My dog, Knuckles was killed today and I'm a complete mess.

[gatorboy]

Apologies in advance for bad syntax or mis-spellings (and the double post). I don't have the heart to re-read this at the moment.

I've never felt so empty in my life. I'm not even sure if that sounds silly or not. I've lost so many other people in my life, family friends....But this...This as completely destroyed my life at the moment. The emptiness is almost too much to bear and I still can't believe this chunk of my life is gone. He's gone. Just....Gone.

I had Knuckles for well over 6 years. He's a mix breed of terrier and whippet. The Whippet was good for running, the terrier part was good for chewing 3 foot hole in our walls. He chew carpets, walls, occasionally a pair of underwear or two (okay dozens), but still, we loved him. He was always there to let you know when strangers were about and he slept under the covers at my feet every night. My wife had photos of him laying over the back of our chair staring at the door, waiting for me to come home. He apparently would do this for hours.



And then, when I had arrived, he would hug me for several minutes. And when I say hug me, I mean like a human would hug another:




I found him on the side of the road dead after looking for him throughout the entire night. Somehow he had sneaked passed us and was off to do whatever he deemed necessary. By the time I realized he was out(After forty five minutes or so) and started searching for him from midnight until 5. I was desperate to find him before daybreak because I knew he wasn't the keenest of dogs when it came to traffic. He was a house dog so he never knew of the dangers. By 5:30, on my way back, I found him. Dead. He was crumpled on the side of the road and for a moment I refused to believe it. And then I started screaming. I pull over probably 50 yards from where I saw him and ran back to him screaming "GOD, NOT MY BABY, NOT MY SWEET BABY" I couldn't believe it. I lost it completely. this little boy of mine, who I had raised from a pup and who NEVER left my side at home for 6 years was gone.

I sat there on the side of the road with him still screaming and crying as folks passed by. It was too much to bear to see my baby, whom most would say had the most soulful eyes of any dog they had ever seen, so bloodied and lifeless. I hope no one ever has to see their love one in the shape I saw my baby in. He deserved so much better. Half of me wished I had never found him because this image of my sweet baby would now stay with me for the rest of my life. But I knew he deserved better and I was determined to give him proper rest. I pulled him to the side of the road into the grass and rushed home to wrap him in anything I could find. When I came back to him, I covered him up and took him to my fathers who I woke up sobbing about what had happened. He helped me dig a hole for him in my old back yard (A place Knuckles always enjoyed marking) and then left me alone to pay my respects. I buried my sweet boy then went home to break down for a few hours.

Later on I collected many of his things: His water and food bowls, his Frisbee and several of his crew toys. One in particular was cloth and he loved to suckle on in like a pacifier. I took them back over to my dad and buried them with him, hoping in the Afterlife he could still enjoy them. His remaining dog food bag and water bowel, I left by is grave...

His grave...

It's still hard typing that.

And now it is over. I sit in a home which his full of family but still very empty. No more do I have a friend to GIVE my last bite of pizza crust to. No more do I have my friend who kept my feet warm at night when it was cold. Who loved Frisbee like no body's business. No one to play tug of war with, hold on to on the bed after a tough day at work. And no more do I have that sweet trusted boy who was always, ALWAYS there for me. I know it's early but it's still too incomprehensible at the moment to imagine getting over this. he was my life. Completely. And I miss him.

I just wanted you folks to know what and incredible, wonderful, happy dog he was. M


My Knuckles.

[Heidi]

1. gatorboy, I'm so sorry for your loss.

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[Syrinx]

2. my sincere condolences

I've experienced pretty much the exact thing before. It truly is heartbreaking. I'm so sorry.

[KitchenWitch]

3. I am so sorry!

:hug:

[SeattleGirl]

4. Oh gatorboy, I am so very sorry for your loss.

Your post made me cry, especially the pictures of him hugging you. It's obvious he loved you so very much, as you love him.

RIP, Knuckles.

Again, I am so very sorry for your loss. :hug:

[fizzgig]

5. rip knuckles

i am so sorry gatorboy :hug:

[Oeditpus Rex]

6. Aw, man :(

:cry:

:hug:

[VenusRising]

7. I'm so sincerely sorry for you loss.

I'm in tears reading your post. :cry:

He sounds like the greatest dog in the world. He was as blessed to have you as you were to have him.

Take care of yourself.

:hug::hug::hug:

[gatorboy]

17. Thank you, Venus, I didn't mean you or Seattlegirl to cry.

I just had to get this out and don't feel very much like going to bed right now. Normally when I hit the sack, I lift the covers and Knuckles would climb in, spooning the back of my legs. But he's not going to be there now. I'm also not a drinking person by nature but I bought a large bottle of wine and I hope it helps me pass out soon (I'll probably have a keyboard impression on my forehead by morning).

