Yesterday I lost my beloved dog Bristol......Mommy loves you.

[Nevilledog]

November 5th started out as one of the happiest days I can remember in my life. It ended as one of the saddest.

I lost one of my best friends, my beloved dog Bristol. We think he was about 12. You see, we really don’t know because one snowy morning when I walked out on our back deck there was this little brown dog sitting there, somehow he got into our fenced backyard although we never figured out how. We had 3 other dogs at the time and were not looking for another dog. He was a quiet, friendly little guy and he instantly fell in love with Millie, our Springer Spaniel. We posted signs with pictures around our neighborhood, but nobody ever called. After a couple weeks a friend of mine wanted to adopt this little brown dog…he figured he’d be a great chick magnet. With a sad heart I watched Glenn take the little brown dog away.

Within a week the little brown dog was back. It seemed that the little brown dog didn’t want to be away from us and although we never saw any behavior issues in the initial time he spent with us he basically destroyed Glenn’s house and yard….including tearing up all the newly landscaped plants…LOL The little brown dog came home.

I gotta tell you, I wasn’t at all sad to have the little brown dog back. It seemed like fate…we decided it wasn’t a big deal to add one more furball to the family. So we needed to decide on a name. After much debate, we decided to name the little brown dog Bristol. Why? Well, we were big NASCAR fans and Bristol is a round short-track…and the little brown dog was short and round…viola! Bristol was his name-o!

The next twelve years with my little brown dog were never boring….lots of joy with bits of sadness thrown in. And lots of laughter….lots. I remember so clearly the year we packed all 4 dogs into the Cherokee and motored to Albuquerque to spend Christmas with my family. After a big dinner all of us ended up in the den overdosed on turkey. A short time later we heard a “thunk” from the kitchen and saw a shadowy figure run down the hallway dragging something. We went to investigate and there was Bristol with the WHOLE turkey carcass looking like he’d just won the lottery.

Many years passed, we lost our oldest dog Gibson to cancer. We were down to 3 furballs. Then, 3 years ago, Millie suddenly died from what the vets think was a tumor in her stomach that ruptured. She was sick for one day and she passed quietly in my arms. We were down to 2 furballs. Bristol and Neville.

The funny thing is, I never thought Neville would be our last furball. He’s an Old English Sheepdog and he’s going on 16. Neville is an oddity. I got him from the pound when he was 8 months old and I’m pretty sure the people who had him either gave him drugs or dropped him on his head….needless to say, he’s our special needs kid. Sweet as can be, but dumb as a box of rocks and not a mean bone in his body….but he’s old, and arthritic and as loved as any dog has ever been loved. But he’s not Bristol. Neville is in his own world…and it’s a happy world. After a hard day we often note that we’d like to spend a couple of days in Nevilleland because it seems like an awfully nice place to be.

Bristol, on the other hand, has always been attached to me…like static cling. For 12 years I’ve never walked 2 feet without Bristol next to me. Heck, I don’t think I’ve peed alone for 12 years….but that’s probably TMI. He was a lover…and he was loved in return.

Yesterday started off gloriously. After a peaceful night of sleep like I haven’t experienced for years I got up ready to enjoy a day off to celebrate Obama’s victory. The whole day was ordinary to the extreme. Reading DU, doing some laundry. Just a nice relaxing day. Then tragedy. About 4 p.m. I walked downstairs with Bristol at my side to hang up some laundry. Everything was fine. A moment later I heard a thump and walked into the den to see that Bristol was staggering. I picked him up so he didn’t stumble down the stairs into the den and he went limp. I had just gotten out of the shower and was in a robe so I immediately called my husband who works less than half a mile from home. “Come home…something’s wrong with Bristol.” Bristol was breathing, and looking at me…he was calm, not struggling, but I noticed that the pupil in one of his eyes was totally dilated and the other eye’s pupil was a mere pinprick. I called the vet and let them know we’d be there in a couple minutes and described what was happening. I laid Bristol’s head in my lap, caressed his face, kissed him and told him Mommy loved him….I loved him. Don’t be afraid little brown dog, Mommy loves you.

My husband gently lifted Bristol up and raced to the vet, 3 miles from our home. He stopped breathing in the car and the vet couldn’t revive him. My little brown dog was gone. The vet thinks it was a stroke or a brain aneurysm. It happened so fast.

