Lost My Best Friend

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.

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.

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.

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Armistead

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.

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by Platapus

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....

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Dave

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.

Ain't that the truth. Thanks for your thoughtfulness.

Platapus · 09-09-10, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WernherVonTrapp

(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.

Armistead · 09-09-10, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Platapus

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

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.

09-09-10, 11:43 AM	#1
WernherVonTrapp Admiral Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Now, alot farther from NYC. Posts: 2,228 Downloads: 105 Uploads: 0	Lost My Best Friend 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. 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. __________________ "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." -Miyamoto Musashi ------------------------------------------------------- "What is truth?" -Pontius Pilate

09-09-10, 12:28 PM	#3
Armistead Rear Admiral Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: on the Dan Posts: 10,880 Downloads: 364 Uploads: 0	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. Again, sorry... Last edited by Armistead; 09-09-10 at 04:28 PM.

09-09-10, 12:29 PM	#4
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	Condolences from me. I know what it is to lose the one you love, R.I.P __________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie

09-09-10, 01:15 PM	#5
Rockin Robbins Navy Seal Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: DeLand, FL Posts: 8,900 Downloads: 135 Uploads: 52	Salute to the great dog of a great Subsim member! Thank you for sharing your loss with us. __________________ Sub Skipper's Bag of Tricks, Slightly Subnuclear Mk 14 & Cutie, Slightly Subnuclear Deck Gun, EZPlot 2.0, TMOPlot, TMOKeys, SH4CMS

09-09-10, 02:12 PM	#6
rmr1701 Watch Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Rowlett, TX Posts: 23 Downloads: 55 Uploads: 0	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 __________________ "Any society that will give up a little freedom to gain security...shall gain neither and lose both"

09-09-10, 12:23 PM	#2
Bothersome Planesman Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 194 Downloads: 64 Uploads: 0	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.

09-09-10, 04:26 PM	#7
tomoose Grey Wolf Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 930 Downloads: 23 Uploads: 0	Condolences 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.

09-09-10, 07:45 PM	#9
Platapus Fleet Admiral Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 19,361 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 0	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.... __________________ abusus non tollit usum - A right should NOT be withheld from people on the basis that some tend to abuse that right.

09-09-10, 07:48 PM	#10
Captain Dave Officer Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Herriman, Utah Posts: 247 Downloads: 398 Uploads: 3	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.

09-09-10, 07:56 PM	#11
timmyg00 中国水兵 Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: The People's Republic of Massachusetts, USA Posts: 282 Downloads: 42 Uploads: 0	our condolences for your loss. For people like us, pets are not like part of the family, they are family. TG __________________ ET1/SS, SSN-760 USSVI Marblehead Base (MA) *Naval Historical Sites - Photo Galleries*

09-09-10, 10:36 PM	#15
NorthBeach Torpedoman Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Francisco Posts: 112 Downloads: 216 Uploads: 0	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.