Has anyone lost their best friend?

My most sincere sympathies. I have lost 3 best friends over the last 15 years, and each passing seemed to hurt more than the preceding one. We adopted our German Shepherd ( the third dog that we lost) when she was 4 years old; and 3 weeks after my wife of almost 48 years underwent successful surgery for colon cancer, Quanda was diagnosed with spleen and liver cancer and had to be put to sleep on January 1, 2007. She was only with us for 4 years. As a tribute to all that she gave us, within a month we adopted another dog from a rescue agency: Peach, a female terrier mix who is a total (thoroughly and deservedly spoiled) joy and loves sitting with me in my listening room. This Friday, May 2, Peach will have been a part of the family for 15 months.

Likewise we have experienced a similar loss. It was as if I lost one of my children - that was 7 years ago and I still get tears! It is my belief that they will all be waiting for us on the other-side when our turn comes!! Ours stuck around the house for a week or so after the passing - we could hear her footsteps in the kitchen and an occasional bark at the back door. A house visitor heard it as well.

I share your loss!

I went through a period a few years back where I lost my two franchise kitties, Sylvester (16 years old) and Scooter (13 years old) within a few months of each other. Both were street rescues as kittens. These guys meant the world to me. Archie (17 years old - his picture appears in a few of my system shots) is nearing the end of the line. I have kept him alive over the last 3 years by giving him daily medications and fluids.

If it helps any, this is how I keep it in perspective ... our pets didn't want to leave, it was just their time to go.

Take care,

Rich

I want to thank all of you who responded - Moses would come in to my listening room when he heard Blues. I will eventually
try to rescue a Doberman - later.

It makes this time easier knowing this bond exists with each of you.
Thank You

OK, enuff! I was at the rescue shelter yesterday looking at boxer mixes to adopt and then I read this...LOL...how fitting!
Seriously...my condolences to you all. My shepherd, Max, died a few years ago. What a great dog and a great personality.