Puppy Love

February 12, 2010 - 2:55 am GooxygixVug - i truly adore your writing style, very interesting. don't give up as well as keep writing seeing that it simply that is worth to read it. impatient to look at much of your own article content, goodbye :)

January 22, 2010 - 12:46 pm Margo - Denise, it is so hard to make that decision. My prayers are with you in this time of heartache.

January 20, 2010 - 4:42 pm Skye, River, and Siennas mom - Rainbow Bridge by Author Unknown Rainbow Bridge 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.... Author unknown

January 20, 2010 - 12:32 pm Gran in NC - Thinking of your family and sending a hug your way.

January 20, 2010 - 10:24 am MelissaG - I am so very sorry to hear about Goliath. Losing a pet is so hard. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

January 20, 2010 - 8:48 am elainem - Denise, Change the 12 to a 10 and the name to Jackson, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and I could have written the first few lines of this post, mattress on the floor and all. We had a scare with "big J" over the holidays, he is thankfully fine but, I know his time will come and it scares me. I am so very sorry for your pain at this difficult time. May your memories of Goliath comfort you and your family.

January 20, 2010 - 2:45 am Lil - Just wanted you to know I have had you in my thoughts and prayers. I don't know whatelse to say, Sorry Denise for the entire family. ((hugs))

January 19, 2010 - 8:03 pm Kelly Morgan - Oh girl, that picture of sweet Goliath is too much! I am an absolute dog lover and it makes me want to kiss his big 'ol lips. My big boy is 11 now too and I dread the day he is not with us. I wish you peace in your decision and will be thinking of you this week!

January 19, 2010 - 7:20 pm Cheryl - I know how hard it is just a couple of months ago our 2.5 year old German Shepard Kaiser developed a severe cancer and there was nothing we could do, so with great pain we had to put him down. My kids ask about him all the time and it is just very sad. Even in two years how attached you can become to an animal I can only imagine how hard it would be after 12 years, my heart goes out to you and your family.

January 19, 2010 - 4:28 pm Sundee - Oh, Denise. I am so sorry for the heartache you and your family are feeling right now. Big hugs to you and the furry one!

January 19, 2010 - 11:06 am 5AmericansInEngland - I'm really sorry to hear about that, my parents went through it when my childhood dog came down w/ cancer. I have a 5 yr old dog and dread the day. I wish you and your family much strength during this hard time.

January 19, 2010 - 10:45 am Tracy - Our kids were 4 and 5 and had lots of questions about it when it was time. We decided to write letters/draw pictures to Maggie to tell her how much she meant to us and what we loved the most about her and then they each wrapped up her favorite toy for her to "take" with her. Then, later we took the rest of her toys to the local shelter for other dogs to play with and that was a good thing too.

January 19, 2010 - 8:23 am lesia foerster - So sorry to hear about Goliath...it is amazing how they become a part of the family!! We lost our Siberian, Chubaka almost a year ago but he was at his prime and not expected to depart us....bone cancer had other ideas! We got a new pup, Trella before we lost him because we knew our other dog, Elliott, was not doing well and had had 14 years on this planet. Trella was with us about 4 weeks when Chubaka got so sick and left us.....a year later now we are looking at a decision on Elliott....I know how tough it is for you Denise....no fun at all. Our five year old still talks about Chubaka and misses him a lot....Trella is her dog and has helped the transition a great deal. Best to you and our thoughts our with you and your family!!

January 19, 2010 - 7:34 am Sara - So sorry about your Goliath...your first baby. NO fun. Take care.

January 19, 2010 - 2:43 am Katie M - aw- sorry sweetie you have to go thru that with Goliath- its never easy- especailly when they have been with you for so long. Hugs to you and all the boys- I hope you all enjoy all the memories you have with him forever!

January 18, 2010 - 11:24 pm Susan - just had to say goodbye to our 14 year old kitty around Thanksgiving so I am here to say I am thinking of you. It was very hard....but time does heal :)

January 18, 2010 - 9:38 pm Katelyn's Mommy - My 'fluffy puppy' is 11 and I can appreciate what you are feeling. I dread the thought more than I can imagine. Thinking of you!

