My best buddy, Ranger, passed away this afternoon around 4:45 PM. He had been sick for a while, it was getting hard to climb even the two small steps on the front porch and his long walks were all in the past. But he still loved rolling on the green grass and smiled that big goofy smile of his when I scratched his ears so I figured I'd let him stay around as long as he wanted. Last night he let me know it was his time, so just this afternoon I had made that appointment with the vet that every dog owner hates. We were going to spend all day Saturday together and then make one last car ride.

He waited until I got home from work, I went out to see on him just as his eyelids flickered his last. He was still warm in my arms as I carried him to the car to take him down for burial. Things like this let me know there is a just and merciful God, and I am glad to place Ranger in his care.

He wasn't a mighty hunter or a fierce and brave protector. He loved everyone and was the friendliest and most loving, gentle dog I ever had. He lived a good long life and was loved greatly.

As a rule I don't put up maudlin stuff like this in public, but did not want his passing to go without a tribute of some kind.

Run fast, jump high, my friend, I will miss you terribly.

Ranger
Oct. 8th, 1996 - June 2, 2011

Very very sorry for your loss. Nothing like the love a dog can give his owner. My family and I had to put our Golden down just 2 days before last Christmas. Not our first and sure not the last. Best wishes to you.

I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your good friend and companion, Ranger. We become very attached to our pets who ask so little of us yet give so much back in return. My wife and I lost our 17 year old "good buddy" a couple years ago. Just now getting around to consider picking up another pooch.

Best of luck to you.

L.W.

A man and his Dog have a connection [ I call it love] That only they understand. My deepest sympathy Chin up Brother

Sorry for your loss. Remember the great times to help get you through this painful one.

"this too shall pass".......but its tough for awhile...been there and you have my sympathy...

Well said, don't see how you could have said it any better. I've got a Lab with a similar disposition. He likes to hunt but loves us more. Sorry for your loss and glad you didn't have to make that trip to the vet.

Just raised, trained and placed a superb yellow lab...nicest dog I've ever worked with...I am glad I won't see that day with him....

I feel your loss...believe me...

We are all so lucky to have such geat companions. I wish you and your family the best and I hope another great friend finds their way into your lives in the future.

thanks for sharing. sorry for your loss. reminds me to give my dog gets an extra pat on the head in remembrance of Ranger.

Thanks to all for the kind words, they are greatly appreciated. It's a little better this evening but I keep going to the back door expecting to see him sleeping out in his favorite spot. It will take a while to realize he just won't be there any more.

I know it sounds kind of foolish and too anthropomorphic, but even in his death, somehow in his canine heart I think he was thinking of me and wanted to make it easier. I don't know how to explain the timing of coming home and going out there just as he took his last breath. Probably just an extreme coincidence, but I prefer to think he was waiting for me. At least I got to say good bye to him and didn't have to make the decision as to when that last breath would be.

Was doing okay at work today but tonight, his picture still gets awful blurry when I look at it.

Man...I know its hard...but as Ive told many others, and have to convince myself at times.....the world is full of good dogs, find one, and give him the kind of life he deserves, the kind you gave Ranger...

Hint....

Good boy Ranger.

Not foolish at all. I think you're right - he wanted to say goodbye in his own way.

And, his picture is blurry to me too. Must be the computer.
Chas

There is nothing in this world cuter than a fat lab puppy. I'm pretty sure that, in time, there will be another little four legged critter running around pooping on the floor and chewing on shoes, I love dogs too much not to be without one for too long. But I know from experience not to look too soon, the memory of this one has to mellow a good while.

Going to the Humane Society today to donate the left over cans of food, that's going to be tough just being around more dogs that could be taken home when I know what happens if they aren't.

Sorry for your loss, it is tough losing your best friend...I know I lost my 9 year old Border collie a couple of months ago. I have to think he is in a better place, running, playing ball and chasing bears and geese! ( He was also my work partner, hazing wildlife at an airport.)

By far the hardest part of owning a dog is the day they pass.

When I was 5 my dad bought us a Rottweiler.. That was my childhood dog... Fast forward to my first year of college... I came home for the first time, hugged and kissed my mom, and walked outside to see my dog. He had unexpectedly passed away moments before I got him. Rigormortis hadnt even set in. Very sad day.

I currently have 3 loyal muts, and my girlfriend has a 9 year old boxer. Seeing those dogs pass are going to be 4 ROUGH days for her and I. The pain of losing a close and loyal friend is almost worth not having a dog to being with, but the joy of their life span is worth it in the end.

I am sorry for your loss, and seeings how one of my dogs is a yellow lab... I cant get the picture in your post to focus either... My computer screen must be bad too!

I am sorry for your loss.

My condolences on your loss.

Sorry for the loss of your friend.
I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that the loss of a well loved dog is tough on the heart.
regards
Dan

Jim,

So sorry for your loss. Ranger will always be with you.

I lost my Kelly two seasons ago. It helped to think that all the birds my new dog never found, Kelly found and retrieved to doggie heaven.

We all feel your loss. God Bless.

How fortunate you were to share this earth with him! I am so sorry for your loss.

Sorry to hear about the passing of your friend.

We had to put our yellow lab down in Jan, very hard to do. Still miss having her around. It is strange being in the pool now and not having her paddling around with a tennis ball in her mouth.

Just saw this Jim.....I've been there and know how bad it hurts. My heart goes out to you and yours for the loss of your buddy Ranger......

Jim condolences for the loss of your friend...... looks like you took real good care of him judging from the smile in the picture...

PAMac

Thanks again to all of you guys for your kind thoughts.

Today was the second week after his passing, I noted the time at 4:45 today and said a little hello to him.

Time does heal all wounds and our minds mercifully forget bad things and remember the good. The immediate pain of the loss is being driven out by the memories of all the good times.

You know, he tried for 14 years to catch a squirrel and never did get one. Didn't sneak up on them, just saw one from 10 yards to 50 yards away and made a mad dash at them. Came close a few times when he was young and fast, but they always found a tree or phone pole to run up. He loved all other animals, horses, other dogs, even cats and the neighborhood raccoons and figured they all wanted to play so I always had to watch out for him. But he knew squirrels were put on this earth to be chased with a vengeance.

I'm hoping he's finally catching a few.

Jim:

Thanks for sharing that with us. It brought a tear to my eye.

Jordan