Dear Friends, I started out writing to you all through tears the night we first brought Buddy home from his surgery. And I now write you again through tears. Monday night, unexpectedly, Buddy our giant Golden died.
We put him to bed Monday night and the next morning he was dead. He had been his happy bouncy energetic self bouncing around (as you know our front leg amputees do so adorably!), wagging his tail, insisting on head rubs, gobbling his dinner (and extra) and jumped onto his pillow for the night when Dennis put all the dogs to bed. In the morning we found him dead. We think it was possibly a seizure. He has had a few seizures in the past few years. Or else it was his heart.
This is the last photo of Buddy just last Sunday before he died. All the pups and I were zoning out in the sun at the dog park the Sunday before Buddy died. Buddy was lying on my feet and kept his head on my knee to get head rubs.
This is Buddy a week or so before he died. He is waiting eagerly for me to let him in the car. He has his old softball – the toy from his puppy-hood he always carries around. He was actually bouncing up and down on his one front leg.
Here is Buddy and the two little kids in the car ready to go to the park. I’d not yet put Stubby the chow chow or Bella the hound in the car yet. Buddy has his wonderful Golden smile he’s so happy.
I am so sorry for your loss. Buddy looks so much like our old Golden, Gus, who crossed the Bridge a week ago. Maybe they have already found each other there.
Although it is very hard to deal with right now, you can be comforted by the fact that you gave Buddy (and his buddies) the best life he could ever have had. In turn, Buddy gave you the gift of not having to make his decision for him.
He definitely knew he was loved.
Kathi and Murphy
So sorry to hear about Buddy’s unexpected passing – please accept our condolences. It is comforting to know that he lived happily as a tripawd up to the last minute. RIP Buddy, Golden warrior.
Daniela & Johnnie
Sorry for your loss, lots of thoughts being sent to you and your family. My golden had his rear leg amputated this past July due to bone cancer.
My heart and deepest condolences go out to you, I’m really sorry to read that Buddy got his wings. That must have been a terrible shock, I can’t imagine.
Once more a sweet puppy, may he run and play and romp at the Bridge for all time with our Tripawd Angels, may his spirit guide those who are new to this journey and the earthbound heroes who look up to him for inspawration. Thank you for allowing us a glimpse into the wonderful life he shared with all of you.
Your journey will never be forgotten Buddy, you will always be in our hearts.
What a shock when you weren’t expecting it! I am so sorry Buddy had to leave you. But at least he went out on his own terms. Kathi is right — Buddy gave you a huge gift by sparing you that final decision. Now he is romping around over the Bridge with all the tennis balls he could ever want 🙂
Sending you peace and love from the Oaktown Pack,
Martha
Dear friends thank you each so much for your loving responses. You are a real comfort and such a support on our journey with Buddy. I especially like the thought of Buddy running and romping with new friends like Gus. And thank you Kathi for writing about Gus. I know you are also crying for your dear Golden boy.
We sat down tonight and looked through the photo album from the first pictures of Buddy when he first came to us as a gangly one-year-old. It was hard to get good pictures of him because he’d come rushing right up to you and you’d get a picture of just his face looking up at you eagerly.
I do think of his happy spirit rushing around eagerly greeting everyone. I love that I can come here and share about Buddy with so many others who love our dogs so much. Thank you all for sharing Buddy’s life with me.
I’m so sorry to hear Buddy has gone on. I loved reading about your boy and his toys. I know he is in good hands at The Bridge. There were many wonderful Tripawds waiting to welcome him. Sending healing thoughts to you.
I’m so sorry that it was Buddy’s time to unexpectedly go to Rainbow Bridge.
Godspeed Buddy. Run free, sweet boy, run…. Please send your mommy pennies so she knows that you’ve arrived safely.
Wishing you peace, strength and comfort.
Hugs and chocolate Labby kisses,
Ellen and Charley xoxo