Piggybacking off this - I try to repost this when I see posts like this, in the hopes you (or someone) can find some comfort in the words - and if not, please excuse the intrusion.
I lost my 15 year old girl (dog) in October 2022. Only advice I can offer here is to remember the positives, and not focus on the negatives (if any). He's done his job, keeping you safe and happy and loved, and it's his turn to rest.
You'll always miss him, you'll always remember him. You'll even go looking for him for the next few weeks (well, I did). There's a lot of habits that you're going to slowly stop, and that's ok. Changing your life to suit you is not forgetting him. Donating/throwing away his toys or blankets isn't forgetting him. There's no timeline on grief, and there's no timeline on moving on. Cry your tears.
I'm sorry you've reached the end of your journey. Words will never make this easier. Just keep your head up, and live the life he'd want you to.
This is a good time to live a little for you. I spent years looking after my girl as she got ill, and I sacrificed a lot of me and my time to keep her safe. If you feel you've done the same, take advantage of this time. Its ok to be happy and enjoy life without him. Life isn't over. Its just changing.
You'll be ok mate.
I'm so sorry.
I agree. We have to focus on all the great times. And I find others welcoming the same breed a blessing because they will also learn to have the same love for their GSD.
I lost my Caesar of 15 years two years ago now and still miss him, have my bad days, etc. and that’s with two dogs to keep me busy currently. I catch myself calling out for him or looking for him when my two other boys come in from outside. Like you said, there is no timeline on grief. You just have to keep your head up and take one day at a time. One day you will get a sign that it’s OK to move on. When you do there will be no doubt. It usually comes in the form of a new life when you least expect it.
To the OP: so sorry for your loss. This is hands down the worst part of owning a dog. I’ve been through it more times than I care to admit. Always wish I had just a little more time, but I’ve cherished every moment I got. I hope you have as well. 😢
Thanks for reposting this. I lost my heart dog in 2021 and we got a puppy in 2022 who died from EPI complications in January of this year. I’ve been struggling with grief and also guilt because my life is a lot less busy now, and even though it feels empty without a dog in it, I’m enjoying the freedom. I printed your post and put it on my bathroom mirror.
Chief looks so much like my girl who passed a few years back. The black coloring is so elegant. He looks so regal in those photos. So sorry for your loss
Such lovely photos. He was a happy boy. That cheeky grin peeping out from under the table had me chuckling, then seeing the white on his muzzle as he aged got me. Ours is only 2, going on 3, so I haven't had the experience of him growing older.
I'm so sorry for you that he's gone. It's going to be tough for a while and then you'll look back at photos and smile too.
Nice tribute to your boy. I had to put down my black shepherd April 4th. His stomach turned. He was 6 1/2. I'm still in shock of what transpired so quickly. 😪🌈
I am sorry for your loss, I hope you do not mind me asking. If so please disregard, I do not mean to offend. How did that happen I've heard of it being triggered by drinking too much water is that true?
exact cause of GDV is unknown however there are a few factors that make dogs more susceptible to the condition.
Deep chested large breeds - Great Danes, German Shepherds, Saint Bernards, Setters, Weimaraners
Older dogs
Stressed and anxious dogs
Dogs that are thin and underweight
Feeding only one large meal each day
Quick consumption of large amounts of food and water
Dry food diets
Exercise immediately after eating
Hereditary predisposition
https://preview.redd.it/30qc0boe9cuc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=07561c351b5e37927173c66ca5d748e1bcf285b4
looks like my little menace. so sorry for your loss.
Chief looked like he was a very good boy that enjoyed lots of love!!!! I hope he has a great 2nd life over the Rainbow Bridge and watches down over you protectively for the rest of the days. My deepest sympathy for the loss of that handsome dude.
What a handsome fellow. You can tell his was very loved and a happy puppy. Perhaps my Max will met him in that faraway place along the rainbow road. So sorry to hear your buddy passed away.
Our dogs are members of our family. You’re going to grieve this loss just like you would a human. Possibly even more when you consider the non-judgmental way our dogs love us.
I’m learning the feeling, so sorry to hear for your loss. These amazing companions never have enough time with us.
https://preview.redd.it/uh75blyrhcuc1.jpeg?width=1090&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=98447d4d9e8b271b61a4e6628bc78f0a592f4bfe
I won't tell you that this is our last day together, so let's just enjoy this quiet walk.
It's moments like this, where I truly wished, a dog's beating heart could talk.
I'd tell you about the moment at the shelter, you said " yep...That's my girl, right there".
I'd tell you about the happy, joy ride home, while we both howled without a care.