[SeattleGirl]

22. Please don't be sorry, gatorboy.

Crying is one of the things that makes us human. Crying over the loss of a loved one makes us real.

[VenusRising]

25. I cry because I can feel your suffering.

That was one of the most loving and sad things I've ever read. It's so horrible not having that extra spirit around. The one who is more than human and everything you need. It's unconditional love in it's purest form.

I hope you can get some rest. The grieving process is difficult, but give yourself all the time you need.

We're all here for you.

:hug::hug::hug:

[Roon]

8. .

:hug:

[gatorboy]

13. Thank you, Roon.

Looks like Knuckles is already up there!(White dog on the left feeling like the new guy in school.) :)

[Beausoir]

9. Oh...what a beautiful tribute to your boy.

It hurts so bad.

I know the pain you are in right now.

God bless.

[enigmatic]

10. I'm sorry Gatorboy

Losing a companion that gives you unconditional love is a horrible, horrible thing to have happen. A few years ago my wife and I lost our 17 year old kitty that she had had for half her life and who I had grown to love more than just about living thing ever in my life. The kitty and I started out hating each other, but a year later we loved each other to the point where my wife jokingly called me her "boyfriend". The kitty died suddenly; I held her as it happened. I've had many, many friends and family die over the years, a couple in my arms, too. but as I held her when she died, I couldn't stop crying, and didn't for a couple of days. And we were empty, too.

All I can tell you is that Knuckles loved you unconditionally, and you loved him. And that love was as real as any other. And though he's gone now in this plane, he'll still be around you. Trust me on this, you'll know. Remember the times you had with him; it won't erase the hurt and emptiness you're going through now, but in the coming weeks, months, and eventually years, those wonderful times will be like a healing blanket to your heart.

:hug:

[gatorboy]

12. Thank you so much everyone.

I'm not a big person on expressing myself emotioanlly like this and tend to bottle things up most of the time. But I truly enjoy everyone here so much that I felt this was the best place to share (And aplogies in advance for the hard time I give the low posters).

Enismatic, I'm so sorry for your loss but I'm glad you had the chance to be with her when she passed. It constantly tears me up thinking about Knuckles dying alone out there and knowing he deserved so much better. I wish more than anything that I could've been there with him. I just hope that in another life, I can see my baby again.

[enigmatic]

14. You will

And it's not your fault you wern't there, and Knuckles knows that, too. Please, don't blame yourself because of this.

You've got alot of friends here, gatorboy. We've all got big shoulders to lean on. :hug:

[SeattleGirl]

16. You know that you will always have friends here, gatorboy.

People with whom you can laugh and with whom you can cry.

I still have tears in my eyes over your loss. There are no words to really tell you how sad this makes me. :cry:

:hug: :hug: :hug:

And e is right; it's not your fault you weren't there, and I'm sure Knuckles feels no blame toward you. It's obvious he knew (and still knows) how much you love him.

[gatorboy]

20. Thank you so, so much, Seattle girl.

I almost didn't post this (And I lost the post the first time and had to type a second which didn't help :()But I'm glad I did. It really helps to get such loving support from you guys and it's making my cry all over again but in a good way. I just want him to be happy where-ever that may be.

And if it's in Heaven, I hope St Peter doesn't mind Knuckles marking every single cloud that he comes near. Avoid future yellow rain, folks. He was big on marking his stuff :)

[SeattleGirl]

21. When it's hard to stand up on your own, lean on the ones who can

hold you up. And I'm sure St. Peter is a shepard for pets, and understands marking the clouds. :hug:

[Radio_Lady]

96. I have tears in my eyes, remembering how Bambi and Spicey were taken from me...

Both of the drivers of the vehicles stopped to render aid and apologize.

There was nothing either of them could do.

I still struggle with the memories today, but they have dimmed somewhat.

It's only when others suffer as I did -- as you are today -- that I can cry out loud.

Dear Gatorboy -- please accept my heartfelt hugs from afar.

In peace,

Radio Lady in Oregon

[MissHoneychurch]

11. Oh no!! I am so sorry!!!

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[grace0418]

15. Oh gatorboy, I am so sorry. What a loving tribute to your boy.

I know how hard it is to lose a beloved pet. It hurts so much, and my eyes are welling up just reading your account. What a sweet boy he was. I love that picture of him hugging you. The love of a pet is like nothing humans can ever give one another. It's so pure, so complete, so unconditional. They just love you, plain and simple.

What else can I say but I am so, so sorry.

:hug:

[alphafemale]

18. I'm so sorry. It's obvious you two were incredibly bonded.

The photo of him huggin' and a grinnin' is adorable.

