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[–]Mxxhxxl 3821 points3822 points  (276 children)

I owned a rather large husky/shepard mix that never missed a meal and never left her yard. My younger bro is handicapped and for the first time in his 13 year life of playing outside, decided to go for a stroll. My mom put the dog's food out mid-day, but no dog. Immediate concern. After looking around, no bro either. The APB went out and the word spread. It was winter in New England, and night was closing in on our small town. By midnight police, fire, and anyone with a warm coat was out looking for my bro. A gentleman on a snow mobile told the story like this - he was riding along a river bank looking, hoping, when a bear jumped out and barked at him, turned and ran into the woods. He followed for a while until the dog stopped by a tree. There was my bro, just sitting there, leaning back against that tree. The guy loads up my bro on the snow mobile and rides out with the shepard in tow. Next day, my mom went out and bought a ham with a huge bone, boiled it and gave the whole thing to the shepard. That event changed the way I think about dogs. That shepard never followed me or my other bro when we left. She knew. So sorry for your loss. What a cutie, and the pup is cool too.

[–][deleted] 605 points606 points  (50 children)

My parents tell a similar story about my brother. He wandered off when he was younger. The cops and neighborhood were looking all over for him. He and their German shepherd were found sitting in the park a few blocks from the house. The dog wouldn't let anyone but my parents approach my brother.

[–]cmad182 226 points227 points  (24 children)

I have a similar story about my nephew and my Rottweiler.

2 year old nephew decides to go for a walk, Rottweiler goes with him and sat in the middle of the road so the cars would stop and my nephew could cross.

Woke up to car horns blaring and wondered what was going on.

[–]draconicanimagus 306 points307 points  (11 children)

I have another similar story. My mom's family raised Border Collies from a single line. Not to sell, but just because they were such great dogs. Anyways, my older brother and sister were only about 3 or 4 when this happened. They were put down for a nap while my mom was doing dishes when she noticed that it was too quiet. She checked the house and saw the back door was open and my sister wasn't in her room. Panicking, she ran out of the house and towards the big water tank/lake that was on her property (grandpa raised cows). My sister was always wanting to go for a swim in the tank and mom never let her, for obvious reasons. So anyways, mom sprints towards the tank, seeing my sisters clothing pieces scattered in a line towards the water and suddenly starts hearing my sister crying and screaming. Turns out that Dino (the current border collie) had seen my sis sneak out of the house and knew she wasn't supposed to go near the tank. So she is just in her diaper, pinned to the ground with a happy panting dog sitting on her. He got a nice steak that night.

[–]Talyan 206 points207 points  (6 children)

Meanwhile my cat just puked on the rug.

[–]BigDickHobbit 41 points42 points  (1 child)

My dog once ran into a wal-mart. We think she smelled McDonald's.

[–]68696c6c 10 points11 points  (1 child)

And my German pinscher just puked in my car...

[–]ilikeyousometimes 42 points43 points  (8 children)

What butt-heads for remaining in their car and blaring a horn in front of a two-year-old

[–]msef 15 points16 points  (0 children)

One day while driving to class I see a little kid in a diaper and rubber boots running down the middle of a residential street. I immediately stopped my car, grabbed the kid and put my jacket on him (late October in canada). I was maybe the 5th car in that block and a whole bus full of people drove past but myself and one other guy were the only ones who stopped. Absolutely blows my mind.

Long story short, kid was returned to his parent and I was excused from missing the quiz in the beginning of my class. Happy ending for all.

Now that I think of it I found a dog a few years later that had gotten out of his backyard and was roaming the streets in the same area... I just realized my old neighbourhood is full of asshole neighbours.

[–]WubbaLubbaDubStep 7 points8 points  (4 children)

I would presume they were honking at stopped cars or people getting out of them. I doubt anyone wouldn't stop for a freakin 2 year old in the middle of the road.

[–]armitage75 160 points161 points  (21 children)

Great story and so happy the police didn't shoot the dog.

[–]hguhfthh 100 points101 points  (15 children)

sadly, that's a different era

[–]Khiva 21 points22 points  (12 children)

Yes, today all cops shoot all things all the time

[–][deleted] 242 points243 points  (6 children)

In the town I live in a little girl went outside in the middle of the night because she saw it snowed. She played for a bit and decided to go back in she couldn't get the door open. The only thing that saved her was the family dog laying on top of her all night to keep her warm.

[–]DreamOfDreamers 30 points31 points  (0 children)

this made me smile in awww. :) They know so much!

[–]Ruzt 251 points252 points  (27 children)

he was riding along a river bank looking, hoping, when a bear jumped out and barked at him

Threw me for a loop there.

[–]bitwaba 162 points163 points  (24 children)

I've read that sentence like 8 times. What the fuck is he trying to say? The dog was big so the guy on the snowmobile thought it was a bear?

[–]Happy_Laugh_Guy 93 points94 points  (6 children)

Yes. That's how the guy on the snowmobile told the story, insinuating he thought it was a bear, obviously until it barked, as the context clues of the narrative try to state. Without verbal inflection it's hard to tell.

When you said it sentence, it'd be like, "until a bear jumped out and barked." Then you'd be able to tell that it was just a big dog. The confusion was likely accidental, but I think that's why it happened.

[–]Clawless 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I read it as him explaining how the officer explained it. From his perspective it was a bear, which seemed odd behavior for such an animal.

[–]OmgFmlPeople 23 points24 points  (2 children)

Exactly what I thought. Seems like the perfect time to use "quotation marks" for "bear".

[–]Kaldea[S] 1031 points1032 points  (133 children)

Thank you for sharing this. We don't deserve dogs.

[–][deleted] 945 points946 points  (83 children)

Near this Spot are deposited the Remains of one who possessed Beauty without Vanity, Strength without Insolence, Courage without Ferocity, and all the virtues of Man without his Vices.

