Lost My Best Friend [Archive] - SUBSIM Radio Room Forums

WernherVonTrapp

09-09-10, 11:43 AM

I never thought anything would keep me from playing SHIV, as long as my PC was within reach but, today is the first day since Sept. 2nd that I even cared to pick up where I last left off. On Sept. 4th, I lost my best friend, my Mini Pinscher, who had to be put down due to the sudden onset of kidney failure. I've always been a dog lover at heart and when it's your own, I suppose that loss is all the more poignant. Suffice it to say that I've been quite depressed and taking it harder than I thought I would.:cry: Heck, he even spent time with me in the sub, sitting on my lap as we sailed the vast Pacific in search of our nemesis. Nary a day went by without him coming into my office (the computer room), putting his front paws up onto my chair so that I would place him on my lap as I played the game.

He was as loyal as they come, a salty dog in every respect. He was only 12 years old and being the longest living breed of dog (21 years potentially), left me long before his time. The suddenness of his loss left me no time to prepare myself psychologically or emotionally. Rather than leave him there at the Vet's office, I took him home and buried him in my back yard. A memorial stone has been ordered and will be placed accordingly. Some of you may have experienced a similar situation with a dog and probably know, all too well, the pain I am experiencing. He was such a stress reliever for me and would never fail to greet me upon my return from a tour of duty. I interacted with him constantly throughout the course of each day.

Anyway, I felt compelled to post a memorial to his memory, both for myself and for those who have also experienced the same. Rest in Peace, Saber.http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-sad017.gif

Bothersome

09-09-10, 12:23 PM

I offer my condolences.

I have never had the direct loss as you have. But I have seen your pain before in a co-worker here that had a very similar thing happen. He had to put his dog down. It hit him so hard, that the company gave him a week off.

To my understanding, and from conversations with him about it, it is a hard of a loss as loosing a family member. If fact, to some, the pets, are family members.

In time, I think you will find a new shipmate to help keep watch on the high seas. He/she will have a new personality and you'll have to get accustomed to it. But it sure beats going it alone.

Here's to friendship and man's best friends.

Armistead

09-09-10, 12:28 PM

Sorry for your loss. That's really tough.

You may remember I posted the same story at the other forum a year ago. When I was stricken with my illness, my female Yorkie became my love. I was flat in the bed for several months. She got to where she would bring me my socks, bottled water, newspaper and stayed with me nonstop.

For that year I laid in bed and finding this game was a Godsend, because I was bored to almost crazy, so I played nonstop, raped forums with sub SS stories, and my dog at my side, ect. At times I would be away from home in the hospital my dog would go in the laundry room and pick my clothes out of the dirty laundry and carry them to her cage where she slept on them. I could go into her cage and find a dozen pair of socks, underwear, ect...when I got home.

Day before she died.
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/Armistead1424/MW158.jpg

Again, sorry...

Gerald

09-09-10, 12:29 PM

I know what it is to lose the one you love, R.I.P

Rockin Robbins

09-09-10, 01:15 PM

Salute to the great dog of a great Subsim member! Thank you for sharing your loss with us.

rmr1701

09-09-10, 02:12 PM

Wernher, there are really no words that can compensate for the loss and what you feel right now. I do know what you are feeling as I have been through it more than once. Unfortunately, I am going to have to endure it again in the near future as our dachshund is now 14 and don't know how much longer he will be with us.
All I can say is, be strong my friend and know that you are not alone.

Rhett

tomoose

09-09-10, 04:26 PM

I know the feeling. Our family had a black lab that lived to the ripe old age of 14 and was definitely considered a part of the family. We all missed her when she was gone.

WernherVonTrapp

09-09-10, 07:32 PM

Thank you all for your comforting words and for your thoughtfulness. It is truly appreciated. Every time I turn around, something always seems to pop up and remind that he is no longer here. I could've sworn that I heard his paws tipping across the floor of my office earlier today. I suppose time just has to run it's course now. Thank you all.

Sorry for your loss. That's really tough.

You may remember I posted the same story at the other forum a year ago. When I was stricken with my illness, my female Yorkie became my love. I was flat in the bed for several months. She got to where she would bring me my socks, bottled water, newspaper and stayed with me nonstop.