[Hawkeye-X]

19. Damn man.

I am so sorry about Knuckles. Sounded like a sweetie for you.

Hopefully you can consider adopting another dog. I know he may never be Knuckles, but he will always have a guardian in Knuckles.

Hawkeye-X

[gatorboy]

23. I've thought about it.

I do alot of work for the Humane Society and do some art work for them when they have auctions to raise money. So I might ask them later on what dogs are available. But it will be very hard to replace Knuckles.

People are always joking that they never saw a dog so attached to a single person. But we were very close and it will be extremely hard to find someone like that again. :(

[SeattleGirl]

27. When MrSG's 17 year old dog had to be put down, he was devastated.

He loves dogs, and I felt that he would evenutally want to get another one, but I felt it was up to him to make the decision as to when that happened. So, the first Christmas after Shadow was gone, our daughter and I wrapped up a new dog dish and leash, and put a note in the package that said, "When ready, just add dog." Two months later, we got our current dog, Chloe, from a private home. We still feel Shadow's absence, but Chloe has helped fill a lot of that empty space.

You will know when you're ready for a new companion. And Knuckles will always be with you.

[murielm99]

24. Oh, I am so sorry.

I don't know how to put this into words. Please accept my deepest condolences.

I remember when our Emily died. Even though it was three years ago, and we now have a new dog, the memory of it hurts. She was killed on the road, too. She was 13 1/2 years old, and I still have no idea why she was down there. She was deaf, and must have seen something interesting.

Your dog loved you and you loved him. What a wonderful unselfish relationship you shared. There is nothing else like it.

I am so very sorry. I hope your pain is less over time. I hope the good memories prevail. My Emily will meet your Knuckles there and make him feel welcome, until you can be reunited with him at the Rainbow Bridge.

[KT2000]

26. Oh, this is so sad

I'm so sorry that you lost your friend Knuckles.
And you honored him so nicely in your post.
RIP Knuckles...

[sbj405]

28. So sorry for your loss.

RIP Knuckles.

[driver8]

29. Oh man...I am so, so sorry.

I am typing this with tears in my eyes and I am completely at a loss for words.

You have written a beautiful tribute to your wonderful Knuckles...

We are here for you, my friend.

[MonkeyFunk]

30. Gatorboy

I'm so sorry. He was beautiful.

I can't even imagine what you're going through. I'd be heartbroken, too.

Again, I'm very sorry.

[pagerbear]

31. I'm so sorry

Everyone has shown such wonderful support and love for you--this is the DU community at its best. I can only second all of their wonderful words.

[NewWaveChick1981]

32. I am so incredibly sorry, Gatorboy.

:hug: :hug: :hug: :pals: I know all too well the pain you feel. My deepest condolences to you. Knuckles was your bestest buddy. :) My heart goes out to you. :hug:

[lost-in-nj]

33. I am so sorry

What a beautiful tribute..
and you are right he looks human when he is hugging you.....


I am sobbing.....

:grouphug: :grouphug: :cry:

lost

[Guava Jelly]

34. Dude i am so sorry!!

..

[outofbounds]

35. What a beautiful creature.

Gatorboy I know how you feel. I had to put down my dog after 14yrs of pure joy. The pain is deep and lasting but it does subside. It took me months. I wish you the best and hope that knowing you gave Knuckles the best life he could have eases this suffering for you. And remember this Knuckles would be pissed if he knew how bad you hurt for him. His whole mission in life was to see you smile. God bless you.

[xchrom]

36. words fail me at the loss you are feeling -- please accept this for Knuckles...

Dear God, protect and bless all beings that breathe, keep all evil from them, and let them sleep in peace. Amen.
--Albert Schweitzer, "Memoirs of Childhood and Youth"


God of the universe, be present with this your creature. Bless Knuckles and Gatorboy who cares for him, now and always. Amen.


Eternal Spirit, we bring you our grief in the loss of Knuckles and ask for courage to bear it. We bring you our thanks for Knuckles who lived among us and gave us freely of his love. We commit our friend and companion Knuckles into your loving hands. Give us eyes to see how your love embraces all creatures and every living thing speaks to us of your love. Amen.


gatorboy -- i can only tell you that i have walked in your shoes -- lost a dog who meant more to me than i could ever say.

i can't know exactly how you feel -- but i wish you Peace.

[LeftyFingerPop]

37. Gatorboy...

I am crying for you and knuckles.

He looked like such a good boy.

He is not experiencing any pain right now, nor does he remember any pain he may have gone through.

If you are a spiritual man, you might believe that the "soul" of Knuckles still feels the beautiful life that you gave him.

You are a great man for loving your dog so much.