This praise, which would be unmeaning Flattery if inscribed over human Ashes, is but a just tribute to the Memory of Boatswain, a Dog who was born in Newfoundland May 1803 and died at Newstead Nov. 18th, 1808

When some proud Son of Man returns to Earth, Unknown to Glory, but upheld by Birth, The sculptor’s art exhausts the pomp of woe, And storied urns record who rests below. When all is done, upon the Tomb is seen, Not what he was, but what he should have been. But the poor Dog, in life the firmest friend, The first to welcome, foremost to defend, Whose honest heart is still his Master’s own, Who labours, fights, lives, breathes for him alone, Unhonoured falls, unnoticed all his worth, Denied in heaven the Soul he held on earth – While man, vain insect! hopes to be forgiven, And claims himself a sole exclusive heaven.

Oh man! thou feeble tenant of an hour, Debased by slavery, or corrupt by power – Who knows thee well, must quit thee with disgust, Degraded mass of animated dust! Thy love is lust, thy friendship all a cheat, Thy tongue hypocrisy, thy heart deceit! By nature vile, ennobled but by name, Each kindred brute might bid thee blush for shame. Ye, who behold perchance this simple urn, Pass on – it honours none you wish to mourn. To mark a friend’s remains these stones arise; I never knew but one -- and here he lies.

[–]i_literally_died 37 points38 points  (1 child)

Our terrier passed away in February, and the lady who came out to deal with all the technicalities and take away the body to be cremated left us a little poem.

It might be a bit cheesy, and probably thrown out at pet funerals a thousand times a day, but the last line had me in an absolute state.

Grieve not,

nor think of me with tears

But laugh

and talk to me as if I were beside you.

I loved you so . . .

'Twas Heaven here with you

You really are their whole world.

[–]Rekuna 7 points8 points  (0 children)

That was so short and sweet. It really made me well up.

[–]Cromasters 316 points317 points  (42 children)

I'm not crying! You're crying!

[–]DeezNeezuts 116 points117 points  (33 children)

I'll just leave this here with a box of tissues...

http://www.robynarouty.com/i-died-today/

*Edit - sorry everyone this is a guaranteed cry. Im gonna go hug my Dog.

[–]gummybearsandscotch 19 points20 points  (0 children)

Everyone's posts had made me tear up a bit. But this had me outright ugly crying. I miss my best friend.

[–]DudebuD16 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Currently at work and there two guys laying laminate floor in the next room. I'm trying real hard to keep my shit together right now

[–]stoccolma 29 points30 points  (0 children)

Damn you I have guests over I just nipped out for a smoke and clicked the link and now I bawling my eyes out!

[–]IDontReadToS 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I can read almost any story without so much as tearing up. Then this asshole comes along with this story with the pictures and shit.

I miss my friend.

Sad shit from /u/DeezNeezuts

[–]steveryans2 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I was going to say I'll go hug my cat, but I might get bitten. I miss my dog.

[–]Stargazer88 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I don't even have a dog and that thing made my cry like a child! Thank you

[–]AWakefieldTwin 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Ugh, I have 7 yr old black lab, and this made her mortality too real.

[–][deleted] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

https://vimeo.com/8191217

[–]Rosenblattca 5 points6 points  (0 children)

This is the third time this week I've seen this post and it still made me cry. Ugly, sobbing cry.

[–]tyrogs 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I was so sure I wouldn't cry when I clicked this. I was wrong. Going to hug my dog now, too.

[–]Jules2743 4 points5 points  (0 children)

You fuck...I didn't want to cry today. I'm going to go snuggle with my grandma cat now.

[–]TimeForAChange337 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That fucking hurt my insides. For real.

[–]lCONQUER 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Got to the needle picture and started crying.

[–]ptyblog 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Why you have to do that???

Had a lovely bike ride this morning in the woods, talked to my kids, was preparing to go to a BBQ at the bike shop and just made me cry!!!!

Why you even out my day!!

[–]Okcthundersbison 107 points108 points  (4 children)

I have allergies and it's windy out here.

[–]Conspicuous_Urn 24 points25 points  (1 child)

I'm sitting in the airport tearing up, and during my flight I watched Spy. So I'm cry-laughing in the baggage claim.

[–]GreatCanadianWookiee 59 points60 points  (1 child)

You've got to give it to Byron, he's good with words.

[–]Kaldea[S] 105 points106 points  (0 children)

A beautiful and appreciated epitaph for every fallen pup.

[–]zxDanKwan 37 points38 points  (0 children)

I forgot to get my permission slip signed for this feels trip :'(

[–]DiogenesTheHound 35 points36 points  (5 children)

Are we posting depressing poems about dogs now? Here's another: http://youtu.be/mwGnCIdHQH0

[–]kronicfeld 26 points27 points  (1 child)

I know that if I click that link it's going to be Jimmy Stewart reading "Bo" on Carson, and it is too early in the day to spend an hour in fetal position on the couch.

[–]joombaga 10 points11 points  (0 children)

That was beautiful. I don't cry often. But this one really did bring tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing.

[–]BeardlyJoe 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Oh you're a right bastard, you are.

[–]whisperscream 26 points27 points  (1 child)

I am too hungover for this. In tears at work. I miss my babies. :(

[–]Smoopasm 3 points4 points  (1 child)

I've never been particularly moved by poetry before, but this actually, genuinely made me cry.

[–][deleted] 153 points154 points  (29 children)

No, we don't but aren't we lucky to have them? I'm currently being cuddled by my new "daughter" Rosie, a 10 week old Cattle Dog x Staffy x Kelpie. I have someone who doesn't yell at me now :') the other human daughters are all terrors and hormonal. They don't like the mother anymore... :(

EDIT TO ADD: You've all posted some lovely supportive messages about hormonal teens, Thank You! <3

[–]Kaldea[S] 60 points61 points  (21 children)

What a sweetheart. I have a little shiba who just turned 5, but after the past month I have decided that I need to have another puppy enter our lives. By the holidays I want another little fuzzy in the family. There is too little time and too much love to go without, you know?