January 18, 2010 - 8:09 pm katherine c. - Denise~ I forgot in my last post to tell you a couple of friends of mine told me of some great things that they did for their pets. One of my friends threw a bbq the night before. They invited everyone who loved their pet and had great food. Everyone got to say goodbye and their pet really knew he was loved. Another friend said that they bought this cool heart necklace that you could store ashes in. They got theirs on ebay. I wish I had done that. I am soo sorry.

January 18, 2010 - 7:03 pm Denise - Thank you!

January 18, 2010 - 7:01 pm cristy - Oh chickie. We lost our "goliath" 3 years ago and Peyton still talks about him daily. We miss him terribly. My heart goes out to all of you <3

January 18, 2010 - 6:45 pm Kay - I am so sorry to hear about what decision you are faced with concerning Goliath. We have a bichon frise that we purchased at the begging requests of my 5 year old (at the time). I never dreamed that this sweet puppy would hold such a dear place in my heart! I tease my children telling them that Flake is my favorite because he never talks back and obeys at my first request. My thoughts are with you and your family.

January 18, 2010 - 6:23 pm Kristi - So sorry to hear about your beloved dog. Our dogs are truly a part of our family always. I have never not had one around ever since being a little girl. Sadly we had to say good-bye to our eldest, "Scarlett" just over a year ago. We miss her dearly as do our other two dogs, but talk about her often. My son (only 4) still talks about her all the time. I find peace in sharing the great memories of her with our family. Take care of yourself and know that you and your family are in MANY people's prayers. May you find peace in the days ahead.

January 18, 2010 - 5:05 pm WhitleyKate's mom - Oh Denise! We are so sorry that your family is going through this. We had to say goodbye to Harley in 2005 after having her in our life for 13 years. My kids can look back now at pictures and smile when they talk about all the good times they had with her. It's so hard, but the memories will forever be with your family. One day you'll be able to see past the tears and remember only the special times your family shared with Goliath. Your family will be in our prayers!

January 18, 2010 - 3:36 pm Melanie H. - Denise, I'm so sorry to hear about Goliath. Our pup will be 10 this week and has been waning, she has cancer & has had surgery once, but we think it is returning...as much as pets drive us crazy sometimes, we sure don't like to think of them not being here! Thinking of you this week... (((((hugs)))))

January 18, 2010 - 10:42 am Brooke - I am so sorry. I can truly say I know what you are going through! I will be thinking of you!!

January 18, 2010 - 10:11 am Erin - So sorry.....crying for you, the tears were running before I even read...new what it was going to be about before I even started. I be thinking of you all and as another said we will all be here when you get through this.

January 18, 2010 - 9:43 am Wendy S - Hi Denise. I'm so sad to hear about your precious dog, Goliath. I wanted to recommend a book by a fabulous children's author named Cynthia Rylant. The book is called "Dog Heaven" (there's "Cat Heaven", too, which we also owned as we are true animal lovers...). It's a beautiful book that will truly touch the hearts of all-- young and old. You may also want to look into a pet creamation service. We had our beloved dalmatian, Cole, for almost 10 years before he developed liver cancer and we had to put him down. We had him cremated with the intention of burying his ashes in the back yard under a nice stone we had engraved with his name and pawprint. Anyway, I just can't bring myself to do it, so "he" still sits on our bookcase watching over his family and his home as he did for so many years. Sorry for the rambling. Just wanted to let you know that I understand the pain you are-- and will be-- feeling. Those who say, "it's only a dog" have never truly loved one. Hugs to you, Wendy S.

January 18, 2010 - 9:40 am Incognito - Oh Denise... what sad, sad news. So sorry to hear about Goliath - losing an animal is so very difficult, and I can only imagine what you guys are going thru emotionally. I will be thinking of you all.

January 18, 2010 - 8:48 am Chelle Belle - I have a lump in my throat for you. So sorry. They do go to puppy heaven for sure. He not only is a part of your family, he's a marker for significant times in your life. That's how I feel about my 8-year old dog. Puppy when we got married, adolescent firecracker when we had kids, etc., etc. He's seen you through some amazing times. You are in my thoughts. Hang in there.