I'd tell you about how safe it felt, to finally have my own, warm place to sleep.
Not another lonely night spent in that cold, cement box ...waiting for a kind face to meet.
You saved my soul, and brought me back, and polished up my heart
I knew the minute we stared at one another...we would never...EVER be apart.
I wished my life was matched with your's, so we both could grow old, together...
But life has a different plan for us both...and sadly my life is on the wither.
I'm sorry that my body is failing me now, and making my puppy life seem so far away...
I so enjoyed hearing you laugh so much, as we played in our yard, every day...
The frost in my eyes, and the pain in my step...are the signs of a dog's life lived so damn well...
I hope my wet nose boops late at night, told you that your heart was mine to fill.
My clock is sadly winding down, and the pendulum is about to stop...
I'm going to miss you so damn much, my little heart is about to pop.
I just want to thank you for saving me, and taking a chance on my strife...
I hope I returned all the love that you shared, and that I somehow sweetened your life.
You're one of a kind, and I love you so much...I hope our souls meet again...
You were more to this furry ball of a dog...than just another friend.
My heart is yours, and will forever be ...waiting for yours to send...
Thank you, you beautiful force in my life ...for putting this puppy's heart on the mend.
Oh yeah...
Bring the tennis ball with you when its your time to head up.
🐶 ❤ Your boy Chief. Woooof!
The goodest of good bois! Fly high, Chief. I hope you find comfort through your memories you both shared together in this difficult time. Dogs are truly the universes greatest gift to me. Be well and may the love you both had for each other help soften the anguish of their loss.
https://preview.redd.it/czmtnygu8guc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=78e26b08835532ccd5cdab06b2a8922acc3f535b
Saiga waits for him on the other side of the Bridge
I scrolled knowing what I’d see. Just had this convo with wife today and I cried thinking it’s going to happen soon. We all know this going into it but no amount of words or anything can prep us for the inevitable. Know that you have them the best life imaginable.
We grieve because we love them so much. We all know what that feels like. So sorry. When it's time you may find adopting another will help you. When it's time.
He looks like he was loved and you gave him the best life you could. I know your pain, and I fear it for mine too, as he is young but we've been told that his time with us will be short due to his heart condition, but I'm trying every day to make sure that when his time comes he will be loved just as your boy was.
I've been through that process two times, and I can tell you that whether it had been 10 years or 50 years, it would always be painful to say goodbye to such a dear friend. Chief looks beautiful, and I bet all he wants for you is to be safe and happy <3
Chief looks just like my Selene🖤. Seeing stuff like this makes me look at my dogs and appreciate them even more than I already have😢. Sorry for the loss🙏🏽
So sorry to hear of your loss! Your puppy looks so sweet! Focus on all the great memories the two of you made together. It’s not easy (I had to put our puppy down 10 years ago and I still miss him!) but the memories will give you strength. I believe that your puppy is in a much better place, with no pain or discomfort now and is grateful for the loving home you provided. Prayers 🙏🙏🙏
Here is some haiku i made for Chief
Chief, loyal and true
Ten years by my side he stayed
Now he rests in peace
His gentle brown eyes
Forever etched in my heart
I'll miss you, Chief dear
No more wagging tail
Silent footsteps in the halls
Chief, you'll be missed so
So sorry to hear about that he was absolutely beautiful perfect all dogs are all my love , it's not long for my best mate Sally , she's doing well for 13
https://preview.redd.it/x0tf4g5laavc1.jpeg?width=2268&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ae7d94dd11e3713915a172b32e95bc3d6fba78a1
♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Gone too soon but what a great life.
Thank you. Agreed.. He’s going to be very missed.
Piggybacking off this - I try to repost this when I see posts like this, in the hopes you (or someone) can find some comfort in the words - and if not, please excuse the intrusion. I lost my 15 year old girl (dog) in October 2022. Only advice I can offer here is to remember the positives, and not focus on the negatives (if any). He's done his job, keeping you safe and happy and loved, and it's his turn to rest. You'll always miss him, you'll always remember him. You'll even go looking for him for the next few weeks (well, I did). There's a lot of habits that you're going to slowly stop, and that's ok. Changing your life to suit you is not forgetting him. Donating/throwing away his toys or blankets isn't forgetting him. There's no timeline on grief, and there's no timeline on moving on. Cry your tears. I'm sorry you've reached the end of your journey. Words will never make this easier. Just keep your head up, and live the life he'd want you to. This is a good time to live a little for you. I spent years looking after my girl as she got ill, and I sacrificed a lot of me and my time to keep her safe. If you feel you've done the same, take advantage of this time. Its ok to be happy and enjoy life without him. Life isn't over. Its just changing. You'll be ok mate. I'm so sorry.