Today is the first day without my little brown dog. Without my shadow. My heart hurts…it literally aches. I miss you, my little brown dog. Mommy loves you.

[SammyWinstonJack]

1. I am so sorry.

:cry: :hug:

[Nevilledog]

14. Thank you.

:hug:

[Inchworm]

2. A wonderful memorial to your friend

He was lucky to have you and you guys were lucky he chose you.

You are in my thoughts.

:hug:

[Nevilledog]

15. Thank you.

I really want to personally thank each person who has taken the time to read. It's really helping me to express my emotions.

:hug:

[cwydro]

3. So sorry.for your loss.

I usually never open these type threads, because they make me so sad.

But that was a wonderful tribute to your little brown dog.

I have a 13 year old brown dog and an 8 year old black dog. I feel your sadness, but know you have a little brown angel watching over you now.:hug:

[Nevilledog]

16. It's like I can still feel him by my feet.

We're blessed to be loved by our furbabies.

:hug:

[cwydro]

26. Yes we are.

I still remember my last two big goofballs. Both lived to 15.

I feel sure they will greet me one day when I cross that bridge.

[SammyWinstonJack]

78. I have four fur babies and they are my babies and dread the day I lose any of them.

I had to let my Abby go 2 yrs ago, she had a stroke and she couldn't walk. I took her to the vet and nothing could be done and I had let her go. It was the hardest thing I have ever done, so I know what you went through. :hug: Abby was 11 yrs.

[Nevilledog]

87. There's no way you can prepare for it...

just treasure the time you have. And you did the right thing by letting Abby go, even though it was so painful. I think many people keep their animals around long after they have lost any meaningful quality of life just because it is so painful, but once you realize you're prolonging their suffering because YOU can't let go, you'll do the right thing.

[BarenakedLady]

4. I'm so very sorry.

:hug:

[Nevilledog]

17. Thanks.

:hug:

[wartrace]

5. I am so sorry for your loss.

I am tearing up reading your story, it is so touching. I can relate to the never using the restroom alone thing, I usually have an audience of two or three dogs, sometimes up to six. They seem to think that is my "petting chair".
Bristol will be waiting for you at the bridge Nevilledog.:cry:


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rainbow Bridge

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 vigour; 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...

[Nevilledog]

18. I love the Rainbow bridge verse.

Thank you. :hug:

[blueraven95]

6. ...

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[Nevilledog]

19. ...

:hug:

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

7. How sad - I am crying for you

What a beautiful tribute to a beloved dog. RIP Bristol. :cry: :hug:

[Nevilledog]

20. Thank you.

:hug:

[Nevilledog]

8. Thanks for taking the time to read this, everyone

I hadn't cried until I wrote this...now I can't stop, but it's cathartic.

Is his picture showing up in the OP? I just wanted people to see how beautiful he was.

[Inchworm]

9. Yes it is there

and he is most beautiful.

:hug:

[Nevilledog]

11. I wasn't sure because it was a .png file.

That photo is my favorite of him, but obviously I've messed with the colors and background a bit. He's much more the color of a deer, that kind of dusky brown, and he has a curly tail. I know I call him little but he was around 50 lbs.


I really can't tell you how good it feels to just babble about him. My husband is really shook up so I don't want to upset him more by my babbling. I'm glad I got to share even a little piece of him with someone new.

[Maraya1969]

10. I'm so sorry. It is so hard to loose a fur baby

That Thanksgiving day story made me laugh and it reminded me of my late dog Dewey who would have done such a thing.

Peace be with you are know that you'll see him again on the other side of the rainbow.

:hug:

[Nevilledog]

21. Thank you.

:hug:

[malta blue]

12. I am so sorry for your loss

:hug::hug:

I lost my beloved Luna dog of 15 years in June. I really do know how you feel right now.

:hug::hug::hug:

[Nevilledog]

22. I'm so sorry about Luna.

They really are family. Most of us like them better than family now that I think about it.
I think we're lucky they are willing to love us back.