January 18, 2010 - 8:41 am ells - I am so very sorry. I know how hard it is to say goodbye. I still wear a picture in a locket of my Lab that I lost 8 years ago. I still think of her nearly every day. Goliath gave you such happiness, but more importantly, you gave him an amazing life and that is what you have to remember. Thoughts with all of you this week...take care.

January 18, 2010 - 8:32 am Nancy - Denise- so sorry to hear about your doggie. Goliath is such a part of your life that he will always be in your heart. I know as Harley was our 185 lb, 7 year old Great Dane that succumbed to bone cancer almost 9 years ago. He was our first "child" as our first human child arrived about 3 months after he passed. So, yes I was 6 months pregnant and had to miss 3 days of work just b/c I could not bear to talk about it. I still miss him. One tip: Try to stay away from all of the Rainbow Bridge stories unless you want to cry even more...((Hugs))

January 18, 2010 - 8:27 am gena - Denise- I am so sorry about goliath! This is always such a hard thing to do. He looks like an old wise soul and a great friend!{hugs to you and your family}

January 18, 2010 - 7:56 am Ashley - Denise I am very sorry to hear about Goliath. Losing a pet is probably one of the hardest things I have ever faced in my life. Please know that we are all thinking about your family and will keep you in our prayers.

January 18, 2010 - 7:35 am Tracy - Dogs are such people in our lives and they are truly family to us and to our children. We still talk about our Maggie even though she went to Heaven over a year ago and now a tiny Tazo puppy has finally come to fill the void. The kids will never forget Goliath, and I would recommend that you don't wait as long as we did to bring that puppy love back into your home - you will know when it's right and they will tell you! I'll be thinking about you this week... don't worry about us and our needs - take care of yours for a change~

January 18, 2010 - 7:09 am Denni - Oh Denise, this makes me so sad for you and your family. We have a lab who is about to turn 15 and I know her days are numbered. Addi Grace will be so sad as I know your boys are. You are in our prayers.

January 18, 2010 - 6:30 am Deb Stallings Mom to Sophie - Denise, So sorry to hear about Goliath. Pets are our "other" children. They are so loyal and love unconditional. Hang in there. Deb

January 18, 2010 - 6:25 am Laura Ann - Praying for you and your family as you make a very tough/painful decision this week. We have been there recently with a dog that I had for 15 years and helped me make it through college. I begged to come home many times because I was homesick and my Daddy showed up with a one pound Lhasa Apso that captured my heart and helped fill the emptiness I was experiencing. It is so hard and so sad, they are our children. Please know that I will be thinking of you guys all week as you go through this as a family (especially those sweet boys of yours).

January 18, 2010 - 6:04 am Mrs. Smith - Denise I'm so sorry about Goliath. Sounds like he's been a great friend/family member. I live in Newfoundland and know how wonderful these gentle giants are. :) BIG hugs today.

January 18, 2010 - 5:46 am shelby - Thinking of you. Can "feel" your pain through this entry.

January 18, 2010 - 5:44 am Amie *C* - Oh Denise and family, I am so so sorry. I was so sad just reading about Goliath. ((())) for all of you. No worries at all about the sale. We will all survive waiting longer.

January 18, 2010 - 5:26 am Linda - I am so sorry to hear this about your 'baby'. I too had to put my cat down this past week as she was old and not doing good. It has been an emotional rollercoaster as she was with me in the good and bad times. Prayers and Thoughts with you and the family as you go through this!

January 18, 2010 - 4:44 am AnaA - I am so very sorry about Goliath. It is terribly difficult to say goodbye to such an important family member. My husband and I both have lost our longtime companions in the recent years. My 15 year old Yorkie, Sadie and his 14 year old Yellow Lab, Kory. Even knowing what we did the right, compassionate thing - it was still hard not seeing those little faces around the house. I won't tell you it gets easier with time - you just will become better equipted to deal with the loss. Sending lots of prayers your way.

January 18, 2010 - 4:15 am christine - Denise, I am so sorry to hear about Goliath. I know how hard it is for everyone. The loss of a pet is as dear to our hearts as our children. fggggggggggg (weird) as my cat just jumped up and stepped on the keys to say something. We just lost her sister suddenly a couple of months ago and she looks for her all the time.