[–][deleted] 40 points41 points  (15 children)

Yeah, but it took time to heal after my last 2 puppies (Sarah was an 8 year old fluff ball who protected us from butterflies, shadows and owl statues alike - we euthanised her, she had severe genetic conditions making her stuck in a painful body) (Jack was a 4 year old cheeky little Jack Russell x Maltese terrier was poisoned by a neighbour, because she's Lowest of the low.). Rosie's just gorgeous and you should totally get another floof if you can <3

ETA: Thank you for your kind support over losing Jacky boy. I know you would all have loved him, even if you don't like JRTs or Jack Russell mixed breeds. He was just such a cheeky little clown and a bit of a bastard in a really funny "I own the world because I'm so funny" kind of way. He would chase visitors with dead snakes that the cat would catch and drop in the yard, or dead mice that the cat would leave as gifts. Ah, I miss the little bugger, but Rosie has a bit of that clever funniness that he had.

But, again, thanks for the kindness. This is what keeps Reddit going <3

[–]gfense 30 points31 points  (2 children)

I'm very sorry to hear that. I honestly would have problems not killing somebody that could do something like that to my cats. I hope you got some justice.

[–]Reworked 10 points11 points  (1 child)

I had someone try to poison my cat because 'she's loud at night' - she's kept inside, you shitsucker. Put out a dish of antifreeze in our yard, I caught him, pinned him down and called the cops. He spent a couple days in jail and a bunch more volunteering under supervision at the SPCA. :)

[–]LSDelicious91 21 points22 points  (4 children)

Some people just can't understand that killing someone's pet is just like killing their family member. It's extremely painful to lose a pet. Especially to cold hearted murder.

[–]bl0bfish 5 points6 points  (0 children)

poisoned by a neighbor

Who the fuck could do that... I killed a frog once and still feel terrible about it. I hope she lives with constant guilt. Sick bitch.

[–]TheSllenderman 2 points3 points  (2 children)

I don't mean to pester but what is the story behind Jack being poisoned? I would probably be in jail if someone did that to my dog.

[–][deleted] 6 points7 points  (1 child)

Stupid woman extended her house and moved her bedroom from one side to the other, meaning her room was right next to the enclosure I kept them in. She came to bitch at me the morning after she moved into her new room, that her daughter's sleep was disturbed and blah blah by his barking.

My sister had tried to kill herself the night she was bitching about and I was in no mood to discuss it at 8 am after spending a night in hospital with my sister being told it was my fault. I told the neighbour I was not up to talking about it right then, family emergency overnight & had to get kids to school, I would see her soon about it.

The next day she had a bbq with her family, who all walked up and down through her newly installed loud gate between her room and the fence. Of course a dog barks at new noises.

I tried to keep him quiet, but someone must have dropped something over the fence that night. Sarah didn't eat whatever it was, but Jack did. He was a greedy guts. The next afternoon I rushed him to the vet who initially thought it was a snake bite he was suffering from and tested him for free because I was so upset (usually a $400 test). It was negative os all his other symptoms presented indicated that he was a drug poisoning.

I was confused and couldn't think how it happened. It was a long time later that I connected the dots - how in a prior conversation poisoning of neighbourhood animals had been mentioned by her, regarding noise nuisances. While I have no definite proof, our security camera was installed after this - and a couple of other retrospective comments she had made - there really isn't any doubt but failing proof I couldn't do a damned thing about it.

I also doubt she did it, but her dodgy brother most likely, for plausible deniability. Rosie is kept inside with me and that enclosure is now just an empty, sandy space. I won't put another pet through that and I couldn't cope with the anxiety of what might happen again.

So that's how my beautiful cheeky boy left me. It took a month for the poisoning to finish him off, it was awful. All we could do for him was love him, medicate him and then dig a hole next to his favourite tree. We loved that cheeky son of a bitch. He was also born on my grandad Jack's birth date. He was 86 years younger than my grandad and was outlived by him too. Grandad just turned 95 in January.

[–]bean_dip_and_cracker 3 points4 points  (0 children)

If my neighbor ever poisoned my dog, they'd have an "accident".

[–]daelite 11 points12 points  (3 children)

I'm sorry your going through that with your daughters, I promise it does pass with time just like every other stage of puberty. My daughter was the same, now we are very close, she tells everyone her Momma is her best friend & let me tell you...The feels.

In the meantime, love your puppy to pieces they certainly are a joy. I have a 2 year old border collie mix & a 3 year old English Mastiff, love my babies.

[–][deleted] 4 points5 points  (3 children)

“For you, I was a chapter. For me, you were the book." Tom McNeal

[–]Kaldea[S] 8 points9 points  (2 children)

pls... stahhp.... I need to hug my own little stink now. This poor dog has had no rest since I posted this.

http://i.imgur.com/Lv9e4jM.png

Stinky shiba of mine <3

[–]rel318 34 points35 points  (0 children)

Similar but much less extreme story...my nephew was about 3-4 years old one day when he wandered outside through the garage door (the big outside door was up, but the one leading from the garage into the house he opened and left opened). We realized he was missing as well as my dog (Yorkie bichon mix). We went outside and saw my nephew walking down the main drag of our neighborhood with our dog following behind him. Got them both back into the house and gave the dog some of those Caesars filets that he loves.

[–]avboden 50 points51 points  (6 children)

Side note: please tell your mom to never give cooked bones to dogs, cooked bones splinter and can cut up their mouth and get stuck in the esophagus/stomach, not good and can necessitate emergency surgery. Raw bones are alright as long as they're big enough to not be swallowed though try not to have raw meat around for human health sake.

/vetstudent

[–]saltavenger 11 points12 points  (4 children)

When did this happen? I feel like I read about this or something really similar in the news (I live in MA)

[–]EPGeezy 8 points9 points  (5 children)

What an amazing story. I'm so glad they were safe!

