2012 started as an amazing year for us - I ran my 1st half marathon at the age of 55, we moved to our home at the lake, I retired from my totally stressful job and went to work for a more leisurely not to mention appreciative employer, Seger and all of his health issues are well managed, and then wham! November 23rd we lost Oakley to hemangio - suddenly and unexpectedly. I am trying to focus on the positive - he did not suffer, we were able to be with him until the end, we held him and talked to him while he crossed the Bridge .... but I am so sad......
I never in a million years thought I would be without Oakley - Seger is here destroying the 7th tennis ball we have given him in the last week. He seems to be lost without Oakley. DH and I are so sad. We can't wait to have Oakley back with us. Today I bought a nice frame to put Oak's picture in, and a beautiful lamp that will forever burn beside him. I guess we are doing everything that grieving people do and I hope at some point I find peace. I wish everyone a very Happy New Year. I hope and pray a year from now I am watching Seger destroy yet another tennis ball. Hug your fur kids tonight - I would give anything to be able to hug Oakley just one more time.
Carol

Attached Thumbnails

 

__________________
Carol, Seger and our Angel, Oakley

I cannot imagine your grief, but hope that, in time, thinking of Oakley brings a smile before tears. Thank you for the reminder to pass on the love.

__________________
Part 1 of Hannah's story - Cancer diagnosis - - - - Part 2 of Hannah's story - grab bag of health issues

oh my Gosh I can imagine what you are going thru right now. I just had a long play with Rose and looked at all the 3 goldens & 1 mutt pics on the wall, as if they were sort of approving of our play - at least I like to think so. Last year was much much harder as we just lost Jack on July 2011 and we were dog-less until this August.

Very good advice - "hug your fur kids tonight!" I hope for a Happy New Year to you and yours!

I also lost my 1st golden Tazz to hemangio. It also was so fast...it almost seemed like one day if was fine and the next he was dying. I am so sorry for you.

So very sorry for you and family. The title of your thread sent chills up my spine. I know all too well what is like to spend that first holiday or even opening the door without the proper greeting. My heart goes out to you.

__________________

I am so very sorry for your loss of your beautiful boy Oakley.. my heart breaks for you, as I am too deeply grieving the recent loss (Dec 7) of my sweet Mattie girl from this terrible illness of which I had never heard of until 4 weeks before we lost our girl .. I felt so helpless that I couldn't save her, but they knew how very much we love them.. The sadness is overwhelming, there are moments I feel I'm not going to get thru it .. I just try to take it minute by minute, never knowing when the grief will consume me.. I have received so much comfort from the kind golden family on this board ... you are in my thoughts and prayers...

So sorry for your loss of Oakley, he was such a handsome boy It's so horrible losing them he'll always be with you in spirit.

__________________



19/10/08-7/1/12 Daisy's Story http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/...evastated.html

Praying that 2013 is a healing, peaceful, and hope-filled New Year! Remembering all of our wonderful fur babies. Wishing you only good memories of beautiful Oakley, and hugs for Seger!

Sweet beautiful Oakley, I'm so sorry this is such a sad time for you. The first days and holidays are always the hardest. I hope time will ease your pain and you will begin to smile when you think of your special boy.

Those are wonderful pictures of your boys Carol! I can see the soft expression in Oakley's face that I saw many times in my Rudder's eyes. We will keep them forever in hearts!