My faithful friend and companion is going to the Rainbow Bridge

[guitar man]

We adopted Birdie out of the city animal shelter mid 1999. She was a dog they picked up off the street, no history, didn't know exactly how old she was but the vet said around 3. She was starved and skinny, really poor looking but there was a sparkle in her eyes that made me believe there was a really good dog under all that. Boy was I ever right.

So now she's around 14-15 and cancer cropped up real fast, within the last couple months...as bad as it hurts, it's time for her to go, my wife is taking her in this afternoon...

She will be greatly missed....Godspeed old girl :cry:

[redwitch]

1. I am glad she has had a good life with you.

So sorry!

[guitar man]

5. thanks

Indeed she had a good life with us. If you saw her just two months ago you'd swear you were watching a 5 year old dog run around. At least she didn't have a long geriatric period like some dogs I've seen, she was vital and active right up until almost the end

[Call Me Wesley]

2. Safe passage, Birdie.

May you be free from suffering. Peace and comfort to you and yours, guitar man.

[guitar man]

6. Thanks CMW

It will indeed be a relief to know she's not suffering

[ceile]

3. Very sorry, guitar man.

:hug:

[guitar man]

7. thanks ceile

:hug:

[SwampG8r]

4. be strong

i have a pack at the bridge all waiting for me to join them
god bless you

[guitar man]

8. lol

I suppose I have a "pack" waiting for me too, a whole lot of dogs have been my family over the years. My wife put her foot down and limited it to two at a time years ago, but before that, I'd have a pack of hounds in the house with me :)

[SwampG8r]

11. of all the stories

people make up i hope the rainbow bridge one is true
i have had few companions as loyal honest and loving as my dogs
there is an old twilight zone where a man gets to heaven and when they wont let his dog in he says thats ok we will just hang around out here then
later walking through the woods he meets a dead relative who informs him that was hell because what kind of heaven wouldnt have dogs?

i found it and i want you to have it
http://www.tv.com/video/6517/the-twilight-zone--the-hunt

[guitar man]

16. thanks

thanks a million, it really means a lot, I remember that episode, haven't seen it in years :hi:

[SwampG8r]

17. i am watching it as i type

thinking about my missing friends

[hobbit709]

9. I'm so sorry.

I've had to do this twice since Xmas. It still hurts.

[guitar man]

35. thanks

oh, so sorry to hear you've been through it twice recently :hug:

[Amerigo Vespucci]

10. It's never easy

I have a photo of one of my cats in my living room. Sometimes pets bond, sometimes they keep their distance. Other times it's a combination of the two. This one bonded. What a little trip he was...I had him for 15 years...got him when he was two months old...and he went downhill fast at the 15 year mark as the result of "natural causes"

...there are times when I pass by the photo and think "I have to put it away, it hurts too much to look at him" but I never have...as a matter of fact, I can see it in a straight shot from my office to the living room as I type this. He's in full "character" mode, when he was perhaps 6 months old, on the sofa, on his back, with all four paws up in the air in "attack" position. After looking at it for a couple of minutes the sense of loss is replaced with laughing out loud and memories of the joy he brought, daily, for 15 years.

Your faithful friend and companion will be exactly that, forever. I hope the pain that you're feeling will soon leave you, to be replaced with only the good memories and the gratitude for a decade of her unconditional love and companionship.

[guitar man]

36. no it never is

I've had dogs all my life and you know when you get a dog or cat, unless you're really old you're most likely going to outlive them. But, we do it anyway because in the end the time we spend with them is well worth it.thanks for sharing your story, it really does help. :hi:

[fizzgig]

12. rest well, birdie

i'm so sorry for the loss of your friend, she looks like she was a good 'un :hug:

[guitar man]

37. thanks fizzgig

Yeah she was the best. She looked really poorly when I picked her out at the shelter. When I went to pick her up the guy at the shelter asked "what are you going to do with that sorry looking old dog?"

He didn't know much about dogs I guess, I know a good one when I see it.