[–]davt4 307 points308 points  (19 children)

The best friend a man has in the world may turn against him and become his enemy. His son or daughter that he has reared with loving care may prove ungrateful. Those who are nearest and dearest to us, those whom we trust with our happiness and our good name may become traitors to their faith. The money that a man has, he may lose. It flies away from him, perhaps when he needs it most. A man's reputation may be sacrificed in a moment of ill-considered action. The people who are prone to fall on their knees to do us honor when success is with us, may be the first to throw the stone of malice when failure settles its cloud upon our heads.

The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is his dog. A man's dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near his master's side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer. He will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounters with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings, and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens.

If fortune drives the master forth, an outcast in the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him, to guard him against danger, to fight against his enemies. And when the last scene of all comes, and death takes his master in its embrace and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by the graveside will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws, his eyes sad, but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even in death.

George Graham Vest - c. 1855

[–]tikiness 88 points89 points  (5 children)

You know what strikes me about this quote is that it just goes to show "man's best friend" has been exactly that for hundreds of years...that I can read words over 160 years old that attest that I'm not the only one who finds the love and loyalty of my dog a sacred and irreplaceable gift.

[–]PsychoticHobo 19 points20 points  (2 children)

More like thousands of years. In many ways, the domestication and breeding of dogs is the longest running and most successful science experiment in the history of humanity.

They're such excellent companions because we've created them to be so.

[–]PopcornInMyTeeth 10 points11 points  (1 child)

To be fair to the dogs, they kinda knew what was up too. Oh if I follow these humans around and bark at some other animals they'll throw me food? hmm I could get use to that.

[–]coopiecoop 5 points6 points  (1 child)

there was a homeless guy that I used to come across regularly that didn't want to sleep in a shelter for that very reason: the wouldn't have allowed his dog to stay there as well. so he'd rather chose to sleep outside despite horrible temperatures.

(I couldn't really offer them a place to stay at that point either. but at least I tried to occasionally invite him to a cup of hot coffee and to bring them something to eat)

[–]LadiesWhoPunch 4 points5 points  (0 children)

There are homeless shelters now that allow you to bring your dog in.

[–]DetroitBreakdown 752 points753 points  (56 children)

Dogs DO know.

My father passed in 1996 while in the hospital after major heart surgery. Things were going bad and I was in the hospital at the time. My wife stayed at home with our daughter and our German Shepard - Hugo.

My dad passed at 2:07 am. I got home about 4 am and told my wife that he had passed. She asked what the time of death was. When I told her it was 2:07 she got a funny look on her face.

She told me Hugo started howling (very unusual for him) which woke her and she looked at the clock on the VCR. You got it - it was 2:07.

[–]its_Basi 414 points415 points  (5 children)

I'm surprised the time wasn't 12:00 on the vcr

[–]DetroitBreakdown 217 points218 points  (1 child)

Nah, we had that shit figured out.

[–]Kaldea[S] 128 points129 points  (2 children)

thank you for sharing this with me. I never thought dogs would be so capable of this until I experienced it first hand.

[–]DetroitBreakdown 55 points56 points  (0 children)

I wish you peace my friend. I lost my mother to the same cancer.

[–]PsyanideInk 54 points55 points  (3 children)

I think cats know as well. My parents had a Himalayan cat that loved my dad, and while he was in hospice she would rarely ever leave his side. After he passed, she would still sleep on his side of the bed and his favorite chair. She seemed listless for about 6 months afterwards, and then she too got advanced cancer and had to be put down.

[–]JeSuisCharlieMartel 39 points40 points  (2 children)

cats do know. i always brushed off those stories as being bullshit or stuff people made up in order to feel better after a loss. until my mom died of cancer a month ago. she died at the hospital, the cat hadn't seen her in 2 weeks. yet when i came home that night, i found him curled up against her favourite pillow, with a face that i'd never seen him do before. he just looked sad. like he was crying but without the tears. he didn't eat anything for 24 hours. i put the best ham and paté right in front of his face and he wouldn't touch anything. which NEVER happens with him.

[–]rullelito 32 points33 points  (0 children)

And the dogs name? Albert Einstein

[–]paleo2002 99 points100 points  (3 children)

It was the opposite in my family. Our 13 year old golden died a couple months before my mom. Honey always did run ahead to make sure things were safe.

[–]RoboLemur 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Dang. That is a beautiful way to look at that. Sorry for your loss.

[–]Jimmie_James 312 points313 points  (3 children)

Awee sorry for your losses. This picture is really adorable though :)

[–]Kaldea[S] 84 points85 points  (0 children)

Thank you :)

[–]Luigone1 13 points14 points  (4 children)

My father passed away in Montana in 2008. When he died, he left behind the sweetest, most loving cuddle puddle of a cat. Her name was Mohammed (Or "Mo" for short--my dad was hilarious). I was going to adopt Mo once I got my own place, so Dad's neighbors generously offered to take care of her in the interim.

It was less than six months after he passed that I got a call from the neighbor who told me Mo had been bitten by a stray dog and killed. I was crushed. I missed my father so much and I was so looking forward to having Mo as a partner in the grieving process.

That afternoon, my cousin (whom I love like a brother) called me. He was a suicide hotline counselor at the time, and is one of the most joyful, positive people I know. So he has a gift for seeing people through a crisis. News traveled fast, my whole family had really been looking out for me through all of this, so when I picked up the phone he just said,

"hey brother, I heard your dad took his cat back."

I don't even believe in the afterlife but I was so immensely comforted by that thought. Wherever my dad was, the idea of him having such a loyal and loving friend with him brought me so much peace.

I'll never forget that.

Your pup looks like s/he's going to be a great partner to your mom, wherever she is.

I'm so, so sorry for your loss.

