UKC

My Springer Spaniel Benji, died yesterday. My life seems so empty.
http://seansmountaincamera.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/rip-benji.html#!/2015/12/...

In reply to Sean Kelly:

So sorry.

In reply to Sean Kelly:

Sorry to hear that. Hard thing to deal with, the death of a beloved pet.

In reply to Sean Kelly:

I am sorry to read that, but thanks for posting the photos of Benji. He looks so happy and that's how you will remember him.

In reply to Sean Kelly:
It's a hard one to handle isn't it.

Memories of posting on here years ago in the early hours of the morning fairly drunk, knowing that I had to take a very old and suffering Cindy to the vets the next day to be put to sleep.

Think happy thoughts mate. All the best.

Lovely photos. An obviously happy, loved and well cared for friend.

In reply to Sean Kelly:

A tough time, sorry for your loss. He looks to have been a characterful soul.

RIP Benji

In reply to Sean Kelly:

What a lovely dog.
Hugs.

In reply to Sean Kelly:

So sorry, it's the rubbish part of sharing some of your life with a doggie.

Think of all those great days out with him and smile.

RIP Benji.

In reply to Sean Kelly:

I feel for you Sean, dogs are more than just dogs aren't they?

Platitudes seem so trite but I'm sure you gave Benji the most wonderful life and I hope in time you'll take comfort in that and smile at the memories of your time together.

Man hug

In reply to Sean Kelly:

I believe when a pet passes away it deliberately leaves a hole in your heart hoping that you will eventually find a new pet , and you will both fill the space with love.

In reply to Sean Kelly:

Having lost one dog a few years ago & looking after the remaining old fading pooch I feel for you. There isn't an easy answer is there? Remember the good times but it's OK to shed a few tears. We're too old now to get another dog so there's going to be a big hole in our life as there must be in yours.

In reply to Sean Kelly:

The circle of life.

In reply to Sean Kelly:

Your dog looks so happy in the pictures you've shared, like he was well loved and connected with.

I think this poem sums it up quite nicely/poignantly. All the best.

THERE is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.
Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet's unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find - it's your own affair, -
But ... you've given your heart to a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!),
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone - wherever it goes - for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear!

We've sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent,
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve;
For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-time loan is as bad as a long -
So why in - Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

In reply to Sean Kelly:
looks a life enjoyed and so much to celebrate. A much loved life to have had on both sides. Which is probably no consolation!

In reply to Sean Kelly:

Sorry to hear your dog has died.

In reply to Sean Kelly:

So sorry Sean. Big hugs from all your brothers and sisters in the KMC up north.
Andy

In reply to Sean Kelly:

Heartfelt sympathies. A dog becomes so many things: friend, brother, companion, partner. Part of you and your everyday life, a source of love, comfort, laughter and joy.

In reply to Sean Kelly: Thats one happy looking dog,its terrible when they have to leave us,take it easy mate.

In reply to Sean Kelly:

I'm so sorry for your loss, but it looks like you gave each other 13 years full of joy and fun times! What greater gift could you have given him than a life full of happiness?

In reply to Sean Kelly:

I feel your pain, I lost a border collie after 16 years of faithful service and it tears a hole right through you. Rest assured that as an outdoors enthusiast your dog had the best life imaginable and if they could speak to us they'd tell us. Such a contrast to the springer next door to me, it never gets excercised past the garden gate and thats criminal. Well done to you, a quality job as custodian of such a fine pet.

In reply to Alan Breck:

We felt like you when we had to let our last collie go. We felt too old for a new young dog. But we decided to foster a dog and have had 3 so far. We fostered for a local rescue centre and had old dogs that no one wanted to take on and gave them a good few months of love and comfort before they had to be put to sleep It is rewarding to give them their last few years or months of security and love when they could have languished in kennels Please consider this when you feel better.

In reply to joan cooper:

Yep thought many times about fostering. We basically decided that the pain of either a dog dying or having to be put down was really more than we could handle. We don't go to our local "pound" any more as it's just too sad. Usually leave food or whatever at the gate and run.

There are a lot of kind, caring people out there & it's good to know that it worked for you.

Probably doesn't help the OP though.

In reply to Sean Kelly:

Sorry to hear that Sean, he's a handsome happy looking dog. When the pain fades you'll still have the happy memories.
jk

In reply to Sean Kelly:

Thanks for all the kind comments on here. Despite what others might think, it does ease the pain of loss.
Coincidently, there was an article by Bel Mooney in the Mail on Saturday about the loss of her own dog. Everytime I'm out walking now, I imagine he's at my side joining in the walk. I'll never forget him.

In reply to Sean Kelly:

so sorry to hear this. I lost my old dog earlier this year, and a friend had hers put down earlier this week. They are little sods for breaking your heart.