[mikeytherat]

13. I feel your pain, I really do.

I lost my Little Man Tate just two weeks ago. It started as any normal day, and ended up horribly. We are pretty sure it was an aneurysm or major cardiac event as he went fast and suddenly. He was only seven.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=8178771

:hug:

mikey_the_rat

[Nevilledog]

24. Oh, Mikey...I missed that thread...I am so sorry about Little Man Tate.

It really does sound like we experienced almost the same thing. Just outta nowhere...Blammo. I guess it's how I'd like to go if I got the choice, but that doesn't make it hurt any less right now.


:hug: :hug: :hug:

[mikeytherat]

37. The first few days are the worst,

but each day is a little better. The sudden passing is so hard but, they were exactly as you would want them to be right up to the very end - playing, happy and loved. You're right, it's not so bad a way to go, but the sudden hurt it causes, well, you know that part...

When you're ready, remember: as a door is shut, a window is opened. It may seem too soon but, you never know what life brings. Each of our three cats was a rather interesting and memorable rescue or feral, and another interesting rescue ("Whiskers") has just come across our path today. Perhaps Whiskers is a kindred spirit of Tate's that needed a home; he sure seems like it. We find out tomorrow morning.

:hug:

mikey_the_rat

[Nevilledog]

40. You're right...each day will get better.

And I'm so excited about your new rescue...may your time together be long and full of joy. I think we will end up getting another dog, but it just wouldn't be fair to Neville right now. He really can't be around unknown and certainly younger dogs because of his physical condition. He either wants to play so much that he ends up hurting himself, or if he's not feeling well he doesn't really tolerate being pestered. Bristol and Neville had been together forever and they had things worked out.

....but you never know. None of my dogs were really planned additions. Gibson was on his way to the pound, belonging to the people who lived in the apt. below mine....I grabbed him quick. Neville was more planned as he came from the Human Society. Millie was just a little puppy playing in the grass by the courthouse and when I stopped to mention how cute she was the kids told me that her owners had moved and they didn't know what to do with her...she came home with me....and last, but not least, Bristol broke into our back yard. You're right though, who knows what tomorrow may bring?

[rvablue]

23. So sorry for your loss and thank you for taking the time to write this all down. Very touching!

[Nevilledog]

25. It's really helping me deal with this.

I know I can't let my hubby read this for awhile....he will absolutely LOSE it. He the big tough guy but it's all a facade. He really loved and was loved by Bristol too.

Thank you for taking the time to read my ramblings.

:hug:

[hamsterjill]

27. My sincere sympathy

(As I reach for the kleenex box - seriously). Thank you for giving that little brown dog a home and for loving him.

And please give Neville a hug for me.

[Nevilledog]

30. Thank You...and big hug given to Neville.

The one saving grace here is that Neville really seems clueless that Bristol is gone. He's his usual happy go lucky guy, laying next to my desk sucking on his Curious George stuffed animal.

:hug:

[mitchum]

28. My thoughts are with you and everyone who knew and loved Bristol

I am so sorry for your loss

[Nevilledog]

31. Thank you...he was a mush so everyone loved him.

Only downside was that he was a huge shedder, the type of dog with a heavy undercoat that would shed in big clumps...you never got away from Bristol without looking like you were growing a fur coat.

[ceile]

29. So sorry!

:hug:

[Nevilledog]

32. Thank you.

:hug:

[Ishoutandscream2]

33. I'm sorry you lost your baby

Your story is heartbreaking and touching. I don't know what I will do when my dog Tiger passes. It will be so difficult.

Again, my sincerest condolences.

[Nevilledog]

34. Thank you.

It's not anything you can prepare for, but it's inevitable. Aside from the pain when they pass, it's also so worth it. The unconditional love we get from them is why.

:hug:

[Locrian]

35. so sorry for you loss..

It's hard - I have a German Shepard that is 13 with nerve damage in the back legs, arthritis, etc. It's so hard to see her but she is still happy and in good spirits. But it's not long....

Tell your husband it's ok - Im a "big tough guy" and I'm crying my eyes out thinking about Bristol and my Mina.

[Nevilledog]

36. Hugs to you and Mina.

Sounds like Mina and Neville have similar physical conditions. He has a floppy leg, but he's adapted and when he gets up he walks around fine, but a little wobbly. Only problem is now he doesn't lift his leg to tinkle so he always pees on his foot..LOL

I let my hubby read the thread when he came home for a sec and I hugged him and we cried. He's having a hard time, but at least he's starting to talk..that's good.

