Oodles of Doodles Rescue Collective - Poodle / Doodle - RESCUE / REHOME / FORUM

The Loss of a Pet

13 years ago,while channel surfing, I saw the most beautiful dog. He was featured as “Pet of the Week” for the Gulf Coast Humane Society. Immediately; I got up, grabbed my purse, and went to meet him.

Once at the kennel, I saw him through the cage. An intimidating chow mix with a quiet disposition. He did not wag his tail, he just stood there glaring at me. I kneeled down to his level, put my hand out, and reassured him I was not a threat. Finally, after a long moment of hesitation, nervously he came over. He held his head low and I knew in that moment his journey had been difficult.

The touch of his coat was as soft as a rabbit. An amazing shade of red, highlighted with black and blonde highlights. A color any salon stylist would be proud to achieve. His tongue spotted with black and his tail stood up like a pompom. He was a gorgeous animal, even with the recent grooming to free him from the painful mats and burrs.

When they brought him to the play yard he did not show excitement. I kept my distance and let him wander around. After a while of extensive sniffing and marking his territory, he came over to me. He lowered his head once again and I began to scratch behind his ear. It was the beginning of a great friendship.

For 13 years he was always at my feet, loyal, loving, and eager to please. He was an amazing companion who loved my children, as much as they loved him. He was their first pet & best friend. The only difficult mannerism was his inability to control the urge to chase rabbits and squirrels. He could escape any obstacle to do so.

We believed him to be 3 or 4 at the time of adoption. He lived a healthy life, and even in his last weeks, he could not resist the thrill of the chase. It would give me great hope to see him run, but the after effects were incredibly heartbreaking.

His last day was an amazing day. It started with the children from the neighborhood surrounding to pet him. He was smiling from ear to ear while they praised him. As we drove away, he sat on the chair next to the window allowing the wind and sun to shine on his face. It reminded me of the first day he came home. On our way we stopped at our old dog park, and then, a stop at McDonald’s for a large ice cream.

It was a very stressful decision to make, but to keep him in pain, would have been selfish. I owed him this.

Our home is very different without him. I keep waiting to hear his bark when the door bell rings, or the door creep open in order for him to follow me. I miss him, and I know that we will eventually bring home another special friend. My biggest hope is that my children will always keep him sacred in their memory as I will in mine.

In loving memory of BJ

Tags: Humane, Society, a, loss, of, oodles of doodles rescue collective, pet

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Comment by Kelly Evers on October 8, 2011 at 9:57pm: Thank you Paula, I really appreciate your comment. I enjoyed writing this tribute and having others read & respond is such a comfort. We are all very excited on our quest for our next pet, and look forward to having another great dog in our lives.

Member Since 2009 Comment by Paula on October 8, 2011 at 11:00am: Beautiful story. A very special last day you gave your dear BJ and yourselves.
So sorry for your loss but so glad that you found that treasure of a dog for you and your family and got to keep him and him you for so many years.

Site Admin Comment by Susan D. on October 2, 2011 at 9:24am: Kelly, how beautiful! I recently lost a dear friend that we rescued from the pound much like you did. Lola was an energetic one year old Dalmatian when we rescued her and an old lady of 15 years when she passed. I still miss her everyday and think of her often. What a wonderful tribute to BJ that you have written.

Admin Comment by Lynne Fowler - Admin on September 30, 2011 at 10:12pm: Awh, Thank, you! What a nice thing to say. And Thank you for sharing your story with us, too. Good luck in your search for your new best friend. If we can help at all let us know.

Comment by Kelly Evers on September 30, 2011 at 9:45pm: Thank you Lynne! I am grateful for your kind words and your well wishes. I am very proud to have written the tribute to Bj & express our love for his companionship. We are healing & looking forward to finding our next best friend. Your site is a great inspiration & hope. My kids are having a great time searching the photos & learning about pet rescue. Your work is well appreciated!

Admin Comment by Lynne Fowler - Admin on September 30, 2011 at 5:17pm: Tears are rolling down my face. I have made that drive a few time and it never gets easier. Rest easy that you will meet again at The Rainbow Bridge. You gave an unwanted shelter dog many years of love, that makes you a rescue angel and hopefully, you will rescue again and again. Each time adding more and more love to your life. You children learned a very special lesson and they will never forget BJ. They will hopefully go on to save their lifetime worth of beautiful souls that we only get to love for a little while. Sending hugs!

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