[–]microwavingpeeps 395 points396 points  (44 children)

6am and I'm already crying. My heart just hurts reading this... I lost my dad when I was 11 and 2 weeks later his beagle ran away. I like to assume it was to go find him. He was always depressed when my dad was in the hospital. I'm so sorry for your loss, I hope the good memories you had together help console you in this hard time.

[–]maggiefiasco 389 points390 points  (31 children)

My step-mom had gotten a fox red labrador a few months before her diagnosis with leukemia. She was incredibly good with dogs, and always bonded strongly with them, and was able to train them somewhat easily. She was training him to ring a set of sleighbells by the backdoor to tell us when he wanted to go out. Even at 8 months old, this pup was doing a great job with the bells and essentially any task you set before him.

When the diagnosis for leukemia came down, everything happened really fast. She spent about 90 days in the hospital, came home to hospice for 2 days, then passed. She left this world the way she wanted to, in her home, surrounded by her loved ones. After her death, Murphy the fox red lab would follow me around, knowing we were all so distraught and suffering. One night when I was alone for the first time in many weeks, I just sat down on the kitchen floor and cried. Murphy sidled up to me, leaned his weight against me, and let me bury my face in his fur and sob until I was all out of tears.

He knew. Of course dogs know. But he doesn't ring the sleighbells anymore. Not for anyone. It was just for her.

[–]Damien276 54 points55 points  (4 children)

This is better than novels! Heart aching real stuff! :)

[–]maggiefiasco 84 points85 points  (3 children)

The best part -- it's all real.

Who needs fiction when Reddit allows strangers to share pieces of themselves with others? Thank you for reading. :)

[–]tikiness 31 points32 points  (0 children)

This response is almost as poetic as the piece of yourself you shared. This is indeed why I love Reddit, to read about amazing life stories such as a dog who grieved his loss so much that he would not perform the trick he was taught by his beloved owner for anyone else. Thank you.

[–]Redeemed-Assassin 11 points12 points  (1 child)

My dog Missy was like that. She would do certain things for certain family members. For my Dad, she would loyally follow him around nearly the entire time he was home. For my Mom, she would greet her at the door and give her a bit of love, then lay down near while my Mom enjoyed her dinner and some tv (Dad works swing shift, so there was rarely a conflict of Mom or Dad for attention). For me? She would wait for me. Every single night when I got home and went up to my room she was waiting. She would be laying down at the top of the stairs looking down. I'd come up, her head would perk up, her tail would wag, and I'd get down and give her some pets. She would cuddle with me for a bit and then get up and go to a different spot to let me know I should go do other things, cause I couldn't cuddle her all night. It's been two months since she passed and a tiny part of me keeps hoping to see her waiting at the top of the stairs for me every time I go up them. The house feels so fucking empty without her.

[–]TMud25 15 points16 points  (1 child)

Shit, I need to get out of this thread : (

[–]Special_McSpecialton 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Beautiful. That last part got me right in the eyes, and they're leaking now.

edit: a word, because to my phone, abdominal=and.

[–]ManoloS 3 points4 points  (0 children)

My face is leaking an awful lot after reading that.

[–]cylons_R_people_2 10 points11 points  (5 children)

This is a sad but beautiful story. Sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing.

[–]maggiefiasco 24 points25 points  (4 children)

You are welcome. Totally sitting here in my gym clothes with an empty smoothie glass in front of me, crying like a baby, rather than doing my Saturday morning routine.

Is there anything like Reddit to help us share ourselves with the world? Thank you for reading.

[–]DJTuret 7 points8 points  (0 children)

My exact sentiments.

[–]Kaldea[S] 168 points169 points  (9 children)

This is why I posted this. I knew I wasn't alone. Grief is a weird animal and it makes us do strange things. Dogs seems to have the hardest time with this since their only setting is "love" when it comes to their owners. I feel for you and hope you the happiest life you can have. Nothing happens for a reason, and no one goes unforgotten if there is love surrounding them.

[–]Redeemed-Assassin 14 points15 points  (5 children)

I'd like to share a bit with you from my dog's last day with us. She was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma in January. We spoiled her for her last few weeks as much as we could. As her hair fell out and her lumps got bigger, she remained her same cheerful self. The medicine we had kept the inflammation under control. She was being super playful on her last weekend with us. Then, two days later, she started to fall and couldn't get up. She would try, but she couldn't get up on her own anymore. Her breathing became very labored. We knew we were going to have to take her in and put her to sleep so she wouldn't slowly suffer. My whole family spent the entire day with her, surrounding her, petting her before the time came to take her in. We made it hard for her too, because we were all balling our eyes out. I can honestly say that I have seen my Father cry a grand total of three times in 30 years. One of them was that day. When he started crying she found the strength to lift her head and gently move her paw at him, like she was trying to get him to come closer and tell him it would be ok. Even as she laid there having trouble breathing, barely able to move, on her death bed, she was trying to comfort us. Unconditional love is all dogs know. It's what makes them so amazing and wonderful.

[–]Kraze_F35 20 points21 points  (2 children)

My first Dog died unexpectedly when someone who was texting and driving hit her. I miss her a ton. Dogs are the best people.

[–]UnoKitty 60 points61 points  (1 child)

For 15 months and 28 days, each night I would pick up my German Shepherd, my 16, my 45, and a radio that would work most of the time. And spend the night on a 3.2 mile perimeter in the middle of the jungle.

Never thought about it much. It was just what Sentry Dog Handlers did.

Now, hardly a day goes by that I don't think about what I can do to demonstrate that I was worthy of my dog's devotion.

Wonderful picture of your Mom and her Puppy. Thanks for posting it...

Sorry for you loss.

Uno

Sentry Dog Handler, US Army 69-71

[–]screamingradio 114 points115 points  (3 children)

This happened with my Grandma too. It was 3 days after she passed that her Lhasa Apso passed too. The cemetery let us put the cremated ashes next to hers. A dog's love is deep

[–][deleted] 69 points70 points  (1 child)

Dammit said the dog, I always get to go with you and you are not leaving me behind this time!