[lukasahero]

13. So very sorry for your loss.

I hope in time you will be at peace knowing you gave this dog a wonderful long life.

[guitar man]

38. thanks

I know we will all be ok in time :hi:

[driver8]

14. I'm so sorry to hear this -- she looks like such a sweetheart.

It is never an easy thing to do, even when we know that we are doing the right thing for our friend.

My thoughts are with you and your family.

RIP, sweet girl...

[guitar man]

39. thanks driver

:hi:

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

15. I'm sure she knows how much you loved her

RIP to your beautiful friend. :cry:

[guitar man]

40. thanks

:hug: :hi:

[LeftyFingerPop]

18. You and your wife are good people...

for letting your dog go with the grace, peace and comfort that she deserves.

You gave her a good life, and you are doing the right thing for her.

I'm very sorry. :hug:

PM me if you ever need to talk about it....I lost my Lily this past February.

[guitar man]

42. thanks

It was sure a tough call to make but the only alternative is letting her suffer and that's no option in my book

sorry to hear about Lily :hug:

[joeybee12]

19. Aw, what a sweet face...poor thing...here's good vibes for you and a good passage for her.

:grouphug:

[guitar man]

43. thanks joeybee

:hug: :hi:

[abq e streeter]

20. As hard as it is, it's obvious you and Mrs. guitar man know it's a loving compassionate thing

that you're doing. Birdie looks like such a sweetie and I'm glad she did not have to suffer, at least not much, I'm guessing... It was an act of compassion and kindness that brought her to you at the start, and a similar act to end your time together. Have a peaceful forever, Birdie.

[guitar man]

44. yes I know

It doesn't make it suck any less when you have to do it but you're right, we can't let her suffer just to keep her around a little longer, it's not right. Thanks bro. :hi:

[MiddleFingerMom]

21. What a great shot of you and her...

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...it speaks volumes of the bond between the two of you.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
It's HARD not to grieve... sometimes heartachingly... but I
hope you find ways to celebrate and appreciate your time
together in ways that will much more than compensate for
the sadness.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
I assume that's your little girl. Great shot also... could
be a still from a Spanky & Our Gang short. :rofl:
.
.

[guitar man]

46. lol

yeah, we heard that a lot when we would take her out "Look, it's the Little Rascals dog!" :rofl:

yes, that's my daughter with her, those two are quite the pair. It's going to take a lot of conversation with my daughter to make her understand this at 4 1/2 but we will get through it

[blogslut]

22. Goodbye sweet friend

Wherever your destination, may it be filled with peace.

[guitar man]

47. thank you

:hug:

[livetohike]

23. I'm so sorry guitar man

:hug: to you and your family. Birdie is a beautiful girl...and she looks content and you gave her a good life. This is the hardest thing to do, but know that you are ending her suffering. May all the good memories you have of times with Birdie give you comfort and make you smile.

[guitar man]

48. thanks

for the kind words :hug:

[Redstone]

24. Go well, Birdie. Go well.

Redstone

[guitar man]

49. thanks

:hug:

[guitar man]

25. thanks everybody

Thanks very much to each and every one of you, it really means a lot knowing you are all out there. I'm going to try and answer each one personally this evening...

[Uben]

26. My condolences......

It's hard to have your pets put down. I had two beautiful German Shepherd brothers for 13 wonderful years. Both developed terrible diseases. One could no longer walk and the other could no longer deficate. I had a vet come to the house to do the deed so they could pass in comfortable surroundings. Both died in my arms.

