hard to beat the friendship of a great dog. Sorry to hear it Grim.
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: myelo on September 05, 2003, 10:06:37 AM
Sorry for the loss of your friend. Hoss was a lucky dog to have a loving home for 14 years. In the end, as hard as it was, you made the right decision.
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: Nilsen on September 05, 2003, 10:06:47 AM
My condolences for your loss:(

 Those dogs sure have a way of getting under your skin... I still miss my dog that left me 5 years ago and i have his pictures all over. I have not made up my mind about getting a new one, don't think i can go through that one more time.
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: GrimCO on September 05, 2003, 10:14:09 AM
Thanks Guys,

I sure do appreciate it. I felt pretty silly for crying over a dog until my wife told me: "A guy will laugh at you for crying over a woman, but never for crying over your dog". She never ceases to amaze me. I'm a lucky man to have her, and a lucky man for having Hoss all those years.
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: Rude on September 05, 2003, 10:14:15 AM
Gone thru the same...twice.

I'm truly sorry to hear that this has happened....best advice I can give is to realize the love that you gave Hoss over the years and the good life he lived.

Cry alot...remember and don't forget....dogs are one of the purest blessings a person can have in their lives.

I told my 14 year old son that when Charlie(our current pooch) is at the end of his life, that he must take care of it...I can't go thru that a third time.

Sorry Grim...just remember what a blessing he was in your life and consider yourself and Hoss fortunate to have experienced those years together.:)
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: Sox62 on September 05, 2003, 10:18:40 AM
My condolences-I lost my namesake to cancer last fall myself.

Go to the shelter and adopt one.There is a dog waiting to be rescued and be your new best friend.
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: Curval on September 05, 2003, 10:20:01 AM
:( Grim..so sorry bud.
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: Hawklore on September 05, 2003, 10:27:45 AM
Quote
Originally posted by GrimCO
Thanks Guys,

I sure do appreciate it. I felt pretty silly for crying over a dog until my wife told me: "A guy will laugh at you for crying over a woman, but never for crying over your dog". She never ceases to amaze me. I'm a lucky man to have her, and a lucky man for having Hoss all those years.



Man, your are lucky to have a wife like that, and she is correct..
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: AWMac on September 05, 2003, 10:49:51 AM
Feel for ya Grim... so sad. :(


Dam eyes are watering...freekin allergies.......
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: Saurdaukar on September 05, 2003, 10:58:19 AM
Sorry to hear that Grim... mine is getting to be of the 'older' variety - Im not looking forward to the day when Ill have to put him down.  :(
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: Zippatuh on September 05, 2003, 11:06:42 AM
My familiar is about 6 and got out of the gate a month or so ago.  Damn near gave me a heart attack.  I found him down the sidewalk taking the same walking path that we usually take and almost to the wood line we walk into.

I feel for you man.  I can’t imagine going home and not having my sidekick there waiting for me.

There are dogs, and then I think there is "that one" that you may never have again.

Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: Westy on September 05, 2003, 11:31:17 AM
Sorry to hear that Grim :(

Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: Mini D on September 05, 2003, 12:11:48 PM
Sorry to hear it Grimm.  I just went throught the same thing in October.  Its about the hardest thing I've ever had to do.

MiniD
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: Krusher on September 05, 2003, 12:40:50 PM
sorry to hear that Grim. I still think about dogs I had when I was a kid.
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: Skuzzy on September 05, 2003, 01:05:40 PM
Sorry to hear that Grim.  Hope all goes well for you and your family.
Title: Re: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: Ozark on September 05, 2003, 01:26:49 PM
Quote
They were all barking and jumping around except for one. He just walked up to the front of his cage, sat down and stared at me with the most woeful eyes I had ever seen.

Remember that if you ever rescue a dog from an Animal Rescue Shelter again.

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I'm sure Hoss was thankful for the years of friendship and care you provided.

"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself."
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: Mox on September 05, 2003, 02:14:12 PM
Sorry to hear this Grim :(

2 cats (rescued at different times)
2 dogs (1 rescued and 1 taken in as a pup)

Animals truely know what unconditional love is.
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: Wanker on September 05, 2003, 02:23:02 PM
Dogs touch our lives like no other creature can. Sorry for the loss of Hoss, Grim. But he had a great savior in you, and a great life once you adopted him.

Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: Pfunk on September 05, 2003, 02:26:44 PM
Grim and Hoss

I myself had to go thru this a few weeks ago as some might recall.  My cat perry had to be put under due a hyper thyroid that lead to heart complications and nerve damage.  It was the hardest thing I had to do and I can still see the look on his face as he went under.  I wish I could tell you that it gets better, but I myself am still in misery over losing him.  Keep your head up, and try not to dwell on it, just remember all the love that he gave you, and you gave him.
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: Steve on September 05, 2003, 02:44:55 PM
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: Rude on September 05, 2003, 02:48:38 PM
Steve....