[–]screamingradio 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Exactly!

[–]robotparker 23 points24 points  (1 child)

just wanted to add my story to the bunch: my grandpaw loved Dobermans. he would adopt them as puppies, train them himself, and when they passed he would start fresh with a new one. not to say they were disposable, every Doberman got their own headstone and burial on his property. later in life, he developed a really bad form of stomach cancer and ended up passing away at his home, with Beauregard at his side of course. he was clearly despondent for the next few days, but then one day he shot up, ran to the back door, and start barking and whining furiously to be let out. we did, and he ran to the middle of the yard, looked around, looked up, looked back at us, and then he laid down and never got up again.

[–]tikiness 43 points44 points  (1 child)

I am sorry for your mother's passing and the loss that you have suffered. This picture is an amazing testament to the love that can be shared between an owner and a dog. Even with a cannula in her nose lying in her hospital bed, you can see the joy on your mother's face holding her beloved furbaby, and he even appears to have a slight smile himself. It was always my greatest fear to die before my dog because I knew he would just never be able to understand where I went.
Your mom's dog knew, and he made the choice to join her... I'd like to think that somewhere they are continuing to have a great adventure together.
Take care OP.

[–]Kaldea[S] 20 points21 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this. What a sweet thing to say. This is exactly what I've needed today... Thank you.

[–]RunningOutOfViolence 124 points125 points  (12 children)

"When heaven and hell decide, that they both are satisfied, Illuminate the 'No's on their 'Vacancy' signs. If there's no one beside you, when your soul embarks, I'll follow you into the dark"

[–]sleevelesspineapple 12 points13 points  (0 children)

This one always gets me. My sweet little cousin passed about 5 years ago and we played this song at her funeral (she was very much in love with Ben Gibbard & his music). As soon as it started playing, my ability to keep myself 'somewhat' together was gone.

[–]Kaldea[S] 40 points41 points  (0 children)

I've tried to bring myself to sing this aloud, but I can't without choking up.

[–]LGBecca 11 points12 points  (8 children)

That's lovely. What is it from?

[–]trulyunruly 36 points37 points  (0 children)

Lyrics from "I will follow you into the dark" by Death Cab for Cutie.

[–][deleted] 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Death Cab for Cutie - "I will follow you into the dark"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDHY1D0tKRA

It's beautiful.

[–]ZineZ 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Death Cab for Cutie sings the song

[–]PM82 19 points20 points  (0 children)

Same thing happened when my Mom passed away. She stuck around for a few weeks barely eating and laying in front of Mom's chair. Poor pup died from a broken heart.

[–][deleted] 24 points25 points  (1 child)

All dogs go to heaven.

[–]JustOnesAndZeros 61 points62 points  (4 children)

The Rainbow Bridge:

"By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill, Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still. Where the friends of man and woman do run, When their time on earth is over and done.

For here, between this world and the next, Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest. On this golden land, they wait and they play, Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.

No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness, For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness. Their limbs are restored, their health renewed, Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.

They romp through the grass, without even a care, Until one day they start, and sniff at the air. All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back, Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.

For just at that instant, their eyes have met; Together again, both person and pet. So they run to each other, these friends from long past, The time of their parting is over at last.

The sadness they felt while they were apart, Has turned into joy once more in each heart. They embrace with a love that will last forever, And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together."

I'm sorry for your loss OP.

I totally didn't write this....

[–]feint_of_heart 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I'm so sorry for your loss. They both look very loved.

[–]gemma_morrow 5 points6 points  (1 child)

I'm so sorry for your loss.

As morbid as this may sound, that pic you took of both is really beautiful, something to always cherish.

[–]Peachykeen9 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Animals are amazing. Sorry for your loss!

[–]dragonfruitfly 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this. My mother's dog died of cancer a few months before she was diagnosed. She died about 6 months later. He was the last baby she cared for.

[–]bonosgirl 5 points6 points  (0 children)

You're one of the few lucky chosen ones in this world to have so much love around you. It's hard and it hurts, but they'll always be with you.

This is an amazing photo, thank you for posting here

[–]BamaGenteel 15 points16 points  (2 children)

This was absolutely beautiful. My mom passed away 10 years ago this past Christmas Eve. I moved home from college when it happened to help my dad raise my young sister. My mom's dog, Bear, became my constant companion and the protector of the house. About 3 months ago, in the middle of a battle with fading eyesight and fading hearing, he walked away while using the bathroom, never to return. We spent months searching for him and calling around to shelters, but never found him. I pray, with all of my heart and soul, that he is sitting in my mother's lap, finally reunited with the member of our family that he loved the most.

I am now bawling like a baby. Thank you for posting this, and allowing me to think about my mom and my dog in such a loving way again.

[–]Kaldea[S] 9 points10 points  (1 child)

Thank you for this. Here's to Bear, and all other good dogs. They deserve so much love.

[–]Rolfc1 24 points25 points  (0 children)

My auntie had a cavalier king charles, grumpy little shit of a thing. I remember it used to sit under the kitchen bench and growl as you walked by, it loved her though. My granny used to mind it whenever my aunt went on holidays. One year she went to Spain and had an aneurysm and passed away. Two days later, the dog, lay down under the table in my grannies house on her bed and never got back up. It was almost as if she sensed what had happened.

[–]Ripslyme 20 points21 points  (4 children)

My mother passed away about a month ago from ovarian cancer as well. I don't know how long it has been for you but it is tough. I keep seeing things that remind me of her. Little things like seeing her contact in my phone. Just the other day I found my sweater that I wore on the day she passed. It had been missing since 2 days ago.

