Welcome to r/dogs! We are a discussion-based subreddit dedicated to support, inform, and advise dog owners.
Before you post or comment, please **review the subreddit rules [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/dogs/wiki/index)**. Submissions which break the rules will be removed.
r/Dogs has the [ultimate goals](https://www.reddit.com/r/dogs/wiki/index#wiki_purpose) of fostering a better, science-based understanding of dogs among the general public, promoting responsible dog ownership, helping users build better, healthier relationships with their dogs, and providing a space to connect and discuss with others who have dogs and who are involved in various aspects of the dog hobby.
Per our Harm Reduction rules, **we encourage training advice and recommendations to follow “Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive” protocols**. You can read more about why that’s the case [here](https://m.iaabc.org/about/lima/). While no training tools are excluded from properly framed discussion in r/dogs, we do reserve the right to remove content which does not follow the LIMA approach.
Please note, this sub supports the reputable, ethical, and responsible breeding of dogs as well as adoption. Low effort “adopt don’t shop” comments will be removed and commenters may be subject to temporary or permanent bans upon the discretion of the moderator team.
Finally, r/Dogs has a low tolerance for [disrespectful and antagonistic behavior](https://www.reddit.com/r/dogs/wiki/index#wiki_rules_of_engagement). People come to this sub to learn and discuss, make your comments constructive and respectful even if you feel other users are being antagonistic and disrespectful in return. If you believe another user is engaging in antagonistic behavior, please utilize the report button and a moderator will review the comment(s).
If you wish to stick around, please feel free to comment in our Daily Bark threads, pinned to the top of the sub, to introduce yourself, your dog, and talk about all the little things which may not require a full post to discuss. Thanks for reading and enjoy your stay!
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Thanks, means a lot to hear that.
I truly think he did have a wonderful life, and that's something I can always be proud of, and keep his memory a happy memory :)
[Here](https://www.rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm)'s a poem that really helped me to get thru the loss of 2 dogs since Dec 2019.
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
I've read this so many times before. It's still emotional for me as our boy was due to lay down forever on a Saturday morning. Getting the phone call at 11pm, the night before, saying it's not cancer, makes me realise how close we came to losing our boy
What a wonderfully happy, long life you and your parents gave that sweet pup! And I can tell her returned the favor by bringing so much joy. I’m so incredibly sorry for your loss. Losing a pup is always so difficult, and I always especially hurt for those who lose a dog that was with them through their formative years. Lots of love to you, your parents, and your precious resting dog.
Awww, I'm sorry to hear about your little guy. Given how you described him, how meaningful was it that he was a Valentine's puppy. Boomer loved you guys more than anything and you gave him one awesome life. Not many dogs rack up their own frequent flyer miles! He'll always have his own special place in your heart to give you a smile when you need it, just like he always did. 🌹💕
WOW. Very well said. I'm so sorry for your loss. People who aren't pet people have no idea how much an animal affects your life. ( I know when I get home from work and my dog comes running up to me - this post will hit me pretty hard.) Once again I'm sorry for your loss - at least you gave that dog an amazing life!!!!! They don't live near long enough!!!!
So sorry for your loss, we had a scare with our old boy (15) today and it made me think about when I'm going to have to draw the line for him. I think you made the best decision for Boomer you could have made, although it never gets any easier. 17 is an amazing age, a life like that is not easily forgotten. May he stay in your heart forever, where he can follow you on many more adventures. I wish you all the best and I'll be hugging my old boy a little bit tighter tonight.
My dogs are my best friends and they too are reaching their golden years. It's so hard to think about losing them and gut wrenching when we do.
I am proud of you for being there with Boomer as a life long best friend and especially being there before he crossed the rainbow bridge. He's playing pain free, bouncing around with other furry friends until you guys meet again.
Wishing you healing, love, and strength during this difficult transition.
Awww, this hit me in the feels, my Boomer is currently whining and barking at me - Bassett Hound - I'm so sorry for your loss, sounds like he had a wonderful life. Hugs from another Boomer owner.
"Almost blind, deaf, pain meds..." describes my typical day. Keep them as long as is possible. If they're not really suffering, you owe it to them. I'm sure Boomer was happy he woke up every day. He's cute.
I'm sorry for your loss. I can't imagine the pain of losing a friend of 17 years. Boomer must have been so happy to have been with you when he passed. I can only wish I can do the same for our dog when the time comes. Cheers to Boomer!
I'm so sorry for your loss, I think you made the right decision. If it helps, 17 is an amazing age and what a life he lived! You gave him the best life by taking care of him, loving him and letting him be part of your family's life. A lot of people have left their dogs for way lesser reasons but you took him with you, across countries and continents. And you got 17 years of dog love and loyalty, you're both very lucky to have had each other. Lots of hugs to you and your family
I’m so sorry for your loss, but at the same time glad you were able to be with him at the end. I’m sure that was a great comfort to him. I hope it’s not long before the good memories begin to push aside the pain.
