I normally try to stick to happy posts, but this weekend was an exceptionally sad one. I had to say goodbye to one of my two terriers. Curly was ~13 years old and had pretty much everything wrong with him you can imagine, but he never let anything slow him down until this week. Curly was by my side every moment through the worst times of my life, and developed a remarkable personality over the years. He was perhaps the smartest dog I ever met, and certainly the most responsible, watching over his (somewhat less smart) brother Milo in a way I have never seen before.

Whenever Milo needed to go out, it was Curly who ran and barked for attention. When Milo was out in the yard, Curly would sit by the window and watch him to make sure he didn't stray too far. If Milo got locked out (it happened; he would slip out quickly while I was closing the door) Curly would bark frantically -- then when I let Milo in, Curly would bite him gently as a reminder who really let him in.

I have said goodbye to many dogs over the years, but Curly was really special. Requiescat In Pace my old friend.

Curly is on the left. His eyes don't really look like that.

The dogs have also been our fellow board members, John, and I shed a tear in Curly's memory.

John,

I am very sorry to hear about Curly. It is special when you have someone like a close pet to help you during those difficult times. I'm grateful that you shared with me one of those difficult times as well, via PM not that long ago.

Many people don't understand the connection a person can have with a pet, such as Curly. Being a pet lover myself, I have a special dog in my life as well. Dylan, named after Bob, has been a part of my family since 93. He is part Dachshund and Terrior mix, and was a stray at the animal rescue league in our town. He is 14 now, and is still in very good health. Sure, he has slowed up a bit, and can't jump up on the pool table anymore, but he acts like he is still a pup.

I love Dylan just like one of my children, and pretty much every day I worry about how I will handle it when he goes to puppy heaven. I can be pretty emotional at times, and I know it will be very hard on me, and my family, when we have to say goodbye. We have a nice acreage in the country, so I know when I have to lay him to rest, he will be in a safe place on our property.

God Bless Curly,

Randy

I'm sorry for your loss, John. I appreciate you sharing Curly's story with us. May healing and comfort come to you quickly.

I'm very sorry to hear about Curly. I haven't had a pet in a long time, but I was very attached to the dogs I had growing up, and it was hard every time one had to leave my life. They weren't BS friends. They were constant. It's a really remarkable relationship when you think about it.

Got no words, John. I know how painful the loss of a family member can be and my heart aches for you. Here's to Curly, and to the friend who mourns his loss.

John, I am sorry to hear of your loss. It is hard to describe the relationship/bond one develops with pets, and it is even harder to say goodbye.

Sorry to hear, John.

Bren R.

Sad news, I'm without words

Sorry to hear John, you were blessed to have such a special companion for so many years, RIP Curly.

John, I'm sorry to hear about Curly.

Fellow pet owners DO understand the relationship that dogs bring, and losing that pet and relationship is truly a mournful process.

Joyce and I never had kids, and we're fast approaching the point of no return. We were always so busy with the business and managing it's/our debt that the decision had been put off and put off so long it's essentially "too late".

Our ten year old Black Lab Gus IS like a child to us. For me, especially (as I'm "home" all day), he's my constant companion and buddy. He has a neurological disease that is slowly taking away his ability to walk without appearing drunk and clumsy, yet he feels no pain from it. The vet says it will likely render him unable to walk in several more months.

In short, I've spent a lot of time thinking about how and when "the decision" will need to be made, and it saddens me. The thought that I have that helps lift me in a small way is to think about how good a life he's had….as I'm sure Curly had.

I know that you've posted of your dogs often here, and I have no doubt that Curly had a comfortable, happy life with you, with many funny, warm, poignant and serious moments. Just as we feel that our pets are like children, I think they feel that we are their parents. The relationship is very symbiotic, I believe. Just as we feel that they are always there for us, I believe that THEY think we are always there for them. And I don't doubt that Curly was as happy to be your friend, as he was yours.

In time, your sadness will be replaced with warm thoughts of the little guy.

I hope that time comes soon for you and Milo.

I really feel for you John. Our 11 year old lab, whom is our son in all respects but blood, is starting to refuse to go up or down stairs with his arthritis. It's so sad to hear him sighing upstairs when he used to always follow us down to watch TV or sleep on his dog bed upstairs. I just can't imagine how I will feel when the sad day comes.

Memories are treasures but not to be boxed up and locked away.

Oh John, I'm so sorry! Lots of sympathy coming from Dwight and all of us who had the pleasure of meeting and playing with Curly - he was such an entertainer and a loyal companion. Please accept our sympathies for you and for Milo - we'll be hearing the echo of his little feet in the lobby today.

Sorry to hear the news, John. My dog and I will go for a walk with you in mind this evening.

I'm so sorry to hear that, John.

So sorry to hear about Curly, John. I know how much my dog Sasha means to me so I understand your loss. As much as Curly meant to you remember that you meant the world to him too and ultimately appreciated everything you did for him.

John - so VERY sorry for your loss. It is incredible how they work their way into your heart.

I'm very sorry to hear about your loss news John, I don't post here too often but the loss of a pet always moves me. I own two Havanese dogs myself and they truly do become family members.

John,
So sorry to hear about your loss, I can't add much to what everyone else has said, but I'm sure the little fellow is in doggy heaven chewing on some bones.

Sorry to hear this as well. Our dog is only 3, but we already don't know how we will handle it when the time comes someday. He has such a large place in our hearts, as I'm sure your dogs do as well.

Thanks all for the kind words. Curly definitely had a good life -- anyone who knows our families and believes in reincarnation is already making reservations to come back as one of our dogs, and a few people are reconsidering their stance on reincarnation "just in case".