My deep condolences.

[bridgit]

38. that's sad...

:(

[Inchworm]

39. Sorry for your loss

That totally sucks. Knuckles sounded like such an incredible friend.

:hug:

[RFKHumphreyObama]

40. I'm so very, very sorry Gatorboy

My sincerest and deepest in terms of thoughts, prayers, condolences and sympathies to you and your family on the loss of your beloved Knuckles:hug: :hug: He looks so cute -especially the picture of him hugging you.

I know that, even though he's physically one, he will live on in your heart and in your memories and that's something that can never be taken away from you

May Knuckles rest in peace:hug: :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

41. I'm so very very sorry

:hug:

I do know that pain.

:hug:

[cwydro]

42. I just woke up and came online

and now I am sitting here with tears streaming down my face.

I am so sorry for you and your Knuckles. Losing an animal is losing a family member. Try and console yourself that it was probably fast for him and that he is watching and waiting for you now. You'll get that hug again gatorboy.

Now I am going to hug these two and take them for a walk. Again, I am so sorry. I know exactly what you are going through. I lost a dog that way in college. How heartbreaking. Again, I am so sorry.:hug:

[warrior1]

43. I'm so sorry for your loss

Please know that your in my thoughts and I wish for you a way to find peace.

Mary

[Joe Fields]

44. I'm very sorry for your tragic loss, gatorboy. Words aren't much comfort

right now. I know what you're going through.

[philosophie_en_rose]

45. I'm so sorry, gatorboy.

It's so hard to lose a loved one. I can only imagine what you're going through right now. Knuckles eyes were so expressive and he clearly loved you a lot.

:pal:

[Sanity Claws]

46. I am so sorry for your loss

You and Knuckles had a very special bond.

[Lost4words]

47. Heart Breaking, I am so sorry for your loss.

You truly had something special.

[NMDemDist2]

48. that's horrible! I know how absolutely guts on the floor devastating it can be to lose a dog

I'm so sorry. and he looked like a great boy.

:hug:

[femmocrat]

49. I'm so sorry, gatorboy. He looks like a great dog and he knows how much you loved him.

RIP, Knuckles.

All dogs go to heaven, so you will see him again, gatorboy. :cry: :hug:

[cwydro]

57. I like what you wrote.

Yes, it is so obvious the dog knew how loved he was. A beautiful dog with a wonderful friend.

Gatorboy, just remember how lucky you were to have him in your life and how lucky he was to have you.

I am not religious, but I truly believe we will see our animal companions again.

[Pool Hall Ace]

50. I am so sorry, gatorboy!

I can tell that Knuckles was a sweetheart. And silly, too!

Please be good to yourself during this difficult time. :hug:

[CabalPowered]

51. Damn

My condolences .. he's a beautiful dog.

[BuelahWitch]

52. I am so sorry about your puppy

He was a beautiful dog. :hug:

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

53. My deepest condolences ((((((((Gatorboy))))))))). You have brought flowing tears here.

I could not read it without recalling all of the furry loves of my life who passed on. Wishing you and yours healing.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

54. I'm so sorry!

:hug:

[likesmountains 52]

55. The hugging picture takes my breath away...he was your soul-mate...so sorry.

[I Have A Dream]

56. I'm so sorry for your loss, gatorboy.

:cry:

May your heart heal so that you are able to find comfort in the beautiful memories that you have of your beautiful boy.

:hug:

[theNotoriousP.I.G.]

58. My heartfelt

sympathy for your great loss. Please take care of yourself.

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

59. Oh my God, it's so heartbreaking

What a delightful, wonderful dog. The pictures of him hugging you really got to me. I am so terribly sorry for your loss and will keep you in my thoughts. :hug: :hug: :hug:

[mike_c]

60. oh gatorboy, I'm so sorry for you and your dear Knuckles....

That is so terrible. Take some solace in knowing that you gave Knuckles a wonderful life. My heart goes out to you. :hug:

RIP Knuckles.

[XemaSab]

61. That's awful!

:cry:

[Zoigal]

62. So sorry, Gatorboy

My deepest condolences. Your Knuckles looks so much like our little whippet. And believe me i
know how they can totally endear themselves to you. The perfect cuddler, bed dog, and all around friend.
When/if you feel like it, check the whippet rescue groups. There's often whippets that need to be rehomed.
Or check any breeders (dog shows are a good place to find them). Have had two wonderful whippets
given to us by breeders. Take good care.

[Connonym]

63. I'm so sorry

:hug: I'm very sorry for your loss.

[flvegan]

64. I'm so so very sorry for your loss, Gatorboy

And no, it doesn't sound silly to say how empty you feel. You've lost more than a loved one.