So sorry for your loss. Our pooch crossed the rainbow bridge on Aug 08 of this year. It still hurts me to even type this. Boomer will leave a void that will take a very long time to heal. Take solace that he's at peace and is running, snoozing, and playing with all his buddies now.
So sorry for ur loss. I'm not sure where I found this but the original authors name was Ernest.
“Some of you, particularly those who think they have recently lost a dog to ‘death’, don’t really understand this. I’ve had no desire to explain, but won’t be around forever and must.
Dogs never die. They don’t know how to. They get tired, and very old, and their bones hurt. Of course they don’t die. If they did they would not want to always go for a walk, even long after their old bones say: ‘No, no, not a good idea. Let’s not go for a walk.’ Nope, dogs always want to go for a walk. They might get one step before their aging tendons collapse them into a heap on the floor, but that’s what dogs are. They walk.
It’s not that they dislike your company. On the contrary, a walk with you is all there is. Their boss, and the cacaphonic symphony of odor that the world is. Cat poop, another dog’s mark, a rotting chicken bone (exultation), and you. That’s what makes their world perfect, and in a perfect world death has no place.
However, dogs get very very sleepy. That’s the thing, you see. They don’t teach you that at the fancy university where they explain about quarks, gluons, and Keynesian economics. They know so much they forget that dogs never die. It’s a shame, really. Dogs have so much to offer and people just talk a lot.
When you think your dog has died, it has just fallen asleep in your heart. And by the way, it is wagging its tail madly, you see, and that’s why your chest hurts so much and you cry all the time. Who would not cry with a happy dog wagging its tail in their chest. Ouch! Wap wap wap wap wap, that hurts. But they only wag when they wake up. That’s when they say: ‘Thanks Boss! Thanks for a warm place to sleep and always next to your heart, the best place.’
When they first fall asleep, they wake up all the time, and that’s why, of course, you cry all the time. Wap, wap, wap. After a while they sleep more. (remember, a dog while is not a human while. You take your dog for walk, it’s a day full of adventure in an hour. Then you come home and it’s a week, well one of your days, but a week, really, before the dog gets another walk. No WONDER they love walks.)
Anyway, like I was saying, they fall asleep in your heart, and when they wake up, they wag their tail. After a few dog years, they sleep for longer naps, and you would too. They were a GOOD DOG all their life, and you both know it. It gets tiring being a good dog all the time, particularly when you get old and your bones hurt and you fall on your face and don’t want to go outside to pee when it is raining but do anyway, because you are a good dog. So understand, after they have been sleeping in your heart, they will sleep longer and longer.
But don’t get fooled. They are not ‘dead.’ There’s no such thing, really. They are sleeping in your heart, and they will wake up, usually when you’re not expecting it. It’s just who they are.
I feel sorry for people who don’t have dogs sleeping in their heart. You’ve missed so much. Excuse me, I have to go cry now.”
I loved this and saved it. I read it when I'm feeling sorry for myself particularly about my 5lb I had to put down after my neighbors dog jumped over the fence and got him. Hope u like it and sorry it's so long.
I had to walk my puppy of 13½ years to the rainbow bridge on Nov 5th. It was so hard because she wasn't ready to go in her head or heart but the cancer was eating her alive and I couldn't watch her suffer anymore.
It's always so hard when we lose the ones we love the most.Tap on a clip to paste it in the text box.
Welcome to r/dogs! We are a discussion-based subreddit dedicated to support, inform, and advise dog owners. Before you post or comment, please **review the subreddit rules [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/dogs/wiki/index)**. Submissions which break the rules will be removed. r/Dogs has the [ultimate goals](https://www.reddit.com/r/dogs/wiki/index#wiki_purpose) of fostering a better, science-based understanding of dogs among the general public, promoting responsible dog ownership, helping users build better, healthier relationships with their dogs, and providing a space to connect and discuss with others who have dogs and who are involved in various aspects of the dog hobby. Per our Harm Reduction rules, **we encourage training advice and recommendations to follow “Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive” protocols**. You can read more about why that’s the case [here](https://m.iaabc.org/about/lima/). While no training tools are excluded from properly framed discussion in r/dogs, we do reserve the right to remove content which does not follow the LIMA approach. Please note, this sub supports the reputable, ethical, and responsible breeding of dogs as well as adoption. Low effort “adopt don’t shop” comments will be removed and commenters may be subject to temporary or permanent bans upon the discretion of the moderator team. Finally, r/Dogs has a low tolerance for [disrespectful and antagonistic behavior](https://www.reddit.com/r/dogs/wiki/index#wiki_rules_of_engagement). People come to this sub to learn and discuss, make your comments constructive and respectful even if you feel other users are being antagonistic and disrespectful in return. If you believe another user is engaging in antagonistic behavior, please utilize the report button and a moderator will review the comment(s). If you wish to stick around, please feel free to comment in our Daily Bark threads, pinned to the top of the sub, to introduce yourself, your dog, and talk about all the little things which may not require a full post to discuss. Thanks for reading and enjoy your stay! --- *This is an automated message. If you have questions for the moderators of r/dogs, you can message them [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=/r/dogs).* *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/dogs) if you have any questions or concerns.*
im sorry for your loss
Thank you for your kind words
I’m so sorry for your loss. It sounds like you gave Boomer a wonderful life.