For that year I laid in bed and finding this game was a Godsend, because I was bored to almost crazy, so I played nonstop, raped forums with sub SS stories, and my dog at my side, ect. At times I would be away from home in the hospital my dog would go in the laundry room and pick my clothes out of the dirty laundry and carry them to her cage where she slept on them. I could go into her cage and find a dozen pair of socks, underwear, ect...when I got home.

Again, sorry...I remember, my friend. Good puppy, she was.:yep:

Platapus

09-09-10, 07:45 PM

Very sorry to hear of your loss. Such a sad thing.

Please take some comfort in the following.

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....

Captain Dave

09-09-10, 07:48 PM

Sorry you lost your friend. We're on our 2nd set of Labs after our first two passed on. Animals can become such a big part of our lives that they leave a void when gone. I'm sure that when the time is right, a new friend will come romping into your life.

timmyg00

09-09-10, 07:56 PM

our condolences for your loss. For people like us, pets are not like part of the family, they are family.

TG

WernherVonTrapp

09-09-10, 08:00 PM

Platapus

09-09-10, 08:24 PM

(wiping a tear from my eye) I dream of that very thing, my friend. Thank you

I am certainly no authority on this heaven gig. But if dogs are not allowed there, I don't wanna go. :nope:

Armistead

09-09-10, 08:41 PM

I am certainly no authority on this heaven gig. But if dogs are not allowed there, I don't wanna go. :nope:

I still wanna go regardless, but I hope they're there.

Well, ask yourself, what would bring you joy beyond belief, to get to heaven and have your pet come a running at ya. The bible does say
eye hasn't seen, nor ear heard the joy that God's prepared. Simply, we can't comprehend what joy awaits. I would think that joy would include animals.

NorthBeach

09-09-10, 10:36 PM

Wernher- My deepest condolences. I have lost a few long time companions. None closer to me than my Husky/Wolf, Shasta. He sailed as First Mate (don't tell my wife, she thinks she was First Mate, even back then) with me over thousands of miles. And, flew right seat with me for hundreds of hours. When I was away for weeks at a time, he would check my office and look for my truck every morning to see if I'd returned without his knowing. But, he knew I'd return. Even if I, or my wife, didn't. His son is with me now. But, it's different.

As Platapus said, he'll be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge...

My prayers are with you.

virtualpender

09-09-10, 11:04 PM

I'm thinking of you tonight and am very sorry to hear of your loss.

Theros

09-10-10, 09:55 AM

Im very sorry for your loss. And fully understand you man, my dog Duke
died too of kidney failure about a year ago after 15 years with me...:cry:
Sure thing they now play together on a better place...

AVGWarhawk

09-10-10, 10:05 AM

Sorry to hear that. You will never know a more loyal friend! That is what makes them special.

WernherVonTrapp

09-10-10, 10:10 AM

I still wanna go regardless, but I hope they're there.

Well, ask yourself, what would bring you joy beyond belief, to get to heaven and have your pet come a running at ya. The bible does say
eye hasn't seen, nor ear heard the joy that God's prepared. Simply, we can't comprehend what joy awaits. I would think that joy would include animals.1 Corinthians 2:9-
However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him".-NIV;)

I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and kind words from this community.

Zoomer96

09-10-10, 10:47 AM

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. There are few things as painful as losing a dear friend. And a dog can be one of the best. Been there, Done that.......

cdrsubron7

09-10-10, 10:48 AM

Sorry to hear about your loss, my friend. My condolences.

Fish40

09-10-10, 12:02 PM

I'm sorry to hear that Wernher. I actually had the unpleasent task of takeing the family cat to the vet to be put down. My wife, then girlfriend, had to drive back because I was a blubbering mess. I don't think I would want to do that again. Keep your chin up bud, and remember all the good times you had togeather.

Mandiworld

09-10-10, 12:05 PM

Very sorry about your loss. I hope this helps you in your pain...

A Dog's Purpose? (from a 6-year-old).

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker 's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live..