May you and Mina have lots of happy days to come.

:hug:

[Bertha Venation]

38. I'm so sorry

[Nevilledog]

39. Thank you.

:hug:

[applegrove]

41. That is a great story of a dog's life. Sounds like Bristol was as blessed

as you were.

[Nevilledog]

44. Thank you.

We have been very blessed. And none of you will know how much being able to write about him and having the opportunity to tell people about this wonderful boy is helping me. I've had several good cries today and the vise on my heart is loosening. It's harder to really let go when you're talking face to face about such a loss because you always try to be strong.

:hug:

[applegrove]

48. There is nothing easy about loosing a pet. But after a while, sometimes a long while, you can think

of them and feel just the good stuff.

[Nevilledog]

50. True.

And I think the fact that he went so fast...a matter of a few minutes...will make it much easier to remember the good times. He was such a devious, mischievous little guy, and he never failed to put a smile on my face. He was a bouncer...I swear he could jump, straight up like he was on a trampoline, about 3 feet in the air. And that's how he greeted me every day, whether I was gone for 5 minutes, or for the whole day.

And boy could he hold a grudge. When we used to travel and we didn't have a house-sitter we would take the dogs to the Doggy Dude Ranch. None of the dogs had a problem with being boarded...except Bristol. In fact, Neville would practically break down the door to get in the place. I think it's because they would just let him bark as much as he wanted..LOL Bristol, however, would pout. Pout on the way to the kennel. Refuse to look at me in the car. Not look at me when I kissed him goodbye...and then the cold shoulder when we'd pick him up. He'd sit all the way in the back, with his back to us....for about an hour. Then all was forgiven and we'd make up.

See, I hadn't thought of that in years and it just popped into my head.

[applegrove]

58. Pets have such distinct personalities. Sounds like Bristol wasn't a pushover. Actually

he sounds more like a cat.

[Nevilledog]

62. He was quiet and sneaky like a cat, that's for sure.

And he didn't bark much, but if you wrestled with him I swear he'd make noises that sounded like about 10 cats in heat...it was hilarious. He'd pretend to be all vicious, making scary noises, and then jump up and lick your nose and run off.

[applegrove]

65. Those are great memories to have. I wish I could wrestle with my cats but

as close as I can get is to have one of my cats, Monster, swat my finger with his paw. And he is playing for keeps (he's a cat afterall). They love it when I tease them with the feather toy though.

Glad you can think of so many great memories today. It helps a great deal.

[Nevilledog]

67. Thank you for prompting the memories.

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[applegrove]

69. Hugs to you too on this sad day.

:pals:

[SalmonChantedEvening]

42. Goodnight Bristol

We'll help Mommy when things get tough.

Good Boy.

:hug: :cry: :loveya:

[Nevilledog]

45. Oh boy......you got me crying again.

I know you've had a huge loss in your life recently and your empathy is just extraordinary. We're all here for you too, as I'm sure you know.

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[SalmonChantedEvening]

47. I do indeed.

The strength I've been given by so many wonderful people has been extraordinadry.

You give what you get in life.

I choose to give back.

:hug: :loveya:

[Nevilledog]

49. Surely words to live, and live well, by.

Thank you, my friend.

[Breeze54]

43. I'm so sorry for your loss, Nevilledog....

:( :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[Nevilledog]

46. Thank you.

All the hugs really do help.

:hug:

[livetohike]

51. I'm so sorry for your loss of Bristol

:hug: What a sweet little guy. I have tears in my eyes reading your post. I hope the good memories of your life together will bring comfort to the sadness you have now.

[Nevilledog]

52. Thank you.

It's raw now, but the heart will heal. And today has been a time of reflection. I've thought about a lot of times where he did something silly..things I hadn't thought about in ages. Me and the hubby were just out on the deck remembering how Bristol would never, never think of jumping on the couch when we were home...he knew that was a big no, no. It never took him longer than about 30 seconds to hit the couch AFTER we left though...we watched him through the window once. He pretended to listen and we pretended he did listen. It worked out well.

:hug:

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

53. I'm so sorry you lost your little brown dog.

Sounds like he was a real sweetie. I know you'll miss him a lot, but it sounds like he had a great doggie life with you. He chose his home well.