[guitar man]

50. 13 is a good run

especially for big dogs. A real bond develops when you have them a long time like that

Birdie was barely getting up when I left Tulsa yesterday morning to come down here to OKC and work. I thought she would make the week and I was going to take her in when I got back Friday but my wife called this morning and said she had really gone downhill so she's taking her in at 4, which is about 20 min from now :(

thanks :hug:

[foxfeet]

27. I wish her safe passage and peace and comfort to all who love her.

[guitar man]

51. thanks foxfeet

:hug:

[Kali]

28. wow

your Birdie looks like a sister to Bug (my sister's dog form a litter that "happened" here at the ranch many years ago) about the same age too!

old picture

[guitar man]

52. aww

Same color pattern, cute dog. I get the feeling Birdie is a bit larger than Bug, at her peak Birdie was about 75 lb of pure muscle ;)

[CaliforniaPeggy]

29. Godspeed, sweet Birdie...

You are doing the absolutely best, and most painful, thing you can do for her now...

They rely on us to take care of them when they cannot do so any longer...

Blessings on you for this, and for having rescued her so long ago!

She had the best life possible with you and your family!

Safe passage, precious Birdie...

Hugs to you! :hug: :hug: :hug:

[guitar man]

53. Thanks Peggy

I keep telling myself it's the best thing to do and I know it is beyond all doubt. I just don't know what it's going to be like when I get back from Oklahoma City friday and she doesn't come to the door to greet me...it's going to be strange no doubt :(

[The Midway Rebel]

30. So sorry for your loss.

Life is too short.

:grouphug:

[guitar man]

54. yes it is

especially for dogs, I so wished they lived longer :hug:

[Crystal Clarity]

31. Oh, I am so sorry.

It's such a hard thing to say goodbye to a long loved member of the family. But you're doing the right thing for her. May Birdie rest in peace and my sincere condolences to you. :hug:

[guitar man]

55. thank you

:hug:

[mnhtnbb]

32. It's such a hard thing to do...so sorry, guitar man.

:hug:

[guitar man]

56. thanks

:hug:

[GreenPartyVoter]

33. I am so, so sorry! *hugs*

[guitar man]

57. thanks

:hug:

[guitar man]

34. Wife just sent me this pic

Here is how she is spending her final hours, right where she wants to be...she loves that little girl more than anything in the world :)

[lukasahero]

45. What a beautiful picture

:cry:

[guitar man]

58. thanks

isn't it though? I cried and cried when I saw it :cry:

[mnhtnbb]

68. Bawling here. What a beautiful, poignant moment.

:cry:

[guitar man]

76. Now I'm bawling too

Yet again. :cry:

the hardest part now is explaining all this to that little girl, it's really tough to explain to a 4 year old :(

[hamsterjill]

41. I am very sorry.

Thank you for loving her and mostly, for rescuing her from the shelter. They know when they are loved and cherished. And that's what makes it all worthwhile.

I hope that when the time is right for you (and that's a personal decision, of course), that you will consider going again to the city shelter and giving yet another one a loving home. There are so many in need of people like you!

I wish you comfort and peace.

[guitar man]

59. thanks

When enough time has passed we certainly will. While Birdie was our loved family member she also did a valuable job at our place. While she was there nothing was stolen, we were never broken into and nobody dared come on that property to menace a member of or family.

I'm a firm believer in the "big dog" method of home security. She filled that role exceptionally, leaving a big set of paw prints to fill, but we will find another loyal and faithful companion to take the job over. :hi:

[guitar man]

60. She's gone

Just got the call from my wife, she passed peacefully to the next world a few minutes ago. :cry:









I wonder if she knows she made history...first time ever that a thread posted on DU about a pit bull didn't erupt into a flamewar :D

[catzies]

65. May you find comfort in your loving memories, and peace to you & your family

Our animal friends are more than pets. They're part of the family.

[guitar man]

61. Ha!

Just found this one, the dynamic duo in happier times! :)

[CBR]

62. What a beautiful dog. I am so sorry Guitarman!

Rest in Peace Birdie

:hug:

[guitar man]

63. thank you

she was indeed a beautiful dog, in body and spirit :hug:

[blueknight]

64. im sorry guitar man

i had to have my "favorite girl" put down 4 years ago, and im still not over it. its just very hard. im glad you gave her a good life.