He said,''People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?'' The Six-year-old continued, ''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''

rein1705

09-10-10, 04:12 PM

I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. A best friend, Family, and Shipmate all in one. I shall have the gun crew fire a salute and the torpedomen paint up a torpedo in Sabers honor to send to the enemy.

McHibbins

09-10-10, 06:26 PM

WernherVonTrapp

09-10-10, 08:11 PM

Wernher, you´re not alone.
My deepest condolences. Same happened to me with my sweet Dachshound (?) (Dackel) Daisy on August 23th this year.
She was 15 1/2 years old when I brought her to the "rainbow bridge" :cry:

Edit : Maybe this may help you a little bit......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9QwGJkYisc&feature=related

and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVt1pD0sT0k&feature=related
Thank you McHibbins, that was very touching. I want to thank all of you for your thoughts and words, I've read them all.

When I was only 6 years old, my parents bought me my first dog, Baron. I had 3 sisters but no brothers and my parents felt Baron would make a good companion for me since I had little in common with my sisters and my father worked long hours as an executive. I played with Baron and grew up with him over the years. In fact, he lived over 17 years. Eventually, I grew to become a man, got married and moved out of my parents home at the age of 21.

Before moving away, I had naturally developed other interests (friends, work, dating, etc.) and unfortunately, Baron sort of faded quietly into the family fold as a second thought. He was aging and becoming increasingly more feeble. After I had married and moved out, my mother telephoned me to tell me that Baron could no longer walk on his own and she was going to take him to be euthanized. She asked if I would accompany her since she didn't think she was emotionally up to the task. Being the young, strong, virile man that I thought I was, I agreed out of respect for Baron and a sense of duty as his (sort of) fellow sibling.

During the drive to the Vet's office, I began to reminisce about all those years I had spent laughing, playing and growing up beside my canine companion. Great sorrow and regret began to break down the walls I had so carefully constructed over the years. As we pulled into the parking lot at the animal hospital, I began to cry unabatedly and unconsolably. I told my mother that I could not go through with it and that Baron was the only companion I had known as a young child. By this time her own floodgates had long given way and after serving no small meal of choice expletives to me, she took Baron inside the Vet's office as I sat adamantly and safely at the helm of my vehicle.

I was still crying as she exited the Vet's office, empty handed, and after several nearly indistinguishable apologies, found that I couldn't even drive the car home. In a nutshell, I was a mess. I was saddened even more that Baron was not taken home for a proper burial. All these years later, I'm still haunted by my failures on that fateful day. I swore that if I ever got another pet, I would handle it in an exceedingly more appropriate manner. I would not fail again.

Remembering Baron so many years later, and the vow I swore, I was inexorably set against ever owning a dog again. I could not, and would not, be swayed. After my second marriage, my new wife was incessantly hounding me to buy a puppy for her. For 2 years she endeavored tirelessly in her quest. Strictly as an appeasing effort, I took her to a local pet store without ever intending to spend one thin dime on any animal. The pain of the loss of Baron was still as present in my heart. "No way! No how! It ain't gonna happen! You can't talk me into it!", were the replies she would always hear.

As we pulled into the pet store parking lot, so many years ago, my new wife and I had been engaged in converation regarding the possibilities we might encounter in purchasing a pet dog. Of course, this was, in my mind, without ever intending to follow through with a purchase but rather, as a placatory strategy. I though I was being shrewd when I honestly suggested, "Too bad they don't make big dogs in small packages. You know, like a German Shepherd or a Dobermann but only, very small." In all honesty, I was telling the truth believing that no such dogs existed.

Once we entered the pet store, I immediately saw, and was instantly drawn to a tiny, stag red, dog, looking very much like a Dobermann and with a spiked collar that was so small, it could only accomodate 2 spikes.
I approached the puppy, who was in a topless, raised, pen and almost as if by fate, an employee was standing adjacent to it. I asked in eager astonishment, "What kind of dog is that?" The female attendant said it was a Minn-Pin. Duh, I just noticed the sign on the pen. I asked, "Minn Pin? You mean, like a mini Pinscher?" After a short testimony to the breed, she picked him up out of the pen and handed him to me. He was barely larger than the palm of my hand and I held him (with one hand) against my neck. The dog began, what would soon become, his trademark lick upon my face. As soon as he did, I was caught, hook, line and sinker, and my check book was already out of my pocket. The bond was instant.