I'm sorry.

[hedgehog]

65. I am so sorry to hear of your loss.

Please comfort yourself knowing that it is in the nature of whippets to run , and of all dogs to wander. We watch ours like hawks, and still they get out occasionally. He was having a grand time exploring, and never knew what happened.

It's OK to feel sad about the loss of your dog, don't let anyone tell you any different.

[BlueIris]

66. I'm really, really sorry. nt

[Blue Diadem]

67. I'm so very sorry gatorboy.

He was such a beautiful boy and your writing was a beautiful tribute to him. It's obvious in the 2nd and 3rd pic that you two were the very best of friends.

He appreciates your love and caring for him and he knows the pain you're going through now. I'm betting that some day when the time is right, his spirit will help guide you to choose another dog to ease your heartache. :hug:

[mvd]

68. Oh, I'm so sorry!

I'm crying along with you. What a beautiful dog he was. Nothing I could say would take away the grief right now, so let me just give you a :hug:.

[fortyfeetunder]

69. My condolences

I am sorry your precious Knuckles was taken away from you suddenly. He looked like a beautiful and loving dog.

:hug:

[skygazer]

70. I'm so sorry

What a beautiful and happy looking dog. Strength to you - that's one of the hardest experiences to go through. :hug:

[Starbucks Anarchist]

71. I'm so sorry, gatorboy.

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[Nikia]

72. I'm sorry for your loss

Having a furry friend myself, I know that pets can be like family. Take care of yourself.

[TK421]

73. What a gorgeous dog....I'm really sorry for your loss

I know what it's like losing a pet, and although I have never lost a friend it must be pretty close to that feeling. My condolences.....

[Phentex]

74. I'm so very sorry...

What a sweetheart!

My heart aches for you. :(

[bigwillq]

75. Oh gatorboy

I am so sorry...this post is so sad...:cry: I am so sorry for your loss. I really don't know what else to say. :cry: :hug:

[Withywindle]

76. I am so, so sorry.

What a beautiful soul he was. Still is. Always will be.

:hug:

I've been where you are, and it's a place beyond words. I'm so, so sorry. But when the worst of the initial shock and pain wears off, you'll feel his presence again. You'll know that part of him will always be with you. I know it's cold comfort now. But it's something.

[Left Is Write]

77. gatorboy, I'm so sorry....

:hug:

This made me cry too. I could envision my own Frankie in your story, and I felt that sharp stabbing pain you must have felt. I am SO sorry. :(

[graywarrior]

78. Man, I am so sorry. That is heartbreaking. He looks like the coolest dog ever.

I wish more than anything I could do something for you and him. Damn, that is so sad.

[Flaxbee]

79. there is just so much love in those pictures it is amazing

I am so, so sorry for your loss, gatorboy, I know you must just be devastated. :hug: Knuckles knows how much he was loved, no doubt, and I do hope you remember these images of him shown in the pictures and the horror of finding him yesterday fades from your mind.

Sweet doggie. I know it will take some time, but I'm sure he wants you to have another dog to keep you company and share the bed now that he's no longer a physical being (though his spirit will always be with you).

I am so sorry for your loss. It is almost unbearable, I know.

[Ellen Forradalom]

80. My heartfelt condolences

I too have a beloved canine companion who loves me beyond all measure and far more than I deserve. It's beautiful to be on the receiving end of this love. Cherish your time together.

(((Hugs, like a dog would give you.)))

[bamacrat]

81. That is the saddest thing.

I know how you feel, exact thing has happened to me twice actually. Once when I was about 10 and the other when I was 18, it was awful. I feel your pain man. Cute ass dog.

[SPKrazy]

82. Sorry Gatorboy

Knuckles looks and sounds like he was a dear friend.

RIP Knuckles

:hug:

hang in there friend...

[judaspriestess]

83. I am so sorry for your loss

what an absolutely beautiful baby he was. Him hugging you and his smile, so sweet. I am crying as I type this. What lucky people you were to be graced by his beautiful loving presence.


My sincerest condolences to your family.

[Gidney N Cloyd]

84. So sorry for your loss.

[RedCappedBandit]

85. ...

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[Justpat]

86. I am so sorry for your loss.

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[Coventina]

87. I am so sorry. RIP Knuckles.

Words are not enough. Sending you love in spirit....

[Dervill Crow]

88. I can't tell you how sorry I am.

:hug: :cry:

[LibraLiz1973]

89. I am SO so sorry

I really feel for you- reading that post made me cry

[Liberalynn]

90. My deepest condolences on your loss!

Parting with a best friend is one of the hardest things of all. :hug:

[stuntcat]

91. good Knuckles :cry:

I cry for Knuckles too, he had the best heart, you can see in his face.
It hurts terribly right now but just be thankful for the life he spent with you :hug: I'm glad he had people to love him so much.

