Saturday, May 28, 2011

Memories...




It was Halloween. Frank was 1 year old. The twins hadn't been born.

The trick-or treaters had come and gone. I was putting things away, when the doorbell rang again.

I probably shouldn't have answered it, but figured we still had lots of candy, and were better off getting rid of it. So I did.

It was 2 guys. Both wearing pillow cases over their heads. Both with their hands out of sight. They said nothing. One started reaching into his jacket pocket.

Before I could slam the door, Blackdog suddenly lunged out of nowhere, growling and barking. She'd placidly laid in the hall and watched one group of trick-or-treaters after another, without moving. But now she was suddenly out for blood.

The two guys bolted and ran as she came for them. I grabbed her collar and slammed & locked the door.





Thank you, Blackdog, for everything. Your amazing 16 year run of devotion came to a peaceful end last week, and we will miss you.

Thank you for always watching over (and putting up with) us.





You've earned your rest, my furry friend. See you on the other side.


120 comments:

legalalien said...

I'm truly sorry for your loss. I remember when our first dog died, a week before my 13th birthday. I was at school and I was given a message by the school receptionist. I bawled my eyes out, in front of all my class mates and didn't care what they thought or said.
It's a distressing time for you and your family. My thoughts are with you.

Evelyn said...

I'm so sorry, to you and your family, for the loss of Blackdog. Hope you are all hanging in there. Losing a pet is never easy. Hope the other dogs are coping with the loss as well. Take care, all of you!

Erin said...

My heart breaks for you. Losing a pet is one of the most painful things I've ever experienced, and I will be thinking of you. I know Blackdog knew she was very loved!

Headstrong said...

Good girl, Blackdog.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry. I almost cried reading this. It is so hard to lose a pet, and I know you realize how lucky you were to have Blackdog in your life.

Anonymous said...

Oh, I am so sorry. What a good dog.

Slave to ungrateful lawyers said...

Losing a pet is the same as losing a family member. My thoughts are with you.

mostly cajun said...

It's never easy losing a friend of sixteen years, furry or not.

I can sympathize...

MC

Queen of the Road said...

Thinking of you and your family.

It's been three years since the last of our three pets died and we still think and talk about them all the time.

Anonymous said...

Aw D: I'm so sorry!

karen said...

I'm so sorry Dr Grumpy. we had to put our 15 yr old dog down last week and it does break the heart doesn't it? my condolences. :(

rnraquel said...

I'm so sorry. What a wonderful dog.

Diane said...

I have been following your blog for quite some time and am always entertained by what you have to say... but I've never been moved to comment before.

Today, however, I need to take a moment to offer my condolences to you and your family. Thank you for sharing your story of Blackdog's heroics, and for showing the pictures. I am sure Blackdog is waiting at the Rainbow Bridge with my Ollie-dog waiting for us to join them some day. Until then, keep enjoying the memories and know that she knows how much she was loved.

monique said...

Sorry for you loss. So sad, but remember that all dogs go to heaven.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry for your loss, Dr. Grumpy. You were lucky to have 16 years with such a devoted friend, and you gave her a long and happy life.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is when a pet passes away. Condolences to you and your family. ~Francine.zeller@gmail.com

Unknown said...

16 years is along time to share with a good dog; I'm glad you had that, and I'm sorry you have lost her.

Pao said...

Sorry to hear about your loss, Dr. Grumpy. I can't imagine having that kind of loyal companion for so many years and all of a sudden they're gone. Be well.

Jane said...

Oh, Dr. G, I'm so sorry. Hope the kids and Nurse G are coping with it OK.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry Dr. Grumpy. My bulldog Lucy died last year at age 11 and she gave us nothing but love and her loss still leaves an empty spot in the heart. 16 years is good, long run, may your loyal friend RIP.

Rambling said...

A true family dog. We have one like that too ... our sincerest condolences.

Sue said...

Dogs are the best. I know you and your family will always smile when you think of Blackdog.

Silliyak said...

So sorry

Maridyth said...

I'm so sorry to hear this. Losing a cherished member of the family is always difficult. My condolences to you and your family.

Amy said...

It just blows me away what subtle cues dogs can pick up on in distinguishing between a harmless situation and a dangerous one. Sorry for your loss.

Cate said...

aw so sad. sorry for your loss

Milo said...

I love you too black dog. RIP
I am very sorry for your loss Grumpy family.
love
Milo

The Merry said...

It's hard to have to let them go, but 16 years is a good run. I'm sure she felt loved and appreciated.

Not House said...