That was the day we took Saber home and the events I've testified to are more than likely, the reason why I developed an unusually strong bond with him. I named him Saber because, that's what he was to me. He was my sword that garnered my strength for the battles (stresses) of this world. I'm sorry if this was long winded but, that too is in my nature, to explain against any possibility of misinterpretation. My wife complains constantly that my words are superfluous but, it has sure come in handy during cross-examinations.
I stayed with Saber through the entire process, holding him and caressing his back as the injections were administered. Though it was breaking my heart, I did not cry and give Saber any indication that something terrible was about to happen. After it was over, still not one tear shed, I carefully placed him back into his carrier, took him home and began to dig his burial site. Before wrapping him in his favorite blanket, I held his lifeless body, like I often used to (on my chest), rubbing his belly. It was then that the deluge came upon me. I held him for several minutes before placing him into the ground and covering him.

I did it right this time.

SABER:
http://i1045.photobucket.com/albums/b456/archangel501/sabermem.jpg

Platapus

09-10-10, 09:31 PM

Although it does not make the pain go away, take heart that you did a noble and merciful thing.

From "A dog's plea" by Beth Norman Harris

....And, my friend, when I am very old and I no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep my going. I am not having any fun. Please see to it that my life is taken gently. I shall leave this earth knowing that with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands

A most noble thing you did :yep:

Gerald

09-10-10, 11:05 PM

Although it does not make the pain go away, take heart that you did a noble and merciful thing.

From "A dog's plea" by Beth Norman Harris

A most noble thing you did :yep: :salute:

torpedobait

09-11-10, 09:43 AM

Very sorry to hear of your loss. We have enjoyed many wonderful years with what is now 3 generations of rescued doggies (and 2 cats). Each was very special and unique. Some were very hard to get close to due to their prior experiences (stories that would break a stone's heart), but eventually we were able to win their trust and the love became mutual.
That made it even harder in some ways when they moved on to their next existence, but we have this vision of all of them playing and running together through our yard from time to time, and in some way it eases the pain of having lost them. We will never forget them, of course, as you will never forget your lost companion. I hope this will help ease your pain, which we too have shared.

Deephunter

09-11-10, 10:11 AM

Sorry to hear that. You will never know a more loyal friend! That is what makes them special.

Sorry for his passing on...I believe that AVGW's comment lies at the core of our attachment to our pets. They ask no more than a pat on the head now & then for all their services. Wish people were more like dogs....

ancient46

09-11-10, 11:44 PM

Taffer, Shiloh, and I are sorry for your loss. Shiloh leaped from his conning tower perch and looked at me with his sad Beagle eyes seeking to comfort me as I was saddened by the news. My two loyal companions sensed my sadness I felt at your loss.

You have your memories and hopefully lots of pictures and videos to remind you of the love and good times you shared.

WernherVonTrapp

09-11-10, 11:58 PM

Some final thoughts:

First, I'd like to extend my deepest gratitude to those who offered their sympathies in this thread. You all deserve the Medal of Honor in my book and not for any specific choice or number of words. Though it may seem like I singled out and replied to specific responses, they were all equally important to me and not one post was deemed more worty than any other. Each and every one of the replies here shows that you each share a common virtue, and that virtue is the compassion you have for your neighbor. You all had an opportunity to let your light shine and your reaction was to jump at the chance. It is often situations such as this that give us the opportunity to prove our true metal.

To say that I am impressed and touched by your heartfelt responses would be an understatement. Despite that I still grieve over the loss of Saber, your words of sympathy and comfort carry more weight than you know. It calls to mind a quote by Admiral Chester W. Nimitz: "Uncommon valor was a common virtue." It takes more bravery to show compassion than it does to show one's fists. I thank you, and if Saber were here, he'd thank you too.
Sincerely, thank you all.:salute:

I'm goin' down

09-12-10, 12:11 AM

My three toy poodles keep me on my toes. My avatar has a gopher rising in the Grass Sea. Actually the Grass Sea is a large very lawn in my yard.