[guitar man]

69. Thanks

I know how you feel. I've had to saygoodbye to some great dogs over the years. It is never easy :(

[Skittles]

66. so sorry, guitarman

:cry:

Grieve not,
nor speak of me with tears,
but laugh and talk of me
as if I were beside you.....
I loved you so --
'twas Heaven here with you.

--by Ilsa Paschal Richardson

[guitar man]

67. Thanks Skittles

That is so beautiful and so right on target :hug:

[Skittles]

70. for Birdie

once you get past the puppies, it shows a pic of Beach Boy Carl Wilson with his beloved dog Shannon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kSrV_CubiQ&feature=related


I remember when I first heard this song I thought it was terribly maudlin but when I read he was referring to the death of a beloved pet it took on new meaning.

[guitar man]

73. That's beautiful

Thank you :hug:

I never paid close attention to the lyrics, but now knowing what it's about...wow

[Moondog]

71. My sympathies.

The one, the only, bad thing about them is that we tend to outlive them. And it is a misery when that happens.

[guitar man]

81. You are so right

Thank you :hug:

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

72. Aw, that's so sad when a loved animal friend goes. RIP, Birdie.

:hug:

[guitar man]

85. Thank you

:hug:

[Phentex]

74. Oh, I know how that hurts!...

Sweet pictures.

Hugs to your family. :hug:

[guitar man]

84. Thanks Phentex

:hug:

[hippywife]

75. I am so sorry, L.

That's the bad thing about having pets. You know you will outlive them and it will break your heart. You dun a good thing, tho, by giving him a good home and lots of love. You can feel good about that.

:hug:

[guitar man]

80. Thanks hw

You're right, but if you're a real fog lover you'll outlive them, bury them and grieve. But when the time is right, you'll get another because the joys of spending those years with a good dog outweighs the other. Over time the hurt fades away and only the fond memories are left :hug:

[sarge43]

77. Good bye Birdie.

You were loved and you loved in return.

Peace and comfort for you and your family, guitar man

[guitar man]

86. Thanks Sarge

She died well, my wife said she insisted on walking into the room no matter how painful it was for her. She went out on her feet. :patriot:

[sarge43]

103. Of course she did.

For the honor of the regiment.

[Curmudgeoness]

78. Crying like a little girl here. I am so so sorry.

Good long life she had though. This is the right thing.

:cry:

[guitar man]

87. Thanks

:hug:

[WillParkinson]

79. Beautiful family

My condolences to all.

[guitar man]

88. Thanks Will

:hug:

[applegrove]

82. vibes.

[guitar man]

89. Thanks

:hug:

[mix]

83. So sorry, what a beautiful and sweet old girl.

[guitar man]

90. Thanx mix

:hug:

[one_voice]

91. It's so hard to say goodbye..

she had a good life with you and your family. Letting her go was the kindest thing you could have done for her. It takes more love to do that than it does to try and hold on for yourself.

Safe passage to Birdie, peace and comfort to you and your family.

I looked through the pictures you posted she was a beautiful dog. I cried for her and for you. :hug:

[guitar man]

93. Thank you

She was indeed beautiful, powerful and majestic yet kind and gentle. She was so loving with my daughter and our little shi-tzu, and any small dog, she would never harm them.

But, if a dog twice her size came into our yard, she was ready for some shit :P

[guitar man]

92. Her final picture

The last one my wife took of her today. Even crippled up and riddled with cancer, she still manages to pull off that powerful and majestic look one more time

[Lindsey]

94. These are the most heartwrenching posts to me. I am so very

sorry that Birdie has gone. I'm not religious but I am spiritual, and I believe our critters will be there waiting for us when we pass. I believe that with all of my being. All of my thoughts are with you and your family now.:hug:

[guitar man]

97. I believe that too

We were fellow travelers in this plane and we will be in the next one. :hug:

[hamsterjill]

117. Oh, me, too!!!

I believe that will all of my heart, too, and can't imagine being in "heaven" without heaven including my departed kiddos!