My condolences. I'm sorry for your loss, but it sounded like your dog led a full and happy life with you.

Anonymous said...

I've been reading your blog for quite a long time but have never commented. I'm a second year veterinary student and your story and memories of Blackdog brought tears to my eyes. She was such a good dog and obviously was well cared for and loved very much. My heart goes out to you and your family.

OMDG said...

This post brought tears to my eyes. Poor Blackdog. She had a good life.

Family Aerospace said...

I'm so sorry Dr Grumpy.

It never gets any easier.

RehabRN said...

Reminds me of the story on this site.
http://www.rainbowbridge.org/

I know there's a dog of ours waiting there for us!

Juli said...

May your many wonderful memories of Blackdog comfort you in the days ahead.

Anonymous said...

There go my sinuses again...a good dog is hard to find.

myoclonicjerk said...

What a beautiful girl. My thought are with you and your family.

Anonymous said...

My condolences

kc said...

Charlie (my doxie friend) and I are so sorry for your loss, but glad you had 16 years with your faithful friend.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss, Dr. Grumpy. What a good girl she was.

--Queen Anne's Lace

terri c said...

Sorry indeed for the loss of Blackdog. She was lucky to be part of the Grumpy family! Such a good girl.

Anonymous said...

My condoolences, Dr. Grumpy. I am glad Black Dog had such a nappy home and lived a long life with you. I've outlived many cats (never owned a dog) and know that sharp pain that's left behind as they pass.
I hope your family is able to find comfort in remembering Black Dog.

arkansaspt said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Blackdog was obviously well loved.

Anna Geletka said...

So sorry for your loss, Dr. Grumpy.

But Anonymous, a good dog is NOT hard to find. There are millions of good dogs in shelters all over the country, waiting for someone to give them a chance.

Anonymous said...

So sorry for your families loss. Our family once had a blue healer cross "Luna" that looked a lot like Blackdog. My heart melts a little every time a see a dog like her...but it also brings back great memories.

Moose said...

I'm so sorry to hear this. My sympathies.

The dog I grew up with practically raised my baby sister. The last cat that put up with me knew I was deathly ill before I did. Animals enrich our lives in so many ways.

Outrider said...

Safe travels, Blackdog.

medrecgal said...

My condolences to the Grumpy Family. I have always had cats and/or dogs, and it's so hard when the end comes. But we love our animal friends just the same, and life is better for having them around. I've always said that I like my pets better than I like most people, anyway. The pictures are lovely; may she rest in peace.

Anonymous said...

ai grumpy. sincere tears.

arzt4empfaenger said...

What a lovely soul. I'm sure it was a mutual love, and I'm glad you got to know her good enough to be blessed with her protectiveness. Letting go is never easy, but knowing that she got the best life is comforting.

Anonymous said...

What a lovely tribute, RIP Blackdog.

rlbates said...

So very sorry for your family's loss.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for you loss. We too experienced the loss of our "blackdog" last week.

gena said...

I'm so sorry, Dr. G. Sixteen years is a *really* good run for a dog like Black dog. I hope the kids are able to think about the good times with her, and remember her fondly in their grief. You and Mrs. G, too.

08armydoc said...

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss Dr G. I understand the loss of a family member, as I just had to put one my little furry ones asleep last week. They become a part of us, and it's so hard to let them go.

watercolordaisy said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs.

Danni9 said...

Aww. I'm sorry for your loss, but glad you have many happy (and relieved!) memories of her to live on.

Karen Whiddon said...

Run free, Blackdog.

I cried for your loss, Dr. G.

Hugs to you and yours.

Vicky said...

We are so lucky to have friends like dogs. They love us for what we are, never judge, never get upset or hold a grudge, even if we not always deserve it.

A friend once told me the price we pay for all they give is we have to deal with losing them before we go.

I am sorry for your loss, Grumpy.

DixieLaurel said...

Nothing loves you quite like a dog does. And it certainly hurts to lose a beloved pet. I'm sorry for your loss.

Crystal said...

I too had a black dog, named Blackdog, once upon a time... He was a stray who adopted us, my toddler brother had named him & as a teenage fan of Zeppelin, I let it stick.

He never saved my life, but his valor was true. He lay in the yard & cried with me under the stars the first time I had my heart broken... & was my crutch who supported me to safety when I fell & broke my foot. Comically, he also used to like to carry our neighbor's cat around in his mouth & force the feline to sleep with him much to the kitty's annoyance; it was all love.

Thanks for sharing & reminding me of my own special Blackdog. =)

Crystal said...