:hug:

[Nevilledog]

54. Thank you.

I'm glad he chose us. It was a nice, comfortable fit. My heart will go on...oh shit...that's it, now I'm quoting a fucking Celine Dion song from "Titanic". See how good all of you guys have been for me today? I'm getting a few laughs with the tears now.

:hug:

[DainBramaged]

55. I am so very very sorry, tears I can't control

All my best. :cry:

[Nevilledog]

56. Thank you.

I'd offer you some Kleenex but I've had to resort to paper towels cause I ran out. Thanks for crying with me, it helps.

:hug:

[DainBramaged]

57. I lost three babies this year, still hurts everyday

:hug:

[Nevilledog]

60. That is heartbreaking.

But I'd guess you're like me, you wouldn't trade the love you got and gave them even knowing it would end up with your heart broken. The world would be a much better place with more furballs.

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[DainBramaged]

73. The stories are in my Journal. I had adopted two elderly bebbins

and the third from 6 months old. No one has a place for elder pets. I always have. And my heart is always invariably touched for life by the wonderment of their love.



:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[Nevilledog]

88. I read your journal.....heartbreaking.

The world needs more people like you.

[Critters2]

59. I'm so sorry! I was moved to tears by your lovely tribute to your little brown dog.

He knew his Mommy loved him. After all, he chose you. I wish I could do something to ease your pain. Knowing you were just what Bristol needed when he showed up in your life may help. Maybe this will, too: :hug:

[Nevilledog]

63. It helps more than you know.

And sharing his life to all you wonderful people is easing my pain. Good therapy.

:hug: :hug:

[Flaxbee]

61. Oh, I'm so sorry Nevilledog.

Bristol sounds like a wonderful, loving boy. And you wrote a lovely tribute. I hope the hurt eases some in the days to come and just the love and happiness remains. I'm all choked up over here, I really do feel your loss. :cry: and :hug: What an incredibly sweet face Bristol had.

[Nevilledog]

64. Thank you.

He had darker markings over his eyes, like eyebrows...and he'd always look so serious and he'd raise those eyebrows like he allllmost understood what you were saying...and then he'd crouch down, stick his rump in the air and wag his curly tail. He was a sweetheart.

:hug: :hug:

[bluethruandthru]

66. I'm so sorry!

What a wonderful story. You and Bristol were meant to be together. RIP little brown dog!:hug:

[Nevilledog]

68. Thank you.

I like to think he's playing with Millie...boy, he always followed her around like a hearsick pup...and she was a vixen. And I know there's no thunder where he's at...he was always afraid of thunder...oh, and no UPS trucks, those scared him too, the little goof.

:hug: :hug:

[LisaM]

70. Oh I'm so sorry

your loss is terrible. I know how you feel but that doesn't make it any easier for you. I grieve for you.

[Nevilledog]

71. Thank you.

:hug: :hug:

[Nevilledog]

72. ********* A Thank You to All You Beautiful Souls**********

Hubby just came home and said he's having a hard time being in the house without Bristol here, so we're both taking tomorrow off, packing up Neville and his toys in the car now and getting away until Sunday. We're going some place quiet and comfortable to be with friends.

I just wanted to express how much the support all of you gave me today meant to me. I think it kept me from burying the grief and prolonging dealing with the pain. No, I know it did. I'll never be able to thank you all enough. I am bookmarking this thread so I can look at it when I'm feeling down and I know all the kindness sent my way will lift me up.

Thank you, you beautiful souls.

[driver8]

74. I am so, so sorry for your loss.

Bristol sounds like an amazing friend and you were both lucky to have each other in your lives.

Your tribute to him is wonderful...

[Nevilledog]

89. Thank you.

I wanted to make sure that I acknowledged every single response to my OP because each and every one has helped me cope the last few days.


:hug:

[vard28]

75. Check your PM box

I'm pretty sure you and I know each other in real life. Uh, does doin' hot laps in Charlotte ring a bell? I just put all the pieces together when I read your dogs' names. Holy crap, talk about a small world.

[Nevilledog]

91. The silver lining to this story.

I can't believe we found one another again after all these years....and on DU to boot. I've missed you....and tell TJ that Miss Linda says Hi!