[Skittles]

98. do you know how she looks?

Loved. She looks loved.

[guitar man]

100. You're right

She does, and she was, very much.

That's all they ask of us, to be loved, to have a home, to be taken care of. To be part of the family. :grouphug:

[ElmStreetPlaza]

95. I am crying right now

You are a kind hearted human being :hug:

[guitar man]

106. aww...me too

thanks and welcome to DU :hug:

[ElmStreetPlaza]

120. Your welcome

I have several kids on Rainbow Bridge. :hug:

[SeattleGirl]

96. My condolences to you. I hope her passing was peaceful.

:hug:

[guitar man]

108. thanks

It was, according to my wife. I'm out of town working and couldn't get home but she said she passed very peacefully :hug:

[proteus_lives]

99. RIP and Godspeed to Birdie.

Man's Best Friend. You'll see her again.

[guitar man]

109. thanks proteus

Yes, we will see her again...

[KT2000]

101. A sweet girl for sure

and she won the lottery when you picked her.
I am really sorry.

[guitar man]

110. thanks

:hug:

[kimi]

102. Ah, so sorry

Peace to you and yours, cause Birdie has her peace now. And special blessings to your sweet little girl, I'm glad she had the chance to know and love such a fine pup.

[guitar man]

112. thanks kimi

It's hardest on my daughter I think. Her mom and I are sad but we understand why she had to go. But to a 4 year old....it's really rough on her to try and understand why :(

[Mad_Dem_X]

104. I'm glad you were able to give her a good life

I'm sure she appreciated all that you did for her. :hug:

[guitar man]

113. thanks

I hope she did :hi:

[nuxvomica]

105. Safe passage, Birdie.

My condolences to you and yours, guitar man.

The Rainbow comes and goes,
And lovely is the Rose,
The Moon doth with delight
Look round her when the heavens are bare;
Waters on a starry night
Are beautiful and fair;
The sunshine is a glorious birth;
But yet I know, where'er I go,
That there hath past away a glory from the earth.
-- William Wordsworth

[guitar man]

114. thanks for that beautiful passage

:hug:

[Minimus]

107. I am so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is to lose a beloved pet.

You gave her a wonderful life and she gave you unconditional love and companionship... That is a beautiful thing.

She will live forever in you heart and memories.

[guitar man]

115. thanks minimus

It's easy to give them unconditional love because that's what they give us. Well, sometimes not so easy when they have pooped on the rug and chewed up everything in the house lol. But still, I wouldn't trade a minute I spent with her for anything :hug:

[retread]

111. "Dogs' lives are too short. Their only fault, really." ~Agnes Sligh Turnbull

[guitar man]

116. so true

so true :(

[rubberducky]

118. One of the hardest things ever is helping our furry friends to cross the bridge.

Just know that you are doing the right thing for her, as difficult as it is to do. I think that making up my mind to what HAD to be done to help my little buddies was the hardest thing I`ve ever had to do in my adult life. Petloss.com helped me, because we were all in the same boat.

[guitar man]

119. thanks rubberducky

I just went to petloss.com and registered, thanks for pointing me there. this is going to be tough but we will get through it :hug:

[abbeyco]

121. Peace to Birdie

and I'm so sorry for your loss. I started to cry reading through the thread, my dog Kellie gave me licks, so I pass her love on to you and your family.

Godspeed, Birdie. :hug:

[guitar man]

125. awww

thanks and pass our love back to Kellie :hug:

[Odin2005]

122. Oh No! I'm so sorry!

:hug:

[guitar man]

126. thanks Odin

:hug:

[emilyg]

123. Safe journey Birdie.

[guitar man]

127. thanks emily

:hug:

[Flaxbee]

124. Great photos. It is obvious Birdie was very well loved and I'm sure she knew it

Safe passage, sweet Birdie-girl. :hug: to your grieving family.

[guitar man]

128. thanks Flaxbee

:hug:

[xchrom]

129. Peace be with your family at this difficult time. nt