I too had a black dog, named Blackdog, once upon a time... He was a stray who adopted us, my toddler brother had named him & as a teenage fan of Zeppelin, I let it stick.

He never saved my life, but his valor was true. He lay in the yard & cried with me under the stars the first time I had my heart broken... & was my crutch who supported me to safety when I fell & broke my foot. Comically, he also used to like to carry our neighbor's cat around in his mouth & force the feline to sleep with him much to the kitty's annoyance; it was all love.

Thanks for sharing & reminding me of my own special Blackdog. =)

Ainsworthiana said...

My condolences. I've had to say goodbye to several furry friends over the years and I know how difficult it is. Blackdog had a long life, and no doubt you and your family made it a good life as well.

lbparker said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. She gave you many years of love and memories.

Nancy said...

I am sorry for your loss, Dr. Grumpy.

Run free, Blackdog.

Holly said...

I'm sorry to hear about your pup. I received a copy of The Rainbow Bridge poem from our vet, it helped me.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. But sounds like he had a great life. And wow, what a cool story about Halloween!

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Blackdog was an amazing, beautiful creature inside and out.

Anonymous said...

I am so very sorry for your loss. What a special, amazing dog. My "best" dog died a few years ago at 14 and there will never be another like her.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry to hear of the loss of Blackdog.

Our little white dog came to us nearly 10 years ago. Her healthy enthusiasm has had a few tests of endurance, as she developed diabetes.

My husband has been preparing us for some time to deal with losing her perkiness, in imagining what it will be like without her.

We voice our appreciation for her diligent protection and spunk every day.

Ellie said...

I'm so sorry Dr G, and Family.

I love the idea of a rainbow bridge, and hope that my amazing dog will be waiting for me, and blackdog waiting for you.

ER's Mom said...

So sorry.

Debbie said...

Dang, Grumpy, so sorry for the loss of Blackdog. Those furry babies enrich our lives so much. What great companions they are.

Laura said...

We lost our first (furry) child 6 months ago ... I'm sorry - it will get easier! We try and remember that our Kenzie is happily running in heaven's fields and will be waiting our arrival!

Anonymous said...

Condolences on your loss, Dr. G.

Anonymous said...

She was a beautiful dog and sounded like a wonderful protector and canine friend. Pets, (companion animals), become family. I'm very sorry for your loss.

Jive Talkin Tool said...

Condolences to you and yours Dr. Grumpy; helping a friend go on is always so hard...and a good dog is indeed hard to find.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry for your loss. The pain will linger a long time for your bestest of friends.

kdoglady said...

I used to tell my students that euthanizing a pet is just one more way to show them how much you love them.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I know you will carry him in your heart and memories until you meet up at the rainbow bridge.

mary said...

I'm so sorry for Blackdog. She was a great dog. Hopefully, in her next life, she might encounter you and your family again as a protective force somehow. I'm a Buddhist. So, I believe in reincarnation rather than heaven.

Sparky said...

"Dogs' lives are too short. Their only fault, really."
-Agnes Turnbull

Bette said...

Always know the Blackdog had a wonderful family! Bless all :)

Mr. Gaunt said...

Sorry for your family's loss. I hope in the not too far away future another dog gets the chance to join your family and enrich your life.

Karen A said...

Sounds like he had a great life and you & your family meant as much to him as he did to you.

My deepest sympathies to you and yours.

-Karen A.

Louise said...

RIP, Blackdog. What a good, brave girl you were!

bobbie said...

I'm so very sorry for your family's loss ~

landlockedtxn said...

Hugs and prayers to you and your family, Dr. Grumpy...as I watch my 12 yr ridgeback snooze, knowing his time is near...Blessings to you all.

Flo Nightengale said...

So sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

Gulp... Im tearing up something fierce, and its getting a bit hard to swallow because of this lump in my throat...

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Amanda said...

Ah, GrumpyFamily.
I'm sorry for your loss.
My heart goes out to all of you.

--

Blackdog, enjoy your time off from the GrumpyFamily and greet them with enthusiasm when they join you.

Medical Mojave said...

What a wonderful dog. So sorry he's gone.

M

The Nerdy Nurse said...

Blackdog certainly is an interesting choice in names for a dog that isn't entirely black.

Anonymous said...

I cried reading this. I've never posted in all the years I've been reading the blog. I'll be thinking of the Grumpy family. RIP Blackdog.

Doctor Geek said...

Very Sorry for your lost.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm heartsick knowing very soon we'll lose our wonderful 17 yo girl also. Letting them go is so hard.