Stand down and leave this thread alone man.
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: LePaul on September 05, 2003, 02:57:40 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Steve
....ya, those people that couldn't control themselves with all their insults and threats of violence really ruined that thread about Perry. Please return to the regularly scheduled thread.


:rolleyes:

Nothing's sacred to Steve.
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: Dune on September 05, 2003, 03:10:12 PM
to Hoss.  I hope he gets all the steak he could eat now.

And I'm sorry for your loss.


:(
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: NUKE on September 05, 2003, 05:01:45 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Rude
Steve....

Stand down and leave this thread alone man.


Steve didn't bring his name into this thread, he has a right to respond.

Besides, Steve's post in the other thread was just an opinion . People jumped on Steve and even threatened him, yet Steve was the only one put on probation..... and  for posting an opinion.

Seems to me the people that threatened Steve ( one with a gun) should have been banned.

IMO if you are going to post personal info on the BB, you better be man enough to handle all the different responses.

for the record, Pfunk edited out the reference to Steve in which Steve was RESPONDING too.
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: DmdMac on September 05, 2003, 05:16:45 PM
My sympathies Grim.  Looks like a friendly, fun dog.
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: Skuzzy on September 05, 2003, 05:20:28 PM
Just because you have an opinion does not mean you have to express it.  There is a right time and a wrong time to express an opinion.

Someone wanting to share a personal experience with the community should not have to be concerned that someone, choosing to show no respect, will come along and violate that post.

If you cannot understand and abide by that, then leave the forums.

GrimCO, my apologies for the interruption.
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: icemaw on September 05, 2003, 05:29:39 PM
Know how you feel grim. I had to put down my little dog after 19 years. I was crying so bad I couldent even go into the room with her. I will never have another dog after her. Sticking to cats they come and go.
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: Pfunk on September 05, 2003, 06:44:45 PM
Quote
Originally posted by NUKE
for the record, Pfunk edited out the reference to Steve in which Steve was RESPONDING too.


Yah.......and?  I did it in respect for Grim and his lost dog.
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: SaburoS on September 05, 2003, 06:59:18 PM
My condolences Grim, Hoss sounded like one in a million. Thanks to you you saved him from the shelter, you saved his life. In return he gave you cherished memories that'll last yours.
~S~!
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: Mark Luper on September 05, 2003, 08:34:07 PM
Grim,
Sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. I too know the feeling and it isn't a good one.

Grim, you and Pfunk both need to get another friend. They will not take the place of the lost ones but beleive me pups and kittens will ease the pain. On top of easing the pain you are bestowing a good loving home to another deserving creature.

Hoss. Vaia con Dios...
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: Halo on September 05, 2003, 09:42:24 PM
Deepest sympathy, GrimCO.  I have a Parsons Jack Russell terrier getting close to 15.  He's starting to show his age, and he has a constant cough from a collapsed trachea, but as long as his overall quality of life seems good, I cherish each day with him.

I hope he eventually passes on in his sleep, but if it has to be at the vet's, I'll try to do my duty as you did.  That has to be one of the most difficult things any person ever has do.
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: vorticon on September 05, 2003, 10:31:01 PM
deepest sypathy...lost a similarily aged cocker spaniel to heart failure in mid july...had him since i was 6 or 7...:(
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: Toad on September 05, 2003, 10:50:58 PM
My condolences, Grimm.  

A friend sent me this when I had to take the terrible step with/for my chocolate lab.

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this -- the last battle -- can't be won.

You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end

And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.

Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;

We've been so close -- we two -- these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

-- Unknown
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: Dago on September 05, 2003, 11:11:56 PM
Grim,

You have my deepest sympathies.  Like yourself and a few others on this board, my family has experienced similar recently.  In late June, our Golden Retriever Sam was diagnosed with cancer, he went downhill very fast and we had to take him in to the Vet, so he wouldn't have to suffer any longer.

This sad event was one of the hardest things I have done, that dog was a great dog, gentle, loved to play, and he was there as a best friend to everyone in my home, including my two sons as they grew up.  

We miss him very much and I still look for him around the house out of habit.

I try now to focus on and be thankful for the great times and love he shared and not dwell on the sad days at the end.  

best wishes,

dago
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: GrimCO on September 07, 2003, 09:37:36 AM
Thanks again guys,

I sure appreciate all the supportive comments. I even feel a little bit better :)

<> and my sympathies to all who have gone through the same thing, I obviously know how it feels. It's a horrible thing to have to go through because dogs become such a part of your family. But a dog goes through it's entire life having never felt sorry for itself. They can lose a leg, and rather than feel sorry for themselves, or be concerned with how they look, they just learn to walk with three legs and keep on wagging their tails. Dogs are amazing creatures.

Sometimes I think we could all learn a lesson or two from them.
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: loser on September 07, 2003, 10:02:57 AM
My deepest condolences Grim.  Hoss sounds like a really nice dog. I'm sure he is thinking of you too.
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: beet1e on September 07, 2003, 04:21:27 PM
Grim! A moving story. These moments are deeply personal, and I can't pretend to know how you feel about losing Hoss. I once had a wonderful cat - Rocky - for 12 years. Rocky was such a character!  Ginger with a white belly and white feet...

