Dirk, "Our Wonder Dog" You will be missed.

[Avaiojet]

It never fails, every Christmas it's something or someone.

Dirk, our wonder dog of 9+ years has passed.

Dirk will be missed.

[Jim Howell]

.....
Dirk will be missed.

And if others' experiences hold true, and missed for years to come.

My sincere condolences.

[Gene O'Keefe]

Some will say "it's just a dog" - others "that they are like part of your family"  - I agree with the later, sorry for your loss.

[Mike Griffin]

Charles I too have experienced this type of loss and it hurts.  So sorry to hear this. 

Mike

[Bob Reeves]

They become part of the family, just like a kid and it's tough to have to say goodbye. Our girl is 13 and we know her time is short, going to be a very sad day around here when it does come.

Something I found years ago, not sure who the author was.

  

I remember bringing you home.  You were so small and cuddly with your tiny paws and soft fur.

You bounced around the room with eyes flashing and ears flopping.  Once in a while, you’d let out a little yelp just to let me know this was your territory.

Making a mess of the house and chewing on everything in sight became a passion and when I scolded you, you just put your head down and looked up at me with those innocent eyes as if to say:  “I’m sorry, but I’ll do it again as soon as you’re not watching.”

As you got older, you protected me by looking out the window and barking at everyone who walked by.

When I had a tough day at work, you would be waiting for me with your tail wagging just to say “Welcome home.  I missed you.”  You never had a bad day and I could always count on you to be there for me.

When I sat down to read the paper and watch TV, you would hop on my lap looking for attention.  You never asked for anything more than to have me pat your head so you could go to sleep with your head over my leg.

As you got older, you moved around more slowly.  Then one day, old age finally took its toll, and you couldn’t stand on those wobbly legs anymore.  I knelt down and patted you lying there, trying to make you young again.  You just looked up at me as if to say you were old and tired and that after all these years of not asking for anything, you had to ask me to do one last favor.

With tears in my eyes, I drove you one last time to the vet.  One last time you were lying next to me.

For some strange reason you were able to stand up in the animal hospital - perhaps it was your sense of pride.

As the vet led you away, you  stopped for an instant, turned your head and looked at me as if to say: “Thank you for taking care of me.”

[Roger Vizioli]

They become part of the family, just like a kid and it's tough to have to say goodbye. Our girl is 13 and we know her time is short, going to be a very sad day around here when it does come.

Something I found years ago, not sure who the author was.
  

Bob,
Thanks for posting, it is a keeper.
We have often discussed our dogs. I know we share our love for our dogs. We never "think ahead" to that inevitable day when we first bring them into our lives. When they are taken from us, they leave us with memories no one can take from us. give GiGi a special Christmas treat from Brako and me.
Take care, Merry Christmas to you and Pat.

Roger Vizioli

[Garf]

I am not a dog person, but I fully understand how much of a bond a person can develop with an animal and vice versa. We have a cat, our third indoor cat, that is completely bonded to my wife. It scares me a little to know that one day.......... I really don't want to think about it. For now, he is healthy as a horse and the strongest cat we have ever owned. Yet I know that that day will come. Hopefully not for quite some time.

[Crist Rigotti]

Sorry to hear about your loss.  Pets are very special to us.

[tom brightbill]

Sorry Charles,  Every time we loose one of our family we also loose a piece of our hearts. The good news is that we grow that piece back when we bring a new member into the family. Dogs deserve good homes and it's our opportunity to provide that. I'm pretty sure that Dirk would agree.

[Dennis Adamisin]

Charles

So sorry to hear of your loss.  Pets are members of the family - and we are lucky they have us for as long as they do.

[RknRusty]

RIP, Dirk. Sorry, Charles.

Have a great Christmas, everyone.
Rusty

[MarcusCordeiro]

Charles

Sorry....

Marcus

[Will Hinton]

I echo all that has been offered and understand the emptiness and pain that accompanies a loss like this.
I can't remeber who said this, but I surely do agree with it: "One who has never loved an animal has a section of their heart that has never been opened."
We at our house treasure our family members wearing fur coats full time, and love the companionship they give to us.
Be blessed, my friend,
Will

[ChrisSarnowski]

Charles,

Sorry to hear about poor Dirk. My condolences to you and your family. I am sure you have many happy memories of him.

-Chris

[Randy Cuberly]

Charles, sorry to hear about the passing of your friend.  I've had many dog friends over the years and know how it hurts when they pass.  I still remember each and every one and cherish those memories.  I'm sure you do also.

My reaction is to remember them forever and immediately get a new furry friend to help you remember!
It works for me.  Not to forget...never;  but getting a new puppy to love starts a new adventure!   

Randy Cuberly

[john e. holliday]

Charles, sorry to hear of your loss.  Yes a dog does become part of the family as well as cats.   I too have been through a lot of them through the years.  My first was a little female that the mother had too many and pushed her out of the box.  I hand fed her and kept her with me in bed of a night.  Then she took to Dad when I went to school and she loved to ride in the car.  Always down by his feet as Dad never drove.  He used to tell me never make pets of animals but I think dogs were the exception as I could see the tears in his eyes when we would lose one.  I have my Sandy now and a lot of people know her.  I have already said many times when she can't make it out side I will help her and clean up after her.  Right now I am trying to share my affection between her,  Teddy and Prissy.    But, as has been stated,  don't wait too long to get another even though they can't replace the one that was just lost.