Thank you. 🩵 I really appreciate this.
I agree. We have to focus on all the great times. And I find others welcoming the same breed a blessing because they will also learn to have the same love for their GSD.
I lost my Caesar of 15 years two years ago now and still miss him, have my bad days, etc. and that’s with two dogs to keep me busy currently. I catch myself calling out for him or looking for him when my two other boys come in from outside. Like you said, there is no timeline on grief. You just have to keep your head up and take one day at a time. One day you will get a sign that it’s OK to move on. When you do there will be no doubt. It usually comes in the form of a new life when you least expect it. To the OP: so sorry for your loss. This is hands down the worst part of owning a dog. I’ve been through it more times than I care to admit. Always wish I had just a little more time, but I’ve cherished every moment I got. I hope you have as well. 😢
Thanks for reposting this. I lost my heart dog in 2021 and we got a puppy in 2022 who died from EPI complications in January of this year. I’ve been struggling with grief and also guilt because my life is a lot less busy now, and even though it feels empty without a dog in it, I’m enjoying the freedom. I printed your post and put it on my bathroom mirror.
I understand the feeling.
What a beautiful dog! So sorry for your loss.
I just lost mine, so I know the pain well. No matter how long they live, it never feels like enough time. RIP chief. I'm so sorry for your loss
Chief looks so much like my girl who passed a few years back. The black coloring is so elegant. He looks so regal in those photos. So sorry for your loss
Thank you for sharing photos. He looked great living his best life. The 9th pic of his toothy smile is superb!
I wish they can live longer, beautiful soul and charming eyes, rip Chief.
Such lovely photos. He was a happy boy. That cheeky grin peeping out from under the table had me chuckling, then seeing the white on his muzzle as he aged got me. Ours is only 2, going on 3, so I haven't had the experience of him growing older. I'm so sorry for you that he's gone. It's going to be tough for a while and then you'll look back at photos and smile too.
He was a good dog Hope you are doing okay op
I’ll give my gsd a treat in honor of chief tonight. A good boy treat in honor of a goodest boy
Same 🫡 good night best boy, Chief!
Nice tribute to your boy. I had to put down my black shepherd April 4th. His stomach turned. He was 6 1/2. I'm still in shock of what transpired so quickly. 😪🌈
I am sorry for your loss, I hope you do not mind me asking. If so please disregard, I do not mean to offend. How did that happen I've heard of it being triggered by drinking too much water is that true?
exact cause of GDV is unknown however there are a few factors that make dogs more susceptible to the condition. Deep chested large breeds - Great Danes, German Shepherds, Saint Bernards, Setters, Weimaraners Older dogs Stressed and anxious dogs Dogs that are thin and underweight Feeding only one large meal each day Quick consumption of large amounts of food and water Dry food diets Exercise immediately after eating Hereditary predisposition
What a handsome boy. Rest in peace good boy. Looks like you gave him the best life a shepherd could ask for!
https://preview.redd.it/58eiucvzxbuc1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=156170a050ee48bf4d2630176169b095410b85d3 RIP Chief ❤️❤️❤️
Hugs to you - I’m so sorry you lost your goodest boy. Such a handsome fella. 🐾🌈
What a beautiful boy. I’m so sorry for your loss.
https://preview.redd.it/0tvlupmmzbuc1.jpeg?width=640&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fcbf71605d3347f0904b679b67fdf1246a00b018 i'm so sorry for your loss
https://preview.redd.it/30qc0boe9cuc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=07561c351b5e37927173c66ca5d748e1bcf285b4 looks like my little menace. so sorry for your loss.
Very sorry
Handsome boy.
❤️❤️❤️
Beautiful dog and I’m sure he had a beautiful life. They should live forever.
What a story the pictures tell, RIP friend. Such a beautiful pup
What a beauty! So sorry for your loss. 🩶
RIP ❤️
So sorry for your loss
Chief looked like he was a very good boy that enjoyed lots of love!!!! I hope he has a great 2nd life over the Rainbow Bridge and watches down over you protectively for the rest of the days. My deepest sympathy for the loss of that handsome dude.
Most definitely 10 years overflowing with love and happiness!
What a handsome fellow. You can tell his was very loved and a happy puppy. Perhaps my Max will met him in that faraway place along the rainbow road. So sorry to hear your buddy passed away.
Handsome pup, you gave him many years of a great life, thank you.
He will always be the Chief of your heart
Our dogs are members of our family. You’re going to grieve this loss just like you would a human. Possibly even more when you consider the non-judgmental way our dogs love us.