C said...

I am on my 3d dog...get another one. It will not be the same, but there are a lot of homeless dogs that need you (or some other family). Expect to keep talking to Blackdog for awhile too...crazy, but you usually keep talking to the dog even after it is gone...

Cartoon Characters said...

It would be nice if they could live forever. At least as long as we do.
In a perfect world.

Sorry to hear.

Anonymous said...

Very sorry for your loss

Rich said...

My wife and I enjoy your blog and how you make us laugh, so it is only fair that every now and then you make us cry. I'm so very glad that you had Blackdog in your life for so long and have great memories. I will give my dog Caramel a hug, kiss and an extra treat in Blackdog's memory tonight.

Loki said...

I'm very sorry for you and your family's loss. It sounds like there's going to be a big hole in your lives for the next while.

I'm also touched by how long a run Black Dog had, and how loved and loving she was. Never forget that her life with your family was a triumph - what life with a dog should be. Don't forget your grief, but don't forget to celebrate her and her life.

Desiree said...

So sorry for your family's loss.

Anonymous said...

I am so very sorry for your loss of this beautiful soul.

J-Quell'n said...

So sorry for the loss of Black Dog but so happy that you have 16 year of memories.

Anonymous said...

*gentle hugs to the Grumpy family*

Blackdog, have fun tearing a part the garage cans across from the Rainbow Bridge with my Italian Greyhound, Pete. Petey, show Blackdog the ropes, and hope to see you both on the flip side.

SkullCandy

PGYx said...

I'm so sorry Black Dog is gone. Still miss my own black dog terribly 8 years later. I wish you & your family peace as you grieve.

oceankisses said...

Awwwww..I'm so sorry your dog has gone to puppy-dog heaven and left you with a hole in your heart. What helped me was adopting another dog fairly quickly. I was so busy retraining her that my pain over the loss was lessened quite a bit. I hope your pain will be short-lived and you will only have good memories left.

Anonymous said...

My heartfelt sympathies to the Grumpy Family. Blackdog's eyes showed peacefulness and sincere love.

Lynda Halliger Otvos (Lynda M O) said...

My sincere sympathy for the Grumpy family, other four-legged members included. Hard… hard to say good-bye.

TiredRPh said...

I'm so sorry for you and your family's loss. Heartbreaking.

Ianto Jones said...

My deepest condolences to you and your family. I honestly believe that grief is for those left behind (no matter what one believes , *her* troubles are ended)...and I wept tonight for your grief and pain. She wouldn't wish to be the cause of pain for you -- I wish you and your family swift healing (it isn't a betrayal, though it oft seems so at first)... I, too, had planned to rec you the Rainbow Bridge; it helps more than one might think.
Your blog has brought me much joy over the years and I read you nearly daily: I hope sun returns for you soon.
I'll shush now; the screen is oddly blurry...

Packer said...

Grumpy, I started blogging because of my dog and today I was going to write something about him. After the holiday weekend, I caught sight of this. I hope your memories are long and your pain is short.

Anonymous said...

Real guardian angels have furry faces and wagging tails. Sometimes they have big teeth.
They are a true blessing.
R.I.P.

axl

Taryn said...

You were so lucky to have 16 years with her. But then, it is never long enough.....

My sympathies at your loss.

Stephanie said...

I'm sorry for your loss. RIP Blackdog.

Chris H said...

So sorry to hear about Blackdog, Grumpy. 16 years is quite the life, and it's obvious that she had a good one with you. My deepest sympathies.

Maha said...

I'm a little late to comment but I'm so sorry for your loss Dr G. She sounds like a great dog and I hope she's in pet heaven surrounded by her favorite doggy treats.

Kat's Kats said...

May the memories of love outweigh the grief of loss. What a precious friend. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Kitty Horde & their Feeders send you this card.

det-res said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Though I have never had my own dog, I used to walk 4 dogs. I didn't even know them a whole year before one of them died and I remember crying for two days.I felt like I had lost a good friend. I can only imagine what you and your family must feel. Hope the memories live on for a long time to come.

howlindawgs said...

Aw, is that a Bluetick? Rest in peace sweetie. The only bad thing about a dog is his lifespan :-( Hopefully you are romping with Buttons and Kimmie in doggie heaven. (and if there is a doggie heaven, that's where I want to go!)

Doris said...

I am so sorry to hear about Blackdog.

He did his dog job wonderfully, didn't he?
They just don't last long enough, do they?

HUGS

>:(

D

 
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