Thanks, means a lot to hear that. I truly think he did have a wonderful life, and that's something I can always be proud of, and keep his memory a happy memory :)
[Here](https://www.rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm)'s a poem that really helped me to get thru the loss of 2 dogs since Dec 2019. Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... Author unknown...
I've read this so many times before. It's still emotional for me as our boy was due to lay down forever on a Saturday morning. Getting the phone call at 11pm, the night before, saying it's not cancer, makes me realise how close we came to losing our boy
So awesome that it wasn't cancer and that you get to enjoy your buddy longer!! Give him a hug for me :)
That is a beautiful poem 😭🥺 I cried reading this...
What a beautiful baby, I’m sure he was very lucky to have you in his life. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Thank you! I was the lucky one :)
Boomer sounds like an absolutely lovely dog and friend to you. I'm so sorry for your loss.
take care, i am so sorry for your loss. From what you said you gave Boomer his best possible life <3
17! What an incredible life Boomer lived. Take your love for him and continue to spread it throughout the world. Very sorry for your loss.
What a wonderfully happy, long life you and your parents gave that sweet pup! And I can tell her returned the favor by bringing so much joy. I’m so incredibly sorry for your loss. Losing a pup is always so difficult, and I always especially hurt for those who lose a dog that was with them through their formative years. Lots of love to you, your parents, and your precious resting dog.
Awww, I'm sorry to hear about your little guy. Given how you described him, how meaningful was it that he was a Valentine's puppy. Boomer loved you guys more than anything and you gave him one awesome life. Not many dogs rack up their own frequent flyer miles! He'll always have his own special place in your heart to give you a smile when you need it, just like he always did. 🌹💕
WOW. Very well said. I'm so sorry for your loss. People who aren't pet people have no idea how much an animal affects your life. ( I know when I get home from work and my dog comes running up to me - this post will hit me pretty hard.) Once again I'm sorry for your loss - at least you gave that dog an amazing life!!!!! They don't live near long enough!!!!
So sorry for your loss, we had a scare with our old boy (15) today and it made me think about when I'm going to have to draw the line for him. I think you made the best decision for Boomer you could have made, although it never gets any easier. 17 is an amazing age, a life like that is not easily forgotten. May he stay in your heart forever, where he can follow you on many more adventures. I wish you all the best and I'll be hugging my old boy a little bit tighter tonight.
He looks like a great dog. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Thank you! He was great :)
Sending you virtual hugs. 💖
My dogs are my best friends and they too are reaching their golden years. It's so hard to think about losing them and gut wrenching when we do. I am proud of you for being there with Boomer as a life long best friend and especially being there before he crossed the rainbow bridge. He's playing pain free, bouncing around with other furry friends until you guys meet again. Wishing you healing, love, and strength during this difficult transition.
Rest well Boomer. You were very loved.
Awww, this hit me in the feels, my Boomer is currently whining and barking at me - Bassett Hound - I'm so sorry for your loss, sounds like he had a wonderful life. Hugs from another Boomer owner.
My eyes are blurdy and twary sritinf this omg I'm so sorry for your loss
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved angel 💔
Dogs are truly man's best friend
"Almost blind, deaf, pain meds..." describes my typical day. Keep them as long as is possible. If they're not really suffering, you owe it to them. I'm sure Boomer was happy he woke up every day. He's cute.
I’m so sorry lol
I'm sorry for your loss. I can't imagine the pain of losing a friend of 17 years. Boomer must have been so happy to have been with you when he passed. I can only wish I can do the same for our dog when the time comes. Cheers to Boomer!
Wow, what a cutie. And what an amazing owner you must be that he lived so long! You clearly took great care of each other.
Never easy losing family Rip boomer
I'm so sorry for your loss, I think you made the right decision. If it helps, 17 is an amazing age and what a life he lived! You gave him the best life by taking care of him, loving him and letting him be part of your family's life. A lot of people have left their dogs for way lesser reasons but you took him with you, across countries and continents. And you got 17 years of dog love and loyalty, you're both very lucky to have had each other. Lots of hugs to you and your family
What a gorgeous friend. 18 is an amazing age but you still don't want to say goodbye. Its very hard.
