In Memory of Pets

It is with great sorrow that I announce the passing of one amazing beloved dog - Riley (Pup-pose). I would feel honored if any readers would care to visit her memorial at

http://www3.sympatico.ca/y_guy/index.htm


Riley passed away during vet-administered euthanasia after suffering a seizure at home. Riley was 16 years old. She was a non-descript breed, but truly a gorgeous, happy, active dog. She will be sorely missed by her Family.

Thank you

Andre

Dear dredna,

I visited Riley's memorial site and my heart was touched by him and your family's love for him. We had to have our dear basset hound Lucy put to sleep last week on Thursday (August 6) and I am in so much pain, I can just not believe it. The pain of losing Lucy has debilitated me....but somehow I know I will come through this. These past few days, a few wonderful people here at this site have helped me deal with all the emotions and fears I am feeling. What is helping me is to share all feelings with others, not just family. I am writing a journal of every memory of my Lucy. You website is just a marvelous tribute.

If posting more and talking will help you, please know there are people here who understand. cw

Dear CWmiller:

Thank you for your kind words and your thoughtful reply. Like you I was devastated by the loss of my wonderful dog. I really believed that I was a strong man, and that I could handle taking Riley to the vets when the time came. I could not believe the pain and emotions I felt. I loved her dearly. I found building the website tribute was very therapeutic. I am very fortunate to have a wonderful family who support each other in a time like this.

Thank you again for your wonderful response.

Dear dredna,

Believe you me, there are those who think that we guys are incapable of feeling the feelings of loss and pain over "just a dog." But my Lucy was "my" dog -- the most kisses and hugs, the most attention to her was from me. This past week has been one of such intense pain and grief I have not been able to breath. It is just now beginning to get a little better.

I've heard that that which does not kill us makes us stronger. I look forward to the day (soon I hope) that I will feel stronger. I wish the same for you.

Wow,

What a beautiful girl and such a lovely life.... such a big part of your family....

Know we understand how you feel and know your pain...

You and your family and dear Riley are in my thoughts and prayers,

Kerry

_________________
Friends of the heart never truly leave us. They are with us always in all ways.

Thank you Kerry from Australia.

We were truly blessed with such a wonderful dog in Riley. We all miss her so much. We are very fortunate to have Riley's successor in Sadie. Riley taught Sadie some great lessons, and she is also a very good girl.

I am honored that you took the time to look at Riley's web site and reply with your kind words.

Thank you so very much.

Andre

Dear Andre,

What an amazing tribute to Riley - she is absolutely, positively lovely!

Please accept my sincerest condolences but how lucky you all were...

I know the beauty of a sixteen year old girl - they're the best; my girl died last July 25th, in her sixteenth year

I hope each day is easier for you and that happy memories of your joyful girl give you and your family comfort in the days to come

zoo

Dear Zoo:

Thank you for your kind words. It is getting better, and talking with all you fine and thoughtful people have made it easier to get through.

As I am sure you are all aware, there is a special bond between us and our pets. There are so many times when I had a bad day, things didn't go right, or I was just really down on life. It would not matter to my Riley. When I walked in the room, she would lite it up. She would make all my problems disappear! I am not telling you anything you don't already know. Each one of you who lost a beloved pet, knows exactly what I am talking about. The void is horrible! It takes a long time to get over that.

Thank everyone who has replyed so far. I really appreciate your kindness and especially taking the time to see what Riley was all about.

Andre

Dear dredna

I loved the picture of your Riley in the swimming pool! Our Lucy bassie fell into our swimming pool by accident last summer. We were all right there and able to help her out. It was so funny! I think she tripped over her ears and in she went. I've heard Bassets can't swim. We never tested that theory. Needless to say, after that we put up a safety fence around our pool!

It's wonderful reading all you wrote about your pup and your family together. and I hope the website is available for a while since I want to read parts of it again. cw

Dear CW

We were all by the pool here just yesterday (whole famdamily!) reminiscing about our pool adventures with dear Riley. She was absolutely the most amazing athletic dog with such a quest for competition.

We were so fortunate to have such a fabulous dog that would keep the kids amused for hours. She was strong, wiry, and full of life.

The web site will remain indefinitely! This is my tribute to the best dog I ever had! (Poor Sadie, she is also a lovely dog and I love her to bits, but she just can't fill Riley's paws.)

Andre

What a sweet, beautiful girl Riley was. I am crying as I think of her loss and your pain.

Char

_________________
There is no greater gift than unconditional love, and my pets have always provided that.

Dear Char:

It's been 3 months now since we lost Riley. Thank you so much for your wonderful words. She really was a spectacular and sweet pet. We placed a Soccer ball on her grave a few weeks back, in memory of her incredible spirit and energy. I still miss her dearly. I consider myself extreamly blessed to be her master, friend, and human daddy. I was the top dog to her, but it was quite the other way around. She was the top dog, she just did not know it. Well, Riley, now you know!!!!!

Thanks again Char - Bless you for helping me remember!!!

Dredna

Your story of Riley was a beautiful one. It's amazing how these furry friends become so deeply ingrained into the fabric of our lives - they mean everything! We lost our beloved Maizy on October 30, also a euthanasia for her since she was 15 and just very tired and not enjoying life anymore. For the week before, I imagined the moment and how devastating it would be even though I tried so hard to use those last days to show her how much I loved her. She already knew, but I think it was the beginning of my grief and healing. Tomorrow I am picking up her ashes and I'm looking forward to bringing her home. Best to you and your family, including Sadie. Riley is smiling on you all, I'm sure. Plus there are plenty of swimming holes and tennis balls where she is!!

Pattik:

You must be heartbroken. I remember how devastating it was for my wife and I to get over the first couple of weeks. It was really depressing, even with another dog and many cats to keep us company. I think that so many things in our lives are tied to the care and love of our pets. All the important moments are there. For us it was watching our kids grow up. No matter what happens, good and bad, they are there for us, and never judge or care what's happening. Their UNCONDITIONAL LOVE is always there. How can you not feel such love and adoration toward our pets.

I am so sorry to hear that you had to endure this pain. It does eventually fade. I think so many times I am afraid I will forget her. Building the web site was so therapeutic. Something else we did really helped. We put up a bulletin board in the den and made a collage of pictures of all our animals, past and present. This really helped us get through this difficult time and remember all the lovely pets we have and had.

Our thoughts are with you and your family.

Derdna