I lost Duke on Friday October 10th. My brother had the difficult decision to make of putting him down after a horrible car accident that left him with many broken ribs, both front legs broken and a shattered lower jaw.

I was in a coma at the time. My only memories of the accident are blurry and harsh. I was told later, and varguely recall it now... I was bleeding and busted and all I wanted to know was "Where's my dog?!"

Incoherent and beligerent I screamed for Duke.

He was taken to the emergency vet where they started treatment. They started surgery but he was not in good shape. My brother made the decision to have him humanely euthanized to end his suffering.

I'm still recovering. My training is unfortunately on a back burner as I have a mangled hand/broken wrist, broken ribs, and still suffering the effects of a concussion.

Cuda is doing well, he was not with me that night.

I will never forget you, Duke. I learned so much from you, my little wild dog. You taught me a lot about myself as a handler, you made me see many things from an entirely different perspective and I grew as a handler and a trainer. I took you away from your home and your pack. You were terrified and hated humans. I remember when I caught you with that fishing net. I never intended to keep you but I saw that fire in your eyes, that spark, that life and I knew I had to try and give you a better life than I knew you'd be headed for.

Many people told me to put you down. You were sharp, nervy, very sensitive and I knew if you had ever been pushed you'd have been a fear biter. From day one you were my dog. You tolerated people because I asked you. No matter where I went you were glued to my side.

So smart, so handsome. So young.

I'm sorry, Duke.

Jennifer...

What a horrible loss. I am so sorry.

Thank you Alyssa. I miss him very much.

I am so sorry Jennifer. How terribly sad and traumatic. Take care of yourself.... My thoughts are with you and yours.

Dear God...

Oh Jenn...I'm so incredibly sorry to hear this about Duke and to hear this about you. What an absolutely horrible, frightening thing to have happen. Poor Duke...His time with you was too short but I know the time he did have with you made up for all the difficulties he faced before.

I'm so thankful you're alive. I wish you a speedy and complete recovery for both body and soul.

Big hugs...
Sarah

Oh, Jenn. What a tragedy, I am so sorry.

Oh Jennifer I am so sorry, such a tragic and sudden loss. Take care of yourself and heal during this tough time, and know that his life was so much better because you were in it.

Jennifer, I am truly sorry that you are having to go through this. Such a tragedy. I am soglad you are going to recover... Duke is running pain free with no fears.. He waits for you..

I'm so sorry. I always liked that picture of him attention heeling with you. He was a good lookin' boy.

I made that first post a little while ago after reading your story. For some reason your story and situation has hit me harder than I expected. I have been thinking about you and Duke ever since. And now my post seems like an empty platitude...

It is a very special thing we do when we let a dog into our lives. We know when we do it that we will have to lose them. We know how much they will steal our hearts, and change our souls, and rip pieces out when they pass. And yet, we do it willingly. We know how much joy they will bring us. We relish the wet kisses and chewed up possesions. The warm snuggles when we don't feel well. The sight of the pure joy on their faces when they are running full out, tongue lolling and free! We cherish the laughter that they give us. WE know they have senses of humor. There are not enough words to fully describe what loving and having a dog means. We can't live without them.

And yet, there always comes a day when we must live without them. And no matter how long our time with them has been, it is never enough. There was a peom or saying about how each time we love a dog it gives us a piece of it's heart, and each time we lose one it takes a piece of our hearts with them. And eventually, if we're lucky, we will become more dog than human. I hope so.

Jennifer, my heart is with you.

I'm going to wipe my tears now and go hug my dogs.