[Radio_Lady]

97. Gatorboy, more than 1,100 people have looked at your post.

Not as many post their feelings, of course, but that's just an example of how we are bonded at the DU.

It really takes weeks and months to try and get over the loss of a dog.

My daughter went through this recently. Her Cavalier King Charles spaniel died rather unexpectedly at age 10 -- he would have turned 11 if he had lived to June 23, which incidentally is my husband's birthday. Little Porter was the greatest pet dog for that family.

The thread that it produced is archived, but nevertheless gave us great solace.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=6465926

In peace,

Radio Lady in Oregon

[applegrove]

92. Sorry for your loss.

[sellitman]

93. I have a Black Lab at home that I feel this way towards

I feel your pain.

After I had to put down my last dog I went 5 years before getting another. I swore I never would right after his death. Now it's 6 years with "Buddy" and I am so glad we got him. Wait awhile, morn & heal they get your butt to the pound or a breeder and get another dog.

You will be glad you did.

[TBreeze]

94. I'm so sorry for your loss

:hug:

[PeaceNikki]

95. RIP, Knuckles

:cry: Beautiful pup, heartbreaking story.

Peace be with you. :hug:

[bicentennial_baby]

98. This is so sad....

:hug: Big love to you. Reminds me of when my boy Lance died...Brain tumor, seizure...I was devastated for days at the least. And I fear for the day that Buddy goes too... :cry:

:hug:

[Capn Sunshine]

99. Sorry

Your post is sad but yet gives such a vivid view of your boy. Hope you reflect on the good times, not the untimely end, my friend.

[querelle]

100. So Sorry For Your Loss gatorboy

But you have lots of people to lean on here in the lounge.

Be well my friend........

:hug:

Q

[NC_Nurse]

101. I'm so sorry Gatorboy...

that's just terrible! RIP, Knuckles. :hug:

[S n o w b a l l]

102. omg....my heart breaks for you, gatorboy

I'm so so sorry. I know how much you're hurting. My dogs are my kids and they get loose occasionally and I drive around looking for them with visions of what happened to your poor Knuckles. It is my biggest nightmare.

There are no words to adequately express my sympathies for your loss.

:hug:

[uppityperson]

103. I am so sorry.

[Mz Pip]

104. I am so sorry

How awful for you. I cannot imagine what you must be going through. You have my sincerest condolences on the loss of your beloved pet.

Mz Pip
:dem:

[MistressOverdone]

105. Oh, my, no!

Your best buddy. What an awful discovery for you. Take care of yourself. He looks like the best damned dog in the world.

[UrbScotty]

106. Oh my.

Words cannot express it.

Such an adorable dog. Reminds me of one of my own.

Just know that you have the DU community behind you.

:hug:

[AngryOldDem]

107. Gatorboy....I'm so, so sorry,

:cry: :hug:

[Kajsa]

108. Oh no! Gatorboy, I'm so sorry- so sorry!

As I read your story my eyes filled with tears.

Yes, I did find one of kitty-kids squished almost
beyond recognition only 1/2 block from my house,
a few years back.
He was in the middle of the northbound lane of
the street. At first he was far enough away for me
to believe it was something else, then it was " someone
else". The minute I saw it was him, all rational thought
left my brain and I was left with the rawest, most primal
emotions I have ever experienced.
I screamed, and screamed and screamed. Cars drove into
the other lane to avoid him, out of caring. He was gone.
I'm sorry to go on, but this brought it all back.
Somehow, I never forgot that feeling, even though I look
back on his life with fond memories, now.

Knuckles was a wonderful, beautiful, neat dog companion
and friend.

The emptiness and pain will subside with time.
I know this to be true.

But we will never forget these wonderful animals,
members of our family, who gave us so much.

I'll be thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers.

:hug: :cry:

[lumberingbear]

109. I'm so sorry.

:cry:

[Maraya1969]

110. Gatorboy I am so sorry.

I am seriously crying here with you. One never knows what to say in these in these situations but I would like to tell you that I have been where you are and it burns down to the soul.

And now may be a stupid time to offer advice but I had a bird that I absolutely loved and he died suddenly and I was distraught. I almost could not function. I got this tape from the library and it seemed to relieve me. I feel like I would not have gotten over his death without it.

http://www.amazon.com/Marianne-Williamson-Death-Dying/dp/1559945915


Marianne Williamson on death.......based on The course in miracles. Beings do not die, they just change form.

:hug: :grouphug:

[wovenpaint]

111. I'm so sorry to hear of your pain

what a wonderful dog-and a wonderful friend...he'll be with you always now. My condolences, you're both in my prayers tonight.

