Memorialize Your Pet

Lucky
Lucky passed on 1/10/12 at AL Auburn University from a brain tumor. She was a major part of my life, my best friend and constant companion although we only had 3 wonderful years together. I saved her life after she got hit by a car and left to die. She was forever grateful but not as much as I was for the unconditional love she has shown me over the years. I miss her terribly, my heart is heavy and lonely at the moment, my house feels empty without her…but it gives me comfort that she doesn’t have pain anymore and has crossed that Rainbow Bridge where I will meet her again one day. My sister actually just had sent me that poem from  Germany to comfort me, a very reassuring poem. My heart is with everyone who has lost such a beloved friend. Animals truly are pure love!!!
-Christiane

Posted 1/16/12

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Sheeba - "Sheebanator"
10/1/1997 - 11/19/2011



My husband met Sheeba at a shelter in Sacramento, CA while he was volunteering there to work through grief from the loss of his previous dog. Sheeba's attentive eyes, intense play, and gentle nature created a connection that healed his heart and started a whole new companionship. He quickly changed her name from "Fatso" to "Sheeba". Her "always on the alert" nature and fearlessness in any situation earned her the nickname "Sheebanator.  I met Sheeba seven years ago when I met my husband, and she stole my heart before he did but was happy to share it with her dad. Twelve years, a marriage, a cross country relocation, and so many special moments later, Sheeba suddenly went from her playful, attentive, alert self to a panting, confused, dazed dog that seemed like a just shell of our Sheeba. A day later, we learned that she had a glioma (inoperable tumor) in her forebrain that was responsible for her symptoms. A dose of medication to bring down any swelling would tell us if we could buy any more time with her, and it did not work. Two days later, realizing that the 'real' Sheeba was mostly gone already, and learning that her life would only get worse with seizures, pain, and more confusion, we made the heartbreaking decision to say our goodbyes to her before she suffered further.

Nothing can fill the empty space at our feet, on our walks, on our porch, in the yard, in the car, at the door when we leave and come home...and so many other places. There is no escaping the void left behind because if we were home, Sheeba was by our side. Such a complete and unconditional companionship was taken from us in such a short time, so unexpectedly. Aside from some arthritis, she was a healthy, active, playful dog. We are struggling with the reality of it weeks later, still expecting her sweet face to greet us each time we wake up or return home, and feeling like - surely - she should be waking up from her nap any time now.  

They say that loves ones are never truly lost as long as they live on in our memories.  Well, Sheeba, our incredible Sheebanator...that means you are by our side as long as we live. You're here with every crackle of a package you thought would be for you, every shake of the keys you hoped meant a car ride, every game day you 'suited up for' with us, every grocery trip that included a treat for you, every snowfall that you would so happily 'romp around' in, every barbeque you had to taste test, every neighborhood bark that you would answer, every glance at our 'tug of war' spots around the house, every Halloween that you would have spent greeting the visitors that came 'just for you', every sunny day that lights your favorite corner of the porch, every glass of wine that you - the eternal California doggie - would need one tasting of.  We can't reach down and pet you, but we can feel you here in all of the sweet memories we're holding so dear.  We miss you more than words can say, Sheebanator, and we'll never stop loving you. 

Love,
"Mom & Dad" 
Posted 12/10/11

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Sir King Titus
March 7, 2003 - June 26, 2011 

8 years ago you came into our life...tail wagging, ears flopping and balance just a little off. Your liter name was Frank, but your dad and I weren't having that. So with names in mind we decided that once we saw you it would decide what you would be called. Once we held you in our arms with a tight and warm embrace the kisses you gave were amazing and ooooh that lovely puppy breath was such a sweet aroma to our nose. As soon as we saw you run we knew that Titus would be your name, a name in the bible which means "giant and strength" a sure fit for who you would become. A giant you would not be in sight, but who could tell you any different, and strength was right on because that is exactly what you provided through the good, bad and trivial. So into the AKC we submitted your full name so it could be recorded on your family tree, "Sir King Titus" is what it’s going to be. We watched you grow into your body, and become a protector of your house; you melted the hearts of all you met and oh how could we forget that domineering bark. Tonight you were called on to a better place, your heavenly life and the earthly life you knew here is gone.  Although you are physically gone, in our hearts you will always and forever live on. Titus I thank you for giving us 8 of the best years of our lives, you were the best first child any parents could ask for and you will be dearly missed.  May you rest in peace and I know you were greeted at heaven’s doggy door with a “Job well done”.


Love you always,
Mommy and daddy

HEAVEN'S DOGGY-DOOR
My best friend closed his eyes last night,
As his head was in my hand.
The Doctors said he was in pain,
And it was hard for him to stand.

The thoughts that scurried through my head,
As I cradled him in my arms.
Were of his younger, puppy years,
And OH...his many charms.

Today, there was no gentle nudge
With an intense "I love you gaze",
Only a heart that’s filled with tears
Remembering our joy filled days.

But an Angel just appeared to me,
And he said, "You should cry no more,
GOD also loves our canine friends,
HE's installed a 'doggy-door"!

~ Jan Cooper
 
Posted 07/01/11

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Harley was a big dog with a big heart and loads of personality.  When I took my son, Danny, to the pound to find a dog, Harley found him.  Harley ran into the visiting area where Danny sat, jumped into his lap, breaking the chair and sending them both crashing to the ground, where Harley stood on top of him licking his face.  It was love at first sight!  Over the past 9 years, Harley showed us many sides to his character: he was fiercely protective, fun-loving and silly, sweet and gentle.  He smiled to his last breath, on June 4, 2011.  We miss our gentle giant, and will never forget what a wonderful, loving part of our family he has been. 

We'll miss you until we meet again, Handsome Harley.
Kristine and Daniel Lindemulder

Posted June 17, 2011

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Bear
Moma's Precious Boy
10/12/1995 - 5-11-2011
Posted May 12, 2011

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"Socket.....an unusual name for a pet but very fitting for this beautiful fellow. As a four week old kitten, he found his way across a very busy road, into our yard and up into the warm engine of a Ford Club Van. We could hear the tiny "Meows" and finally located him! It required us literally taking the engine apart to get to him and at long last he was free.......but only by the grace of a socket wrench!! The name was perfect! For 14 short years he has been a loyal friend and always welcomed the many strays that we have adopted into our family. He had such a kind and gentle spirit like no other pet we have ever had. Today, September 9, 2010, he passed away in my arms. He loved his family and his passing has left a void in our hearts and we will miss him terribly.
God Bless you, Socket! - R.S.
Posted September 10, 2010

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"This is my Chocolate Lab - Cocoa. She was almost fourteen and she passed away on Monday, July 19. My heart is broken. She was my best friend and companion for fourteen years. There is nothing more special than the unconditional love of a pet. I miss her terribly. I have so many fond memories of her...hopefully that will help me to get through the grieving process." - C.S.
Posted July 28, 2010

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