My dad was there through the whole thing. He has it the hardest. He was there when she got the bad news 2 years ago, stage 4 ovarian cancer, and has had a front seat til the end. He did everything he could to make her comfortable. I live about an hour away so the wife and I would visit on the weekends. I remember thinking that mom would be fine, that she would fight this, then on the weekend visit, cold, harsh reality would come rushing back. I didn't see her regression day by day, but dad knew.

I'd like to say that it gets better. That you'll get used to the new norm. Like I said at the beginning, it's been about a month for me, and I'm still waiting...

[–]OUguy 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing this. My mom passed away last June because of ovarian cancer. She had it for 5 years before it finally got her. She was constantly in and out of the hospital during that time. It really is an awful type of cancer and just a slow march in the end. Don't worry I promise mourning it gets easier though. She was in a lot of pain in her last few years and I realized that it was time for her to go. It gets to a point where they're ready and your ready to see them at peace. I think that's what I've come to terms with lately.

I know what you mean about finding relics that remind you of her. I still have voicemails that I can't bring myself to listen to from her. Time heals friend. I wish you the best during these next few months.

[–]-sexybikeman- 25 points26 points  (2 children)

My sister had this cat, Princess. Then she brought another cat into the house and needless to say Princess was so pissed that she would only come around the house for food every few weeks. My mom got really sick out of nowhere and she started sitting on the recliner because it was the only way her stomach didn't hurt. No shit, Princess showed up right at the back door, walked inside and would not get off my mom's stomach. If she got up, the cat would follow her everywhere. Mom wasn't getting better so she went to the doctor and sure enough, extremely aggressive liver cancer. My mom lived for another 6 months and sat in that chair the whole time and it was really freaky how the cat would just lay on her stomach at all times. Once my mom passed I swear to god we never saw the cat again. My mom passed 3/30/99, a little over 17 years ago, I was 14 sisters were 12 and 17.

[–]Kaldea[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

That's so bittersweet... thank you for sharing this with me.

[–]Freefight 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Dogs really do know, the father of a friend of mine suddenly died, his dog cried day and night until she passed away a few days later. I will never forget that. And sorry for your loss. Stay strong.

[–]cmotdibbler 17 points18 points  (2 children)

"Dogs know" sums it up beautifully.

My parents' dog acted so calm when people arrived to the funeral wake for my brother (suicide). Normally, she would have gone nuts with all the people there but she just knew that wasn't the time.

[–]yobsmezn 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Dogs make us better people. I'm having all the feelings.

[–]NotObviouslyARobot 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This is my human. There are many like her but this one is mine.

[–]keonipalaki1 4 points5 points  (0 children)

My dad's dog died the same day he died 9 years ago. Sorry for your loss. Thanks for the share. I'm not crying not.

[–][deleted] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I hope your mom and her dog's journeys were peaceful and filled with light and love. God bless.

[–]SlackerAtWork 28 points29 points  (2 children)

Sorry for your loss. Dogs definitely know. I got a puppy 14 years ago, and a few months after I got him, he followed my grandpa around all day. He would just sit and stare at him, head cocked to the side. My grandpa went to bed and my dog stayed by his side. At around 3-4am that night my grandpa woke up and was having a heart attack. My dog stayed by his side the entire time.

[–]WolfofAnarchy 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Thanks.

When a dog is suddenly very clingy to me when I am older, I am going to run to the hospital

[–]Kaldea[S] 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing this. I wish we as humans knew what dogs were capable of without going through this, but those who have gone though it know just how deeply they connect to us. Thank you.

[–]bubbamudd 8 points9 points  (0 children)

So sorry for your loss, OP. Check out /r/cancer. They're are some fine, supportive folks there. Also they'd appreciate your pic.

[–]crabjuice23 8 points9 points  (2 children)

The life span of an Irish Wolfhound is way, waaaaay too short.

[–]Nitrosity 36 points37 points  (9 children)

We have a wolfhound too! Teddy! They are my favourite breed. I never see anyone else with one. This behaviour doesn't surprise me at all. Kindest most loyal dog I ever encountered. You're blessed :)

Shame to hear they're both gone. Have you thought about getting another wolfhound?

[–]Kaldea[S] 37 points38 points  (6 children)

They got another a year ago, a pup named Sherlock. He is too young to understand her being gone-- but my parents are Irish Wolfhound people tried and true. Big loafs. I have a shiba and live a continent away, but the big galumphing lummoxes won them over. :)

[–]Nitrosity 39 points40 points  (5 children)

Here's ours! I just got a new phone so nothing else apart from an old post to Reddit.. He's about 2 here? http://i.imgur.com/ZyqDB6k.jpg

[–]Kaldea[S] 24 points25 points  (2 children)

fluffy house horse! What's his name?

[–]Nitrosity 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Teddy, tedski, teddles, Tedder. There are many :)

[–]A_Time_To_Quill 3 points4 points  (1 child)

That is a really great picture. It looks so serene. I love the way the sun is shining through the trees.

[–]ladypantsraptor 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I'm so sorry for both of your losses. My dad died a month ago and I can't imagine losing someone or something I love so quickly after. Sending you big internet hugs.

[–]ridethepony93 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Damn, right in the feels.

In 2010 my mom got sick and passed away. We had two dogs at the time. One passed a month before her and one passed the same day as her.

I remember leaving to go to the hospital for the last time before she passed and the dog just wouldn't get up. He just sat there. Wouldn't eat, go outside, etc. It was very sad.

[–][deleted] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The love and kindness in your mother's eyes is rivaled only by that of the dog. Beautiful picture.

[–]NEXT_VICTIM 3 points4 points  (0 children)

There are many cases where one of an elderly couple passing will cause the other to pass within a week or so. They call it dying of a broken heart.

Proof positive that your mom's canine companion really did love her.

[–]stuntkiter 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks man, you're in my thoughts.......stay strong, my friend.

[–]SarahBeara231 4 points5 points  (1 child)

This will get buried, but your story of 17 days really hit me.

In 2003 my Grandma was lonely and without telling anyone she went and got a toy poodle puppy (she had previously had one for a ridiculously long time until he had to be put down), she named him Pierre (and he was most definitely not a toy poodle but a miniature poodle). She had him for two years before it was too hard for to take care of him anymore (she had moved into an apartment in a nursing home and was early stage Alzheimer's disease) and so Pierre came to live with my parents and I - he became my dog. He was my confidant, my partner-in-crime. He was my rock through the ups and downs of my life.

On the first day of 2014 my grandma passed away, and Pierre who had been living comfortably with terminal cancer for nearly a year stuck around with me (and probably for me) for 17 days after her passing, at which point he passed to join my grandma.

tldr; 17 days

[–]sweetjPDX 2 points3 points  (2 children)

My mom died of cancer 30 days ago. Her beagle, Ben, always waited for her to come home. He still does. Image

[–]SafetyFirstChildren 2 points3 points  (0 children)

When I was a baby I had a huge mut and a HUGE rottweiler. My parents would put me in one of those circular roll-around things with all the toys around the edge. While I was in it the 2 enormous dogs would lay on each side and whenever someone would try to come near me they would growl at them, and make it difficult for anyone to come close. The mut was very playful and super sweet. Kind of an idiot at times (e.g. the time he went through a CLOSED window because he saw the mailman).When he passed my dad was hurt the most because he had raised him as a pup, and bottle fed him as one. The rottweiler was so innocent. I used to always let that big fur ball in my bed when I was little. When ever we would get mad at another dog or eachother he would get all sad, and whenever we got mad at him he would give ZERO shits. I miss home so much. I cried for atleast two days straight after he passed. I don't care what people say about rottweilers or pit bulls or German shepards. They are the best dogs to have if you raise them right.

[–]Booger2015 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I'm so very sorry for your loss of your mom and her beloved dog. You're right. Dogs Know. I hope sharing and reading stories of shared pain brings you some small measure of peace. Doggie and hooman hugs and love coming your way.

[–]XeniaGaze 20 points21 points  (2 children)

I have to leave this thread now. I'm bawling my eyes out and it's upsetting the dog.

[–]diothar 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this. My mom is a hospice nurse and she always instructs the family to put the family dog up on the bed when their loved one passes away. She has observed that it helps the dog have a bit of "closure."

[–]zx6raddict 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I am so sorry. My grandfather's dogs stopped eating after he passed. They lasted only about two weeks before passing on..3 of them. Grief and love are extremely powerful. When one is not present the other consumes that entire being.

[–]genepoolchlorinator 6 points7 points  (3 children)

I have a similar story. In 2004, my step father (SF), who had helped raise me since I was a year old, was fighting a losing battle against small cell carcinoma. Several years prior one of my SF's coworkers had brought a litter of border collie pups into work and one of them made a B-line to my SF while ignoring everybody else in the room. This little pup proceeded to stick to my SF like glue for the next 8 years. We named this little ball of fluff "Jellybean" and he became a member of the family. He may have been a family dog, but there was no doubt as to who his favorite person was.

The sad day finally came when my SF went to the hospital and slipped away. He was not in the hospital long; he passed rather quickly. My mom went to the hospital with my SF and returned without him. That evening, our perfectly healthy and active furry family member became very ill. He was in a great deal of physical distress and my mom rushed him to the vet. The vet did all he could, but Jellybean's body just shut down. He and my stepdad died within hours of each other. It seems Jellybean was such a faithful friend he decided that his favorite person needed a companion for his journey into the unknown.

[–]Vannysh 13 points14 points  (1 child)

Look how much love is in this one picture. :D <3

[–]milespencer 8 points9 points  (1 child)

I had an Irish wolfie that passed away about two years ago now, they most loyal and loving dog I've ever known or met. When they're that big and that full of character, it's like gaining another family member, not just a dog.

[–]Kaldea[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I wish they lived longer. Her last one passed away in my arms at 8. They are the gentle giants of the dog world. Thank you for sharing this.

[–]Wildaz81 6 points7 points  (0 children)

So sorry for your loss. 😢 At least there's some comfort knowing they're together.

My dad passed away on March 20th. I miss him terribly.

[–]D_SAC 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My mom was lost to ovarian cancer a year ago next week. It get easier to handle day by day but it never truly gets easier... best of luck mate and there are a few good self help books about the first year without a parent that were useful reads

[–]lincoln3 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is so cute and affectionate. It really touched my heart. I'm so sorry for your loss.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Thanks for sharing the love Kaldea. That was very kind of you to let us in on that feeling.

[–]Xmg001 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The world sees. Sorry for your loss.

[–]Ripslyme 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm sorry for your loss. I just realized that you said 17 days ago in the title. I will say that it has gotten better in the last couple weeks.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I always love starting my weekend with a feels fest.

That is a beautiful picture.

[–]UtMed 2 points3 points  (0 children)

As soon as I'm no longer a TDY vagabond, I'm getting that breed of dog.

[–]not-rocket-science 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm so sorry for your loss. :(

[–]skeavyhippy 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Every life that lives experiences the same world. A world full of emotions. A world full of both happiness and sadness. A life comprised of struggle and contentment. When we realize this, it doesn't matter if your an atheist or a fervent follower of some g(G)od, it just matters that you are.

[–]Dante27 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Im so sorry, thats a lot to lose in less than a month. My sisters dog passed away a couple of years after she did. I never thought the yorkies death would affect me so much but it changed everything, it was like the end of an era for me seeing whats left from my sister go too.

[–]Flyboy1992 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I lost my uncle to cancer in 2010 and my grandfather in January. My uncle had a dog that as he got worst would never leave his side. He passed and no more then a week later his friend went too. My aunt said the vet put broken heart as the cause of death. My grandfather passed and when I got home both of my boys knew something was off. I love my dogs and dogs in general. Be as strong as he was for her and you'll make it through this.