Oh, and check your email... :hug:

[enigmatic]

76. I'm so sorry

:hug:

[Nevilledog]

92. Thank you.

:hug:

[lavenderdiva]

77. I am so sorry about Bristol

My heart aches for you Nevilledog. It is never easy when we lose a furry kid. It sounds like Bristol 'found' you, and knew a good Mom when he saw one! That you loved each other for 12 years is such a wonderful thing. He had a wonderful life, full of love for and from his Mommy. :hug: :hug: :hug:

[Nevilledog]

93. Thank you.

:hug:


It's really starting to hit me now...I'm really weepy today. I'm so used to our routine together that I find myself looking down for him or reaching to pet him...heck, I even hesitated pulling into the garage after work because he'll usually come running out the doggy door at full speed and I'd have to make sure he wasn't in danger of getting run over.

[nadine_mn]

79. I am so sorry for your loss

:cry:

We have two elderly dogs (13 and 11) and I am dreading losing them... I am trying to enjoy every moment with them, but sometimes I just start to cry and then of course they are upset too.

:hug: and love

[Nevilledog]

94. Every moment is a gift.

I know that sounds cheesy, but I don't know how else to put it. I wasn't supposed to have last Tuesday or Wednesday off, but I'm the boss so I decided to stay home for the election. That gave me almost two whole days with him that I wouldn't have normally had...and he got to celebrate with my hubby and I while watching the election returns. He didn't know what we were happy about...but he was just as happy as we were.

:hug:

[fizzgig]

80. i am so very sorry for your loss

rest well, bristol

:hug:

[Nevilledog]

95. Thank you.

:hug:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

81. I'm so sorry...

:hug::hug::hug:
I wish I could give you real hugs right now...
:hug::hug::hug:

[Nevilledog]

96. Thank you.

Even though we're stuck with virtual hugs, they really do help.

:hug:

[BrklynLiberal]

82. Bristol was such a handsome little boy. I was brought to tears by the

description of your loving relationship with him. I went thru something very similar, and my heart breaks for you now.
There are no words that can ease the ache right now. I found that only tears and time help a bit.
Eventually you can think of him without actually crying....and sometimes you will even be able to remember something and smile.

It has been 9 years since I lost Sasha, and I still can cry about him sometimes. I occasionally call my new Shepherd by Sasha's name in moments of unconsciousness.

In the case of loving dogs, I can say that it truly is better to have loved, and been loved, and lost, than to have never loved at all....

:hug: :cry:

Eugene O'Neill


I, SILVERDENE EMBLEM O'NEILL (familiarly known to my family, friends, and acquaintances as Blemie), because the burden of my years and infirmities is heavy upon me, and I realize the end of my life is near, do hereby bury my last will and testament in the mind of my Master. He will not know it is there until after I am dead. Then, remembering me in his loneliness, he will suddenly know of this testament, and I ask him then to inscribe it as a memorial to me.

I have little in the way of material things to leave. Dogs are wiser than men. They do not set great store upon things. They do not waste their days hoarding property. They do not ruin their sleep worrying about how to keep the objects they have, and to obtain the objects they have not. There is nothing of value I have to bequeath except my love and my faith. These I leave to all those who have loved me, to my Master and Mistress, who I know will mourn me most, to Freeman who has been so good to me, to Cyn and Roy and Willie and Naomi and -- But if I should list all those who have loved me, it would force my Master to write a book. Perhaps it is vain of me to boast when I am so near death, which returns all beasts and vanities to dust, but I have always been an extremely lovable dog.

I ask my Master and Mistress to remember me always, but not to grieve for me too long. In my life I have tried to be a comfort to them in time of sorrow, and a reason for added joy in their happiness. It is painful for me to think that even in death I should cause them pain. Let them remember that while no dog has ever had a happier life (and this I owe to their love and care for me), now that I have grown blind and deaf and lame, and even my sense of smell fails me so that a rabbit could be right under my nose and I might not know, my pride has sunk to a sick, bewildered humiliation. I feel life is taunting me with having over-lingered my welcome. It is time I said good-bye, before I become too sick a burden on myself and on those who love me. It will be sorrow to leave them, but not a sorrow to die. Dogs do not fear death as men do. We accept it as part of life, not as something alien and terrible which destroys life. What may come after death, who knows? I would like to believe with those of my fellow Dalmatians who are devout Mohammedans, that there is a Paradise where one is always young and full-bladdered; where all the day one dillies and dallies with an amorous multitude of houris, beautifully spotted; where jack rabbits that run fast but not too fast (like the houris) are as the sands of the desert; where each blissful hour is mealtime; where in long evenings there are a million fireplaces with logs forever burning, and one curls oneself up and blinks into the flames and nods and dreams, remembering the old brave days on earth, and the love of one's Master and Mistress.