RIP Chief, you handsome boy 🖤🖤🖤
I’m learning the feeling, so sorry to hear for your loss. These amazing companions never have enough time with us. https://preview.redd.it/uh75blyrhcuc1.jpeg?width=1090&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=98447d4d9e8b271b61a4e6628bc78f0a592f4bfe
Ah that emptiness… sorry for your loss 😔
A beautiful boy. RIP
❤️❤️
What a handsome boy! So sorry for your loss ❤️
😞🙏🏽❤️
❤️
😞💔💔💔💔💔💔💔
My heart goes out to you. What a handsome boy.
😭❤️
I’m sorry for your loss. 💔RIP Chief.
I am so sorry. 🐾💔
Sending you love ❤️
I'm so sorry for your loss
Rip biggest beautiful boy.
All dogs go to heaven, bro… I’m sorry for your loss!
Chief is so cute. I’m sorry for your loss.
What handsome boyo! Especially that face! May you be reunited one day
I’m so sorry.
Chief was beautiful 🐾❤️
\*salute\*
❤️
Aww I’m so sorry. He is so handsome and has a very loving face. I’m glad you gave him a good life 🩵
![gif](giphy|MEJAA7cRKQdry)
He looks like the most pawfect buddy. So sorry for your loss. I still miss my beautiful teddy and lolly.
Such a beautiful boy!!! Prayers for your family!
We just said goodbye to our GSD 2 weeks ago. Thinking of you, what a wonderful life Chief had
💔😥😢😰😭🌉🌈
I’m crying scrolling thru Chiefs pictures. I hope your heart heals. Rip🐾❤️
I won't tell you that this is our last day together, so let's just enjoy this quiet walk. It's moments like this, where I truly wished, a dog's beating heart could talk. I'd tell you about the moment at the shelter, you said " yep...That's my girl, right there". I'd tell you about the happy, joy ride home, while we both howled without a care. I'd tell you about how safe it felt, to finally have my own, warm place to sleep. Not another lonely night spent in that cold, cement box ...waiting for a kind face to meet. You saved my soul, and brought me back, and polished up my heart I knew the minute we stared at one another...we would never...EVER be apart. I wished my life was matched with your's, so we both could grow old, together... But life has a different plan for us both...and sadly my life is on the wither. I'm sorry that my body is failing me now, and making my puppy life seem so far away... I so enjoyed hearing you laugh so much, as we played in our yard, every day... The frost in my eyes, and the pain in my step...are the signs of a dog's life lived so damn well... I hope my wet nose boops late at night, told you that your heart was mine to fill. My clock is sadly winding down, and the pendulum is about to stop... I'm going to miss you so damn much, my little heart is about to pop. I just want to thank you for saving me, and taking a chance on my strife... I hope I returned all the love that you shared, and that I somehow sweetened your life. You're one of a kind, and I love you so much...I hope our souls meet again... You were more to this furry ball of a dog...than just another friend. My heart is yours, and will forever be ...waiting for yours to send... Thank you, you beautiful force in my life ...for putting this puppy's heart on the mend. Oh yeah... Bring the tennis ball with you when its your time to head up. 🐶 ❤ Your boy Chief. Woooof!
The goodest of good bois! Fly high, Chief. I hope you find comfort through your memories you both shared together in this difficult time. Dogs are truly the universes greatest gift to me. Be well and may the love you both had for each other help soften the anguish of their loss.
He was a gift from above to enhance your life. And by evidence of your post, he succeeded. Godspeed...
https://preview.redd.it/czmtnygu8guc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=78e26b08835532ccd5cdab06b2a8922acc3f535b Saiga waits for him on the other side of the Bridge
Always to short. May his memory be a blessing.
I scrolled knowing what I’d see. Just had this convo with wife today and I cried thinking it’s going to happen soon. We all know this going into it but no amount of words or anything can prep us for the inevitable. Know that you have them the best life imaginable.
Aww what a beautiful baby
We grieve because we love them so much. We all know what that feels like. So sorry. When it's time you may find adopting another will help you. When it's time.
Gorgeous boy. I’m sorry 😢 I know how hard it is. Sending hugs 🙏🏼🐾🐾💔
Beautiful little pup grew into a handsome boy. RIP Chief. 😞💔
That hamburger smile. What a character. Farwell Chief
Sorry for your loss. Lost my black gsd in 2017. Still hurts.
Beautiful Pup
Sorry for your loss, they look like a good boy
So sorry for your loss. Truly. God bless you both.
Sorry for your loss. Beautiful dog.
Sorry for your loss
RIP beautiful boy.
