Feeling very sad ...

[Joan]

We had to say goodbye to Ben, our 14 and a half year old labrador this morning. He became very ill overnight and was in a lot of pain. Gave us a scare before Christmas, but bounced back and was still enjoying life up until yesterday. We'll all miss him very much.  He was a great dog who gave us years of pleasure and companionship.  He did very well to reach 100 in human years, especially with the various physical problems he had over the years.  The vet called him indestructible a few weeks ago, but of course, sadly, that wasn't to be.

We're just going through the motions of moving all his stuff, etc so there aren't too many reminders, but just doing all the normal things every day, it's impossible not to miss him because he was always there.

Here's to Ben!

Some photos of Ben

[Diane CBPFC]

So sorry Joan.

I know what you are going through as we too had a black lab called Ben who was around that age when he died a year and a half ago - I still miss him when I come home on dark nights as he would always walk me up to the door. They are such big hearted fellows who are so easy to please - it is sure sad dogs don't live longer.

Hugs to you.

[Malc]

So sorry to hear about Ben. We used to have a dog many years ago, when I lived at home and her death caused such grief in the family that I swore I wouldn't let my kids have a dog, even though they have often asked.

I know the sorrow that losing a much loved family member like Ben can bring, so my thoughts are with you.

[The Peepmaster]

What a beautiful dog, Joan. Great pictures. Labradors really are wonderful animals - intelligent, funny, and great fun. I can understand how you will miss him, but hopefully will take comfort in the fact that you gave him a lovely home and lots of affection, which the pictures show he appreciated in a doggy way. That's probably what gave him such a lengthy "innings".

[Tarquin Thunderthighs lll]

Yes, thanks for the wonderful pictures, Joan. Anyone who has known the joy, loyalty and unconditional love a canine family member can bring will empathise with your loss, and I certainly do. Very sad news.

[peter]

It is always said that the best thing that you can do is get another dog.
This is not to take his place because no one can but in some ways it fill the empty void he has left.
We lost our Sally some three years ago a GSD and we still miss her, the other dogs quite often get called Sally at odd moments.
Their are so many rescue dogs that need a good home that you have it would be a tribute to Sam to give some of the love you gave him to help another of Gods creatures a home.   

[Joan]

Thank you, everyone. The worst thing so far was coming down this morning after thinking "I must hurry up for Ben.", as I was late getting up, remembering, and seeing a big empty space where his bed used to be.  I know this is going to happen for a while and we're just going to have to cope with it.  We had a dog when I was young - a border terrier who was actually given to me for my 10th birthday, on the proviso that when I went away to boarding school, he was given away.  Of course, that never happened and I was in New Zealand when Mum had to make the decision to let him go.  He was well over 15, so had a good innings too.  She never quite forgave me, though, and I now understand fully what she went through.  They become so much a part of your life, are so dependent on you and give so much unconditional love in return.  The other thing  is I can't talk to myself anymore, because I always used to add "Ben" at the end, as if I was talking to him! 

[peter]

He will still be there just looking over your shoulder keeping a eye on you.
Please feel free to still talk to him he is still there in your heart.
Your love for him will not fade away.
It will not matter one bit that you talk to yourself.