I share your loss Son, though I'm sure not quite as deep. I shed tears while reading your story, for you, for Duke, and for your deep friendship with Justin. May Duke's memory be eternal.
That feeling that comes from putting a dog down, one so loved and loving, like Duke was, is bewildering. Your thirty seconds or three hours describes it perfectly. I had to do it once and recall sitting in my car afterward - sans someone like Justin - and sobbing while time stood still.
Alex, so sorry for your loss. I'm relieved you were with Duke, that you had the strength (and support from Justin) to make the gut-wrenching decision to end his suffering.
Heads up: grief may get sparser, but it won't weaken. There will come days when your memory of Duke will bring a smile to your face, not tears to your eyes; but when grief does visit, even a decade from now, it will hit just as strong as today. I suppose that's how it should be.
Thank you for sharing this deeply tender and heart wrenching moment in your life. I was not able to read the entire story, though what you did share was connecting for me. Connecting as I think about my own pup, Guinness, and the crew of brothers that have emerged around me over the past 5 years of men's work. I can feel my own sorrow and joy of knowing that I loved Guinness, and the mutual love between friends (as you have so well written here). This is something deeply special to me and I'm grateful, that in your grief, you shared the love you have (not had as it is perpetual) for Duke, and the mutual love between you and a a friend that simply says to you, "It's why I'm here" and you received it. Keep Going brother and thank you for your open heart. May you continue to be connected to the purest soul you'll ever know, Duke, and may each of us know, through your example in friendship with Justin, to simply be present for another in all times. Your share connected me once again to the love for my pup, the man I want to be for my brothers and all people, and the love sent out to me by those that are simply "here." Be well.
First off - I want to extend my condolences for the loss of your sweet Duke. I know how utterly hard this is. There really are no words, but I hope you find just a little bit of comfort in the fact that Duke knew how very much you loved him.
Second, “I sat there for three hours or thirty seconds.” is such an apt description. That’s exactly how it feels. And the walking back in repeatedly - I did that when I lost my sweet girl, Audrey. I just didn’t want to leave her. I was not with my 1st dog, Sable, when she passed (my mother was) so I was determined to be with Audrey when she had to be put down, no matter how much it hurt. I’ll never regret that I held her until the very end.
Again, I’m so sorry you’re going through this. You have an amazing friend in Justin. I’m happy you weren’t alone during such a devastating time. Sending lots of love and hugs your way. And many belly rubs to Duke 🫶🏼🩷
Thanks Pam. This is a wonderful and thoughtful idea. The Williamson County Animal Shelter in Georgetown, Texas is where I got him! So that would be amazing.
I share your loss Son, though I'm sure not quite as deep. I shed tears while reading your story, for you, for Duke, and for your deep friendship with Justin. May Duke's memory be eternal.
Thanks PM. He loved his Papou.
Alex, I’m sorry for your loss.
That feeling that comes from putting a dog down, one so loved and loving, like Duke was, is bewildering. Your thirty seconds or three hours describes it perfectly. I had to do it once and recall sitting in my car afterward - sans someone like Justin - and sobbing while time stood still.
Sending you positive energy from Boise.
Much appreciated James. Well said.
I'm so sorry, man. I'm glad that Duke was surrounded by your love, and that you were surrounded by Justin's. Sending more love from NY.
Thanks brother.
Alex, so sorry for your loss. I'm relieved you were with Duke, that you had the strength (and support from Justin) to make the gut-wrenching decision to end his suffering.
Heads up: grief may get sparser, but it won't weaken. There will come days when your memory of Duke will bring a smile to your face, not tears to your eyes; but when grief does visit, even a decade from now, it will hit just as strong as today. I suppose that's how it should be.
Thanks for the kind and wise words Leo.
Thank you for sharing this deeply tender and heart wrenching moment in your life. I was not able to read the entire story, though what you did share was connecting for me. Connecting as I think about my own pup, Guinness, and the crew of brothers that have emerged around me over the past 5 years of men's work. I can feel my own sorrow and joy of knowing that I loved Guinness, and the mutual love between friends (as you have so well written here). This is something deeply special to me and I'm grateful, that in your grief, you shared the love you have (not had as it is perpetual) for Duke, and the mutual love between you and a a friend that simply says to you, "It's why I'm here" and you received it. Keep Going brother and thank you for your open heart. May you continue to be connected to the purest soul you'll ever know, Duke, and may each of us know, through your example in friendship with Justin, to simply be present for another in all times. Your share connected me once again to the love for my pup, the man I want to be for my brothers and all people, and the love sent out to me by those that are simply "here." Be well.
Thanks so much for the kind and beautiful words. Love to you and Guinness.
First off - I want to extend my condolences for the loss of your sweet Duke. I know how utterly hard this is. There really are no words, but I hope you find just a little bit of comfort in the fact that Duke knew how very much you loved him.
Second, “I sat there for three hours or thirty seconds.” is such an apt description. That’s exactly how it feels. And the walking back in repeatedly - I did that when I lost my sweet girl, Audrey. I just didn’t want to leave her. I was not with my 1st dog, Sable, when she passed (my mother was) so I was determined to be with Audrey when she had to be put down, no matter how much it hurt. I’ll never regret that I held her until the very end.
Again, I’m so sorry you’re going through this. You have an amazing friend in Justin. I’m happy you weren’t alone during such a devastating time. Sending lots of love and hugs your way. And many belly rubs to Duke 🫶🏼🩷
Thanks so much for the kind words Julia. Can't imagine having to go through this twice like you have.
Interesting article. Thanks for sharing!
Ugh, me walking down the street trying not to cry. Honored to have met sweet Duke once through a Zoom screen. Thank you for writing this. ♥️♥️♥️
He was equally honored to have met you!
Sorry for your loss, Alex. Justin is a true friend. You're lucky to have someone like him in your life.
Thanks Lyle. That's for sure.
Never met the Duke, but through you I'd grown to love and appreciate him enough to feel the impact of his departure and share in a bit of your loss.
Thanks Rick.
I’m so sorry Alex. Is there an animal rescue or shelter I can donate to in his memory?
Thanks Pam. This is a wonderful and thoughtful idea. The Williamson County Animal Shelter in Georgetown, Texas is where I got him! So that would be amazing.
Glad you have good friends and a compassionate vet. What a tough time. Sending much love.
Much appreciated Lou.