[qanda]

112. Oh my! I am so, so sorry!

I cannot imagine what you're going through, even though we lost our sweet dog last year. We had to put her down after a sudden illness, but I could not imagine finding her the way you found your sweet son. Please know that my heart goes out to you and I hope you will continue to hold on to all the wonderful memories you have. RIP Knuckles.

[GreenPartyVoter]

113. oh, honey! *hugs* I have been there and I know how awful the pain is

I am so very sorry! :hug:

[gemdem]

114. So very sorry for your loss

:hug:

[flamingyouth]

115. I am so sorry for your loss.

What a terrible shock for you; my condolences. :hug:

[idgiehkt]

116. I am so very sorry

I just read flvegans thread about the tiny puppy that is just one day old, he is a pale blonde just like your dog. I am so sorry, but know that he is with you in spirit, even if no longer physically present. :hug: :hug: :hug:

[Olney Blue]

117. Oh, gatorboy. I'm sorry about Knuckles.

:cry:

[BreweryYardRat]

118. Jesus. I'm so sorry.

I know how much it hurts to lose a pet. :hug:

[ThomCat]

119. I'm so sorry.

:cry:

I'm glad you have good memories and pictures. I wish you had a few more years with him. :hug:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

120. What a sweet face...

I'm so very sorry, Gatorboy... :hug:

[WindRavenX]

121. aw christ

:cry: :cry: :cry:

[swag]

122. Wow. What a great friend he was to you.

Thanks for posting those great photos and memories of Knuckles. I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful dog.

Take care. I hope the pain subsides soon - the good memories will be with you for the rest of your life.

[gatorboy]

123. Thank you so much, everyone, for you support, prayers and thoughts.

I wish I could respond to every single one of you and little by little, I'm going through each one of your posts. It's just so hard to look at the photos I posted and I occasionally break down before I can get through the rest of the thread. It still feels like a dream. I think it will hit me harder later in the week when he's not there to give me a hug after a hard days work and at night when he's not there to crawl under the covers and curl up next to my legs.

When I left the house today I turned in a completely different direction just to avoid where I found him. I don't know how long I can keep this up since it goes way out of my way hen I make it into town, work, etc. But for now, I don't dare see where I found him. It helps though, thinking he is in a better place somewhere playing with the frisbee I buried him with and occasionally chewing on some of his toys he enjoyed so much.

It was even hard trying to figure out what to leave with him. He has a little rubber tire he always loved to play tug of war with that I knew he'd enjoy. But then, I also wanted to keep it myself since we had had so much fun with it. I couldn't decide whether to keep it our not. But in the end, I let him have it because he loved it so much and kept another chew toy.

Thank you again everyone. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I hope this doesn't sound silly but I love you all for the support you've given us. It's so much more than I expected. :hug:

I wanted to leave tonite on a high note and post a final pic of my boy doing his best Chippendale's impression. He's the handsome fella on the right.

[Wcross]

124. He will be waiting for you at the bridge gatorboy.

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. He will be waiting for you patiently at the rainbow bridge when your time comes. Take comfort in knowing you gave Knuckles a loving home and he KNEW he was loved.

[raccoon]

125. Sorry to hear that. :hug: nt

[mitchum]

126. gatorboy, I'm sending you good thoughts during this trying time...

brother, please accept my condolences for your loss
I am so sorry

[Midlodemocrat]

127. gatorboy, I'm so very, very sorry for your loss. Safe passage, Knuckles.

:hug:

[mnhtnbb]

128. I am so, so sorry for your loss, gatorboy. I, too, lost a wonderful

friend--my Honey doggie---when she ran in front of a car.

She was a mixed breed Golden retriever that I'd gotten from the animal shelter
and kept me company through a divorce. She would sleep on my bed while I was
at work during the day.

When I remarried, five years later, we got a kitten, and I have videos
of Honey playing with Cognac. Cognac would hide under the bedspread and put his
paws out. Honey would put her nose down and try to lift the edge of the bedspread. They were so cute!

We had a baby, and Honey would never leave my side. When I got up at night to feed the baby, she got up at night and came with me. When the baby was old enough, I'd put him in a backpack and we'd walk every morning to the park
with Honey on the leash.

We moved. I became pregnant and our daughter was stillborn at 5 months.
Nine months later I became pregnant again, and at 17 weeks was put on bedrest.
Honey stayed with me, right beside the bed, all day, except when someone would
come to take her out. She was about 9 by this time.

One evening our neighbor called and said Honey was across the street!
I couldn't believe my husband had let her out without a leash and not gone
with her. I told him he couldn't do that again. The next morning,
the phone rang again. It was the neighbor. Honey was across the street.
My husband went out to get her, and she ran in front of a car to come to him
and was killed instantly.