Scout, the most purebread of the boys, has been sniffing a gopher under the lawn's surface. You can tell because he cocks his head, and his tail stands like the quills of a porcupine in the area where he patrols. He has been trenching the lawn for three weeks trying to catch it. If he had left it alone it would not be much of a problem, as I saw only couple of small divits in the lawn. His trenches though are holes in the ground and are about 10" in diameter. Finally, out of desperation, I got my shovel out and started digging up sections of the lawn to find the critter, followed by a 30 minute carbon monoxide gas attack utilizing a 200 foot hose with one end stuffed in the gopher's tunnel and the other attached the exhaust pipe of a truck. I followed that with poison in the tunnels, and traps at the entrances. No signs of the critters in 24 hours. If this fails, then I am am going to get a sonic device which apparently drives the critters off if you plant it nearby.

How can you not love these guys? They guard the yard, chase the mailman, bite the pizza delivery man if he doesn't toss them biscuits, yip in chorus for no fathomable reason, and pee in the kitchen if they are not fed regularly. They refuse to answer when called unless I plead in French or offer them a croissant. Scout is so stupid I think he ate some acid he found on the ground. When it is cold, they sleep on my bed, and when it is hot they lay on the carpet so they catch the rays of the sun shining through the blinds. They refuse to take care of their business in the dirt, and only use the lawn area as it is more suitable to their French sensibilities. And they leave burrs on my couch which end up in my shorts if I am not careful. They require fifty dollar haircut every month, and insist that I pet each of them vigorously at least three times per day. They watch all of the Angelina Jolie movies, and think Jerry Lewis is hilarious and on par with Charlie Chaplin (classic French quality.)

I can understand how someone can miss their faithful companion(s).

WernherVonTrapp

09-12-10, 06:39 AM

My two loyal companions sensed my sadness I felt at your loss.

You have your memories and hopefully lots of pictures and videos to remind you of the love and good times you shared.They know, they certainly do know about these things. Thank you.

My three toy poodles keep me on my toes. My avatar has a gopher rising in the Grass Sea. Actually the Grass Sea is a large very lawn in my yard.

Scout, the most purebread of the boys, has been sniffing a gopher under the lawn's surface. You can tell because he cocks his head, and his tail stands like the quills of a porcupine in the area where he patrols. He has been trenching the lawn for three weeks trying to catch it. If he had left it alone it would not be much of a problem, as I saw only couple of small divits in the lawn. His trenches though are holes in the ground and are about 10" in diameter. Finally, out of desperation, I got my shovel out and started digging up sections of the lawn to find the critter, followed by a 30 minute carbon monoxide gas attack utilizing a 200 foot hose with one end stuffed in the gopher's tunnel and the other attached the exhaust pipe of a truck. I followed that with poison in the tunnels, and traps at the entrances. No signs of the critters in 24 hours. If this fails, then I am am going to get a sonic device which apparently drives the critters off if you plant it nearby.

How can you not love these guys? They guard the yard, chase the mailman, bite the pizza delivery man if he doesn't toss them biscuits, yip in chorus for no fathomable reason, and pee in the kitchen if they are not fed regularly. They refuse to answer when called unless I plead in French or offer them a croissant. Scout is so stupid I think he ate some acid he found on the ground. When it is cold, they sleep on my bed, and when it is hot they lay on the carpet so they catch the rays of the sun shining through the blinds. They refuse to take care of their business in the dirt, and only use the lawn area as it is more suitable to their French sensibilities. And they leave burrs on my couch which end up in my shorts if I am not careful. They require fifty dollar haircut every month, and insist that I pet each of them vigorously at least three times per day. They watch all of the Angelina Jolie movies, and think Jerry Lewis is hilarious and on par with Charlie Chaplin (classic French quality.)

I can understand how someone can miss their faithful companion(s).(chuckle) Why do I picture a (gopher hunting) scene from Caddy Shack? (Thanks for the smile you brought me :)).

You're absolutely right. Even if we tried to do otherwise, how can you prevent yourself from loving them?;)