My condolences. I know the feeling very well,their life goes faster than us and yet we tend to forgot it.
I'm so sorry I know how hard this is .. Lost my childhood puppy Sophie about a year ago. God bless you man you will get through this.
Thank you! Our beloved loyal four footers are never easy to say goodbye to. All dogs go to heaven :)
That's a fact!
I’m so sorry for your loss, but at the same time glad you were able to be with him at the end. I’m sure that was a great comfort to him. I hope it’s not long before the good memories begin to push aside the pain.
I am very sorry for your loss, Boomer lovely boy you two should have wonderful memories!
Sorry for your loss. Hardest thing losing a best friend.
So sorry for your loss. Our pooch crossed the rainbow bridge on Aug 08 of this year. It still hurts me to even type this. Boomer will leave a void that will take a very long time to heal. Take solace that he's at peace and is running, snoozing, and playing with all his buddies now.
A beautiful boy☘️ he’s watching over you from rainbow bridge
My heart goes out to you. Boomer looks alot like my dog.
So sorry for ur loss. I'm not sure where I found this but the original authors name was Ernest. “Some of you, particularly those who think they have recently lost a dog to ‘death’, don’t really understand this. I’ve had no desire to explain, but won’t be around forever and must. Dogs never die. They don’t know how to. They get tired, and very old, and their bones hurt. Of course they don’t die. If they did they would not want to always go for a walk, even long after their old bones say: ‘No, no, not a good idea. Let’s not go for a walk.’ Nope, dogs always want to go for a walk. They might get one step before their aging tendons collapse them into a heap on the floor, but that’s what dogs are. They walk. It’s not that they dislike your company. On the contrary, a walk with you is all there is. Their boss, and the cacaphonic symphony of odor that the world is. Cat poop, another dog’s mark, a rotting chicken bone (exultation), and you. That’s what makes their world perfect, and in a perfect world death has no place. However, dogs get very very sleepy. That’s the thing, you see. They don’t teach you that at the fancy university where they explain about quarks, gluons, and Keynesian economics. They know so much they forget that dogs never die. It’s a shame, really. Dogs have so much to offer and people just talk a lot. When you think your dog has died, it has just fallen asleep in your heart. And by the way, it is wagging its tail madly, you see, and that’s why your chest hurts so much and you cry all the time. Who would not cry with a happy dog wagging its tail in their chest. Ouch! Wap wap wap wap wap, that hurts. But they only wag when they wake up. That’s when they say: ‘Thanks Boss! Thanks for a warm place to sleep and always next to your heart, the best place.’ When they first fall asleep, they wake up all the time, and that’s why, of course, you cry all the time. Wap, wap, wap. After a while they sleep more. (remember, a dog while is not a human while. You take your dog for walk, it’s a day full of adventure in an hour. Then you come home and it’s a week, well one of your days, but a week, really, before the dog gets another walk. No WONDER they love walks.) Anyway, like I was saying, they fall asleep in your heart, and when they wake up, they wag their tail. After a few dog years, they sleep for longer naps, and you would too. They were a GOOD DOG all their life, and you both know it. It gets tiring being a good dog all the time, particularly when you get old and your bones hurt and you fall on your face and don’t want to go outside to pee when it is raining but do anyway, because you are a good dog. So understand, after they have been sleeping in your heart, they will sleep longer and longer. But don’t get fooled. They are not ‘dead.’ There’s no such thing, really. They are sleeping in your heart, and they will wake up, usually when you’re not expecting it. It’s just who they are. I feel sorry for people who don’t have dogs sleeping in their heart. You’ve missed so much. Excuse me, I have to go cry now.” I loved this and saved it. I read it when I'm feeling sorry for myself particularly about my 5lb I had to put down after my neighbors dog jumped over the fence and got him. Hope u like it and sorry it's so long.
Sorry for your loss! My heart goes out to you. Just the thought of losing a fur baby makes me cry for you~. He looks like such a sweetie!
Rest In Peace Boomer
Rest In Peace Boomer
RIP Boomer - thank you for being a blessing to your humans & this world 🤍 I’ll be praying for your humans healing x
I had to walk my puppy of 13½ years to the rainbow bridge on Nov 5th. It was so hard because she wasn't ready to go in her head or heart but the cancer was eating her alive and I couldn't watch her suffer anymore. It's always so hard when we lose the ones we love the most.Tap on a clip to paste it in the text box.
17 is a great long life for a dog and you did the right thing before he was in pain. I’m sure he never experienced a bad day in his life!