Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire The Last Ride

I wrote this to hopefully take away some of the pain I felt tonight. So far it is not working. This happened less than 3 hours ago. Thanks for listening.

The Last Ride

Tonight the book slowly closed on another life in this world. To most people it will be an insignificant event. It will be nothing that changes what they do tomorrow or how they live the rest of their lives.

To others, it would seem meaningless to mourn this passing. And still others would silently scoff at any emotional reaction to the turn of a final page.

Her name was Lucy. She was 10 and a half years old. She holds a place in my heart no other has held nor can take. Lucy added to this world in a way few can. She made every day, no matter how distressing, depressing or seemingly hopeless, a better day. Few who have ever walked this Earth can hold acclaim to that lofty standard.

Lucy had no vices. No faults, really. She was never critical. Never judgmental. Never disappointed in what I did not or could not achieve. She was there. always, to show me God's greatest gift - love.

She loved unconditionally. And she was loved unconditionally.

Lucy was my best friend. Ten and a half years of being there for every down life had to offer. She was always there to show me that there is a higher purpose to this world, and that the downs in life matter little beyond this world.

Lucy could not talk, but she communicated. Better than most people ever will. She sensed sorrow and offered comfort, sensed pain and offered relief. Sensed worry and offered calm. Sensed disappointment and offered joy. She always knew just what to do, even she could not express her feelings with words.

My best friend was what some would label a "dog". But to those that would open their eyes and hearts and see Lucy for what she truly was, that label was not fitting of her loving glow.

One of her greatest joys in life was taking a ride in a car. Not just any car, but "Lucy's car". And it is probably only fitting that Lucy passed from us while riding in her car. It as is if she sensed her end was upon her, and that she would rather take her last breath in one of her favorite surroundings rather than expire on a cold table under the glare of bright lights.

I cannot say for certain when the time was. I continued to check on her frequently, and told her over and over that it would be all right. I could hear her breathing as if to tell me that she knew it would be all right. It was not until we tried to get her out of "her" car that I realized she was gone. No CPR or drug was going to bring her back home with me.

And now I sit, her collar in my hand, wondering why she is not here and wishing silently that this is all a dream. But it is not a dream, and her collar, her "pretty necklace" slides slowly from one hand to the other. Thinking of Lucy. Trying to wish her back to me.

Lucy is at peace now. Lucy has gone home to wait for me. Some think that animals do not have a soul. But they are God's creatures. And anything that has that amount of love within them is certainly something that God would never forsake. I will see her again one day. Until then I will find some way to cope with her loss. I will, for her. And I will remember forever the power of God's love that was reflected in those large brown eyes.

Goodbye, Lucy. I will carry you always in my heart. And I will miss you terribly until my final hour.

You loving "Daddy"

Sorry for your loss, although words can't help. Sooner or later it happens to all of us who care so deeply about our dogs. I have felt the loss you feel and a little part of it never goes away. It's what makes them special.

Man's best friend....


Sorry for your loss,

Mike

I can't even read it (I'll cry), but sorry also.

Condolences...

Lucy was fortunate to have a "Daddy" that loved her as much as you obviously do. Your thoughts are a true expression of that love that bound you both together. My heart and sympathy are with you and Lucy.

Daveyreka

Hurting for you, my friend.

Great dogs and cats should come with a warning label, "This Is Going To End Badly." And it always does, because they love us so much and we love them so darned much.

Prayers coming from Oregon, buddy.

Steve

I'm sorry, 470Nitro.

The Borzoi in my avatar isn't Czar, the Russian Wolfhound I got over 30 years ago as a pup, but this picture is so much like him that I kept it. I was (and am) surprised at the very fond memories that came back upon seeing it.

As time goes on, the sadness will diminish, but the value of your time with your friend will continue to flourish.

Best wishes.

She obviously had a friend who loved her a lot, and I'm sure that she knew it. Celebrate what you gave to each other.

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 vigor. 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 - - - - - -

Unfortunately (maybe fortunately in retrospect) I know exactly how you feel.

Deeply sorry for your loss Sir, I do know your pain.

Sorry
There aren't words to help but know that your friends have all been sitting just like you.
again I am so sorry

A person who is fortunate enough to have known and had the indescribable pleasure of association with great people and dogs also has to come to terms that there is a tough price to be paid for that pleasure. In the end, the memory of the pleasure of the association wins big. My personal wishes for the best go to you.

Respectfully sorry for your loss and glad you had the time together.

Daggone mutts just tear your heart out when they are gone. So sad.

i dont know what im going to so when my "grizz" passes
he is more than just a best friend he is a very good companion
meets me everyday wheni get home from work loves to go fishing and hunting and for our evening rides in the truck
if i knew how to post a pic here id show him to ya

sorry for your loss, been there too and understand (as much as that's possible).

Great post, got one who's eleven and still doin' fine--but, well, you know . . .

Sorry for your loss

Sincerest codolences.......she'll be waitin' for ya' on the "other side of the divide".

Most of us have been there, losing these finest companions and it's tough.....

Really tough.

In Az., GTC