Thank you all so very much for the kind words and sharing. I found it so very hard to hold back the tears today. It snowed here today, he liked the snow and last year it only snowed one time... On halloween. Today was our first snow of the season, I feel like maybe he was trying to send me a message. No matter what, my life was forever changed all because he chose to have ME in HIS life. For that I am forever thankful for. Many hearts and hugs to all who, like me, lost their heart dogs and special friends. It is a sad bond that unites us but in some cases, it is what brought us together in the first place.

Just a question... I have seen people make recommendations about books on here... Can anyone do that again, I cannot seem to find that thread. One book was written I believe from the Golden Retrievers perspective. Thank you!

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Speak to my baby softly, please
with a hug and warm hello.
He's a special gift to you, dear Lord
from me-who loved him so.
Chopper 4/14/04 - 11/27/11 ~not long enough~

Boomer

I am sorry for the loss a year ago. I went back and did some reading and he sounds a lot like my dog. I know how it feels and I think the only thing that helped me get through was taking care of my 8 month old baby girl.

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Little Miss Dakota II 5-10-2008
Sir Evan of the Forest(Son of Mac & Dakota) 4-27-2011

Waiting at the Rainbow Bridge
Sir Macintosh of the orchard 11-17-02 4-16-12 You were the best dog that needed a new home and I am glad I found you. I just wish we had more time to spend with you. 8 yrs with you was not enough link to his life in pictures http://s153.photobucket.com/albums/s...g83/Macintosh/ He was my riding buddy and best friend till the end. My heart still aches without you.

What a beautiful remembrance poem for a beautiful friend. I know Chopper is watching over you and I believe the snow was a sign from him.
Tomorrow will be one week since our Oakley went to the bridge so suddenly and unexpectedly. Tears are flowing for you as I read this - I am wondering if this pain and heart ache ever leaves.
Carol

Your poem is just amazing, he gave you love,with no strings attached, and you gave him the care, and love he deserved, it is hard losing them, when you are ready think of getting a new golden, to help you heal,and enjoy life on earth.

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WHEN SOMEONE YOU LOVE BECOMES A MEMORY,THE MEMORIES BECOME TREASURES,OF THE HEART.

We do not need to remember as we never forgot. It takes time to heal the heart, it takes time to dry the tears, but without them it will never be the same. Hugs.

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9 & half short years in my life but forever in my heart http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/...-my-buddy.html
"He took my heart and ran with it, and I hope he's running still, fast and strong, a piece of my heart bound up with his forever" - Patricia McConnell

Charlie could watch birds for hours and I could watch Charlie for hours too http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/...n-morning.html

I'm so sorry you lost you precious Mac so young like I lost Chopper. I have a lot of anger over the fact I feel he was robbed of living out his old golden years. Sadly if you look at a picture taken the week before the Lyme nephrosis became apparent and then look at his last picture... He did get to the old golden years far two quickly. He aged so terribly in a matter of days. I am also equally sorry for Oakley's family. The first few days/weeks were the hardest. I couldn't even bring myself to shampoo the carpet in the spots he was so ill in, I didn't want to erase my best friend. I didn't even go home for the first couple days. I did get myself a new golden friend. His name is Boomer. He's quite different from Chopper but he's teaching me how soooo very special each Golden is and that they are all unique. I felt guilty even getting him but then I thought to myself... As much as I loved my Chopper he would want me to love again. He knew that he was the absolute light of my life. He was who I came home too in the early morning after work. He was always willing to sleep the day away with me. Boomer is getting used to this too. It will come with time. And as crazy as it sounds Chopper, even in his sudden passing, was helping me. He made me see things about people I was previously blind to. His leaving me sent my life in a completely different direction... All for the better, except I still miss him each and everyday. The loss of our sweet companions can be such a profound loss that sometimes it's harder than other losses we may experience. I always said if Chopper's story helps one dog make it to his senior years without such a freak occurance ... Then he and I have done our jobs. Bless you all for your support then and your continued support. I make it my personal pay-it-back/forward by checking in on this forum to see if I can give someone the words of inspiration I was fortunate enough to be provided with by so many wonderful, caring people!

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Speak to my baby softly, please
with a hug and warm hello.
He's a special gift to you, dear Lord
from me-who loved him so.
Chopper 4/14/04 - 11/27/11 ~not long enough~

Boomer

I am glad you got a new golden to love, post some pictures when you can.

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WHEN SOMEONE YOU LOVE BECOMES A MEMORY,THE MEMORIES BECOME TREASURES,OF THE HEART.

Anniversaries are so hard! Sending healing thoughts your way...

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"In life, the best walks are always too brief."


Gallagher(went to the Rainbow Bridge 08/02/02), and Fozzie's Mom forever!(Fozzie went to the Rainbow Bridge 07/14/12)

Your poem is just beautiful and a wonderful tribute. Those days, those first without them, when they have left us are so, so, HARD. Thank you for sharing with us and honoring Chopper. We are all here, and share in your pain, because we all know how it feels to lose something so cherished. xoxoxo Patrice

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There are some relationships in life that change the way you see the world. If you happen upon them--you will never forget. Buddy 10-5-2003-10-30-2011: My heart dog.

What a beautiful poem (even though I am still crying). Seven is far too young and I know how much it has to hurt that Chopper is not there with you to enjoy your new home which sounds like a paradise for any golden. I'm glad you opened your heart to another dog because you have so much love to share.