I post this reluctantly, as there has been so much loss reported on the board lately. I have been saddened reading about all of our beloved dogs who have been lost recently. A couple of weeks ago, we had to say good-bye to Logan. He was a Doberman, and he made it to 12 1/2, which is a good long life for the breed, but of course knowing that didn't make it any easier.

Logan came to us as a puppy and spent his entire life with my husband and me and our female Doberman, Tasha, who was here when he arrived. Logan had a gentle and fun-loving disposition and was always such a happy dog. Yes, he was Doberman, through and through, and was "watchful and alert" as the breed standard describes, but in truth, he loved everybody he met, human or animal. He wouldn't even chase a squirrel, he just watched them with interest (which was a refreshing change from Tasha's very high prey drive).

He was fortunate to be in very good health for most of his life, but when he was 10, he was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy. We put him on meds for that and it did not progress like it usually does in the breed. But a couple of months ago, I noticed a growth inside his mouth, and it turned out to be osteosarcoma in his lower jaw. At his age, and with his other health considerations, he was not a candidate for any kind of treatment. He was also starting to show signs of a neurological disorder, possibly Wobbler's disease, which is also common in the breed, but with the onset of the cancer, I elected not to pursue diagnosis of that.

The bone cancer was fast-growing, and when he started showing signs of increasing pain and discomfort, I knew it was time to send him on his way, before things got really bad. I keep telling myself I did the right thing and had no other choice. I know that intellectually, but my heart and soul hurt so badly.

We miss him so much. And Tasha is 13 1/2. These were the only two dogs I have owned for the last 12 years, and I fear I will soon be dogless.

Oh, Cheri, I'm so sorry.

It's a good long life for him, but so short for his humans.

I'm just glad for him that he had you to give him that last blessing, which I know is the hardest -- but also the kindest.

You are in my heart.

Cheri, so very sorry for your loss. To have a Dobe that long is remarkable with the many issues they now seem to have. I think that is a testament to your wonderful good care through his years. As you know I had one put down recently but I'm one who needs to get right back into another puppy. I believe in getting one right away to take the edge off of the grieving and it's always been a big help for ME. Not everyone can or want to do that. My new puppy was born last Tuesday.

Cheri,

It is never easy. Four little words. No real solace in them.
It is in the memories we find a measure of peace, I think.
My wish for you is to find happy moments of memories.
I am sorry for your loss.

Mike A.

Cheri, I too am saddened to hear of you loss. You did what you had to for him, and that is sometimes the hardest thing we do in our lives. Hugs to you and Tasha.

Lend Me a Pup
Unknown Author

I will lend to you for awhile
a puppy, God said,
For you to love him while he lives
and to mourn for him when he is gone.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years,
or maybe for two or three.
But will you, till I call him back
take care of him for me?

He’ll bring his charms to gladden you
and (should his stay be brief)
you’ll always have his memories
as solace for your grief .
I cannot promise that he will stay,
since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught below
I want this pup to learn.

I’ve looked the whole world over
in search of teachers true
And from the folk that crowd life’s land
I have chosen you.
Now will you give him all your love
Nor think the labour vain
Nor hate me when I come to take my pup back again.
I fancied that I heard them say

“Dear Lord Thy Will Be Done,”
For all the joys this pup will bring,
the risk of grief you’ll run.
Will you shelter him with tenderness
Will you love him while you may
And for the happiness you’ll know forever grateful stay.
But should I call him back
much sooner than you’ve planned
Please brave the bitter grief that comes
and try to understand.

If, by your love, you’ve managed
my wishes to achieve,
In memory of him that you’ve loved,
cherish every moment with your faithful bundle,
and know he loved you too.

Thank you to all of you for the kind words. I know each of you have been in my shoes multiple times, and you understand the pain. Kelly, your poems are always beautiful and touching. Bob, I can't imagine my life without a couple of dogs in it, but I'm holding off on adding to the pack for now, since Tasha is very much a senior, and I don't want to cause any stress for her. When she leaves me to join Logan and the others, then I will have to decide if I'm going to get a puppy or look for an older rescue, or maybe both, like I did 12 years ago.

Cheri I completely understand. I've always had multiple dogs since I was a kid but at 75 I'm sticking with one. Hopefully I'll be kept very busy with my next puppy for a very long time. Probably picking him up Dec 5th or 12th.

My Dear Cheri,
I knew this post was coming, and with the two Dobermans currently in my life, you know how my heart reaches out to you with complete empathy -- And I also appreciate so much all the responses from our wonderful cyber friends here on this board ... Logan, a perfect Dobie pet & ambassador for the breed, is now living pain-free & grief-free where time & suffering no longer exist, experiencing only love & joy inexpressible in our Lord's household.
"There's no way out but through", so please take some small comfort from knowing that each of us is truly with you in spirit on this path of mourning,
Candi, Adobe & Adonis and Bowie

Thank you, Candi.