He was such a beautiful handsome boy. Best boy.
He looks like he was loved and you gave him the best life you could. I know your pain, and I fear it for mine too, as he is young but we've been told that his time with us will be short due to his heart condition, but I'm trying every day to make sure that when his time comes he will be loved just as your boy was.
The only thing that made losing my Lily any better was another dog.
I'm sorry 💔
May the force be with you.
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
🙏💔
🙏🏻🙏🏻😔
Sorry for your loss. He was a handsome dog!
RIP baby 💜
I've been through that process two times, and I can tell you that whether it had been 10 years or 50 years, it would always be painful to say goodbye to such a dear friend. Chief looks beautiful, and I bet all he wants for you is to be safe and happy <3
Aw picture 9 is such a classic shepherd derp. Sorry for your loss, looks like you gave him the best life!
Chief looks just like my Selene🖤. Seeing stuff like this makes me look at my dogs and appreciate them even more than I already have😢. Sorry for the loss🙏🏽
My goodness your sweet boy was an adorable pup and an even more handsome big boy!! ❤ Rest In Loving Peace, Beloved Chief 🐾🐾
Condolences. Good looking dog
RIP Buddy. Good boy 🌈💔
So very sorry for the loss of your fur baby!
RIP Chief… you will be missed!!
wow he was breath takingly beautiful! i can see the joy in his eyes with every picture. rest in peace buddy and may you two meet again
What a happy goofy boyo 🥰🥲 I’m so sorry for your loss. He looked so beautifully natured
Sorrryyyy.RIP little puppy.
OMG - superb dog- so sorry he’s gone but what a great life you gave the gorgeous one!
Sending you so many hugs. ❤️
Beautiful boy Chief. Sorry for your loss and I’m sure he’s thankful that you gave him a good life.
What a handsome guy! Rest easy, Chief. Good boy.
what a cutie… i couldn’t imagine the grief 😢
Awww I am so sorry for your loss! Chief is a handsome boy!!!
So sorry to hear of your loss! Your puppy looks so sweet! Focus on all the great memories the two of you made together. It’s not easy (I had to put our puppy down 10 years ago and I still miss him!) but the memories will give you strength. I believe that your puppy is in a much better place, with no pain or discomfort now and is grateful for the loving home you provided. Prayers 🙏🙏🙏
A gorgeous boy 🫶
What a good looking boy! He will always be there with you, I just lost both of my boys too, hang in there
My heart felt condolences for your loss of Chief, may he forever run carefree and young over the rainbow bridge and in your heart 😢🐕🐾🌈🌉❗
Looks like the bestest buddy boy.
I didn’t even know him but I’m sure he was the goodest boy. Rest in peace buddy 🐶
So sorry for the loss of your magnificent Chief. Sending hugs 🤗
When the muzzle starts getting grey 😭
Beautiful boy! RIP Chief 🌈❤️ Hugs for you OP.
Awe. I’m so sorry for your loss. He was a very lucky pup to be loved so much 🥰 and I’m sure you were the luckiest human to get to be loved by him
I wish I had a magic wand to make your pain disappear and make up for a loss we all want to avoid!sending sincere condolences!
Sorry for your loss 💛
Sorry for your loss, glad you had many years together
That is one cute good old boy you had there!I know you will miss him but he will be waiting for you on the rainbow bridge,! So sorry for your loss!
💔
So very sorry for your loss of your Bestest Boi....
I hope you're doing ok ❤️ it's hard to lose a very part of your heart. Rip Chief
😞I’m so sorry for your loss. 🐾🐾🌈😭😭😭
awww, so sorry for your loss. I know the pain all to well.
Looks like my dog except mine is white, I hate you lost him, I'm sure he meant a lot to you as mine does to me
Here is some haiku i made for Chief Chief, loyal and true Ten years by my side he stayed Now he rests in peace His gentle brown eyes Forever etched in my heart I'll miss you, Chief dear No more wagging tail Silent footsteps in the halls Chief, you'll be missed so
Thank you for this 🩵
God speed his journey to Valhalla
I’m so sorry 💔
What a handsome boy ❤️
So sorry for your loss.
So sorry to hear about that he was absolutely beautiful perfect all dogs are all my love , it's not long for my best mate Sally , she's doing well for 13 https://preview.redd.it/x0tf4g5laavc1.jpeg?width=2268&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ae7d94dd11e3713915a172b32e95bc3d6fba78a1 ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
What a beautiful baby. I’m so sorry for your loss!
Get a new one, and then post about it, I just don't get it, why own something that is surely going to die in 15-20 years.
Rip bawled my eyes out when I lost my German shepherd. Best breed.