January 18, 2010 - 12:17 am Terese - Denise I'm so sorry about Goliath :( Hugs to you.

January 17, 2010 - 11:58 pm Stephanie - I am so sorry to hear about Goliath. I will be faced with the same decision very soon. I feel for the kids though. It is so hard for them to say goodbye to a friend they have known forever to them. I dread the day that I have to tell my little ones. You are making the right decision. A little story, A friend of ours had to put his dog down b/c he was very ill. He went to the market and bought him filet mignon and gave him a dog's dream dinner before taking him the the vet. I thought that was so sweet. Give those boys big hugs. I will be thinking of you.

January 17, 2010 - 11:06 pm Katherine Castillo - My family's thoughts are with yours right now. I waited about a year too long with both of our dogs.It is sooo hard. They went to heaven just before Christmas. I'm so sorry for your loss.

January 17, 2010 - 10:12 pm Lil - Denise, David and boys, I am in tears as i read this blog, we love our dog and i can hear the ache in your heart. I wish there were words I could say make you feel better but there are none. A good dog is more of a friend that WE ever dare ask for and loves you even when you forget about them. I will keep you in my thoughts.. Give Goliath a pet on the head from us... I am getting off here as I dont handle these things to well myself. I am ever so very sorry....

January 17, 2010 - 9:59 pm ginap - So sorry to hear about your other baby. There is nothing worse than losing a furry member of the family. He will let you know when it is time. Thoughts and prayers for your family. Give Goliath a big hug.

January 17, 2010 - 9:53 pm Tracy - What a beautiful puppy. And what a happy life I bet he has had with you. God Bless.

January 17, 2010 - 9:39 pm K Squared Mommy - So sorry to hear about Goliath! :(

January 17, 2010 - 9:33 pm KimD in SC - You are in my thoughts:)

January 17, 2010 - 9:22 pm Michelle - So sorry about Goliath. 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.... Okay I cry every time I read this. My golden is almost 11 and blind. He's getting pretty old.. It really sucks that our animals can't live as long as us...

January 17, 2010 - 9:14 pm berni - Such a sweetie and what a wonderful picture. So sad to hear about Goliath. My thoughts are with all of you.

January 17, 2010 - 9:13 pm Lisa M - Oh my heart aches for you and your family. It is always hard to say goodbye to a loved one. My parents are dealing with the same issue right now... can't let the girls see your blog post or they will start crying just thinking about it. Big hugs!

January 17, 2010 - 9:08 pm shannon - denise, i'm so sorry about goliath. that's heartbreaking. we had to let go of harley (our cat) last january because he got very sick. he was very young though (5 weeks from his 4th birthday), but we had him since he was 8 weeks old. a year later and i still get emotional about it. pets are family! again, so sorry for you and your family!

January 17, 2010 - 8:46 pm Denise - Oh you guys are so sweet..Yes, it is so hard cuz he is so dang cute, he still looks like a puppy. But the poor guy just can;t move. Joe is pretty sad, okay really sad..Oh man...

January 17, 2010 - 8:41 pm pongoandbindi - I'm so sorry about Goliath.

January 17, 2010 - 8:40 pm Monika - I'm crying for you, Denise, and I never even met Goliath. I'm so sorry... I'm dreading the day myself... our beloved cats are 10... I can't even imagine life without them. How are the boys taking it? Especially Joe with his tender, loving heart? Lots of hugs, I'll be thinking about you and yours...

January 17, 2010 - 8:38 pm Lee - I'm so sorry about you are having to say goodbye to your dog this week. After reading the comments, I think the pawprint is a good idea. I don't have any physical reminders (other than pics) of my sweet dog who I still miss. I wish I had a pawprint, that's a good idea.

January 17, 2010 - 8:37 pm Christie - Oh, been there :( Hate it for you. Just know you are doing the right thing and its ok to loose it completely for a day or so. What a sweetie.

January 17, 2010 - 8:35 pm *Twinkle*Toes* - Hope you find your way thru this week! Your in our thoughts! No worries we will all be here when you return.

