He was about 15. He was never struck. He laid down by the back door, and went away. He was the perfect dog.

 

So do not grieve for me, my friend,
as I am with my kind...

My collar is a rainbow's hue
My leash a shooting star
My boundaries are the milky way
Where I sparkle from afar.

There are no pens or kennels here
For I am not confined
But free to roam God's heavens
Among my special kind.

I nap the day on a snowy cloud
With gentle breezes rocking me
I dream the dreams of earthlings
And how it used to be.

The trees are full of liver treats
And tennis ***** abound
And milk bones line the walking ways
Just waiting to be found.

There even is a ring set up
The grass all lush and green
And everyone who gaits around
Becomes the "Best Of Breed".

For we're all winners in this place
We have no faults you see
And God passes out the ribbons
To each one--even me.

At night I sleep in angels' arms
Their wings protecting me
And moonbeams dance about us
As stardust falls on thee.

So when your life on earth is spent
And you reach heaven's gate
Have no fear of loneliness
For here, you know I wait.

- A Dog's Prayer

I lost one of my buddies when he was 14, another when he was 10. It's tough.

 

God bless you m8 we have been in your position several times over the years. At present we have two boxer boys .One is eight and the other is a rescue dog approximately twelve they are my best m8`s I try not to think of the day when We may loose them. Our condolences to you and your family. Steve . In the UK

 

Very sad, Joe, never good to lose a best friend.
Great poem from Randyjoy, too.
My old Shadow boy met him at the gate, for sure.

RIP Jamie.

 

Sorry to hear your loss Joe!
I have myself 3 dogs, one of them is my first dog ever, one that all others will be compared too, and never live up to. She will be 12 this spring, and that's about how old they get. Every day after that will be a bonus.
She had Pyometra (inflammated uterous) last spring, so she already has escaped death once.
Luckally she will live on when she is gone in our other dogs, since they are her children (I'm a breeder).
Her name is Saiva, means "sweet" as in the word for "sweetwater" in the sami language, or "deep forest lake". I've added a pic of her from this summer:

 

Jo , so sorry for your loss. He was a very handsome beast!

I'm sure he had a wonderful life with you , you were both lucky to find each other.

Don't be too sad , he was a happy dog.

 

J sorry man, I really feel for ya. I'm going to be a blubbering baby when I lose my guy and I don't think it will be too much longer. Hang in there, were here for ya.

 

Sorry to hear about Jamie's passing. It's never easy letting the ones you love go, but Jamie will always be in your heart & you will never forget the happiness you shared. My condolences to you & your family.

 

Thanks guys. This is the dog that raised my only son, from age 6 to 20. He was a huge part of the family and I had a tough day. Time is passing, and I'm getting distracted and adjusting, just like it's supposed to work. Thanks again.