You are obviously a natural dog lover, so I hope you will feel better soon, and give consideration to getting another dog. There are so many cats and dogs who need loving homes. Clearly you can provide a wonderful home to a dog. No-one knows that better than Hoss.
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: Ripper29 on September 07, 2003, 05:38:59 PM
A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead. He remembered dying, and that the dog walking beside him had died years ago. He wondered where the road was leading them. after a while, they came to a high white stone wall on one side of the road. it looked like fine marble. at the top of a long hill, it was broken by an arch that glowed in the sun light.  He was standing before it, and he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother of pearl, and the street that led to the gate was pure gold. He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side. when he was close enough.

He called out "Excuse me, where are we?"  

"This is heaven, sir"  The man answered

"Wow!   Would you happen to have some water?" the man asked    

"Of course sir  come right on in.  I will have some ice water brought right up."  the man gestured and the gate began to open.  

"Can my friend (gesturing toward his dog), come in too?"  the traveler asked.  

"I am sorry but we don't accept pets."

The man turned his back toward the gates and continued the way he had been going with his dog.  After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road which led through a farm gate that looked as if it was never closed.  There was no fence. as he approached the gate he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book.

"Excuse me!" he called to the man, "do you have any water?"

"Yeah sure! There's a pump over there." the man pointed to a place that couldn't be seen from outside the gate   "Come on in!"

"Hhow about my friend here?" the traveler gestured to the dog.

"There should be a bowl by the pump." said the man.

They went through the gate and sure enough there was an old fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it.  The traveler filled the bowl and took a long drink himself, then he gave some to the dog.  When they were full he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree waiting for them.  

"What do you call this place?" the traveler asked.

"This is heaven." was the answer.

"Well that's confusing..."  the traveler said  "The man down the road said the same thing."

"Oh, you mean the place  with the gold street and pearly gates? No, that's Hell."

"Doesn't it make you mad  for them to use your name like that."  

"No, but I can see how you might think so, but we're just happy that they screen out the folks who'll leave thier best friends behind."

Hoss
Grim..thanks for sharing that story.  I have also had to have my dog put to sleep when she was too sick to carry on.  I have another dog now, she's pretty good but I'll never forget the other.
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: Bluedog on September 08, 2003, 01:01:26 AM
Quote
Originally posted by GrimCO
Thanks Guys,

I sure do appreciate it. I felt pretty silly for crying over a dog until my wife told me: "A guy will laugh at you for crying over a woman, but never for crying over your dog". She never ceases to amaze me. I'm a lucky man to have her, and a lucky man for having Hoss all those years.


Sorry to hear about your dog Grim, I went through the same thing about two years ago when I had to get my blue Heeler ***** put down due to lymphatic cancer.......I too thought I would be prepared for what I had to do, and I too bawled my eyes out in the vet surgery...dammit, tearin up now just thinkin about it.

Your wife is a very knowledgable woman, who obviously understands some of the stranger aspects of us men, you are indeed a lucky man.
Title: Lost my Dog :(
Post by: Bluedog on September 08, 2003, 01:09:39 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Ripper29
A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead. He remembered dying, and that the dog walking beside him had died years ago. He wondered where the road was leading them. after a while, they came to a high white stone wall on one side of the road. it looked like fine marble. at the top of a long hill, it was broken by an arch that glowed in the sun light.  He was standing before it, and he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother of pearl, and the street that led to the gate was pure gold. He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side. when he was close enough.

He called out "Excuse me, where are we?"  

"This is heaven, sir"  The man answered

"Wow!   Would you happen to have some water?" the man asked    

"Of course sir  come right on in.  I will have some ice water brought right up."  the man gestured and the gate began to open.  

"Can my friend (gesturing toward his dog), come in too?"  the traveler asked.  

"I am sorry but we don't accept pets."

The man turned his back toward the gates and continued the way he had been going with his dog.  After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road which led through a farm gate that looked as if it was never closed.  There was no fence. as he approached the gate he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book.

"Excuse me!" he called to the man, "do you have any water?"

"Yeah sure! There's a pump over there." the man pointed to a place that couldn't be seen from outside the gate   "Come on in!"

"Hhow about my friend here?" the traveler gestured to the dog.

"There should be a bowl by the pump." said the man.

They went through the gate and sure enough there was an old fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it.  The traveler filled the bowl and took a long drink himself, then he gave some to the dog.  When they were full he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree waiting for them.  

"What do you call this place?" the traveler asked.

"This is heaven." was the answer.

"Well that's confusing..."  the traveler said  "The man down the road said the same thing."

"Oh, you mean the place  with the gold street and pearly gates? No, that's Hell."

"Doesn't it make you mad  for them to use your name like that."  

"No, but I can see how you might think so, but we're just happy that they screen out the folks who'll leave thier best friends behind."


Hoss
 


That is simply beautiful man.....thanks for posting it.