January 17, 2010 - 8:29 pm April W. - Ohhh..so sorry to hear the sad news on both accounts. From the time I was 4 years old we had a german shepard. When I was 15 she went into a field to basically die. It was SO sad and so hard. This might seem stupid to some but she was like a sister to me. She slept on my bed, I taught her pet tricks, she pulled me and my sister in our wagons. We rode on her back. She even barked and jumped up to bite on our teeter totter when she thought it went to high. Anytime I spoke about her I cried... for years after she passed away. I am sitting on the edge of my seat for the sale! Gotta get the last little bit before new line comes out!! :) I just had my 2 year old ( birthday today) photos done in MJ. It's on my blog. :) Enjoy your holiday!

January 17, 2010 - 8:27 pm Robin - I am so sorry - it is so hard to let go of a pet. I've had dogs all my life and it is always hard when that time comes. My thoughts are with you and your family. Blessings to Goliath!

January 17, 2010 - 8:25 pm Diane - Denise, so sorry about Goliath! I'm in the same boat....my Kodiak will be 13 on Feb. 15th, the day Hammond Bay launches, and he is having such a hard time! He was just eating about 20 minutes ago and just standing at his food bowl he fell down and needed help getting up! I'll be thinking of you, David and the boys during this very hard time we unfortunately have to go thru!

January 17, 2010 - 8:22 pm Sophia's Mom - I am so sorry about Goliath....animals become part of your family. My husband bought me a gift last year that was something you may want to do...it is a stone that you make and you can put your animals paw print in. You can decorate it however you like. He gave me this because my friend had recently lost her dog and wished she had something like that as a keepsake. I have three dogs and plan on putting each one of their paw prints on it with their name. My husband got it at a local craft store...Michael's. But I am sure you can find them other places as well. Hugs to you.

January 17, 2010 - 8:18 pm jami - SO sorry, Denise. Thinking of you and your family this week. ~Be strong~

January 17, 2010 - 8:18 pm JackieF - Crying for you....so, so sorry!

January 17, 2010 - 8:18 pm Ashley - I am so sorry to hear about Goliath! We as well have a Newfoundland. He will be 2 this year but I do know these dogs don't have a long life span and WOW Goliath is old for a Newf! That is great... He must of had a Very Happy life :) Hugs and Prayers goes out to you and your family!

January 17, 2010 - 8:15 pm Tamara - I'm so sorry to hear about Goliath. :( It's so hard to let go of a pet and see them go. I'll be thinking about you, David and the boys this week. ((hugs))

January 17, 2010 - 8:10 pm TanyaLea - I'm SO sorry to hear about your Goliath. Pets are another extension of our families, so it's always so hard to say 'good-bye' to them when the time comes...especially when they've been part of our lives for so long. We just went through that same tough heartache this past spring, so I'm feelin' for ya! Sales will come and go, but your family will need you this week, so keep your focus there. The 'teaser' will keep us all checking back in for the big SALE! ;) Hugs, Tanya

January 17, 2010 - 8:05 pm melissa - Oh, I am sooo sorry! As a huge dog lover of my own two sweet pooches, my heart goes out to you. He is beautiful and I'm sure will leave many beautiful memories. Don't worry about the sale. Focus on your family and your sweet Goliath.

January 17, 2010 - 8:05 pm Amitha - Oh Denise, I am so sorry to hear about your sweet puppy. :( I can't imagine your upcoming week. Hugs to you and the boys.

January 17, 2010 - 8:02 pm tree*head - Denise-so sorry to hear about Goliath :(....its so hard and heartwrenching. I've been through it twice and it is NEVER easy. ~hugs~

January 17, 2010 - 8:01 pm Isabella's Mom - I'm so sorry about Goliath, I can't imagine the difficult week you have ahead. At least Saturday is something to look forward to... Take care.

January 17, 2010 - 8:00 pm Mary - Oh, Denise. I am so sorry about your sweet little puppy. I know how hard that is. I know that he will be playing hard in Puppy Heaven, chasing butterfies and eating out of the garbage without being reprimanded. ;o) It is tough when your first 'baby' goes on. Keep us updated about the sale. I have my list ready. :o) (((HUGE HUGS!)))