I was heartbroken and I still have not forgiven my husband for letting
my faithful companion be killed while I was confined to bed, trying to
keep from losing our baby. At least he had to dig in rock hard February
ground to make her grave.

Our second son, and last child, was born two months later--healthy--at 38 weeks. I spent 4 1/2 months in bed with that pregnancy--the last two months mourning Honey.

We've had three dogs in the 17 years since Honey died, and none of them has been a replacement for her.

I am so, so sorry gatorboy.

[ronnykmarshall]

129. Oh man gator ....

I am so sorry.

That's probably the worse way to lose a pet.

[Sequoia]

130. So sorry gatorboy.

Losing a pet like that is losing a family member. Here's a big hug.

[Scout1071]

131. gatorboy, i'm so, so sorry for your loss.

I lost my yellow lab just 2 years ago and it was one of the hardest things that has even happened to me. These dogs become like real family members and it hurts when they pass. Really hurts. I ended up adopting a dog only one week later. I didn't think I was ready, but then I ended up rescuing a dog that needed a home ASAP and I haven't looked back. I don't know what I would have done without my new boxer here to comfort me and take my mind off of the heartache of losing my lab.

Take all the time you need to mourn. You've lost a great friend and you have my deepest symphathies.

Take care,
Scout

[Duppers]

132. Gator

My heart goes out to you. Before I read your heart wrenching account of last night, which was a most touching tribute to Knuckles, I looked at your pics and could tell that Knuckles was a most loving 'person.'

I know how you feel. 24 yrs. ago I was in your shoes. I found my fur-child almost dead by the roadside; she died 45 mins. later at the emergency Vet clinic. (She had wanted out at 3am and I was too tired to accompany her.)

And by coincidence, just last night I found myself crying again, in public at a restaurant, over losing my yellow lab. 24 yrs!!!....and it still kills me. So, I do know how you feel. It's as if the sun, moon, and stars were taken from the sky at once---it makes that much sense.

I have lost a parent, all grandparents, and friends, and kitties, but for the exception of my infant daughter, I've never had anything hit me as hard as losing my unconditionally loving, intelligent, furbaby dog. And yes, I have another loving dog-child, but there's that MOST special place for my Kellie---her nickname was Duppers. I will never, never let go of her memory.

They are our children.

It helped me to enlarge, frame and display photos of my departed dog-child, making sure that no one forgot her. A couple of precious photos have graced my living rm. for 24 yrs.

You'll never forget Knuckles, but as your heart heals it will reopen to accept another fur-child.

Sending big hugs your way.

:hug:

[chemenger]

133. I am truly sorry and deeply feel your loss.

We had to put our cat Ricky to sllep this past January. It can be every bit as deep a loss as losing your spouse or child or parent. And unfortunately, nothing seems to help.

[CottonBear]

134. I am so very sorry for your loss.

:cry: :hug: :cry: :hug: :cry: :hug: :cry: :hug: :cry: :hug: :cry: :hug: :cry: :hug: :cry: :hug:

[Downtown Hound]

135. The love of a dog is so pure and enveloping

That's why they enrich our loves so much. And that's why the hole and the pain are so great when they leave us, especially when it's unexpected. I'm very sorry for your loss, gatorboy.

[Magrittes Pipe]

136. I'm so sorry, gatorboy.

He looks like a great dog. :hug:

[helderheid]

137. My heart breaks for you. I'm sitting here crying after reading your touching post.

What beautiful pictures. I am so so sorry for your loss!

[Wcross]

144. A whole lot of us had the same reaction.

It is hard to understand why such a wonderful animal should be taken from his friend so soon. I look into the eyes of my furry friends and wonder how I could deal with an untimely death. It would be very difficult for me.

[slj0101]

138. I am so sorry.

:hug:

He sounded like a wondeful pup. No one should have to go through this.

[Richardo]

I'm so sorry, gatorboy

That is horrible. :hug:

[HEyHEY]

139. He looks like a good shit

Sorry about the whole thing, GB.

[Vinca]

140. I've come back to this post about 10 times just to look at the picture

of Knuckles hugging you. It's the sweetest thing I've ever seen. You must be devastated. I'm so sorry.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

141. so sorry. that hug looks so loving.

:cry: :hug:

[Wcross]

143. Really, he truely loved gatorboy.

You can tell he gave that fella a wonderful home and Knuckles knew he was loved by his buddy gatorboy.

[tandot]

142. This is heart-breaking. I am so sorry for your loss, gaterboy

RIP Knuckles

:hug:

[hunter]

145. We love them so.

:cry: