Today I say "goodbye" to a dear old friend ...

[dollar65]

Really sorry to read about your loss, Mark.

With my parents, we have had 4 dogs over the last 40 years, and I still remember how much I cried when we lost the second one, Dixie, who was 14 years old. I felt like I had lost my brother, we had shared so much. It was May 5th, 1995.

Take care,

Laurent

[Duggy009]

It always hurts, I lost my best friend a couple of years ago aged 17.

This is a fantastic story LINK -- http://www.wildbillcrump.com/

[Joe Scheil]

Mark,

Whenever I think of my departed dog, I feel the same way. My condolences. There is no way to explain the link between animals and humans if you use scientific methods, and their understanding seems to transcend the differences between us.

I must believe they wait for us somewhere...

Joe

[Taigh Ramey]

I understand what it is like Mark. I agree that its the unconditional love and devotion that is so cherished and hard to come by. I know that's a part of what I miss about my dog Annie. Best friend I have ever had and I balled like a baby about her departure in 2008. Still do.







She was a hit at air shows. People would come back year after year and ask about her



I can't say that she loved flying but the fear of being left behind was a lot greater than the fear of flying so if we ever walked up to the Beech she was usually the first to jump in.











See she was a warbird nut just like the rest of us

This is the pedestal that she is still on in my mind

[Mark Allen M]

Ugh!!!!!! what a kick in the *ss. .... the absolute gut wrenching, nauseating feeling. Just sitting here sick as can be. Trying to stay focused on working in my office. Gotta get out of here.

SOOOOOOOOO Sorry I started this thread. Didn't want to bring sadness or sorrow to anyone. ....... I sincerely apologize. should have kept my mouth (keyboard) shut .... Just sucks!!!!!

Of all the "speed bumps" I've been through in life (like all of us have) this kind of thing is just plain tough to deal with. What a great dog he was. darn shame they have to break your heart when they leave you.

.... and yes I know, there's far worse things that could happen in life. So I'm blessed it wasn't something worse ..... yet it's just painful today.

Oh well tomorrow's a new day.

See if I can find something (warbird related) to post soon.

[p51]

SOOOOOOOOO Sorry I started this thread. Didn't want to bring sadness or sorrow to anyone. ....... I sincerely apologize.

Don't. It's all good, Mark.
Just like the passing of someone people here knew, sometimes you just gotta get that stuff out.

[pontiac58]

SOOOOOOOOO Sorry I started this thread. Didn't want to bring sadness or sorrow to anyone. ....... I sincerely apologize.

Please don't apologize for starting this thread. Most of us all know what you are going through, we lost our male brittany, Lee 6 years ago. His collar rides with me everyday in the car (i will never forget that dog). Its amazing what there love does to us. We now have a female brittany and a lab mix.

[Taigh Ramey]

Absolutely no need to apologize. Its good to remember and share with others who feel the same way. Its not easy to explain to someone how you can have such an emotional reaction to losing a pet except to say that the relationship goes far beyond being a mere pet. Its like losing the closest family member you could have, and then some.

On the brighter side what a blessing to have had such a wonderful friend to be so close to. Great memories.

I'm sorry you are going through this Mark. As they say in time the grieving and tears will slowly move toward positive memories and smiles... and more time between the tears...

[b29driver]

[JFS61]

So very sorry to hear of your loss. I just recently lost my beloved Shih Tzu, Tasha, at the age of 14, so I know the pain you're going through right now. May the wonderful memories of the life you shared together help see you through this time of sorrow.

[Lynn Allen]

Mark, I too am sorry to hear about your loss, but I'm sure that you gave them a full life. They will never be replaced, but someone will come along who needs a home and a friend and hopefully you will be the lucky one...

[DH82EH]

Grief is a process, talking about it and sharing feelings with friends, (even perfect stranger friends on the internet) help us come
to terms with our feelings of pain. Knowing that there are others who understand and empathize will help, in time, for us to think
back about our loved one with feelings less of sorrow but more of joy and fondness.

Lots of great folks here who understand and offer support Mark.

Andy

[Mark Allen M]

Thanks again all, very much appreciate the kind words.
What makes my case so sad is not my feelings or the fact my girlfriend is understandably devastated. It's Teddy's best friend Yogi who is also going on 16 years old. Teddy and Yogi grew up together on horse ranches and traveled together to horse shows (and to Chino Airshows) since they were pups. Inseparable day and night. It's absolutely horrible to see Yogi walking around looking for Teddy. This is the hardest part. Not sure what we're going to do about it. Just time needs to go by now. (and we'll be looking for a new dog soon to help with Yogi)

Good ole Teddy on the left and poor Yogi on the right.



You can't be a 'tough guy' going through stuff like this. No way. ..... Well enough of this. Once again thanks kindly for those of you who can relate.

Back to Warbird stuff.

M

[Mark Allen M]

See if I can drag this thread back to something that resembles what this website forum is supposed to be about.

Below: Republic P-47M- 1-RE, s/n 44-21117, LM-J "Teddy" of the 56th FG, 62nd FS, pilot Major M.J, Jackson. Boxted, UK, c 1945

[lmritger]

It's funny, isn't it, how a shared love of animals cements our bonds of shared humanity.

I reckon most of us here know how you feel, my friend. Sending good vibes out to you and Yogi.

Lynn