I am afraid this is too much for even such a dog as I am to expect. But peace, at least, is certain. Peace and long rest for weary old heart and head and limbs, and eternal sleep in the earth I have loved so well. Perhaps, after all, this is best.

One last request I earnestly make. I have heard my Mistress say, "When Blemie dies we must never have another dog. I love him so much I could never love another one." Now I would ask her, for love of me, to have another. It would be a poor tribute to my memory never to have a dog again. What I would like to feel is that, having once had me in the family, now she cannot live without a dog! I have never had a narrow jealous spirit. I have always held that most dogs are good (and one cat, the black one I have permitted to share the living room rug during the evenings, whose affection I have tolerated in a kindly spirit, and in rare sentimental moods, even reciprocated a trifle). Some dogs, of course, are better than others. Dalmatians, naturally, as everyone knows, are best. So I suggest a Dalmatian as my successor. He can hardly be as well bred or as well mannered or as distinguished and handsome as I was in my prime. My Master and Mistress must not ask the impossible. But he will do his best, I am sure, and even his inevitable defects will help by comparison to keep my memory green. To him I bequeath my collar and leash and my overcoat and raincoat, made to order in 1929 at Hermes in Paris. He can never wear them with the distinction I did, walking around the Place Vendôme, or later along Park Avenue, all eyes fixed on me in admiration; but again I am sure he will do his utmost not to appear a mere gauche provincial dog. Here on the ranch, he may prove himself quite worthy of comparison, in some respects. He will, I presume, come closer to jack rabbits than I have been able to in recent years. And for all his faults, I hereby wish him the happiness I know will be his in my old home.

One last word of farewell, Dear Master and Mistress. Whenever you visit my grave, say to yourselves with regret but also with happiness in your hearts at the remembrance of my long happy life with you: "Here lies one who loved us and whom we loved." No matter how deep my sleep I shall hear you, and not all the power of death can keep my spirit from wagging a grateful tail.

Tao House, December 17th, 1940
 

[Nevilledog]

97. That was so beautiful.

I just read it to my husband and we both have tears streaming down our face...but they're tears of love more than grief. I thank you so much for Blemie's Last Will and Testament, I have never read it before.

:hug:

[Dangerously Amused]

83. I am so sorry for your loss.

May you find peace in the knowledge that you gave sweet Bristol a lifetime of comfort and love.

:hug:

[Nevilledog]

99. Thank you.

It is a source of peace...and his love in return is another comfort.

:hug:

[Phentex]

84. I'm sorry...

I know how much that hurts.

:hug:

[Nevilledog]

100. Thank you.

:hug:

[DainBramaged]

85. Kick for Mommy

[Eurobabe]

86. Tears are flowing, what can I say?

:cry: :cry: :cry:

RIP Bristol. You were very loved. :grouphug:

Condolences Nevilledog. :hug:

[Nevilledog]

101. Thank you.

I had a very vivid dream about him last night. It wasn't sad, but it was rich and textural. It's hard to explain but I felt like he was telling me everything was okay.

:hug:

[intheflow]

90. I'm so sorry, Nevilledog.

I have a little brown dog-shadow. I've only had him for 2 years, but I know I will be devastated when I lose him. Thank you for taking in Bristol and loving him so well for so long. I'm so glad he was able to be with you for so long (in dog years). I am truly, truly sorry for your loss. :hug:

[Nevilledog]

102. I feel off-kilter without my shadow.

I expect it will feel that way for awhile. I wish a long lifetime for your little brown dog and you.

:hug:

[Sanity Claws]

98. I am so sorry for your loss

You can just feel the love between you and Bristol in that message. You will meet him again when this life is over.

[Nevilledog]

103. Thank you for the kind words.

I will miss him every single day and every single day I'll hope you're right and I'll get to be with him again.

:hug: